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.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Asia
Mar 17, 2025Take the Kids on a Dessert Train in Taiwan
There’s a reason Taiwan continues to grow in popularity among family travelers, from its kid-friendly attractions to tasty foods … and desserts. In fact, there’s even an experience blending two elements into one: a dessert train.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Hotels
Mar 17, 2025Santa Monica Beach Hotel Announces Curated Spring Programming
Take your family travels to Regent Santa Monica Beach this spring for a new collection of family-friendly programming. Families prioritize meaningful and immersive experiences when they travel, and this luxury resort is helping them do just that. Children and adults alike can expect hands-on educational activities, Easter fun and immersive experiences.
Hotels
Mar 17, 2025Immersive Fun for Families at InterContinental New York Barclay
If family travel finds you in the Big Apple this spring, InterContinental New York Barclay is the perfect accommodation for your group. The hotel will soon introduce its Camp Barclay offering, which is full of engaging activities designed for children, all done while enjoying the hotel’s many luxurious amenities.
Multigenerational
Mar 14, 2025Travel Company Provides Ultimate Mother-Daughter Travel Experience
While family travel is a great way to connect with the whole family, it's important not to forget about your one-on-one relationships with your kids. With busy schedules, finding meaningful time to spend together can be hard, especially for mothers and daughters. That’s where Girls’ Guide to the World comes in. GG2W is a leader in women-only travel, offering curated, smaller-group trips designed to foster deep connection, adventure and shared discovery through travel.
Hotels
Mar 14, 2025The Ultimate Family Getaway Awaits at New York Marriott Marquis
As family travel, specifically multigenerational travel, continues to increase in popularity, families are always on the lookout for family-friendly accommodations. One such hotel awaits in the heart of one of the most popular family travel destinations: New York Marriott Marquis in New York City. Find comfort, convenience and kid-friendly fun right in Times Square, near favorite attractions like M&M World, Central Park and Broadway’s theaters. The location also offers quick access to the city’s major transportation hubs. With New York Marriott Marquis as homebase, the magic of the city is right outside the lobby doors.
ShareThis