17th Annual Lights on the Bay

It's time to grab the car keys and pack up the kids to enjoy a brilliant experience that comes only once a year: an annual scenic drive that celebrates Christmas on the Chesapeake Bay.

Lights on the Bay, a two-mile long holiday light show, is underway at Sandy Point Park, located near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Every night, carloads of smiling families turn up their car stereo to play Christmas music, while enjoying the abundance of twinkling Christmas lights.

More than 60 glowing displays light up the night with images of Santa, gingerbread men and elves. Nautical living is celebrated as well, with a glowing lighthouse, Capital building, Navy midshipmen, oysters and blue crabs.

Two new displays debut this year, Up North Village and Candy Cane Lane. Santa Claus will be on hand weekends to welcome visitors to the park as well. 

"We are thrilled to be entering our 17th year of Lights on the Bay," said Victoria Bayless, President of the Anne Arundel Medical Center. "This event is a festive family destination for our community that benefits AAMC. It is a wonderful holiday tradition that allows people of all ages to take in the beautiful sights along the Chesapeake. To many, it's the official kickoff of the holiday season."

If you want to make your tour of the light show more memorable, leave the car and ride in a horse-drawn carriage instead. Make a reservation with Annapolis Carriage by calling 410-533-7428 or visiting annapoliscarriage.com. Blankets are provided for this 45-minute ride that allows visitors to forego the wait in line to enter the park.

According to Michelle Powell, Anne Arundel Medical Center's Media Director, there are interactive options for the whole family.

"Children can participate in a nightly scavenger hunt, that challenges them to find items within the show, answer display-related questions and enter a drawing to win prizes," said Powell. "With special glasses purchased at the door, secret three-dimensional images will appear within the displays."

What: 17th Annual Lights on the Bay
Where: Sandy Point Park
Dates: Seven nights a week (including holidays) through Jan. 2
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Why: A fundraiser for Anne Arundel Medical Center
Cost: $14/vehicle; $28.00/large passenger van, minibus and trolley; $50.00/bus
Contact: 443-481-3161.