Annapolis is the state capital of Maryland, and as such the reasons to make time for a visit are plentiful. However, when the Christmas and holiday seasons arrive, Annapolis, MD comes to life with a flair that reflects the rich history and vibrant culture of the area. Several areas of the town provide unique experiences and gift opportunities. You can tour historic neighborhoods and the shops of downtown Annapolis, or take a trip down to the harbor and seaport. Without a doubt, Christmas in Annapolis is the most wonderful time of the year. If you and your family are looking for things to do in Annapolis this holiday season, here are a few of the best and most popular holiday events in the Annapolis area to help your family get into the swing of the holiday spirit.
Downtown is the place to be in Annapolis. With quaint shops, luxurious hotels, and fantastic seafood restaurants, Annapolis is at its holiday best with the Midnight Madness holiday event. Midnight Madness covers the shops, businesses, and restaurants located on or near Maryland Avenue, Main Street, and West Street. In essence this event is a holiday block party which is open to everyone — right in the town center. The shops and famous restaurants stay open late and provide food and refreshments along with musical performances open to the public. Midnight Madness takes place on December 6th, & 13th 2012, from 6pm-midnight. The event is free to all.
One of the most fashionable and beloved of all Annapolis holiday events is the Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade. The
parade is an annual event and takes place on the 2nd Saturday of every December. This year the parade is on Saturday December 8th, 2012. Watch as the spirit of Christmas comes to Annapolis Harbor, when several of the finest vessels on the East Coast, both power and sail, bring an armada of merriment and cheer to light up a winter evening. More than 70 vessels will be covered from stem to stern in a dazzling display of colored lights. This annual event is always a crowd favorite in the Annapolis Harbor and is sure to spread the holiday cheer. The best viewing areas are along the harbor from either the Eastport side or from the City Dock area. Parking might be tough, so take advantage of the City’s garages and walk or take the Circulator bus downtown.
Two more events that showcase the beauty of Annapolis and its surrounding areas, by land or by sea, are the Lights on the Bay and the Jolly Express Light Tour. For those that would prefer to go by car, the Lights on the Bay Seasonal Light Show is the perfect Annapolis holiday event. The show is Located at Sandy Point State Park just outside of Annapolis on US Route 50. There are more than six dozen static and animated displays that illuminate the roadway as you drive along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. The show runs every evening from 5pm-10pm and it will continue from now until January 1st, 2013. Admission is $12 per vehicle.
For those of you that prefer your holiday merriment by sea, then the thing for you to do in Annapolis this Christmas is The Jolly Express Holiday Light Tour. This event is a 45 minute tour piloted by none other than Santa. The tour takes place aboard a 24 foot vessel which is magically transformed into one of Santa’s beloved reindeer, complete with blinking red nose on the bow.The Jolly Express takes in the beautiful holiday vistas around Annapolis Harbor and up into Spa Creek. Launch times for this Watermark feature cruise begin at 5, 6, 7, and 8pm daily. This event runs from now until December 31st, 2012 (December 8, 24, 25 are exemptions). Admission is just $21 for adults and only $12 for children under 12 years old.
No matter your beliefs, the winter season comes to life in Annapolis. You can celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or the winter solstice with music, lights, and shopping. Events are scattered throughout December that will please everybody in your family. If you want more ideas, check out Annapolis.com’s events calendar at https://www.annapolis.com/directory/event/results.php. Enjoy the season!
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