Illustration of visitors walking among giant light sculptures of a reindeer, a candy cane arch and snowflakes (Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade)

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

Dozens of boats in all shapes and sizes decorated with thousands of colored lights cruise through the harbor for a festive holiday celebration. Spectators can watch the sparkling fleet from various waterfront vantage points, including City Dock, Ego Alley, and local bridges.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

6:00PM.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Aboard Harbor Queen, a dockside viewing party offers festive music and a cash bar.

Accessibility

Campbell Park may be closed off because of construction.

Going?

Location

Annapolis Harbor · Annapolis Harbor, Annapolis, MD 21403 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Holiday-light and waterfront-parade fans

Vibe

Festive and bustling

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Leave plenty of extra time to get there, because traffic in Annapolis and Eastport backs up before, during and after the parade.
  • Plan your route around the Spa Creek Bridge, which closes from time to time during the evening while the boats pass through.
  • Bundle up if you're watching from Spa Creek Bridge, because cold or windy nights there are especially brisk even though the view is excellent.
  • Look up the Naval Academy's security rules before you go if you plan to watch from the seawall along Spa Creek.
  • Pick City Dock if you want to see each boat twice, once as the fleet parades in and again as each boat heads back out.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Harbor Queen viewing party at City Dock's Watermark Yacht Basin, with festive music and a cash bar.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best spots to watch?

On a still or mild night, Spa Creek Bridge lets you see the boats above and below the bridge. At City Dock you see each boat twice, as they parade in and again as they head back out. Ego Alley gives the closest look, and the Naval Academy seawall along Spa Creek has a long, clear view.

Is there a party option for watching?

Yes. Aboard the Harbor Queen at City Dock's Watermark Yacht Basin, you get parade views and a dockside party with festive music and a cash bar.

How bad is traffic?

Annapolis and Eastport get very busy, so leave plenty of time for delays before, during and after the parade. The Spa Creek Bridge also closes from time to time during the evening.

Can I enter my own boat?

Yes. Sailboats, powerboats and dinghies are all welcome. Apply through the Skippers page, where you'll also find tips and ideas.

Are there other good viewing spots besides the main ones?

Try the walkway in front of Annapolis City Marina in Eastport, or the dead-end streets that run down to the harbor or Spa Creek. These include First through Fourth Streets, Lafayette Park, Acton Cove and Burnside Street.

Browse Christmas in Annapolis

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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