Lights on the Bay
Nov. 17 - Jan. 1, 5 - 10 p.m. at Sandy Point State Park
The annual Lights on the Bay will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. every night Nov. 17 through Jan. 1 at Sandy Point State Park near the Bay Bridge. It features a 2-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay with about 70 animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway. Santa will make an appearance on Thanksgiving Day and every weekend through Dec. 24. Admission is $14 for cars, $28 for large passenger vans and for $50 buses. For more information, call 443-481-3161 or visit www.aahs.org.
Grand Illumination City Christmas Tree Lighting
November 25, 4 - 6 p.m. at the Market Space
This is the true kick-off of the holiday season. The ceremonial tree-lighting is an annual Annapolis tradition and is an indicator that you'd better get started on your Christmas shopping.
Jolly Express Cruise
November 30 - December 31*
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
6, 7, & 8 p.m.
Departing from Annapolis City Dock
*Except December 8
Also on Mon., Dec. 24 & Tues., Dec. 25th
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
6, 7, & 8 p.m.
Departing from Annapolis City Dock
*Except December 8
Also on Mon., Dec. 24 & Tues., Dec. 25th
Why not play tourist this year and take your out-of-state friends and family on a scenic cruise around the waterways of Annapolis? Enjoy a holiday inspired cruise aboard Miss Anne decked out in her finest holiday garb. This 45 minute cruise includes hot cocoa, holiday music and lots of cheer. Captain Santa is at the helm. See the sights of Spa Creek on this beautiful Winter cruise. Miss Anne's deck is enclosed as needed to keep passengers warm. $22/adult; $12/children 11 and under. Book here.
Midnight Madness
December 6 and 13, 6 p.m. - 12 a.m. downtown Annapolis
Come to the Downtown district in Annapolis to do some holiday shopping with festive music playing in the streets, street performers, and extended store hours.
Come to the Downtown district in Annapolis to do some holiday shopping with festive music playing in the streets, street performers, and extended store hours.
Holiday Candlelight Stroll
December 7- 22*
Fridays & Saturdays
7 p.m.
Departing from Information Booth at Annapolis City Dock
*except December 8
Fridays & Saturdays
7 p.m.
Departing from Information Booth at Annapolis City Dock
*except December 8
Grab a cup of hot cocoa and join us for a Holiday Candlelight Stroll. Stroll the streets of Annapolis by candlelight with our Colonial guides. Learn about the origin of holiday traditions on this festive 1 hour tour. $16/Adults, $10/Children 3-11, 2 & under free. Book here.
Annapolis Boat Parade of Lights (put on by Eastport Yacht Club)
December 8, 6 p.m. in the Annapolis Harbor
Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit like watching a parade elaborately lit and decorated boats full of drunk Annapolitans cruise by on the water. Who knows, maybe I'll even be in the parade this year. ;)
Things you can do anytime:
- Bake and decorate Christmas cookies.
- Go ice skating.
- Send out Christmas cards! Check out The Paper Source in the Annapolis Towne Center (at Parole) for some inspiration.
- Watch a Christmas movie--my favorite is The Santa Clause.
- Have friends over for Christmas cocktails.
- Make a gingerbread house.
The Annapolitan's favorite holiday traditions:
- Read "The Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve.
- See The Nutcracker at Maryland Hall (details here).
- Make cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning.
- Burn holiday candles.
XOXO,
The Annapolitan
