From the Bay

Celebrate the Joy of Family This Holiday Season

The holidays are alive and well in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County! To help spread the word, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) has compiled a handy list of holiday happenings to make it easy for area residents and visitors to take full advantage of the many in-person, virtual, and hybrid events that will be taking place this year with safety and family fun in mind.

For the health and safety of all, participants are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing while engaging in each of the activities. To make the most of their holiday experience, VAAAC encourages attendees to consider spending the night at a historic bed and breakfast or hotel. For more information about lodging, dining, and shopping options, visit WinterInAnnapolis.com

Events are subject to cancellation without notice. To avoid any inconvenience, call ahead to confirm dates, times, and availability.

Lights on the Bay Daily Saturday, January 2 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sandy Point State Park, 11 East College Parkway, Annapolis https://www.lightsonthebay.org/about-lights-on-the-bay/ This spectacular drive-through holiday lights show beside the Chesapeake Bay features more than 70 animated and stationary holiday and children’s displays, including traditional Maryland-themed favorites. Proceeds benefit SPCA of Anne Arundel County.

Holiday Candlelight Stroll Fridays and Saturdays, December 4-26; Sunday, December 27 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tour departs from Market House Park, Annapolis https://watermarkjourney.com/ Glowing lanterns light your way as you stroll along the centuries-old brick lined streets of Maryland’s capital city adorned for the holidays. A period-attired guide will share holiday traditions of times past against the backdrop of colonial mansions, Victorian homes, and quaint shops.

Jolly Express Cruise Friday-Sunday, December 4-27 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. 45-minute cruise departs from City Dock, Annapolis https://watermarkjourney.com/ Hop aboard Miss Anne, all decked out for the Holidays, for a Spa Creek “sleigh ride” on the Jolly Express with Captain Santa at the helm. Miss Anne will be adorned in reindeer spirit for an intimate cruise that includes hot cocoa, holiday music, and good cheer. Bring your own blankets!

Holiday Stroll & Cruise Saturdays and Sundays, December 5-27 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tour departs alternately from slip #2 at City Dock and Market House Park https://watermarkjourney.com/ Enjoy stories of holiday traditions mingled with classic colonial tales as you stroll the charming streets of Historic Downtown Annapolis with your period-attired guide. The experience also includes a 40-minute Spa Creek cruise aboard the festively decorated Miss Anne. Captain Santa’s Cruise Saturdays and Sundays, December 5-27 4:00 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. Tour departs from City Dock https://watermarkjourney.com/ Your whole family will enjoy this cruise complete with cheery holiday music and Santa himself giving out candy canes.

Jane Austen Tour Wednesday, December 9 2:00 p.m. Hammond-Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis Hammondharwoodhouse.org Enjoy a tour of the decorated Hammond-Harwood House that compares the customs and social graces of the

Lights Parade CANCELLED

Despite Eastport Yacht Club’s and its Lights Parade Committee’s diligent efforts to produce this year’s Lights Parade during the coronavirus pandemic, the parade has been cancelled, a joint decision of the city and yacht club. The recent spike in infections and hospitalizations has made it unsafe to hold the parade even with the planned precautionary measures for participants and viewers.

Despite the cancellation, the selected art by the winner of this year’s poster competition was unveiled on November 20th at the Eastport Yacht Club. The winning artist is Rhonda Ford, a native Marylander with a degree Fine Arts from the University of Maryland, College Park. Posters and holiday cards featuring the artwork will be available for sale to the public.

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade will return next year on December 11, 2021.

Loockerman family, who lived in the house in the early 19th century, with those of characters in Jane Austen novels. Reservations required.

Annual Kwanzaa Celebration Friday, December 11 Noon to 4:00 p.m. Banneker-Douglass Museum https://bdmuseum.maryland.gov/ Celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa through musical performances, games, crafts, and more! The virtual program will include a spoken word performance; Zawadi (gift making) session; live music; and a discussion on the importance of community and intergenerational engagement. Includes a virtual lighting ceremony and a virtual buy black marketplace. #BDMKwanzaa

A Celebration of Christmas Friday, December 11 8:00 p.m. Online and in person (location TBD) https://liveartsmd.org/index.php/season= This concert is one of the longest running traditions in Annapolis, and Live Arts Maryland is committed to making it happen! Not all members of the Annapolis Chorale can be inside on one stage this year, so Live Arts Maryland will turn the City of Annapolis into its stage and live stream performances from all over town that individuals can enjoy at home. The hope is that limited seating also will be available at a venue to be announced

Holiday Swing Friday, December 11 – Saturday, December 26 Annapolis Shakespeare Company, 1804 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis http://www.annapolisshakespeare.org/index.html Enjoy this new in-person musical review with the Unified Jazz Ensemble. A virtual performance will also be available.

Menorah Car Parade and Public Lighting Sunday, December 13 5:30 p.m. Car Parade; 5:45 p.m. Menorah Lighting City Dock, Annapolis – near Alex Haley Memorial www.ChabadAAC.com Join Chabad Anne Arundel County for a spin at the annual Menorah Car Parade. The parade leaves Safeway (2635 Housley Road, Annapolis). Parade participants are asked to arrive by 5:00 p.m. At approximately 5:45 p.m., event organizers will kindle a giant Menorah and celebrate the Festival of Lights at City Dock. Individually wrapped chocolate gelt (coins), prepackaged latkes, and Chanukah kits will be given out while supplies last. All are welcome!

Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is a nonprofit, membership-based Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that generates revenues for the local economy by promoting Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to new and repeat business travelers and vacationers across the country and around the world. Anne Arundel County’s official Destination Marketing Organization executes strategic marketing, sales, and media campaigns that position the destination’s portfolio of brands in key markets to bolster the economy and enhance employment opportunities.