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Enjoy the holiday décor around Annapolis as you take a journey into what made Christmas the holiday celebration it is today! Annapolis Tours℠ by Watermark® is happy to announce its Holiday Candlelight Stroll will return for the 2015 holiday season. On this walking tour, a Colonial period-dressed guide leads guests through the historic district by candlelight and shares the origin of many holiday customs. The tour culminates with a guided tour inside the historic Hammond Harwood House decorated for the holidays, included in the ticket price. Holiday Candlelight Stroll is a pleasant remembrance of Christmas past.
“We are excited to again partner with the beautiful Hammond Harwood House for this popular holiday tour. This is the second year our Candlelight Stroll will include an interior home tour; it adds the perfect touch of holiday – and historic – spirit to an already cheerful walking tour,” says Heather Skipper, Director of Land Operations, “Ending the night inside one of our most treasured homes is the perfect way to end an evening tour of the city’s historic district. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and join us!”
On the tour, glowing lanterns light your way as you take an evening stroll around Maryland’s historic State Capital, all trimmed in holiday greenery. During the jolly 1 ½ hour tour you will learn about the origin of many holiday customs. From the significance of evergreens, yule logs and even Christmas trees to the song “sing a song of sixpence, pocketful of rye…,” there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a glimpse into what made Christmas what it is today. The Hammond Harwood House will be decorated for the season according to this year’s theme, “At Home with the Harwoods: An 1830s Maryland Christmas.” The tour will include time in the home’s gift shop and holiday greenery sale.
Inside the Hammond Harwood House: The rooms and interpretation will highlight what the holidays would be like for the young Harwood family living in the mansion. William and Hester Ann Harwood were married in November 1834 and William’s birthday was Christmas Eve so it would be a very festive time of year for them. In terms of decorations think Charles Dickens – minimal decorating with greens and holly berries. This was the time when traditions like Christmas trees and Santa Claus were just being developed. In Annapolis, Twelfth Night (January 6th) was celebrated as the big celebration with friends. Christmas was a time for charity towards others and to be with family.
Offered on Friday and Saturday evenings (except December 12) from December 4-19. Tickets are $20/Adults, $12/Children 3-11, Free 2 & Under. Tours depart from the City Dock Information Booth at 7 p.m. 1 ½ hour tour. Advance reservations are recommended and available online at annapolistours.com. Private tours are available anytime.
Celebrate the holidays on the water with a Jolly Express Cruise! Cruises on the Bay™ by Watermark offers Spa Creek sleigh rides on weekends in December. Captain Santa, hot cocoa, holiday music and beautiful Spa Creek at night! $23/Adults, $13/Children under 12. For more information about the Jolly Express, visit cruisesonthebay.com. Private charters are available.
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