For general information about Annapolis, see an Annapolis Visitor’s Guide.
2012 Calendar of Annapolis Christmas Events
Lights on the BayNovember 19, 2012 - January 1, 2013, 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 2012. 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 25, 2012, 5-7 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 Madness
Thursdays, December 6 and 13, 2012, 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 6, 2012. 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 7-8, 2012, 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. Photo identification required for individuals age 16 and over.
Handel's Messiah Concert
December 1-2, 2012, 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 8, 2012, 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.
Jolly Express Holiday Lights Tour
November 29-December 31, 2012, except December 8, 24 & 25. Watermark Cruises offers a holiday cruise aboard a 24-foot tug-style vessel adorned with reindeer antlers and a blinking red nose on her bow. With Santa as its captain, the 45-minute tour takes in the lights around Annapolis Harbor and up Spa Creek. Tours begin at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Admission: $21 for adults and $12 for children under 12.
New Years Annapolis
December 31, 2012. 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.
