Experience
Discover Annapolis Waterfront Hotel
Whether you’re looking forward to sailing on the Chesapeake Bay or exploring historic downtown, the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel puts you in the middle of the entire Annapolis experience. Just steps away from the US Naval Academy and the only hotel on the waterfront, our property features newly redesigned guestrooms with relaxed furnishings and welcoming amenities that promise a perfect stay. Take a seat in our inviting lobby, have a bite in our restaurant, and enjoy exceptional service in storied surroundings.
December Happenings in Annapolis
Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival
Sunday, December 1, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m
The Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival takes over the first block of West Street on Sunday, December 1, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., in a family-friendly celebration of all things cocoa. 2024 marks the 10th year of the event, and some new activities are coming your way!
Christmas Tree Lighting
Sunday, December 1, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m
The Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree will be held on December 1, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., with a special visit from dancers, musical performances, and the big guy himself, Santa! With the most enormous tree yet, enjoy a display of ornaments and lights downtown at Annapolis' City Dock. Make it an evening with a historic pub crawl and shop the garland-lined streets of boutiques to find the perfect gift for loved ones.
Midnight Madness
Thursdays, December 5 & 12, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. - Midnight
Thursday, December 19 | 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Don't miss Midnight Madness on Thursdays, December 5, 12 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until Midnight and December 19 from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., where select stores in downtown Annapolis along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, and West Street will remain open until midnight giving bargain-hunters and last-minute shoppers an excuse to get out and shop well into the night. The stores pull out all the stops with holiday displays, treats, special discounts, and sales for holiday shoppers.
Spectacular Holiday Light Display Comes to Sandy Point State Park
November 28 through January 1 | 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
There's no better way to get the whole family into the holiday spirit than cruising along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay during Lights On The Bay. Weather permitting, the electric wonderland will be fully displayed nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Sandy Point State Park (1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409). Take a night - or a couple of nights - to enjoy the electric show from the warmth of your car.
If you visit Annapolis for the holidays, you will not want to miss this singular event. More than sixty animated and stationary displays dazzle onlookers, young and old. Driving through the park, you'll see a collection of Old Time Annapolis, a colonial village, and the North Pole, along with some regional staples like Midshipmen throwing their hats at graduation, the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, and a Maryland Blue Crab; however, the most anticipated sight is the sixteen-foot teddy bear lighting up the Chesapeake Bay.
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Magic happens on the water of the Annapolis Harbor on Saturday, December 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., as boats suddenly appear out of the cold winter night illuminated with thousands of colored lights and crewed by jolly revelers. Families and friends gather along the waterfront at their favorite viewing spots to see this yearly spectacle and celebrate the holiday season. The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is one of Annapolis' signature events, and we invite you to join us as a participant in the parade or as a spectator cheering on the decorated boats and their crews. Find many options to safely enjoy the annual lights parade on our event calendar.
Annapolis Holiday Market
December 12-15, 2024
Enjoy shopping in person from 50 artists in the open air along City Dock in downtown Annapolis December 12-15, 2024. Enjoy Café dining and live entertainment to fill your afternoon before the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear! Dates soon to be announced!