Looking for some fun holiday events that don’t involve a home equity loan? There are plenty of events happening around the area that are free or significantly reduced in price. But remember to register early, so you don’t end up on the naughty list!
EVENTS (listed in order of dates throughout December):
A Dickens of a Christmas Festival
Step back into 1840s London with carriage rides, entertainment, food stalls, book talks, caroling, and much more.
Downtown Chestertown
December 1-2
Some events are free, some are ticketed. See website to book tickets.
Is your pooch on the nice or naughty list? Bring your fur babies to have their photo taken with Santa for this special event.
Homestead Gardens (All Retail Locations: Severna Park, Davidsonville, Smyrna DE.)
December 1, 2023
4:00-7:00 PM
Free event (first come, first served)
Sunday Storytime & Craft with the Grinch
The Grinch will be visiting from Whoville to read the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas! followed by a photo opportunity with the Grinch.
Park Books
December 3, 2023
1:00PM – 3:00 PM
$10 per child, adults are free
Celebration of Christmas
It’s an Annapolis annual tradition! Sing along to your favorite holiday hits with the members of the Annapolis Chorale and Orchestra. Fun for the whole family.
Maryland Hall
December 8, 2023
8:00 PM
Tickets start around $50 with discounts for student, senior, and military.
Storytime & Craft with Author Lynn Roxy Gambrill presented by Park Books
Join us for storytime and craft with local author, Lynn Roxy Gambrill, as she reads her book Santa’s Visit to Maryland: A Parody of “T’was the Night Before Christmas” based in Maryland.
Park Books
December 9, 2023
11:00AM – 12:00 PM
Free
A Colonial Christmas Family Program
Kids will enjoy stories and crafts while learning about early American holiday traditions. Ages 4 and up.
Hammond Harwood House
December 9, 2023
10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Tickets are required for children ($15); an accompanying adult is free.
Tuba Christmas Annapolis
It’s a deep brass celebration of Christmas!
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
December 9, 2023
3:00 PM
Free
Storytime with the Grinch presented by Park Books
If the kids are a little wary to cuddle up to Santa, maybe try chatting up the Grinch? Story times at 1 PM and 4 PM with a photo opportunity following. Proceeds from the event tickets will go towards the Discoveries Community Pantry.
Annapolis Mall – Crate and Barrel Court
December 10, 2023
1:00 & 4:00 PM
$20 per Book Ticket, $5 each additional child
TLX: Front Porch Orchestra Presents the Bluegrass Nutcracker
Experience Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic played by an 8-piece Bluegrass band. This show is family-friendly and fun for lovers of music of all types.
Live Arts Maryland Studio, Westfield Annapolis Mall
December 22, 2023*
7:30 PM
Adult tickets $25 with discounts for student, senior, and military.
*Multiple performances in December throughout Maryland, check their Facebook page for details!
Developing Your Own Holiday Traditions