When it comes to holiday celebrations and sales, the Eastern Shore has plenty to offer this year. From festive seasonal celebrations, to whirlwind shopping events, to that much needed day at the spa after the inevitable holiday fatigue sets in, the roundup below is designed to make your life just a little more jolly.
 Start in Ocean City with the annual Winterfest of Lights. The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is holding its “Chamber Lights” contest in conjunction with the festive festival, where Chamber members participate in categories like hotel, motel, retail business, professional business, residential and condo association by decking their halls with merry displays. Judging is performed by the Chamber Ambassador’s committee with winners in each category receiving a trophy to display in their place of business.
 Winterfest of Lights kicks off in November at Northside Park complete with complimentary cocoa, a spirited train ride around the displays, and a visit from Santa himself. It’s the perfect time to take in the off-season sites and sounds of the city, including the area’s many excellent hotels and restaurants.
 If you’re in the mood for something a little more temperate, why not bring the party to the Caribbean? It’s always sunny and 84 degrees at the Caribbean Key Indoor Theme Pool located at Francis Scott Key Family Resort in Ocean City, and from October through April, party packages can be customized for birthdays, adult socials, or fundraisers. With its spouting wheel, dumping buckets, pipe falls and waterslide, the pool is sure to excite kids of all ages.
 Right in line with the giving spirit of the season, CraZy LadyZ! is unveiling its “Twocan” Tuesdays where customers can support the Holiday food drive for Diakania by dropping off two or more nonperishable goods between November 1 and December 20 and receive 10 percent off any item in the store. Also, make sure you stop by either CraZy LadyZ! locations in West Ocean City, Md. or Chincoteague, Va., for their Black Friday Sale on November 25.
 Speaking of Black Friday, Kendall’s Home Furnishings, the premier furniture store in Ocean City, is having its largest storewide sale of the year on November 25. Stop in and discover a world of difference with top quality goods, great values and old fashioned customer service.
 If you find yourself running out of room this season, The More Space Place offers design services for home, office, garage, or utility spaces in addition to custom closets and custom cabinets. They are also a supplier of space-saving Murphy Beds.
 Next, hop over to Berlin for a timeless Victorian Christmas. The 2011 Berlin Victorian Christmas Holiday Season kicks off on Friday, November 25th, with the Town of Berlin Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. and the Holiday Arts Night from 6 - 9 p.m. followed by holiday events scheduled every weekend through January 1st. The Annual Christmas Parade will also be held on Thursday, December 1st, at 7 p.m. Visits with Santa and old-fashioned carriage rides are free on weekends from December 3rd - 18th. For a complete listing of holiday events, visit their website: www.BerlinChamber.org.
Local artisan Jeff Auxer is offering ornament-making classes every Saturday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in November and December. Reserve your space, and make your own blown glass Christmas ornaments. All ages are welcome!
 On November 30 from 5 - 8 p.m. The Treasure Chest is presenting its Ladies Night Out sale. Choose from a wide variety of fine jewelry and accessories as you fill out your holiday wish list. Enjoy refreshments, goodie bags and giveaways as the helpful staff of The Treasure Chest gladly helps you pick out that perfect piece of jewelry. The Treasure Chest carries several designer lines in both gold and silver, hand selected diamonds bought from Belgium, and a unique inventory of items at all price levels.
 Continuing with the classic theme, Victorian Charm is holding special events each weekend throughout the holidays. The Brighton Roulette Event on Friday, November 11, invites customers to stop by and spin the roulette wheel for a chance to win prizes. Extra spins can be earned with every purchase. Also, don’t miss the Vera Bradley Holiday Tote giveaway held on Friday, November 25, wherein Vera Bradley Holiday Totes are free with a $100 Vera Bradley purchase while supplies last, limit one per customer.
 The Water’s Edge Gallery will be hosting several events during the Town of Berlin’s Victorian Christmas Season, including a Kevin Fitzgerald show with an artist’s reception from 5 - 8 p.m. during the Berlin Arts Stroll on November 11.  The Gallery will also host a Holiday Nights reception on November 25, and an addition artist’s reception featuring Kevin Fitzgerald and Randy Hoffman from 5 - 8 p.m. on December 9.
 Finally, stop in for the perfect burger at Rayne’s Reef. Established in 1901, the restaurant features a friendly staff and fantastic food including its famous never-frozen burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes.
 Over in Ocean Pines, the Parks Department has a slew of exciting holiday events lined up. The all-new Great Gingerbread House Contest, hosted by the Ocean Pines Association, will be displayed at the Ocean Pines Community Center, Association Office and Yacht Club from November 28 - December 8. Winners will be announced at the Winter Family Night on Friday, December 9th, at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Entry forms, rules and regulations are available online, and applications must be postmarked by November 22, 2011.