Downtown Annapolis Holiday Shopping: Midnight Madness Returns For Late-Night Fun

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Midnight Madness will return to Annapolis this month. Downtown retailers will stay open late for holiday shopping on the first three Thursdays of December.

The event will start at 4 p.m. and run until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9. On Dec. 16, the festivities will last till 11 p.m.

Decorations will line sidewalks and businesses from West Street down to City Dock. The decor will include everything from a Christmas tree and a menorah to wreaths and light canopies.

This spirit earned Annapolis a spot on Country Living's rankings of the best holiday towns in the country. The state capital also appeared in 24/7 Wall St.'s list of the most festive Christmas cities in America.

"You will love strolling outdoors, shopping, enjoying entertainment, and dining in the historic district of Annapolis this holiday season," said Erik Evans, executive director of the Downtown Annapolis Partnership.

Evans encouraged visitors to shop during the first or last two hours of Midnight Madness to avoid the crowds at the 90 downtown stores. Many of the 80 local restaurants will also have outdoor seating for those who prefer to space out. Anybody who wants to participate from home can browse retailers' catalogs at this link.

Judy Buddensick, a board member of the Downtown Annapolis Partnership, played a major role in planning the Midnight Madness entertainment. This was Buddensick's 22nd year coordinating the festivities. Buddensick will show her holiday cheer by dressing as Elfie during Midnight Madness.

"The event would not be the same without her," Downtown Annapolis Partnership Chairman Matt Schatzle said. "If you see Elfie out that night on the sidewalk[,] be sure to thank her."

Schatzle also thanked these sponsors: Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, Visit Annapolis, RBC Wealth Management, What's Up? Magazine, Eye On Annapolis and Deihl's Produce.

"Without them, there would be no holiday decorations on public property in downtown Annapolis," Schatzle said.

Along with Midnight Madness, many downtown stores extended their hours throughout December. Several will stay open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Visitors Center at 26 West Street will be open daily to offer suggestions and answer questions.

More information on Midnight Madness is posted at midnightmadnessannapolis.com.

Free Downtown Parking

Annapolis is offering several free parking options to encourage Marylanders to shop downtown this season. Guests can get:

• Three Hours Free At Meters (Nov. 29 through Dec. 31): The first three hours are free. Drivers can get a fouth hour free by using the code "ParkDTA" on the ParkMobile application.
• Free Weeknight Parking (Year-Round): The Calvert Street Garage, located at 19 St. John’s Street, is free all year on Mondays through Fridays from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The Whitmore Garage at 25 Clay Street will be free during the Midnight Madness shopping events on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Free Weekend Parking (Year-Round): The Calvert Street Garage is also free on weekends. The Whitmore Garage is free Sundays until 4 p.m.
• Park, Shop & Dine Validations (Year-Round): About 30 downtown businesses have free parking all year through the Park Shop & Dine inititive. Customers of these establishments can ask for a four-hour parking validation for the Gott’s Court, Hillman, Knighton and Park Place garages.

City residents are also eligible for two hours of free parking in the Gott’s Court, Hillman, Knighton and Park Place garages. Annapolitans can redeem this perk by visiting the offices in those garages or stopping by the city's parking headquarters at 60 West Street, Suite 106.

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