Holiday Events in Anne Arundel County, MD (2026): Lights, Tree Lightings and Markets
Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Anne Arundel County celebrates on the water: lighted boats in the harbor, a drive-through show by the Bay and three late-night shopping Thursdays in downtown Annapolis. Here's our 2026 list for Annapolis and the Bay, with the dates, times, costs and addresses we checked in early November. Tap any photo to go straight to the event's page.
Before you go: holiday hours and weather can change plans, so check the event's website the day you head out.
Anne Arundel County holiday events, in date order
Lights on the Bay
Photo: SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Nov. 23 through Jan. 3, evenings
Cost: See website
Good to know: A drive-through show along the Chesapeake that benefits the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.
Where: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis, MD 21409
Event page: lightsonthebaymd.org
Christmas Traditions by Candlelight at the William Paca House
Photo: Historic Annapolis. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Select dates, Nov. 27 through Dec. 26
Cost: Tickets required
Where: William Paca House, 186 Prince George St., Annapolis, MD 21401
Event page: annapolis.org/event/christmas-traditions-by-candlelight-at-the-william-paca-house
Grand Illumination
Photo: Visit Annapolis. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Sunday, Nov. 29
Cost: Free
Good to know: Downtown meters that qualify are free for the first three hours from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.
Where: Market House and City Dock, Annapolis, MD 21401
Event page: visitannapolis.org/blog/stories/post/things-to-do-this-holiday-season-in-annapolis-anne-arundel-county
Midnight Madness
Photo: Famartin (CC BY-SA 4.0). Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Thursdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17
Cost: Free to walk around
Good to know: Shops stay open late with specials.
Where: Downtown Annapolis, MD 21401
Event page: visitannapolis.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/midnight-madness
Annapolis Holiday Market
Photo: Annapolis Holiday Market. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Dec. 4 to 6 and Dec. 11 to 13
Cost: See website
Where: Annapolis, MD (location on the market's website)
Event page: annapolisholidaymarket.com
1776: Yuletide in Revolutionary Annapolis
Photo: Historic Annapolis. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Saturday, Dec. 5
Cost: See website
Where: Historic downtown Annapolis, MD 21401
Event page: visitannapolis.org/event/1776%3a-yuletide-in-revolutionary-annapolis/18316
Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival
Photo: Visit Annapolis. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Sunday, Dec. 6
Cost: See website
Where: First block of West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Event page: visitannapolis.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/annapolis-chocolate-binge-festival
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
Photo: Visit Annapolis. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Saturday, Dec. 12, evening
Cost: Free to watch
Good to know: Bring a blanket and get a spot by the water early.
Where: Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek, Annapolis, MD 21403
Event page: visitannapolis.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/eastport-yacht-club-lights-parade
Anne Arundel County holiday events: quick answers
When is the Eastport lights parade in 2026?
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, in the evening, on Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek. It's free to watch from the waterfront.
When is Midnight Madness in Annapolis?
Thursdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 2026, in downtown Annapolis.
Is there a drive-through light show near Annapolis?
Yes. Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park runs Nov. 23, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027.
Make it a holiday quest
How many can you check off before New Year's? A tree lighting, a lights show and a holiday market. One is Elf level, two is Reindeer, all three is Santa. Tag us on Instagram when you finish your quest.
More Maryland holiday guides
Visiting family in another county? Our Maryland holiday events guide links to every county we cover. Maryland holiday events by county
Thinking about home in Anne Arundel County?
If the holidays have you thinking about a move within Anne Arundel County or anywhere in Maryland, or you're just curious what your home is worth, we're happy to help. No pressure.
We're Steven and Jacqui Saucedo of The Saucedo Team. For more than 10 years we've helped people buy and sell homes across Maryland, and we're proud to be one of the top-performing teams in the DMV and one of the top bilingual (English/Spanish) teams in the region. Questions about your home or the market? Reach out anytime at steven@thesaucedoteam.com or (240) 778-8260.
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