Did you know that Travel & Leisure just voted Annapolis one of the best towns for the holidays? There are so many must-see events going on in December! The downtown streets of Annapolis are decked out with festive garland and lights, enticing you to fill your soul with the holiday spirit! Check out some of our favorite annual events going on this season…
Lights on the Bay
Now through January 1, 2020; 5 PM to 10 PM nightly, weather permitting
Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis
Admission: $15, car; $50, bus
This spectacular drive-through holiday lights show takes please right on the Chesapeake Bay. The event features more than 60 animated and stationary displays, including traditional Maryland-themed favorites, holiday and children’s displays. Proceeds benefit the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.
Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping
Thursdays, December 5 and 12; 6 PM to 12 AM. December 19, 6 PM to 11 PM
Downtown Annapolis
Admission: Free
Historic Annapolis shops open their doors in a block party that is open to all! Midnight Madness features musical performances, with food and refreshments at many stores. It’s the perfect night to stroll and shop along Main Street, State Circle/Maryland Avenue, and the Arts District.
Holiday Candlelight Stroll
Fridays and Saturdays, December 6-7, 13, 20-21, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Tours depart from the Information Booth at City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: $21, adults; $12, children ages 3-11; children 2 and under, free
Learn about the origin of holiday traditions – including the significance of evergreens, Yule logs, Christmas trees and Santa Claus as you stroll through Annapolis with a festively attired guide.
State House by Candlelight
TBD
Maryland State House
Admission: Free
Enjoy this annual open house featuring performance by young musicians and vocalists from throughout Maryland. The oldest State House in continuous legislative use in the nation will be adorned with 24 Christmas trees representing every Maryland county and Baltimore City. Photo identification is required for individuals age 16 and older.
Illuminated London Town
Fridays & Saturdays, TBD, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Where: Historic London Town & Gardens
Experience the magic of a winter evening at Illuminated London Town! Sip hot cider and roast s’mores beside roaring fires in the Historic Area. Explore the gardens illuminated with festive holiday lights. Discover colonial nighttime festivities and holidays at candlelit William Brown House, decorated for the season. Enjoy special performances in the gardens each week.
Chocolate Binge Festival
December 8, Noon – 5 PM
First block of West Street in downtown Annapolis
Admission: $5.00 cash donations appreciated
This festival not only features chocolate and holiday vendors, but also specialty restaurant candy events include a chocolate fountain, candy apples, candy floss, “chocolate sushi”, and more. Enjoy live music, a marshmallow roast, an ugly sweater contest, as well as a moon bounce and other kids’ activities. The evening wraps up with a grand lever pull to illuminate the sky above the first block of West Street. Presented by the Annapolis Arts District and Inner West Street Association.
Jolly Express Cruise
Fridays-Sundays, December 1-3, 6 PM, 7 PM, 8:00 PM
Tours depart from the Information Booth at City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: $23, adults; $13, children under 12
Enjoy a 45-minute, holiday-inspired, “sleigh ride” cruise aboard the reindeer-bedecked Miss Anne. Cruise includes holiday music, hot cocoa, and Captain Santa at the helm.
37th Annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
Saturday, December 14, 6 – 8 PM
Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek
Admission: Free
Brightly decorated boats parade around the Annapolis waterfront in one of the City’s signature events. Thousands of lights and a host of jolly revelers make this a fun holiday event for the entire family. Prime viewing areas include: Eastport, Spa Creek, City Dock and Naval Academy sea wall.
2019 Military Bowl
Friday, December 27, Starting at noon
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis)
Tickets: 888-841-2787
The Military Bowl® presented by Northrop Grumman, benefiting the USO, will match a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) against an opponent from the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
City of Annapolis New Year’s Eve Celebration
Tuesday, December 31, 3 PM to 5:15 PM kid-friendly activities
8:00 PM to midnight for all
Weems Whelan Fields behind Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis and Susan Campbell Park, City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: Free
Family activities fill the day and music and dancing fills the night at this annual celebration welcoming the New Year. Kids’ activities will take place on Weems Whelan fields behind Maryland Hall and Bates Middle School. Participants are invited to park at Park Place garage and take City of Annapolis-provided shuttles to and from the new location. Activities will include face painting, an obstacle course, moon bounces and music performed by kids’ rock bands. The first round of festivities wraps up with on-site fireworks at approximately 5:30 PM Then, it’s off to area restaurants for dinner with the kids. The second round of festivities includes live music and dancing at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock beginning at 8:00 PM and ending with midnight fireworks.
Information provided by Visit Annapolis. All opinions are 100% my own.
Francine Speaker says
Annapolis is especially beautiful in the snow.