Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Holiday Season

11-23-2011

 Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau Invites 

Visitors to Experience the Magic of the Destination 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.

Anne Arundel County Holiday Farmers Market
Saturdays through December 24
7 a.m. to Noon
Harry S. Truman Parkway and Riva Road, Annapolis
Admission: Free
410-349-0317
www.aacofarmersmarket.com

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.

SPCA “Black Friday Sale”
Friday, November 25
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis
Admission: Free
410-268-4388
www.aacspca.org

Qualified applicants are invited to select from adoptable dogs, cats, or small animals with black or partially black fur to receive half off adoption fees. A November 25-26 merchandise sale will include SPCA clothing, pet toys, cages and miscellaneous pet items.

Messiah Sing-Along
Sunday, November 27
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
St. James Episcopal Church, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, MD
Admission: Free. All donations will benefit the Salvation Army
410-867-2838
www.stjameslothian.com

Join music director Michael S. Ryan, retired US Marine Band soloist and master of ceremonies, for the 25th annual community sing-along to herald in the holiday season. Since 1987, Ryan has gathered former school glee club, chorus and choir members into the small historic church and led them, without rehearsal, in a performance of Handel's oratorio. The piece was written just 22 years before the church as built. All are invited to sing along in the hour-long performance. A candlelight reception follows.

Lighting of the Annapolis Christmas Tree
Sunday, November 27
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Market House, Hopkins Plaza, Annapolis
Admission: Free

Join all of Annapolis at Market House Hopkins Plaza in downtown Annapolis to kick off the holiday season. Watch Santa arrive by horse and carriage and enjoy dancing and carols sponsored by the Annapolis Jaycees.

Lights on the Bay 
Through Sunday, January 1
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly, weather permitting
Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis
Admission: $14/vehicle
443-481-3161
www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/southern/sandypoint.asp

Don't miss this spectacular drive-through holiday lights show beside the Chesapeake Bay. The event features traditional Maryland-themed favorites along with Penguin Village, North Pole and Whimsical Fairy Tale displays. Proceeds benefit Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Historic Annapolis Gingerbread Contest
Thursday, December 1 to Sunday, January 1
Historic Annapolis Museum, 99 Main Street, Annapolis
410-267-7619
www.annapolis.org

Nowhere in the world is there a greater repertoire of gingerbread recipes than in America. With a rich choice of ingredients, baking aids and decorative items, the imaginative cook can create beautiful houses and centerpieces. Professional chefs and amateurs alike are invited to compete in Historic Annapolis Foundation’s annual gingerbread contest. Prizes are awarded on December 10.

Jolly Express Holiday Lights Tour
Thursday through Sunday, December 1-31
Tours begin at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: $21 for adults and $12 for children under 12
410-268-7601 x100
www.watermarkjourney.com

Hop aboard the Miss Anne for a Spa Creek Holiday Lights Tour aboard the Jolly Express. The 24-foot tug-style vessel is 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.

Children’s Gingerbread Decorating
Friday, December 2
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
SugarBuns in the Kitchen, 137 Prince George Street, Annapolis
Admission: Free to children 4 to 7 years old
207-216-6666

SugarBuns in the Kitchen owner Danie Connolly and her happy staff of elves help children decorate classic cookies for the holidays. Space is limited. Early sign-ups are recommended.

Historic Annapolis Open House
Friday, December 2
Various Historic Annapolis locations
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free
410-267-7619
www.annapolis.org

The Historic Annapolis Museum at the St. Clair Wright Center, William Paca House and Garden, Shiplap House, Museum Store, Waterfront Warehouse, and Hogshead at 43 Pinkney Street, welcome visitors for the evening, compliments of Historic Annapolis Foundation.

State House by Candlelight
Friday and Saturday, December 2-3
7 p.m. to 9 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.

Holiday Candlelight Stroll
Fridays, December 2, 9 and 16 
Saturdays, December 3 and 17
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tours depart from the Information Booth at City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: $21 adult / $12 children
410-268-7601
www.watermarkjourney.com

Learn how holiday traditions got started, from the significance of evergreens, yule logs and Christmas trees, to the story of Santa Claus. The hour-long stroll led by a guide in colonial attire brings out the holiday spirit in everyone!

Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 3
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
National Wildlife Visitor Center, Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel
Admission: Free
301-497-5630
www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent

Help support the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and Patuxent Research Refuge by selecting unique gifts from new and gently used treasures.

Historic Annapolis Foundation’s Wreath-Making Workshop
Saturday, December 3
10 a.m. to Noon
William Paca Garden, 1 Martin Street, Annapolis
Admission: $40 general public, $35 Historic Annapolis members. Reservations required.
410-267-7619
www.annapolis.org

Add a handmade touch to your holiday decorations by creating a Colonial Revival wreath during a hands-on workshop. Expert floral arrangers will teach the fundamental techniques of making a classic evergreen wreath. Clipped boxwood, wreath forms, and basic supplies are provided. Participants may also personalize their wreathes with a variety of greens, fruit, seedpods, ribbons, and other decorative materials that they bring from home.

Hanging of the Greens
Saturday, December 3
410-224-1775

Hanging of the Greens is an annual Annapolis Jaycees’ signature project. Local merchants contract with the Jaycees to decorate storefronts with holiday greens, lights, wreaths, and bows, transforming the Historic District into a beautiful holiday town.

65th Annual Handel's Messiah Concert with the ASO
Saturday and Sunday
[Back to Press Releases Main]