Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the best of the holidays in Arnold with our ultimate guide. Whether you're a longtime resident or a curious visitor, our guide showcases the holiday highlights of Arnold.
One of the must-see attractions is the enchanting Lights on the Bay, where you can drive through stunning displays of festive lights along the serene Chesapeake Bay. Meanwhile, the German Christmas Village invites you to enjoy authentic food and handcrafted gifts in a charming atmosphere. And the Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a spectacular tree lighting ceremony that marks the start of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Arnold Holiday Light Displays
Lights on the Bay
- What to Expect
- Scenic holiday light show with 70 displays along the Chesapeake Bay.
- Description
- Drive through a two-mile scenic route along the Chesapeake Bay featuring over 70 animated and stationary light displays, sponsored by the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Lights on the Bay
Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree
- What to Expect
- Annual tree lighting ceremony with local performances and Santa's visit.
- Description
- The Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree is a festive event where local groups perform dancing and carols, followed by the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony featuring carolers, music, and general merriment. The event is free and open to the public, with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Elfie lighting the tree. Downtown Road Closures include Fleet Street, Cornhill Street, and Market Space.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
- What to Expect
- Boats decorated with thousands of colored lights parade through Annapolis Harbor.
- Description
- The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is an annual holiday event where boats in Annapolis Harbor are decorated with thousands of colored lights, creating a spectacular display of light and joy.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
- What to Expect
- Dazzling display of over 300,000 lights with new additions each year.
- Description
- Merriweather Symphony of Lights is a family-oriented holiday spectacle featuring over 300,000 lights and larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations at historic Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.
- Where
- Columbia | More Info : Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Hampden Miracle on 34th Street
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday light display with unique resident-created decorations.
- Description
- The Miracle on 34th Street is a 76-year-old holiday light display in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood, featuring vibrant decorations, Christmas trees, and festive characters.
- Where
- Baltimore | More Info : Hampden Miracle on 34th Street
Arnold Holiday Markets and Shopping
Midnight Madness
- What to Expect
- Holiday shopping event with live entertainment and decorated streets.
- Description
- Downtown Annapolis transforms into a holiday spectacle with Midnight Madness, featuring decorated streets, holiday lights, and live entertainment. Residents and visitors can stroll along Main Street, West Street, Maryland Avenue, State Circle, Market Space, and Dock Street to support local businesses and enjoy refreshments and sales.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Midnight Madness
Chocolate Binge Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique chocolate tour with local artisans.
- Description
- The Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival is a family-friendly event celebrating chocolate with a holiday market, live music, and a festive West Street Holiday Light Canopy. Enjoy a chocolate tour featuring various chocolate specialties and complete your holiday shopping with local artisans.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Chocolate Binge Festival
German Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- Authentic German market with a wide selection of mulled wine and European cuisine.
- Description
- German Christmas Village in Baltimore offers an authentic German market experience with over 60 vendors, a Glühwein pyramid, and European cuisine. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor markets, enjoy rides, and participate in weekday wine tastings.
- Where
- Baltimore | More Info : German Christmas Village
Annapolis Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts and local artisans.
- Description
- The Annapolis Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday shopping event featuring 130 artisans, holiday food vendors, and entertainment at City Dock in downtown Annapolis. Visitors can explore unique gifts, delicious treats, and handcrafted items in a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Annapolis Holiday Market
Arnold Other Holiday Activities
Inner Harbor Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Ice skating with Baltimore's waterfront views.
- Description
- The Inner Harbor Ice Rink offers a festive ice skating experience with waterfront views of Baltimore's neon-lit skyline. Major funding is provided by the Pearlstone Family Fund and the Joseph & Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds.
- Where
- Baltimore | More Info : Inner Harbor Ice Rink