Photo by John Parsons
Plan Ahead for Best Parking, Shuttles, and Viewing Locations
Annapolis, Maryland – The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade returns to Annapolis at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 13 with thousands expected along Spa Creek and Ego Alley to watch one of Annapolis’ top holiday traditions. With improvements ongoing at Annapolis City Dock, attendees are encouraged to plan ahead for parking, shuttles, and alternative viewing spots.
Please note that the Eastport/Spa Creek bridge drawspan will be up for a significant portion of the event. The first part of the viewing journey begins with deciding which side of the bridge to stay on for the duration of the Eastport Lights Parade event. While the bridge itself makes an excellent perch for viewing the Lights Parade, visitors may not be able to cross from one side to the other.
The City’s Office of Emergency Management will send traffic advisories for those signed up to receive text alerts. Text LIGHTS2025 to 38276 to receive text notifications.
VIEWING FROM DOWNTOWN
Downtown Parking & Magenta Shuttle: In downtown, the best value parking is at Park Place garage ($5 after 5 p.m.) where guests can take the free Magenta Shuttle into downtown. Mills Hillman, Gott’s, and Knighton garages are also on the Magenta Shuttle route (although these garages are expected to fill early). Consider taxi or ride share, with best drop-off location in at St. Mary’s and Compromise Streets.
City Dock Construction Advisory: Due to active construction at Annapolis City Dock (between Craig Street and Susan Campbell Park), many waterfront areas that have traditionally been used for Lights Parade viewing are currently inaccessible. The area on the waterfront promenade between Randall Street (at the top of Ego Alley) and Craig Street (where the construction fence starts) is an available viewing area, but plan to arrive early to secure a spot. Watermark Cruises will be hosting a viewing boat at the end of Prince George Street with a suggested donation to the Eastport Yacht Club Foundation (no reservations required).
Street End Viewing Locations in Downtown: Consider any of the street end parks along Spa Creek including (on the downtown side) Market, Shipwright & Revel Streets, Acton Cove, Southgate, Taney & Cheston Avenues, Lafayette Park, and Monticello Avenue. Be alert to parking restrictions on these streets.
VIEWING FROM EASTPORT
Eastport Parking & e-Shuttle: To improve traffic flow into the neighborhoods on the peninsula, Eastport residential streets and street-end waterfront areas will be restricted to local access only. This approach can also help alleviate bottlenecks on the peninsula after major events. As always, blocking driveways and fire hydrants will result in enforcement action (towing). Visitors should utilize Public Parking lots (SAYC or Annapolis City Marina) or take public transit to our Eastport hub on Monroe street then take the free Eastport Trolley to the waterfront. Limited free parking is available in the teacher’s lot at Eastport Elementary School.
Street End Viewing Locations in Eastport: Primrose Road (Truxtun Park), Burnside Street, and the numbered streets (the boats turn around just past First Street) make excellent viewing locations on the Spa Creek side. Please be alert to parking restrictions on these streets.
Marine Safety: A marine safety exclusion zone will be enforced in an area that includes all of Spa Creek and the Severn River between Triton Light and Horn Point Light. Vessels must remain clear of the marked channel and follow direction from the Annapolis Harbormaster and U.S. Coast Guard.
