What To Know Before You Go: Nutcracker Tea
brIt’s the most wonderful time of year, so fill your tea cup with holiday cheer as you experience the beauty and magic of Christmas at the holiday decked Loews Annapolis Hotel during What’s Up? Media’s Nutcracker Tea. The What's Up? Weekend Rundown
Annapolis
Recreating Historic Architectural Finishes: A Demonstration
brThursday, November 30th, 6:30 p.m.
brAs the celebration of the James Brice House’s 250-year anniversary continues, don’t miss this opportunity to meet further members of the project’s impressive preservation team. In this unique demonstration and lecture, historic interior finish experts, Christopher Mills and Erika Sanchez Goodwillie, will demonstrate methods of producing historic paints and traditional paintings techniques, discuss their portfolio of past work, and provide insight into the daily dilemmas that conservators in the field face with regard to preservation and restoration.
Melissa Etheridge: Merry Christmas, Baby
Thursday, November 30th, 8 p.m.
brMelissa Etheridge is one of rock music’s great female icons. Her critically acclaimed eponymous debut album was certified double platinum. In fall of 2016, Etheridge released Memphis Rock & Soul, her first album since 2014. Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, the album features original material as well as interpretations of classic songs from the legendary Stax catalog. For this special holiday shows, Melissa will be performing songs from her 2008 holiday album, A New Thought For Christmas.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
brJoin the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. This world premiere captures the magic and joy of Dickens’ Yuletide classic with Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s signature flair.
Holiday Greens Show Preview Party
brFriday, December 1st, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
brTour the beautiful Hammond-Harwood House decorated for the holidays, circa 1825. Preview beautiful and authentic holiday greens, available for purchase. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, and period drinks.
54th Holly Ball
brFriday, December 1st, 6–11 p.m.
brThe Severn Town Club will hold its 54th annual Holly Ball at the Westin Annapolis Hotel. The theme for this year’s event is “A Place for Hope”, in honor of Wellness House of Annapolis. Wellness House provides support to hundreds of local families whose lives have been touched by cancer. Enjoy an open bar and hors d’hoeuvres, dinner, dancing, live music by the Oracle Band, silent and live auction, and a 50/50 raffle.
U.S. Naval Academy’s Handel’s Messiah
brContinuing a long-standing tradition, the USNA Glee Club combines with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and soloists from the Metropolitan Opera Company to present selections from Handel's beloved Messiah on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon conducted by Dr. Aaron Smith, USNA Director of Musical Activities. This beautifully elegant concert has been broadcast on public television stations both regionally and nationwide.
Sixth annual DeCesaris/Prout Cancer Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk
brSaturday, December 2nd, 9 a.m.
brThe sound of jingle bells will fill the air as runners and walkers alike lace up for an Annapolis holiday tradition which funds Ovarian and Lung Cancer programs and research. The event will offer a 5K run course as well as a 3K walk course, along scenic trails throughout the park. Prizes for best holiday outfits are offered along with a post-race wellness expo and raffle.
West Annapolis Tree Trimming
brHelp decorate West Annapolis’ first ever neighborhood tree! Enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, and a special visit from Santa. Just bring a wrapped gift for children in the local foster care system. All gifts will be distributed through The Blue Ribbon Project.
State House by Candlelight
brSaturday, December 2nd, 5–9 p.m.
brEnjoy this annual open house featuring performances by young musicians and vocalists from throughout Maryland. The oldest State House in continuous legislative use in the nation will be adorned with 24 Christmas trees representing every Maryland county and Baltimore City.
Winter Kick-Off Party
brSaturday, December 2nd, 9 p.m.–12 a.m.
brCome join Broadneck Grill and Cantina and warm up for the weekend! Gather friends by the fireplace with live music, warm chili, and cranberry margaritas!
Paula Poundstone – Rams Head On Stage
brSaturday, December 2nd, 6:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
brFresh on the heels of the release of her hilarious new book, The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness, comedian Paula Poundstone is entertaining audiences around the country and leaving them complaining that their cheeks hurt from laughter and wondering if the random people she talks to are plants. Of course, they never are. On stage, Poundstone is known for her casual style, smart, observational humor, and a razor sharp spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend.
Chocolate Binge Festival
brSunday, December 3rd, 12 p.m.
brThe Chocolate Binge Festival returns for its third year! The street will have over 25 different chocolate vendors where you can purchase chocolate, cakes, cookies, fudge, truffles, caramels, bars, and more. The festival is very family friendly with kid’s activities including moon bounces, face painting, balloon making, children's choirs and bands, and more. For the adults, there is also a holiday art market to help you buy unique locally handmade gifts.
A Cantori Christmas
brLive Arts Maryland’s women’s ensemble, Cantori, opens the holiday season with its annual Christmas concert in the heart of Annapolis. Conducted by Laurie J. Hays and accompanied by Carolene Winter, the 15-member group will perform holiday music by Benjamin Britten, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Rutter and more. Special guests are Kerry Willingham, oboe, and student percussionists from Annapolis High School.
Arias & Encores
brSunday, December 3rd, 3 p.m.
brIs there room on stage for more than one diva? Find out during Arias & Encores, a one-of-a-kind concert, presented by the Annapolis Opera, as four leading ladies take the stage! Get ready for some show stopping performances, and maybe just a bit of competition, as sopranos Meroe Adeeb and Elizabeth Slaten, and mezzo-sopranos Nicole Levesque and Chrystal Williams pull out all the stops singing a mix of favorite arias, duets, operetta and other popular works.
Candlelight Concert
brSunday, December 3rd, 4–6 p.m.
brCelebrate the holidays with a concert of festive chamber music featuring Beethoven’s popular and beloved Septet, Op. 20 for winds and strings, Carl Nielsen's Serenata Invano, and holiday favorites. Enjoy chamber music in the intimate setting for which it was written. Get your tickets early and bring your friends to a one of a kind Annapolis musical feast!
Motown & More: A Holiday Celebration
brSunday, December 3rd, 7:30 p.m.
brLed by Musical Director multi-instrumentalist Gerry Gillespie (keyboards), the six-piece musical ensemble of Motown & More also features saxophonists Art Sherrod, Jr. and Eddie Baccus, Jr., while producing a nostalgic evening of fun and excitement.
Eastern Shore
Easton's Moonlight Madness Shopping Event
brFriday, December 1st, 4–9 p.m.
br"Moonlight Madness" returns to Downtown Easton to promote shopping in Easton for the holiday season! Growing off of the success of last year's event, this year will include live music, radio stations from Easton and Cambridge, pictures with Santa, caroling, in-store events, and raffle prizes worth over $5,000!
Dickens of a Christmas
brEnjoy a “Dickens of a Christmas” Friday, December 1st through Sunday, December 3rd throughout historic downtown Chestertown. This art–rich community promises a memorable weekend of Dickens–themed fun, including horse–drawn carriage rides, street theater, live music and caroling, children’s games, Dickensian food and drink, lectures and readings, Victorian teas, spirits tastings, antique bicycles, greenery workshops, historic homes tour, movies, and more. Saturday night brings a ticketed Party at the Fezziwigs to benefit the Kent County Food Pantry. It’s a fitting tribute to the author whose beloved A Christmas Carol defined the holiday as we celebrate it today.
A Very Slambovian Christmas
brFriday, December 1st, 7 p.m.
br“A Very Slambovian Christmas” has developed into one of the premier Slambovian events of the year, attracting fans from near and far. Drawing on a set list comprised of traditional Christmas songs with a twist, a sprinkling of original holiday tunes, and a generous helping of non-traditional musical fare, it’s guaranteed there will be something for everyone.
Saturday with Santa
brJoin CBEC for Saturday with Santa! Festivities include a guided nature hike for the whole family, crafts for adults and kids, and story time and carols with Santa. There will be hot cocoa, coffee, muffins, and treats for all. Silent auction, half-price CBEC gift memberships, and poinsettias will also be for sale. Tickets are available for purchase online!
Wreath Sale & Holiday Open House
brRing in the season with local greenery for a beautiful Eastern Shore holiday! Shop for fresh-cut greens and handmade evergreen wreaths crafted from the bounty of the Arboretum’s forest and gardens. Find the perfect gift in the gift shop or in Paul and Irene Aspell’s pop-up art and pottery shop.
Heck With The Malls
brSaturday, December 2nd, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
brNow in its 21st year, Heck With The Malls remains one of the area's premier arts and fine crafts shopping experiences. Purchase unique gifts and goods handmade by exceptional local talent including jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, prints, toys, holiday decorations, and much more. Something to delight everyone on your list!
Mistletoe & Mimosas
brSaturday, December 2nd, 11 a.m.
brHoliday decorating does not feel complete without the wreath hung on the door! Join Layton’s Chance for a morning of wreath making. We’re all a little craftier with a mimosa in our hand! Tickets include: bottomless mimosas, Danishes, donuts, coffee, materials, and instructions for wreath making.
Christmas in St. Michaels Gingerbread “House” Preview Cocktail Party
brSaturday, December 2nd, 5–7 p.m.
brBe among the first to view the gingerbread creations entered into the competition. In a small, intimate setting mingle with visitors, friends, and neighbors to view the entries. Winners of each category will be announced during this event. During the preview cocktail party many gingerbread entries may be purchased to add a festive touch to your home or to donate to a church, school, or library. Proceeds from the sale of these creations will support the beneficiaries of Christmas in St. Michaels.
Cambridge Dorchester Christmas Parade & Crab Tree Lighting
brSaturday, December 2nd, 5 p.m.
brGet caught up in the swirl of light and sound during the Cambridge-Dorchester Christmas Parade - one of Maryland’s largest nighttime parades. Marching bands, floats, classic cars, horses, and more fill the streets with energy and excitement, as they have for more than 65 years. Shortly before the parade kicks off, Cambridge’s Crab Basket Tree will be officially lighted. This tree is constructed of about 200 crab baskets - the very bushel baskets that our local watermen use to bring in blue crabs from the waters on their way to our plates.
Easton’s annual Holiday Parade
brSaturday, December 2nd, 6–8:30 p.m.
brKick-off the holiday season at Easton’s annual Holiday Parade! Enjoy the Mid-Shore's best holiday parade along the streets of Easton's historic business district.
Santa Comes to Town
brCome and welcome Santa to Rock Hall! Santa will arrive by boat at the public landing accompanied by the Kent County Community Band. Upon arrival, Santa will be transported to Main Street where he will "take up shop" in "Santa's House" on Main Street to meet children and hear their Christmas requests. The Kent County Community Band will play Christmas tunes on Main Street during Santa's visit.
Hallelujah! A Christmas Concert Featuring Messiah
brSaturday, December 2nd, 7 p.m.
br600 people will ring in the Christmas season by singing the Hallelujah Chorus. The singers? Queen Anne’s Chorale, selected soloists, and their audience members, who are invited to participate in a Messiah sing-along. Not a singer? Simply lean back and enjoy the surround-sound quality that the concert will provide. All are welcome to join in the rousing Hallelujah Chorus, which will be printed in the programs.
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Western Shore
Holiday Girls Night Out 2017
brThursday, November 30th, 6–8 p.m.
brSkip the mall and deck your halls at Homestead Gardens annual Holiday Girls Night Out. Sample, sip, and shop with your BFF’s and a few courageous men, through the area’s premier Christmas shop decked out in exquisite holiday themes and get inspired to decorate your home inside and out! Sample delectable foods from your favorite local restaurants, enjoy exclusive savings, live music, demonstrations, Hunky Santa, cash bar, and more!
Illuminated London Town
brExperience the magic of a winter evening at Illuminated London Town Fridays and Saturdays. Sip hot cider and roast s'mores beside roaring fires in the Historic Area. Explore the gardens, festooned with festive holiday lights. Discover colonial nighttime and holidays at a candlelit William Brown House, decorated for the season. Enjoy special performances in the gardens each week. Bring the family to celebrate wintertime and the holidays at Illuminated London Town!
Goose Island Tap Takeover, Beam Portfolio Tasting, & Bottle Etching
brFishpaws Marketplace supports local charities in a unique way. For many years, they had offered free weekly beer, wine and spirit tastings to customers. Due to Maryland liquor licensing rules, they were no longer allowed to do that. The staff decided to turn a negative into a positive by allowing customers to “pay” for their tasting with a donation to a monthly local charity. Fishpaws then matches all customers’ donations.
Reindeer 5K Run and Walk
brSaturday, December 2nd, 7 a.m.
brJoin Edgewater Fitness for their eighth annual Reindeer 5K Run and Walk. The race will start at Edgewater Fitness and take runners through Historic London Town and along Almshouse Creek. Join runners from around the area for this family-friendly race that combines community fun and a competitive challenge. All proceeds benefit the local Toys for Tots.
Jingle Bell Run
brSaturday, December 2nd, 7:30 a.m.
brJoin The Arthritis Foundation for their Jingle Bell Run. This holiday-themed race series brings people from all walks of life together to spread holiday cheer and support the mission of championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science, and community.
Glen Burnie High School Winter Craft Fair
brSaturday, December 2nd, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
brGet your holiday shopping done at the 34th annual Glen Burnie High School Winter Craft Fair benefitting the GBHS Band Boosters. Shop for one of a kind wood crafts, candles, home goods, jewelry, glassware, holiday decorations, baked goods, and many more handmade items.
St. Martin's Christmas Mart
brSaturday, December 2nd, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
brThis annual Christmas event showcases more than 35 local artisans offering hand crafted items, holiday décor, and gifts. The Mart also features a white elephant sale, a silent auction, and tasty treats including Korean specialties, donuts, and lunch. Boxwood trees, poinsettias, wreaths, and fresh greens will be available for purchase.
The Ugly Sweater Run
brSaturday, December 2nd, 11 a.m.
brReady, set, ho, ho, ho! The best holiday tradition is back and doing it bigger than ever at the 2017 Ugly Sweater Run! Rummage up the ugliest sweater you can find and take part in the merriest 5K of the year. Join thousands of runners, walkers, and prancers for 3.1 miles throughout the National Harbor and the city of Baltimore! This is the perfect way to burn some calories, have some fun, and immediately replace those calories with warm hot chocolate.
Holiday Open House
brBring your pets and kids for pictures with Santa! You can capture your pooch’s smile with Santa, a Chanukah menorah, or plain background. Your photos will be printed on the spot so you can take them home with you that day. Photos are for everyone - you don’t need to have a pet to pose with Santa! The event also features lunch, an animal themed story time, and a pet blessing. All proceeds will support the care of shelter animals at the Baltimore Humane Society.
Maryland Concert Series: A Christmas Extravaganza
brSaturday, December 2nd, 7:30 p.m.
brGet ready for a musical Christmas journey around the world when the Maryland Concert Series presents “A Christmas Extravaganza”. Prior to the show and during intermission, local crafters, artisans, and vendors will be selling local art work and holiday gift items in the auditorium lobby. Tickets also will be sold for a holiday wine basket raffle.
Tea with the Sugar Plum Fair and Nutcracker Prince
brThe Captain Avery Museum and Edgewater’s National Ballet Company invite children and children-at-heart to the Captain Avery Museum for an afternoon with their favorite characters from The Nutcracker ballet. The Sugar Plum Fairy will read the classic holiday story and then join other costumed characters to perform a mini-ballet. The characters will mingle with the audience for tea, sandwiches, sweets, and photo ops. For ages 5 and up. Reservations are required.
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What's Up? Weddings Bridal Expo 2018
Save the Date! Sunday, January 28, 2018 • 1-4 pm at Chartwell Golf and Country Club. A perfect event for all of you brides-to-be ready to take action. Browsebr and talk to the best local vendors that can help from start to finish brof the big day. From the venue, to the invitations, cake and catering, brphotography, and honeymoon travels -- we have you covered all in one brlocation! Oh, and not to mention, there will be complimentary champagne,br appetizers, and raffle giveaways to add some fun to your planning. GET TICKETS >>
"Light & Shadows" Meet the Artist Reception
On January 10th, What's Up? Media will host a Meet the Artist Reception featuring the local artists participating in our most recent gallery, "Light & Shadows." Light refreshments will be available while admiring the talent and mingling with the artists. Be sure to vote for your favorite piece to determine the next "Best in Show" winner.
Brought to you by What's Up? Media and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County.
What's Up? Media
br201 Defense Highway #203
brAnnapolis , MD 21401
The Look 2018
We at What's Up? want to spoil you with a well deserved night that is all about you. This event will offer quality and complimentary services, treatments, shopping, and fun activities from our vendors all night long -- the perfect ladies night out! Unwind from the long work week and start achieving your desired "look" for the spring season. Enjoy three solid hours of being pampered with spa treatments, getting your hair, makeup, and nails done right on the spot, listening to professional speakers, engaging in conversation with the experts, and shopping your heart out with our retail vendors. There will also be complimentary champagne and snacks for attendees. Check out some pictures from our last event here!
Friday, February 23, 2018 at Loews Annapolis Hotel from 6-9pm.
Online: $15 (+ service fee) per ticket At the Door: $25 per ticket
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE NOW
Parking on site is $6 for valet or $3 for self-parking
What's Up? Media Promotions
brWhat’s Up? Media loves our community and wants to give back. Check out our promotions page for opportunities to win amazing giveaways such as tickets to the most happening local events around, gift cards to your favorite local restaurants, and more! More details here.
