By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Holiday activities continue to make their way to Berlin this winter season.

For the second year in a row, the Town of Berlin has partnered with The Inn Berlin for a menorah lighting to celebrate Hanukkah. The festive event will kick off on Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. at the bed and breakfast located at 15 Harrison Avenue. Chabad of the Eastern Shore donated the menorah, and Temple Bat Yam will supply dreidels. The Inn Berlin is offering potato latkes and donuts that will be gluten-free to all who come out.

Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said that in addition to the menorah lighting, several people will discuss the story of Hanukkah, and then presenters and attendees will “celebrate together over latkes” and the other sweet treats provided by The Inn Berlin.

This event will be the second of its kind. The menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration were first held in December 2023 to diversify festivities and educate the community about the holiday.

“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,” 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.”

The Hanukkah event is happening on the same night as the community’s annual New Year’s Eve bash. Radio Ocean City will be present, and games will be provided for the kids, set to start at 5 p.m., Wells said. A ball drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. because, as the Berlin Main Street website specifies, that’s when the clock strikes the first midnight of 2025 in Berlin, Germany.

In addition to the menorah lighting and the New Year’s Eve party, holiday-themed activities are scheduled throughout December, including an annual favorite.

The Town of Berlin and the Berlin Main Street Program are once again hosting their carriage rides this month, which Wells said has been a community tradition for over a decade. Visitors and residents can take advantage of the holiday-themed offering from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, Sunday, Dec. 8, Sunday, Dec. 15, Friday, Dec. 20, Saturday, Dec. 21, and Sunday, Dec. 22.

Wells noted that Randy Davis, operator and owner of the carriage rides, brings rescue horses to pull the carts along. Davis is hired in advance to ensure he can come out on the weekends in December. The activity is free and beloved by all who partake.

“Everyone looks forward to coming to Berlin during the holidays,” the economic and community development director said. “We are a historic town, and the carriage rides add to the magic and the allure of being in a small town.”

The carriage rides span roughly five to ten minutes and take participants on a tour through the charming downtown area. According to Wells, several people can enjoy the trips at once.

The pickup location to hop on the carriages begins on Pitt Street next to Pitt Street Treasurers.

“Just come to the location and get in line, and the line moves accordingly,” Wells said.