Annapolis Is One Of Best Christmas Towns In USA: Travel + Leisure

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The many holiday events Annapolis-area residents celebrate — the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade, the drive-through Lights On The Bay display at Sandy Point State Park, and Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping downtown — have again garnered national recognition.

Travel + Leisure magazine has ranked Annapolis at No. 15 in its America’s Best Towns for the Holidays list.

The competition was stiff, with the top spots going to a range of cities, from ski resorts to New England villages and the magic of Disney. The top 5 destinations picked are: Aspen, Colorado; Ogunquit, Maine; Vail, Colorado; Nantucket, Massachusetts; and Orlando, Florida.

"The sight of a town decked out with boughs of holly, among other Christmas decor, can send warmth all the way down to your toes — even in the midst of a blizzard," Travel + Leisure said.
"Whether you're returning home to see family and find yourself eagerly awaiting the 25-foot tree illuminated in your town square, or you're taking a solo trip to a seasonal destination this year and are ready to be met with holiday cheer, there's always a reason to visit one of the best Christmas towns in the USA. "

The travel site’s writers said of the Maryland capital:

"This military town along the Chesapeake Bay does plenty of pomp, circumstance, and tailgating during the holiday season. Annapolis boasts a plethora of Christmas lights, notably strewn on boats and along the water's edge. Downtown Annapolis also keeps its shops lit and open until midnight on a few Thursdays during December, which is called Midnight Madness."

Holiday events in Annapolis this month to check out, according to Visit Annapolis, include:

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

Head to Annapolis Harbor on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., to see boats illuminated with thousands of colored lights. Families and friends gather along the waterfront at their favorite viewing spots to see this yearly spectacle. The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is one of Annapolis' signature events.

Holiday Light Display Comes to Sandy Point State Park

Cruise the shore of the Chesapeake Bay during Lights On The Bay, which runs through Jan. 1. Weather permitting, the electric wonderland will be on full display nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. at Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis. Enjoy the electric show from the warmth of your car.

More than 60 animated and stationary displays reflect 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. The most anticipated sight is the 16-foot teddy bear lighting up the Chesapeake Bay.

With all proceeds going to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, you'll be treated to a spectacular show while contributing to a good cause.

Midnight Madness Thursdays

Enjoy treats and bargains during late-night shopping Dec. 8, from 4 p.m. until midnight and Dec. 15 from 4 to 11 p.m., where select stores in downtown Annapolis along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, and West Street will remain open late, giving bargain-hunters and last-minute shoppers an excuse to shop with holiday displays, treats, and special discounts and sales offered. Free parking is available during Midnight Madness at the Calvert Street Parking Garage (19 St. Johns Street) from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., and $2 evening garage parking from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. is available at the Whitmore Parking Garage (25 Clay Street). On-street metered parking is free with a two-hour limit. The free circulator bus runs along West Street, where there are parking garages.

More events, as outlined by the city, include:

Downtown Holiday Market: Thurs., Dec. 8 (4 to 10 p.m.); Fri., Dec. 9 and Sat., Dec. 10 (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.); and on Sun., Dec. 11 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). 1 Dock Street. Road closures along Dock Street. Between the Harbormaster’s office and Susan Campbell Park. Arts, crafts, food and handmade items. Details at www.annapolisholidaymarket.com.

Annapolis Santa Run: Sunday, Dec. 11 (3:15 to 7:30 p.m.). Annapolis and Anne Arundel County firefighters will ride through neighborhoods on antique fire trucks (with Santa) to collect unwrapped toys for distribution. Get the pickup routes and schedule at: annapolissantarun.com.

Naptown Half Marathon: Sun., Dec. 11 (7:30 to 12:30 a.m.). The Naptown Half Marathon will include rolling road closures in downtown. Taylor Ave. between Rowe Blvd. and King George St. will be closed from 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. follow Annapolis Police direction.

SoFo Ho-Ho: The South Forest (SoFo) Business Alliance is hosting a toy drive. The “SoFo HO-HO” will run though Dec. 13 with the distribution of gifts on Dec. 17. Check www.SoFoAnnapolis.com for drop-off locations.

Downtown Speedo Run: Sat., Dec. 17 (11 a.m.), starting at O’Brien’s Oyster Bar (113 Main Street). Spreading holiday cheer since 2006 with a toy drive and a run through downtown Annapolis in a Speedo. Details: Santa Speedo Run.

City Dock Menorah Lighting: Sun., Dec. 18 (5:30 p.m.). Chabad of Anne Arundel County will host the annual lighting of the City Dock Menorah after a caravan that begins at the Safeway on Housley Road.

Military Bowl Tailgate and Parade: Wed., Dec. 28 (10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.). Rolling road closures: Dock Street to Main Street to West Street to Taylor Avenue to Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Follow Annapolis Police direction.