Holiday Light Shows Around Anne Arundel County

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Ready to get out and take the family to see some holiday lights? You have several options in Anne Arundel County:

Lights on the Bay in Sandy Point State Park is Under Way

Guest can see nearly 70 animated and stationery holiday light displays during the two-mile drive along Chesapeake Bay. Many of those displays are returning favorites, including a colonial village inspired by historic Annapolis and one of the US Naval Academy midshipmen tossing their hats in the air, guests will also be treated to two new themes this year: North Pole Village & Enchanted Fairy Tales.

For children exploring Lights on the Bay, there will be a nightly scavenger hunt and a drawing to win prizes.

Sponsored by Anne Arundel Medical Center, the Lights on the Bay is open to drivers from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. every night until Jan. 1. While discount coupons are available at many local retail locations, admission prices for cars entering the park is $15, for large passenger vans, $30, and for buses, $50. Lights on the Bay will offer a special military discount on Nov. 20, when park admission is reduced to $7 for cars with a valid military ID.

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

The annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade win the title of USA Today's Best Holiday Parade. Annapolis is no ordinary city, so Santa Claus is welcomed to town by boat rather than the typical Christmas parade involving snow and a sleigh.

This year's yacht parade will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek above the Spa Creek Bridge. This year marks the 34th annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade. For information on access points, check out the Parade Map link.

Where to Watch the Parade:

Eastport Bridge: If it's a warm or still night, this is the best vantage point. You can see the fleets both above and below the bridge and get a close-up look as they pass through the bridge. Note: The bridge will be closed to vehicles but open before the parade, at 6:45 and again at 7:45 p.m.
Naval Academy: The length of seawall bordering Spa Creek offers a long, unobstructed viewing area. Check ahead for Naval Academy security regulations that will be in effect.
City Dock: This is a perennial favorite spot for viewers where there is the choice of watching the boats collectively as they parade in the harbor or individually as they negotiate Ego Alley. The Alley spot offers the closest possible look at the decorations as well as the chicken wire and PVC pipe that support them.

Holiday Candlelight Stroll - 2016

Holiday walk through downtown Annapolis. $12-21. 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2-17, Fri. and Sat. except Dec. 10. Downtown Annapolis. Glowing lanterns light your way as you stroll around Maryland’s historic State Capital, all trimmed in holiday greenery. Walk along the streets of Annapolis, past colonial mansions, Victorian townhouses and quaint shops. Includes an interior tour of the historic Hammond Harwood House.

Illuminated London Town - 2016

See the Lord Mayor's Tenement illuminated with holiday lights. Sip hot cider and roast s'mores beside roaring fires in the historic area. Explore the gardens, illuminated with holiday lights. Discover colonial nighttime and holidays at a candlelit William Brown House, decorated for the season. Enjoy special performances in the gardens. $15-17 per car. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16. Historic London Town and Gardens, Edgewater.

»Photo of Lights on the Bay in Sandy Point State Park, Patch file photo