By Lisa A. Lewis
Every December—the second Saturday of the month to be exact—something truly magical happens. Boats festively decorated with thousands of beautifully colored lights emerge from the darkness and make their way into the Annapolis Harbor.
That’s right: The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade, one of Annapolis’ time-honored and beloved holiday traditions, takes place on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. The boats circle the waterfront in two fleets: one circling in front of Eastport, the City Dock, and the Naval Academy seawall, the other circling the length of Spa Creek, inside the idge.
Bring your family and friends, and cele ate the holiday season as you watch this festive parade and cheer on the beautifully decorated boats and their crews. It’s truly a sight to see.
Where can you watch the parade? Good question. For information about viewing sites, visit http://www.eastportyc.org/parade-map.
You can also watch the parade from the decks of the Harbor Queen, which is decorated and open to the public and in her normal slip at the end of City Dock, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Can’t attend the parade this year? No worries. The parade is live on the Internet via LiveStream.com. How great is that?
For information (and instructions) on how to watch the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade from anywhere in the world, visit www.eastportyc.org/parade-details.
Whether you watch the parade from a viewing site along the waterfront or on your mobile device, make sure you don’t miss this fun Annapolis holiday tradition. It’s definitely a must-see event.
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*Did You Know?
The year 2014 marks the 32nd Annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade in Annapolis Harbor. The parade is one of Annapolis’ signature events.
Source: Eastport Yacht Club
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Cele ate the joy of the holiday season during Christmas in St. Michaels, which takes place Friday through Sunday. An annual tradition, several festive events are planned that are sure to help you get in the holiday spirit.
Kick off the weekend at the Holiday Gala on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Harbourtowne Resort. This festive event features cocktails, a seated dinner, a dessert buffet, and dancing to the music of the XPDs.
Tickets are $150 per person and must be purchased in advance, so act quickly. Purchase your ticket online at www.christmasinstmichaels.org, or call 410-745-0745.
Don’t miss the Talbot Street Parade on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy this traditional Christmas parade that features marching bands, antique cars and boats, fire engines, horses, and much more. Watch your child’s eyes light up with delight when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on an antique sleigh. Come early, so you can find a great spot along the parade route. Bring a lawn chair, and just enjoy the fun.
Check out the Tour of Homes, one of the highlights of Christmas in St. Michaels. The tours, which feature four lovely homes, take place Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 during the event.
Christmas in St. Michaels also features a Marketplace, a Ginger ead House Display, a Model Train and Christmas Village Display, Christ Church’s Christmas Bazaar, Santa’s Wonderland, delicious holiday meals and tasty culinary treats, festive holiday music, and much more.
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.christmasinstmichaels.org.
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*Cele ating 28 Years of Community Service
Christmas in St. Michaels is an all-volunteer charity fundraising event. All proceeds benefit non-profit groups that serve the Bay Hundred area. The event has raised more than $1 million since its founding in 1987.
Source: Christmas in St. Michaels
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Navy Midshipmen football fans definitely have a reason to cele ate. The much-anticipated Navy vs. Army game returns to Baltimore this year. That’s right: The Navy Midshipmen host the Army Black Knights on Saturday at 3 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium.
Want even more good news? Sure you do. ESPN has announced that “College GameDay,” the channel’s college football show, is coming to Maryland for the first time. The show will oadcast from the Inner Harbor on the morning of the game.
So don’t miss out on one of Annapolis’ time-honored traditions. Head to Baltimore, and cheer the Midshipmen on to victory. The game returns to Baltimore in 2016.
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*Fun Stats
- Navy Midshipmen vs. Army Black Knights
- Total Series Games: 114
- Series Record: Navy 58, Army 49, Tied 7
- Series Began: 1890 - Navy won, 24-0
- Last Year's Game: Navy won, 34-7
- Current Streak: Navy, 12
Source: armynavygame.com
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Check out some other events taking place this weekend—and don’t miss out on the special holiday festivities:
Annapolis/Anne Arundel County:
- Ring, Sing & Cele ate – December 12, 8 p.m. at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Severna Park.
- Cele ation of Christmas – December 12, 8 p.m. at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis.
- Chesapeake Ballet Company's The Nutcracker – December 14, 1 p.m. at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, Annapolis.
- Christmas Candlelight Concert – December 14, 4 p.m. at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Annapolis.
- The Talent Machine Company presents A Rockin' Holiday – December 14, 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s College, Annapolis.
Eastern Shore:
- Open Mic & Jam – December 11, 7 p.m. at Realerevival Brewing, Cam idge.
- Friday Night Live Music – December 12, 4 p.m. at Harry’s on the Green, Denton.
- 2nd Fridays in Berlin – December 12, 5 p.m. at downtown Berlin.
- Troika Gallery Anniversary Group Show – December 13, 10 a.m. at Troika Gallery, Easton.
- Santa's Magic Workshop – December 13, 4 p.m. at Martinak State Park, Denton.
Regional:
- Deathtrap – December 12, 8 p.m. at Everyman Theatre, Baltimore.
- U.S.A. Gymnastics Competition: Christmas on the Chesapeake – December 13, 9 a.m. at Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore.
- Washington Wizards vs. Utah Jazz – December 14, 6 p.m. at Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
To view more events taking place this weekend, please owse our online calendar. And be sure to follow What’s Up? on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
