The Christmas season is a great time to visit Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland, and enjoy a variety of seasonal activities. Stroll along the historical seaport, shop for unique gifts, check out some of Annapolis’ museums and 18th century historic homes, get in the spirit of the season while watching the Annapolis Christmas light boat parade or listen to a concert of holiday music.
For general information about Annapolis, see an Annapolis Visitor’s Guide.
2014 Calendar of Annapolis Christmas Events
Lights on the Bay
Mid-November, 2014 - January 1, 2015, 5-10 p.m. Sandy Point State Park, Route 50, Annapolis, Maryland. (410) 481-3161. An annual drive through Christmas light show sponsored by the Anne Arundel Medical Center. Drive along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay and see more than 60 animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway. $12 per car.
Anne Arundel County Holiday Farmers Market
Saturdays through December 2014. 7 a.m. to Noon Harry S. Truman Parkway and Riva Road, Annapolis. A variety of vendors from Anne Arundel County will be selling homegrown and handcrafted locally produced items. Items available include wreaths, fresh greens, baked goods, coffee, herbs, candy and seasonal produce.
Lighting of the Annapolis Christmas Tree
November 30, 2014, 5-8 p.m. Annapolis City Dock. Kick off the holiday season with the annual lighting of the tree. Watch Santa arrive by horse and carriage and enjoy dancing and carols sponsored by the Annapolis Jaycees.
Midnight MadnessHoliday Shopping
Thursdays, December 4 and 11, 2014, 6 p.m.-midnight. Downtown Annapolis along Maryland Avenue, Main, and West Streets. Historic Annapolis' shops stay open late for this community block party that is open to all. Enjoy musical performances, food and refreshments and enjoy some holiday cheer!
State House Holiday Concert
December 6, 2014, 6-9 p.m. 100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD. Experience the beauty of Maryland’s historic State House as you enjoy the sounds of youth choruses and musicians by the glow of the State’s official Christmas tree.
Handel's Messiah Concert
December 6-7, 2014, Main Chapel, US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Performance by USNA Glee Club, Hood College Choir and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Honoring a long-standing tradition, the USNA Glee Club joins the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and soloists from the Metropolitan Opera Company to present selections from Handel's beloved Messiah. Conducted by USNA Director of Choral Activities, the elegant concert has been broadcast on public television stations regionally and nationwide.
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
December 13, 2014, 6-8 p.m. Annapolis City Harbor (410) 267-9549. Every year on the second Saturday in December, magic happens on the waters of the Annapolis Harbor. Dozens of boats illuminated with thousands of colored lights and crewed by jolly revelers suddenly appear out of the cold winter night. Enjoy a parade of lights when more than 70 power and sailboats show off their holiday decorations.
2014 Military Bowl and Parade
December 27, 2014. U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The Military Bowl® presented by Northrop Grumman, benefiting the USO, will match a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) against an opponent from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) live on ESPN.
New Years Annapolis
December 31, 2014. Ring in the new year at a family-oriented event at Susan Campbell Park and the City Dock. Annapolis Children's Museum starts the day with activities at 3 p.m. Be sure to stay for the 7:30 p.m. fireworks. The celebration continues with "Dancing Under the Stars" when the Big Band sounds begin at 8 p.m. and lead to a countdown to the New Year and midnight fireworks.