Berlin Glows with Holiday Cheer
Town Offers Festive Events Throughout December
Berlin is aglow this December with a variety of holiday events, offering something for everyone in the community and those visiting from afar.
One particularly special event will combine the celebration of Hanukkah with the town’s annual New Year’s Eve bash. On December 31st, beginning at 5 p.m., The Inn Berlin will host a menorah lighting ceremony. The festive event marks the second year for this gathering, which aims to diversify winter celebrations and educate the community about the meaning of Hanukkah.
“After last year, we had so many people say they had never experienced something like [the menorah lighting] before and what a wonderful celebration and they didn’t know the story of the holiday,” Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said. “It’s a history lesson, and people really enjoyed learning about the culture of what Hanukkah is… there will be a giant menorah, and the entire community is invited.”
Chabad of the Eastern Shore donated the menorah for the celebration, while Temple Bat Yam provided dreidels and will assist in sharing the story of Hanukkah. The Inn Berlin will add to the celebration with potato latkes and donuts, both gluten-free.
The menorah lighting overlaps with the town’s New Year’s Eve festivities, which included a ball drop scheduled for 6 p.m. Party-goers will be ringing in the new year Berlin-style, as the clock strikes midnight in Berlin, Germany.
Radio Ocean City will provide music and entertainment, and games for the kids will kick off at 5 p.m., ensuring a fun-filled evening for all ages.
Historic Charm Meets Holiday Cheer with Carriage Rides
Beyond the dazzling lights and festive gatherings, Berlin offers a picturesque way to embrace the holiday spirit – by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming downtown area.
“[It] adds to the magic and the allure of being in a small town,” Wells said. “Everyone looks forward to coming to Berlin during the holidays.”
This beloved tradition returns for its eleventh year, allowing residents and visitors to experience the town’s beauty from a unique perspective. Randy Davis, owner and operator of the carriage rides, brings rescue horses to pull the elaborately decorated carriages. Davis is specially hired to ensure his services are available throughout December weekends.
The free carriage rides will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, December 7th and 21st, and Sundays, December 8th, 15th, and 22nd, and Friday, December 20th. The pickup location is on Pitt Street next to Pitt Street Treasurers.
“Just come to the location and get in line, and the line moves accordingly,” Wells said.
How does the menorah lighting ceremony contribute to Berlin’s winter celebrations?
## Interview with Ivy Wells, Berlin Economic Development Director
**Interviewer:** Ivy, thanks for joining us. Berlin is certainly bursting with holiday cheer this December. Can you tell us about some of the exciting events happening in town?
**Ivy Wells:** Absolutely! We’re thrilled to offer a variety of events for residents and visitors alike. We have something for everyone this holiday season.
**Interviewer:** One event that caught our attention is the menorah lighting ceremony on New Year’s Eve. Can you tell us more about that?
**Ivy Wells:** Yes, this will be the second year we host this wonderful event at The Inn Berlin. It’s a way to diversify our winter celebrations and share the beauty of Hanukkah with the entire community.
**Interviewer:** What can people expect at the event?
**Ivy Wells:** We’ll have a giant menorah, and there will be explanations about the meaning behind Hanukkah and its traditions. Last year, many people mentioned they’d never experienced a menorah lighting before and found it incredibly moving. It’s a great opportunity to learn about a different culture and celebrate together.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a lovely way to ring in the New Year. Thanks for sharing this information with us, Ivy.
**Ivy Wells:** My pleasure! We hope everyone will join us for a wonderful December in Berlin.
**Note:** This interview is based on the provided text and does not include information about the German Chancellor lighting a menorah in Berlin as mentioned in the search result [[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltYS8gR3R8M)].
