The Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB) wants to make it easy for individuals to enjoy the many exciting events and activities that will be taking place in Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay throughout December 2014. To assist individuals who are making advance plans for business, vacation or holiday travel, the AAACCVB has put together a December 2014 Major Events Calendar. For a more comprehensive overview of events large and small, visit VisitAnnapolis.org.
Lights on the Bay
Mid-November – January 1, 2015
Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. nightly, weather permitting
Admission: $14/car; $29/mini buses and trolleys; $50/bus
www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/southern/sandypoint.asp
Don’t miss this spectacular drive-through holiday lights show beside the Chesapeake Bay. The two-mile scenic drive includes approximately 70 animated and stationary displays, including traditional Maryland-themed favorites, holiday and children’s displays. This year’s lights display will include two new themes: North Pole Village and Enchanted Fairy Tales. Proceeds benefit Anne Arundel Medical Center.
City Hall Holiday Open House
Thursday, December 4
160 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis
Second Floor, City Council Chambers
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Annapolis Mayor Michael Panteledes invites you to join him for holiday music and refreshments at a holiday open house at City Hall. Donations of non-perishable canned goods for the local food bank are welcome.
Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping
Thursdays, December 4 and 11
Downtown Annapolis
6:00 p.m. to midnight
Admission: Free
http://www.annapolisbusinessassoc.com/
Lights, garland, action! Historic Annapolis shops throw open their doors in a glorified block party that is open to all. Enjoy musical performances as well as food and refreshments at many stores as you stroll along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, inner West Street, and State Circle in search of that perfect gift. Explore the uniqueness that makes downtown Annapolis so appealing at this magical time of year. Sponsored by Annapolis Business Association.
U.S. Naval Academy Pipes and Drums Concert
Friday, December 5
U.S.N.A.’s Mahan Hall
7:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
410-293-8497
http://www.usna.edu/Music/schedule/
Join the U.S. Naval Academy’s Pipes and Drums as they perform their fall concert – complete with highland dancers, Celtic instruments and a few extra surprises.
A Hogshead Holiday
Friday, December 5
43 Pinkney Street, Annapolis
Admission: $10/adult; Free/children 12 and under
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
410-267-7619
Historic Annapolis invites you to experience an 18th-century Christmas with the lively Hogshead staff. Sample treats as well as the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages the working class enjoyed, including Switzel, a combination of apple cider vinegar, water, cinnamon, and sweetener. As you enter the candlelit Hogshead, costumed interpreters will regale you with stories of past celebrations. Each ticket purchased enters your name into a raffle to win a genuine elk leather shoulder bag, hand-crafted by an expert colonial craftsman. The bag is on display at the Historic Annapolis Museum Store, 99 Main Street. Reservations required.
Holiday Candlelight Stroll
December 5, 6, 12, 19, 20
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Admission: $16/adult; $12/children under 12
Tours depart from the Information Booth at City Dock, Annapolis
410-268-7601
Learn about the origin of holiday traditions – including the significance of evergreens, Yule logs, Christmas trees and Santa Claus. The stroll along festive Annapolis streets is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
Hack and Slash Christmas Show
Thursday, 12/18 at 8:00 p.m.; Fridays, 12/5, 12 and 19 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 12/6, 13 and 20 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Sundays, 12/7 and 14 at 3:00 p.m.
Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park
Studio 194 Theatre
Admission: $35-$55
410-636-6597
The Baltimore area’s most popular Christmas comedy event is back! Hack and Slash presents: “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Join Spencer “Slash” Humm, the Christmas Ninjas, many of your favorite performers from Christmas Specials past, and some talented and funny new friends as they take you on a magical holiday journey through twelve days that you won’t forget! Music, comedy, action and crazy variety arts abound in this yuletide extravaganza. This year, each show will be a little different with surprise guests and fast-and-loose comedy improvisations.
End of Year/Kwanzaa Celebration
Saturday, December 6
Banneker-Douglass Museum, 84 Franklin Street, Annapolis
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Admission: Free
410-216-6189
Help us celebrate Kwanzaa and the 2015 theme: “Practicing the Culture of Kwanzaa: Living the Seven Principles.” The program celebrating the African-American and Pan-African holiday will wrap up the museum’s 30th Anniversary Celebration. Grand prizes will be awarded to lucky winners in the yearlong 30 @ 30 contest. Reservations are encouraged, but not required.
State House Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 6
100 State Circle, Annapolis
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Come and experience the beauty of Maryland’s historic State House as you enjoy the sounds of youth choruses and musicians by the glow of the State’s official Christmas tree.
Wreath-making Workshop
Saturday, December 6
Historic London Town and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater
10:00 a.m. – Noon
Admission: $35/wreath; $35/centerpiece; $55/both
410-222-1919
Let expert wreath-makers show you how to create a unique holiday wreath and/or candle centerpiece with natural greenery, bows and ornaments. Supplies are included in the price.
London Town Holiday Dance and Tea
Saturday, December 6
Historic London Town and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Admission: $5/members; $7.50/non-members
410-222-1919
Bring the family to experience colonial-style dance, enjoy some warm tea and learn 18th-century etiquette.
Annapolis Chamber Players’ Candlelight Concert
Saturday, December 6
Charles Carroll House, 107 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis
3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Admission: $35.00
410-349-1856
www.AnnapolisChamberPlayers.org
Enjoy festive chamber music and seasonal favorites performed by the Annapolis Chamber Players in the intimate setting of the 1706 home of Maryland Declaration of Independence signer Charles Carroll. Guest harpist Maryanne Meyer will be featured in a program that includes a performance of Ravel’s “Introduction and Allegro.”
A Cappella Holiday Show
Saturday, December 6
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
7:30 p.m.
Admission: $12/non-members; $9/members & students (plus ticket fees)
410-263-5544, 410-280-5640
The Philadelphia-based a cappella group, KeyStone, presents an evening of classic and contemporary holiday-themed favorites for all ages. Members of the six-voice group collectively have more than 100 years of experience in vocal and theatrical performance.
29th Annual Holiday Open House
Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7
Historic Benson-Hammond House, 7101 Aviation Blvd., Linthicum
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
410-974-6854 or 410-544-8473
The Ann Arrundell County Historical Society presents “Memories of Christmas Morning.” The Benson-Hammond House will be decorated for the season with festive greenery, the Polar Express Train under the tree and children’s toys in every room. Share punch and cookies with old friends and new as you travel back in time to celebrate Christmas in the 1820’s farmhouse. This will also be your last chance to see the Sandra Sue Dollhouse on loan to the Historical Society. It was created in the 1950’s by the former Richwood Toy Company of Eastport, Maryland.
68th Annual “Messiah” Concerts
Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7
U.S. Naval Academy Chapel
Saturday: 8:00 p.m.; Sunday: 3:00 p.m.
Admission: $36, $31, $21
410-293-8497
Continuing a long-standing tradition, the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club joins with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and soloists from the Metropolitan Opera Company to present selections from Handel’s beloved “Messiah” conducted by Dr. Aaron Smith, U.S.N.A. director of musical activities. This beautifully elegant concert has been broadcast on public television stations both regionally and nationwide.
Boxwood Wreath-making Workshop
Friday, December 6 and Wednesday, December 10
Charles Carroll House, 107 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis
Friday, 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.
Admission: $40.00
410-269-1737
Create a beautiful boxwood wreath for the holidays in the 1706 home of Maryland Declaration of Independence signer Charles Carroll. Supplies and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so sign up early.
Arundel Vocal Arts Society Holiday Present
Sunday, December 7
Eastport United Methodist Church, 926 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis
3:00 p.m.
Admission: $20; Children free
Join members of the Arundel Vocal Arts Society for a holiday concert featuring Dvorak’s “Mass in D Major” as well as “A Highland Carol,” an adaptation of a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, and other songs of the season. Come prepared to sing.
Celebration of Christmas
Friday, December 12
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
8:00 p.m.
Admission: $45 (plus ticket fees)
410-263-1906
Live Arts Maryland presents a beloved local tradition and the longest-running holiday event in the region. The holiday concert includes your favorite carols “being sung by a choir” – a very big choir, the Annapolis Chorale! – holiday readings and guest artists. This year’s special guests are soprano Marnie Breckenridge and Broadway performer Marissa McGowan.
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
Saturday, December 13
Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
410-267-9549
Every year in December, magic happens on the waters of the Annapolis Harbor. Boats illuminated with thousands of colored lights and crewed by jolly revelers suddenly appear in the cold wintry night. Families and friends gather at their favorite viewing spots along the waterfront to enjoy the yearly spectacle.
West Annapolis Holiday Magic
Saturday, December 13
Annapolis Street, West Annapolis
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
410-295-5157
Don’t miss the family-friendly shopping event in West Annapolis. Take advantage of free parking. Sponsored by the West Annapolis Business Affiliation.
Carols by Candlelight
Saturday, December 13
St. Anne’s Church, 199 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis
8:00 p.m.
Admission: $37/adult; $12/pre-sale student (plus ticket fees)
410-263-1906
Live Arts Maryland presents Grammy nominee, violinist Jenny Oaks Baker, with J. Ernest Green, the Annapolis Chorale Chamber Chorus, Cantori and members of the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra performing carols of the season in the intimate setting of St. Anne’s Church.
“The Nutcracker”
Saturdays-Sundays, December 13-14 and 20-21
Saturdays: 7:00 p.m.; Sundays: 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Admission: $47/adult; $38/senior; $27/student; $22/child (plus ticket fees)
410-224-5644
The Ballet Theatre of Maryland invites you to the most famous Christmas Party of all time – “The Nutcracker,” where the possibility of dreams, the magic of Christmas and the wonder of the child merge through young Clara’s adventures with mechanical dolls, life-size rats, and whirling kingdoms of snow and sweets. Help Clara rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell and discover her true destiny. A free Sugar Plum Party takes place one hour prior to each Sunday performance.
Mostly Mozart
Sunday, December 14
Calvary Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis
3:00 p.m.
Admission: $37/adult $37; $17/student (plus ticket fees)
410-267-8135
The Annapolis Opera presents a concert of Mozart and Mozartian operatic arias and ensembles in anticipation of the company’s fully-staged production of Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte” in March 2015.
Annapolis Striders’ 36th Anniversary 15K Run
Sunday, December 14
Quiet Waters Park, 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis
Registration: 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.; Race: 10:00 a.m.
Admission: Free/members who have pre-paid for the Championship Series; $5/non-members; Race Day: $10/all runners, including Striders
The eighth leg of the championship series is a double-loop course on paved trails at Quiet Waters Park. A few hills and a winding path through the woods make for an interesting run. Registration, refreshments and the finish line are located in or adjacent to the Blue Heron Room.
11th Hour Downtown
Thursday, December 18
Maryland Avenue/State Circle and Downtown Annapolis Shopping Districts
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
http://www.annapolisbusinessassoc.com/
Seven days ‘til Christmas…and downtown merchants are ready to help you wrap up your shopping with gifts your family and friends will love! Need something for that hard-to-please brother? Maryland Avenue/State Circle and Main Street/City Dock are sure to have just the right gift. Enjoy musical performances as well as food and refreshments at many stores. Organized by the Annapolis Business Association.
“The Messiah”
Friday through Sunday, December 19-21
St. Anne’s Church, 199 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis
Friday and Saturday, 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, 3:00 p.m.
Admission: $37/non-member; $32/member; $12/student (plus ticket fees)
410-263-1906
Live Arts Maryland presents the Chamber Chorus of the Annapolis Chorale and the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra performing Handel’s timeless masterpiece at St. Anne’s Church.
Holiday Pops Concert: “A Broadway Holiday”
Friday, December 19
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
8:00 p.m.
Admission: $60/premium; $50/section A; $42/section B; $10/student (plus ticket fees)
410-263-0907
Presented by the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, “A Broadway Holiday” is reminiscent of the classic Bing Crosby Christmas specials, with a contemporary flair that celebrates the joys of life, music and family. The concert features the vocal duo Will & Anthony Nunziata with Jose-Luis Novo conducting.
Jazz on Sundays with Kristin Callahan
Sunday, December 21
Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park
Studio 194 Theatre
3:00 p.m.
Admission: $10-$15
410-636-6597
Individuals in the jazz scene who have heard Kristin Callahan sing are in agreement – she is a performer to watch in the years ahead. Kristin combines country charm and urbane hipness in concerts that keep her audiences hanging onto every note.
2014 Military Bowl
Saturday, December 27
U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Tailgate/9:00 a.m.; Pregame festivities/12:30 p.m.; Kickoff/1:00 p.m.
Admission
Tickets: 888-841-2787
The Military Bowl® presented by Northrop Grumman, benefiting the USO, will match a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) against an opponent from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) live on ESPN.
Annapolis New Year’s Eve Celebration 2014
Wednesday, December 31
Susan Campbell Park, City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: Free
410-263-7997
Enjoy family fun, arts, crafts, live music, entertainment and dancing. Festivities begin in the afternoon and build to midnight. Traditionally, a first round of fireworks takes place at 7:30 p.m. and the evening concludes with midnight fireworks.
The AAACCVB is a nonprofit, membership-based destination marketing organization that generates revenues for the local economy by promoting Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay to leisure and business travelers across the country and around the world.
Source: AAACCVB
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