GET OUTTA
TOWN!
annapolis
Perhaps no other place in the Capital Region rings in the
holidays with more traditional cheer than
Annapolis,
whose Colonial brick buildings and cobblestone streets bustle
with candlelight tours, costumed docents, strolling musicians,
browsing shoppers and eager merchants—a Currier & Ives print
come to life. November and December herald a host of festive
events, all within an hour’s drive of Arlington.
Capital of Maryland since Colonial times (and onetime U.S.
capital), Annapolis boasts one of the country’s densest
concentrations of historic homes, stretching back to the 18th
century. Tour one from each of the past four centuries during
the
Annapolis Candlelight Tour ($35), held on Friday, Nov. 3,
and Saturday, Nov. 4, by the
Historic
Annapolis Foundation.
(800) 603-4020
(410) 267-8146
From 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, the foundation is also
sponsoring its popular
Tavern Traipse ($35). Follow a Colonial re-enactor on
this walking—make that wobbling—tour of 18th century tavern
sites, at which you’ll sample rum punch and other libations and
take in period music, performances and tales. Reservations are
recommended for both HAF events.
Beginning on the 17th and running through Jan. 1, parents can
placate the kids while benefiting Anne Arundel Medical Center by
joining the drive-through Lights on the
Bay Christmas display ($12) at
Sandy Point State Park, off Exit 32 on Route 50, by the Bay
Bridge.
(443) 481-3161
December opens with candlelight tours of two historic
properties. From 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, join the
Historic Annapolis Foundation for
Music & Candlelight for the Holidays at its restored
18th century William Paca House ($4
adults, $2 children ages 6–12), home to Maryland’s Colonial
governor, a signatory to the Declaration of Independence.
186 Prince George St.
Also
from 7 to 9 p.m. on the 1st (or the following night if you
prefer), visitors can take the
State House by Candlelight tour, highlighted by band, choral group and ensemble
performances. A National Historic Landmark, the State House is
the country’s oldest state capitol still in continuous
legislative use.
State Circle
(410) 974-3400
Another popular holiday tradition is
Midnight Madness (6 p.m. till midnight, Thursday, Dec.
7, and Thursday, Dec. 14), when merchants along Main and West
Streets and Maryland Avenue stay open late to tempt shoppers
with holiday specials, munchies and musical performances.
On Saturday, Dec. 9, consider a holiday twofer. Muster on the
waterfront at 6 p.m. for the start of Eastport Yacht Club’s
annual
Lights Parade, as dozens of boats decked out with
holiday decorations ply Spa Creek and file past the City Dock.
Then stroll over to the U.S. Naval Academy Main Chapel by 8 p.m.
for
Handel’s Messiah,
a joint performance by the USNA Glee Club, Hood College Choir
and members of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Don’t worry if
the parade runs long—you can always catch the matinee
performance of Messiah at 3 p.m. Sunday.
And finally, if you have enough wind left in your sails, ride
out the waning yuletide at
First Night Annapolis,
a New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts at more than 40 venues
capped off by midnight fireworks by the City Dock.
For information on these and other holiday events in and around
Annapolis, check with the respective organizations or peruse the
events calendar at HometownAnnapolis.com.
Story by David Lauterborn
Images courtesy Historic Annapolis Foundation.
GET OUTTA TOWN
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