Christmas in Annapolis

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.

2009 Calendar of Annapolis Christmas Events

Lights on the Bay
November 21, 2009 - January 3, 2010, 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.

Lighting of the Annapolis Christmas Tree
November 29, 2009, 6:00 p.m. Annapolis City Dock. Kick off the holiday season with the annual lighting of the tree. Event sponsored by Homestead Gardens.

Midnight Madness
Thursdays, December 3 and 10, 2009, 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!

Gingerbread Parade of Homes Competition
December 3-19, 2009. HistoryQuest, 99 Main Street, Annapolis, Maryland. Stop by HistoryQuest and cast a ballot for your favorite gingerbread house baked by an Anne Arundel County chef. Celebrity judges will award winners in the professional category on December 5, and the People’s Choice awards will be announced at a reception on December 19. Raffle proceeds will benefit Historic Annapolis Foundation and the Eastport Girls Club.

State House by Candlelight
December 4-5, 2009. 7–9 p.m. Maryland State House. State Circle, Annapolis, Maryland. Admission: Free (410) 974-3400. Enjoy choral, band, and ensemble performances by the glow of the official State Christmas tree in the oldest State House in continuous legislative use in the nation.

Handel's Messiah Concert
December 5-6, 2009, Main Chapel, US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Performance by USNA Glee Club, Hood College Choir and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Purchase tickets online.

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
December 12, 2009, 6-8 p.m. Annapolis City Harbor (410) 267-9549. Enjoy a parade of lights when more than 70 power and sailboats show off their holiday decorations.

New Years Annapolis
December 31, 2009. Ring in the new year at a family-oriented event with musicians, street performers, a Battle of the Bands, and fireworks.