It seems that Annapolis hosts even more holiday-themed events this year. The ones described below are ideal for families not only in terms of budget, but in terms of content. Enjoy!

Annapolis Entertainment

Navy’s Glee Club performs their much-anticipated piece, “Handel’s Messiah” two days this week: Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8. The performance is a long-standing event celebrated in the Annapolis community for its way of offering the best in classy music from both USNA and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Saturday, the performance begins at 8 p.m.; Sunday’s performance starts at 3 p.m. USNA Main Chapel hosts this performance that requires tickets. Purchase yours via USNA’s site.

This week marks the final one for The Colonial Players’ Annie. This lovable classic peppered with humor and heartfelt moments closely follows the original version. The play ends on December 7. Obtain tickets via The Colonial Players’ website.

Speaking of classic performances, The Ballet Theatre of Maryland opens their Nutcracker ballet on Saturday, December 7, at the Bowie Center for Performing Arts. The ballet is a must-see in general, but especially at this time of year. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 410-224-5644 or view Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s site.

Though the weather is quite chilly, we bet you’ll still attend this next event: the Jolly Express cruise from Watermark. December 6, 7, and 8 feature this cruise this week. This 45-minute cruise takes participants around Spa Creek and provides hot cocoa and blankets for comfort. There are no reservations required, but the admission is $22 per adult and $12 per child. Head to Watermark Cruises on the Bay to read more about this Annapolis tradition.

If you’d like to stay on land to celebrate the season, attend the ever-popular Midnight Madness downtown. Thursday, December 5, marks the first round of this holiday shopping extravaganza. There are no tickets required and parking on the streets is free. Businesses downtown stay open until midnight on this date and even feature specials and incentives to shop. Help support local businesses and cross some gift shopping off your list. The Annapolis Business Association has more information on this great event.

Over at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, three holiday events are happening this week. The first, Rob Levit’s Holiday Show, showcases this local’s ability to effect with music. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5. The genre of music is holiday. Tickets cost $20 per person. Sunday also welcomes a holiday-themed event. This one is entitled “Celebrate Opera,” and features music from the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. Calvary Methodist Church right outside downtown Annapolis hosts this event on Sunday. The price is $45. Finally, soulful and powerful women singers under the name of Sweet Honey in the Rock perform on Sunday as well, at 7 p.m. This group is acclaimed in the music world and is especially regarded for its a cappella capability. The price for this show is $58 per person. View Maryland Hall’s event calendar for additional info on these events.

Annapolis Green

‘Tis the season for giving and helping. Join Spa Creek Conservancy this Friday, December 6, as a volunteer to plant native plants at the former site of Rockfish Restaurant. These plants will benefit the health of Spa Creek. The volunteers will begin at 9 a.m. Go to Annapolis Green to read more about this opportunity and other green ones happening this week.

Annapolis History

Early December means the same thing in the William Paca House as it does in your own house. This Friday, December 6, the house is open for a special Christmasy event: “Historic Annapolis Open House: A Taste of the Festive Season.” This event allows you to learn about decorating in early Annapolis and watch as characters reveal festivities in front of you. Eighteenth-century-style holiday dishes and other refreshments will be available too. The price is $10 per adult and $5 per child. This event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information on this event and the one below, visit Annapolis Historic Foundation.

To really get prepared for Christmas, attend the “Holiday Mixed Media Gift Tags” workshop at Historic Annapolis Museum downtown. This event permits attendees to craft creative gift tags for gifts. Wax seal, ribbons, vintage papers, and more supplies will be provided to encourage impressive designs. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. The price is $25 for the general public.