Holiday cheer spreads throughout Annapolis starting in early December. Kids and families with little ones can easily get in on the excitement with these age-apporpriate events. Many of these events are free, some are creative, and all are entertaining.
Holiday Hands-On Activities
Few things are as cherished as handmade gifts, especially when made by young kids. The Chesapeake Children’s Museum (CCM) hosts a gift-making workshop ideal for helping youngsters create holiday items. Kids ages one and up can let their imaginations run wild with materials for candles, sock puppets jewelry, pencil cups, and plenty other presents. The cost is $5 per person. The workshop is scheduled for Sunday, December 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. Contact The Chesapeake Children’s Museum for more information.
Kwanzaa is celebrated at The CCM on December 28, from 11 a.m. to noon. This lively event is perfect for young, excited minds as the staff at CCM will educate in African-American family and culture. There will be hands-on activities as well. This is ideal for children ages four to six. This event is free with museum admission. More details can be found at the link above.
If your kids or young family members are exceptionally crafty, take them to the “Glass Winterscape/Snow Day Trees” workshop put on by The Clay Bakers of Annapolis. This workshop is ideal for ages twelve and up and allow for instruction at varied art levels. This opportunity is offered twice: December 1, from 3-6 p.m. and December 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit The Clay Bakers of Annapolis to learn about the price and more. The Clay Bakers is conveniently located right on Main Street in downtown.
Community Events for Families
West Annapolis is treasured throughout the year, but even more so around Christmas. Saturday, December 14, the annual “It’s a Wonderful Life Holiday Celebration” returns to bring a magical touch to all of West Annapolis. This event is absolutely free and enjoyable to simply peruse; however, the horse and carriage rides (pictured above) are also free and continue from 5 to 8 p.m. Other holiday happenings include: Santa Claus at Tara’s Gifts from noon to 4 p.m.; Santa walking around West Annapolis from 5 to 8 p.m.; face painting at The Giant Peach; and the film It’s a Wonderful Life showing continuously from noon to 6 p.m. The public is invited to this very kid-friendly, community-hosted event. Visit West Annapolis Business Affiliation for more on the subject.
Skating at the Rockfeller Center is a Christmas dream romanticized by many–including kids. Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis presents their own version of this ice skating with the ice rink there, open from 5 to 9 p.m. every day but Tuesday. Skates and protective gear are provided for visitors. Adults can enjoy the skating for $6 and kids range from free to $5, depending on age. For more about this marvelous holiday tradition, visit Quiet Waters Park’s online.
Sometimes the best holiday events are the ones that keep you the warmest. Based on this mindset, the “Lights on the Bay” is completely appropriate. This event at Sandy Point State Park takes visitors through a series of light displays sponsored by Anne Arundel Medical Center. Visitors drive through Sandy Point and look at the lights from inside for $12 per car. This event runs from November 13 to New Year’s Day, from 5 to 10 p.m. For more information, look to Sandy Point State Park.
Speaking of traditions, the Jolly Express returns Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout December. Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are even on the cruising schedule! This Annapolis favorite takes twenty-some participants aboard a reindeer-decorated Miss Anne for a cruise around Spa Creek. Blankets and hot chocolate are provided for the comfort of passengers. Tickets are available now; purchase them at Watermark Cruises. The price for kids is $12; the price for adults is $22.
One of Annapolis’s favored historic sites get in on the holiday action with a “Greens Show and Sale.” Hammond-Harwood House on Maryland Avenue puts on this annual event from December 6 to 31, which allows families a peek into Christmas in old Annapolis and in places around the world. Rooms will be decorated according to Christmas traditions and specially crafted wreaths will be available for sale. Tours span noon to 4 p.m. Go to Hammond-Harwood House to learn more.
At the William Paca House on Prince George Street, families can enjoy a historic Christmas experience with the “Historic Annapolis Open House: A Taste of Festive Season.” This event, scheduled for Friday, December 6, allows families to glimpse into the “Paca” family traditions during the Christmas season, like delighting in classic 18th century winter dishes, seeing the citrus trees, and hearing old-time Christmas carols. This event costs $10 for adults and $5 for kids. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Learn more at Historic Annapolis Foundation.
Downtown’s State House hosts a candlelight event every early December. Past “State House by Candlelight” events have featured live Christmas music by the massive Christmas tree in front of the State House. This event is free and ideal for on-the-go families who want to attend a no-fuss Christmas event. The date and time have yet to be determined. Either stay tuned to the Facebook page or call the visitor program office at 410-946-5400 for more.
Leave A Comment