Experience the Magic of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County this Holiday Season

 

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – Magical. That’s the word that best describes Annapolis and Anne Arundel County during the holidays. There’s an energy, a romance, an excitement in the air that stirs the imagination and awakens memories of long ago. Below are just a few of the many events that area residents and vacationers are invited to enjoy this holiday season. For more information, visit www.VisitAnnapolis.org. 

 

December 2010

Lights on the Bay 

November 20 - January 2

5:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis

Admission: $14/car

443-481-3161

 

Don't miss this spectacular drive-through holiday lights show beside the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to new exhibits, visitors will see the ever popular Dino-lights, Winter Fairy Tale, Teddy Bear, and Maryland-themed light displays. Proceeds benefit the Anne Arundel Medical Center.

 

Annapolis Youth Chorus' Holiday Concert 

Wednesday, December 1

7:00 p.m.

St. Anne's Church, Church Circle, Annapolis

Admission: Children free/Adults $15

410-263-1906

 

The Annapolis Youth Chorus (AYC) ushers in the holiday season with a family friendly holiday concert. Under the direction of Jill Woodward, the AYC, a part of the Live Arts Maryland, includes 28 young voices from private and public schools throughout Anne Arundel County. During this year’s holiday program, the treble-voiced choir will perform a concert that showcases angelic voices performing a variety of traditional holiday carols as well as much-loved choral works.

 

Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping

Thursdays, December 2 and 9 

6:00 p.m. - midnight 

Downtown Annapolis

410-349-4745

www.annapolismidnightmadness.com

 

Lights, garland, action! Historic Annapolis’ shops throw open their doors in a glorified block party that is open to all. Enjoy musical performances as well as food and refreshments at many stores as you stroll along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, inner West Street, and State Circle in search of that perfect gift. Explore the uniqueness that makes downtown Annapolis special. Sponsored by Annapolis Business Association.

 

Gingerbread Parade of Homes 

Thursday, December 2 - Sunday, January 2

410-267-8146

www.annapolis.org

 

Celebrate the holiday season with Historic Annapolis Foundation. The entire community – kids, youth groups, families, adults, architects, designers and professional chefs – has all been invited to create one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses. The confections will be displayed at area businesses throughout Annapolis’ Historic District. Pick up a map at 99 Main Street and cast your ballot for “Best in Show.” Awards will be presented December 18.

 

State House by Candlelight

Friday and Saturday, December 3-4

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Maryland State House, State Circle, Annapolis

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. 

 

Holiday Candlelight Stroll

Fridays & Saturdays, December 3 & 4; 10 & 11; 17 & 18 

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tours depart from the Information Booth at City Dock, Annapolis

Admission: $16/Adults, $10/Children 3-11, Age 2 & under/free. Reservations required.

410-268-7601, x111

www.watermarkspecialevents.com

 

Welcome the holidays with an evening stroll through Historic Annapolis. Glowing lanterns light the path as you wind your way along the streets of Maryland's historic state capital. Colonially clad guides help to bring the joys of past holidays to life.

 

Wreath-making Workshop

Saturday, December 4

10:00 a.m. - Noon 

William Paca House, 186 Prince George Street, Annapolis

Admission: $40/$35 for members and volunteers. Reservations required.

www.annapolis.org

 

Create your own unique holiday wreath during a hands-on Colonial Revival wreath design workshop. Expert floral arrangers teach the fundamental techniques. Basic materials are provided, but participants are invited to personalize their wreaths even further by bringing fruit, seed-pods, ribbons, and other decorative materials.

 

Christmas from Dublin

Saturday, December 4

8:00 p.m.

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis

Admission: $35

410-280-5640 (box office) 

www.marylandhall.org

 

Back by popular demand, the Three Irish Tenors perform classic songs of the season with an Irish flair. Experience a genuine Irish Christmas, filled with warmth and charm, direct from the Emerald Isle.

 

64th Annual Handel's Messiah Concert

Saturday and Sunday, December 4-5

8:00 p.m. Saturday and 3:00 p.m. Sunday

U. S. Naval Academy Main Chapel

www.usna.edu/music

 

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.

 

Children's Tree-Trimming Party

Sunday, December 5

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Captain Salem Avery House Museum, 1418 E.W. Shady Side Road, Shady Side, MD

Admission: Free. Reservations not required. 

410-867-4486

www.shadysidemuseum.org

 

Children of all ages are invited to this old-fashioned holiday celebration. Take part in a taffy pull, try your hand at period arts and crafts, listen to stories and songs of holidays past, and perhaps catch a glimpse of Father Christmas. Refreshments will be served. The Shady Side Rural Heritage Society has presented this holiday party for more than 20 years.

 

Tour the William Paca House with a Colonial

Sundays, December 5, 12, 19, 26

12:30 p.m., 1:30p.m., 2:30p.m., and 3:30p.m.

William Paca House, 186 Prince George Street, Annapolis

410-267-8146

www.annapolis.org

 

It took many people – servants, housekeepers, gardeners, and bakers – to run the elite 18th-century household of William and Mary Paca. Step back in time and allow one of these individuals, or perhaps even William or Mary Paca themselves, provide a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations that paved the way for holiday parties and celebrations at the Paca House. 

 

Live Arts Maryland: A Celebration of Christmas 

Thursday and Friday, December 9 and 10 

Thursday 7:30 p.m./Friday 8:00 p.m.

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis

Admission: $42/adults, $12/students

410-280-5640 (box office)

www.liveartsmaryland.org

 

Broadway stars Mark McVey and Christy Tarr-McVey join Live Arts Maryland and J. Ernest Green for this annual holiday bash. Mr. Green, the Annapolis Chorale, Annapolis Chamber Orchestra, and Annapolis Youth Chorus share a unique Annapolis tradition that combines great holiday music, thoughts for the season and plenty of holiday spirit!

 

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade 

Saturday, December 11 

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek

410-267-9549

www.eastportyc.org

 

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. Families and friends gather at their favorite viewing spots along the waterfront to enjoy this yearly holiday spectacle. 

 

Rob Levit Holiday Showcase

Wednesday, December 15

7:30 p.m.

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis

Admission: $15

410-280-5640 (box office)

www.marylandhall.org

 

In keeping with a local holiday tradition, musician Rob Levit returns to Maryland Hall with talented area performers for an enjoyable assortment of holiday music and carols. 

 

ASO's Holiday Pops Concert

Friday, December 17

8:00 p.m.

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis

Admission: from $25

410-263-0907 (ASO Box Office)

www.annapolissymphony.org

 

Annapolis celebrates the holidays with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Pops concert, this year featuring the acclaimed chamber ensemble, Capitol Quartet. 

 

Messiah Weekend at Historic St. Anne's

Friday – Sunday, December 17-19

Friday and Saturday, 8:00 pm/Sunday, 3:00 pm

St. Anne’s Church, Church Circle, Annapolis

Admission: $37/adults, $12/students

410-280-5640 (box office)

www.liveartsmaryland.org

 

Handel’s best known oratorio soars when performed by the Annapolis Chorale and Annapolis Chamber Orchestra in the near perfect acoustics of historic St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. 

 

Holiday Spectacular

Friday – Wednesday, December 17-22

7:30 p.m., Friday

2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., Saturday

10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., Sunday

7:00 p.m., Monday - Wednesday

St. John's Coll
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