Annapolis— Magical! That’s the word that best describes Annapolis and Anne Arundel County during the holidays. A host of events for the young and young at heart makes it easy for everyone to get into the spirit of the season. To help you celebrate, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County has pulled together a handy list of 14 holiday happenings the whole family can enjoy.
Saturdays, November 17 to January 1— Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Don’t miss this spectacular drive-through holiday lights show beside the Chesapeake Bay. The event features more than 70 animated and stationary displays, including traditional Maryland-themed favorites, holiday and children’s displays. Proceeds benefit SPCA of Anne Arundel County. For more information, call: 410-268-4388 or visit: http://www.lightsonthebay.org/.
Sunday, November 25— Grand Illumination and Annapolis Tree Lighting Market Space at the Market House, 25 Market Street in Annapolis from 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
With support from the Annapolis business community, the Annapolis Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce) host the Lighting of the Tree in Annapolis during the City’s Grand Illumination event. Watch Santa arrive in town and enjoy singing and dance performances by area youth. The Jaycees provide refreshments and ornaments children can use to decorate the tree. Attendees are invited to bring nonperishable food items and new, unwrapped toys for the Jaycees’ annual Angel Tree Project.
Saturday, December 1— State House by Candlelight at the Maryland State House, State Circle in Annapolis from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Enjoy this annual open house featuring performances 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. For more information, visit: http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/home.html.
Saturday-Sunday, December 1-2 72nd Annual U.S. Naval Academy’s Handel’s Messiah Concerts at the Main USNA Chapel, 108 Blake Road in Annapolis
A long-standing Naval Academy tradition, the U.S. Naval Academy Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs join the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and soloists from the Metropolitan Opera Company to present selections from Handel’s beloved Messiah. Conducted by Dr. Aaron Smith, USNA Director of Musical Activities, the elegant concert has been broadcast on public television stations regionally and nationwide. Saturday Concert at 7 p.m. and Sunday Concert at 3 p.m. For more information, call: 410-293-8497 or visit: https://www.usna.edu/Music/.
Fridays and Saturdays, December 1, 7, 14-15, 21-22 Holiday Candlelight Stroll from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tours depart from Information Booth at Annapolis City Dock.
Stroll through Annapolis alongside a festively attired colonial guide and learn about holiday traditions. Includes tour inside the historic Hammond Harwood House for additional seasonal spirit.
For more information, call 410-268-7601 or visit: http://annapolistours.com/ our-tours/candlelight-stroll.
Sunday, December 2 The 4th Annual Chocolate Binge Festival
Are you a chocoholic in need of a fix? You won’t want to miss the 4th Annual Chocolate Binge Festival! More than 35 chocolate vendors will be selling chocolate specialties, including: chocolate caramels, cakes, bars, truffles, fudge, cookies, candies, hot chocolate and more. Enjoy live music, roasting s’mores with the Fire Department, a gingerbread house moon bounce, Cocoa with the PoPo, a holiday market, the lighting of the Holiday Lights Canopy and a visit from Santa. Noon to 5 p.m. First block of West Street in downtown Annapolis. www.annapolischocolatefestival.com, erik@firstsundayarts.com.
Thursdays, December 6, 13, 20 Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping
Lights, garland, action! Historic Annapolis shops throw open their doors in a glorified block party that’s open to all. Enjoy outside musical performances as well as food and refreshments at many stores as you stroll along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, West Street, State Circle and City Dock in search of that perfect gift. Sponsored by the Downtown Annapolis Partnership.
December 6 and 13, 6 p.m. to midnight; December 20, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Downtown Annapolis.
Saturday, December 8 The 36th Annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
More than 30 brightly lit boats bedecked for the holiday season parade around the Annapolis waterfront and Spa Creek. Themes including Santa Claus, Polar Bear Christmas, a Christmas Angel and the Abominable Snowman have delighted young and old in this traditional Annapolis holiday event. Thousands of lights and a host of jolly revelers make this a fun Christmas event for the entire family. Prime viewing areas include: Eastport, Spa Creek, City Dock and Naval Academy seawall.From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek. 844-463-6392, Eastportyc.org/lights-parade.
Monday, December 31— City of Annapolis New Year’s Eve Celebration
Family activities fill the day and music and dancing fill the night at this annual celebration welcoming the New Year. For the third 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 Maryland Hall. Activities will include kids’ crafts, obstacle courses, moon bounces and music performed by kids’ rock bands. The afternoon festivities wrap up with on-site fireworks at approximately 5:15 p.m. The second round of festivities includes live music and dancing at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock beginning at 8 p.m. and ending with midnight fireworks. Sponsored by City of Annapolis. 3 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., kid-friendly activities at Weems Whelan Fields behind Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street in Annapolis. From 8 p.m. to midnight, Susan Campbell Park, City Dock, Annapolis 21401. 410-263-7997, http://www.annapolis.gov/.