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.
Winter Blooms at London Town
Call ahead for days and hours of operation.
Historic London Town and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater
https://www.historiclondontown.org/gardens
Enjoy stunning views of South River on a walk through ten acres of woodland and ornamental gardens. Be enchanted by the colorful berries of the Hollies (Ilex sps.) and Viburnum (Viburnum sps.). Take in the sweet smell of Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha). Explore a wide range of evergreen shrubs and ground covers, including Danae, Rhodea, Pieris, Illicium, and more. The real standouts are the white, pink, and red cold-hardy Camellias (Ackerman hybrids). Check out the Discover London Town exhibit in the Visitor Center and explore reconstructed colonial buildings, including the Lord Mayor’s Tenement and the Carpenter Shop. Enjoy a virtual tour of the National Historic Landmark William Brown House.
Winter Flowers from Around the World
Daily, except Tuesdays
Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Hammond-Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis
Hammondharwoodhouse.org
Tour the home adorned with floral displays inspired by flowers that bloom around the world in winter, including Winter Jasmine, Snowdrops, English Primrose, and Holly. Created by local garden clubs, the displays celebrate the home’s Decadent Décor: Global Imports in an Early American Port City exhibition which highlights early Annapolis residents’ furnishings from around the world. Reservations required.
Colonial Annapolis Holiday
Friday, November 13 – Sunday, December 6
Friday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 4:00 p.m.
William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George Street, Annapolis
www.annapolis.org
Celebrate the holidays at the William Paca House where William, Mary, and the household servants have prepared for the festive season. Experience the magic as docents lead you through the first floor of the house decorated in true colonial fashion. If you prefer, enjoy a virtual tour of the entire house and a docent led tour of the 2-acre William Paca Garden. Last guided tour departs at 2:00 p.m. Last entry for self-guided tours of the garden and a virtual tour of the house is 3:30 p.m. Reservations required for the docent-led tours.
Lights on the Bay
Friday, November 20 – 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.
A Christmas Carol
Friday, November 27 – Sunday, December 27
Annapolis Shakespeare Company, 1804 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis
http://www.annapolisshakespeare.org/index.html
Enjoy an in-person performance of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s original Helen Hayes Award-recommended production of the classic holiday story. A virtual option is also available.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 28
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Small businesses throughout Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
https://www.downtownannapolispartnership.org/
The locally owned restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and shops in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County are unique to the area. You can show local business owners you appreciate the personalized attention they offer by supporting them this day.
Holiday Stroll
Saturday, November 28
Annapolis Town Center, 1906 Town Center Blvd., Annapolis
https://www.visitatc.com/
Enjoy all-day entertainment as you stroll and shop at participating retailers who have opened their doors and overflowed their merchandise to the sidewalk. Sip, browse, and support women-owned businesses. Register for wreath-making workshops on the Green at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Pop-ups will sprinkle the property. Find the perfect tree in our Christmas tree lot, provided by Whole Foods.
Homestead for the Holidays
743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville
Saturday, November 28 through Sunday, December 20
https://homesteadgardens.com/
The store, nursery, and greenhouse are decorated with dozens of beautiful full-size and tabletop trees and doorways to inspire holiday decorating. For the 30th year, Homestead’s railroad will be on display in the greenhouse. Watch trains rumble down the track, enjoy a hot chocolate, and see elves hard at work in Santa’s workshop. Eight-foot nutcrackers and talking reindeer delight kids of all ages. In the outside nursery, the fire roars and a huge tree lights up the sky. Enjoy holiday music on weekends.
Artists Sunday
Sunday, November 29
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Artists galleries, studios, performance venues, and shops carrying locally made goods
https://www.downtownannapolispartnership.org/annapolis-events
Support Annapolis and Anne Arundel County’s local professional artists; find unique personal gifts; and invest in art that has a lasting legacy during this new national shopping movement. Shop the stores, buy tickets, or purchase gift cards by calling or visiting in person or online.
Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping
Thursdays, December 3, 10, and 17
December 3 and 10, 4:00 p.m. to midnight
December 17, 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Downton Annapolis
https://www.downtownannapolispartnership.org/midnight-madness
Enjoy the holiday decorations as you stroll along Main and West Streets, Maryland Avenue, State Circle, and Dock Street in search of that perfect gift. Check out Snowflake Alley, the holiday lights canopy over West Street, and the Christmas tree at Market space as you shop to support local businesses. Be sure to take advantage of the curbside pickup available.
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.
First Sunday Arts Holiday Market
Sunday, December 6
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
First block of West Street, downtown Annapolis
https://www.firstsundayarts.com/
Dine at outdoor cafes and enjoy live music as you browse among the creations of dozens of local and regional artisans in search of one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays. It’s a perfect time to explore art galleries and create your own artwork at West Street shops. If you prefer, you can patronize the artists via online shopping.
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 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.
Dining with the Loockermans
Saturday, December 12
10:30 a.m.
Hammond-Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis
Hammondharwoodhouse.org
Hammond-Harwood House curator Rachel Lovett and food historian Joyce White discuss the cooking and dining traditions of the house’s 19th century residents, both free and enslaved. Participants will receive a small box of historic treats to enrich the learning experience. Reservations required.
Nutcracker
Saturdays and Sundays, December 12-13 and 19-20
Ballet Theatre of Maryland
https://balletmaryland.org/
Enjoy in-person (location to be announced) and live streamed performances of this cherished holiday classic.
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!
Handel’s “Messiah” – reimagined
Thursday-Friday, December 17-18, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 19, 3:00 p.m.
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Church Circle, Annapolis
https://liveartsmd.org/index.php/season
To present one of the best loved and most often performed works (continuously performed since 1741) during COVID-19, Live Arts Maryland has reimagined it. The Annapolis Chorale will present the masterpiece via three small performances with very limited seating. A limited number of performers will sing, and the singers will rotate from performance to performance. Each concert will conclude with carols for the season.
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Friday, December 18
8:00 p.m.
The Music Center at Strathmore, Bethesda
https://annapolissymphony.org/
Enjoy a concert that will warm your heart on a cold winter’s night with holiday favorites and classical selections by Arcangelo Corelli, Johann Strauss, Scott Joplin, and Leroy Anderson, among others. Attendees will be emailed a link for the live streamed performance the day of the event.
Military Bowl
Monday, December 28
2:30 p.m. ET
https://militarybowl.org/
The Military Bowl presented by Perspecta, benefitting the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore (USO-Metro), matches an Atlantic Coast Conference team against an American Athletic Conference team. Visit website for updates on whether it will be a virtual or hybrid event.
