In the beautiful town of Annapolis, Maryland, Christmas begins in mid-November. A good destination for family travel any time of year, Annapolis is a great place to get into the holiday spirit.
This historic port on the Chesapeake Bay kicks off the holiday season Nov. 18 by lighting the Christmas Tree at Town Center. From 6 to 8 p.m., there will be caroling, performers, hot chocolate and an appearance by Santa. Also beginning Nov.18, on weekends you can take your family on a horse-drawn carriage ride around Town Center Boulevard.
Beginning Nov. 20, a two-mile drive along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay through Sandy Point State Park bursts into color with Lights on the Bay, with more than 70 illuminated displays, many of them animated. The drive opens at 5 p.m. each evening through Jan. 2.
Nov. 25 through the end of December, your family can take a Jolly Express Cruise from Annapolis Harbor on the Miss Anne, with Santa at the helm. The boat sports a pair of reindeer antlers and a red nose for the occasion, and there will be hot cocoa and holiday music as you cruise the harbor.
Late in the afternoon of Nov. 27, the towering Christmas Tree next to the Market House at the Annapolis Docks will spring to life with the Grand Illumination. This free annual event is celebrated with carol singing, dancing, candy canes and hot chocolate.
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