Happy Holidays, everyone. I consider Halloween to be the big event that kicks off the holiday season in Ocean City. I couldn’t wait to flip through the pages of this week’s Coconut Times to see all the creative costumes and outrageous parties around town from Halloween 2011.
    On November 17, the Winterfest of Lights began illuminating the Inlet, Baltimore Avenue, and Northside Park. Of course, if you grew up in Ocean City, or spent a long stretch of time living here, you’re likely to reunite with fellow “natives” over the next couple of months.
    For my family and me, Fager’s Island is the meeting grounds after Thanksgiving dinner each year. Familiar faces come out of the woodwork to celebrate the holiday, and DJ Wood will host this year’s Locals Reunion Party at Fager’s Island on Thanksgiving night. I can’t wait to dance the night away to DJ Wood’s professional mix. He’ll spin the party into the weekend with another appearance on Friday night, November 25, when classic rock band Tranzfusion will also rock the indoor stage at Fager’s Island.
    Thanksgiving night will be hopping at Seacrets, too, as every Thursday night throughout the winter is a “Little Friday” party with hot deejays. This is where all the locals go on Thursday nights. DJ Tuff and DJ Darth Fader are just a few of many emcees I’ve seen at Little Friday parties this year. Also, mark your calendar for Saturday, November 26, when Full Circle rocks the happy hour crowd from 5:00 to 9:00, and Love Seed Mama Jump plays old school and new school hits at 10:00.
     Before Turkey Day, check out The Mood Swingers with Lauren Glick on the Steer Inn stage at 9:00 on Friday, November 18. Vivid Season is on tap for Saturday night, November 19. The Thanksgiving kickoff party is Wednesday night, November 23, at the Steer Inn with locally famous Loud Love.  The Steer Inn recently hosted License to Chill, a phenomenal band featuring Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez, the founding drummer of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Look for License to Chill to make many future appearances at the Steer Inn Tavern, covering hits by the Stones, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Big & Rich, Billy Joel, and—of course—the Boss.
    Also in West Ocean City, 707 Sports Bar & Grille booked the Mary Hill Band for Friday night, November 18, and Fuzzbox Piranha on Friday, November 25. Plus, the local hotspot continues to host Hey Mick Karaoke every Saturday night at 9:00.
    Surf’s Up Café is open year round and bringing plenty of parties your way. Each Wednesday is Ladies Night with hot bartenders and loads of fun party music. Every Thursday night is a different 1980s theme party, hosted by Bigler.
    What else is coming up on the calendar?  The Holiday Shopper’s Fair 2011 is from November 25-27 at Ocean City’s Convention Center.  December 3rd is the Christmas Parade from 100th to 115th Streets with high school bands and marching units at 11:00 a.m.
    On Wednesday, December 7, BJ’s On the Water hosts its annual Christmas Party with house band Teenage Rust and the Fabulous Rustettes at 6:00. January 1, 2012 is the 18th Annual Penguin Swim. Keep reading Coconut Times for all the upcoming details, and during our downtime, check out our website calendar at  http://coconuttimes.com/oc-md-whos-where-when and “like” our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coconut-Times-Resort-Entertainment-Magazine/112208358814048. Have a great season, everyone.