Nothing says “holidays” on the Chesapeake quite like lighted boat parades. Whether you plan to participate or simply spectate, it’s a magical time of the year. Be sure to check event websites for any last-minute updates or cancellations, and if more events are announced, we will add them to our list.
Maryland Lighted Boat Parades:
Nov. 29: Middle River Lighted Boat Parade
The Mid-Atlantic’s largest lighted boat parade and almost the largest in the USA! To enter: text your name, address, boat type, and size to (410) 463-2686. Stay tuned for updates on Facebook: facebook.com/mrboatparade. The captain’s package includes several gift cards from local businesses.
Dec. 6: Bohemia River Boaters Lighted Boat Parade
5 to 7 p.m. in Chesapeake City, MD. View the parade from Pell Gardens, Chesapeake Inn, or either side of the canal. The boats will leave from the basin by Chesapeake Inn at roughly 5 p.m.
Dec. 6: Pasadena Boat Parade
Launch party 3 p.m. to close at Broken Oar Bar & Grill; $5 cover, kids are free (proceeds go to the fearless captains and first mates). There will be Christmas music, Santa with treats for the kids, and festive bar staff will have spiked hot chocolate for the grown ups. Any boaters interested in participating in the boat parade should email Keegan Fisher: [email protected]
Dec. 6: 37th Annual Baltimore Lighted Boat Parade
The tree lighting and holiday cheer begins at 5 p.m. on P pier at Anchorage Marina in Baltimore, MD. Click here to register your boat. Mandatory captain's meeting Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. All participants will receive complimentary overnight dockage on the night of December 6. Toy donations are encouraged.
Dec. 6: Bear Creek Lighted Boat Parade
On Bear Creek off the Patapsco River. Presented by the Bear Creek Sailing Association. Stayed tuned for more details on Facebook.
Dec. 13: St. Michaels Lighted Boat Parade
This event is part of a larger weekend celebration, Christmas in St. Michaels (see more details right). The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. around St. Michaels Harbor. Visit christmasinstmichaels.org and click to the events tab to register and check out a map of the parade route.
Dec. 13: 43rd Annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
Dozens of boats in all shapes and sizes covered in thousands of colored lights parade through the Annapolis Harbor for two magical hours. This year’s parade will feature new prize categories designed to welcome first-time and emerging skippers while still celebrating creativity at all levels. Proceeds from the event benefit the Eastport Yacht Club Foundation. To register, find a list of spectator locations, and more visit eyclightsparade.org.
Dec. 14: Deale Parade of Lights
Organizers are encouraging everyone to get to the parade viewing location by 5 p.m. due to high traffic. The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. on Rockhold Creek. Stay tuned for updates on Facebook: facebook.com/dealemdparadeoflights.
More Maryland Events:
Nov. 22-Dec. 24: Baltimore Christmas Village
Experience the charm of an authentic German Christmas Market in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The whole festival grounds are free to the public on every single weekday the event is running. To enter the heated festival tent on the charging weekends, a Season Pass needs to be purchased at the entrance of the tent. Kids under 18 are free of charge, adults over 18 pay $ 5, which is good for the entire season.
Nov. 30-Dec. 31 Holidays at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum
Enjoy guided tours for all ages. The Keeper’s Quarters and museum will be decorated for the holidays and special festive exhibits will be available. Free family open house on November 30: facebook.com/1836light
Dec. 4, 11, and 18: Midnight Madness in Downtown Annapolis
Stroll along Main Street, West Street, Maryland Avenue, State Circle, Market Space, and Dock Street from 4 p.m. until midnight (until 11 p.m. on the 18th) to support local businesses. Find entertainment, holiday decorations, refreshments, and sales: downtownannapolispartnership.org
Dec. 5: Crisfield Christmas Parade:
6 p.m. on West Main Street (starts at Library to City Dock area) in Crisfield, MD. Enjoy the floats, candy, and an appearance from Santa Claus!
Dec. 5-6: A Dickens of a Christmas
Experience historic Chestertown, MD’s, Victorian holiday extravaganza! This two-day event includes entertainment, home tours, food, book talks, merchandise, and more. And don’t forget to come dressed up!
Dec. 5 - Jan. 10: Christmas on the Creek
A month-long celebration of lights, music, food, and family activities in Historic Oxford, MD. Events include the lighting of the dock trees on Dec. 6, the lighting of the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, and more.
Dec. 6: 76th Annual Cambridge-Dorchester County Christmas Parade
The lineup begins at 4 p.m., followed by the parade at 5 p.m. This year’s theme is “Surfing into Christmas.” The Parade route begins at Long Wharf, progresses down High Street, turns left onto Poplar, straight down Race Street, and ends at Washington Street by Haddaways.
Dec. 6: Rock Hall Tree Lighting
Santa arrives by boat at the Rock Hall bulkhead at 6 p.m. and arrives on Main Street (approx. 6:30 p.m.) for the tree lighting.
Dec. 6: Queen Anne's Watermen's Association Crab Basket and Tree Lighting
Vendor Fair 12 to 6 p.m. Tree lighting at 6 p.m. at Fishermen's Crab Deck in Grasonville, MD. Handmade artisans and crafters, hot apple cider and cocoa, kids' activities and face painting, food trucks, and more. Find more details on Facebook and at kentnarrowsmd.com.
Dec. 6-7: Baltimore’s Most Festive Weekend
Holiday shopping, festive lighted boats, and beloved holiday characters will all converge to make this Baltimore weekend the merriest and brightest of the whole season. Holiday Makers Market at Light St. pavilion, family weekend at the Christmas Village at West Shore Park, Fells Point Old Tyme Christmas on Saturday, and more.
Dec. 12-14: Christmas in St. Michaels
The mission of Christmas in St. Michaels is to provide resources to help local nonprofit groups enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Bay Hundred community. Events include a gingerbread house competition and display, marketplace, breakfast with Santa, Talbot Street Parade (Saturday at 10:30 a.m.), Lighted Boat Parade (Saturday at 6 p.m.), and more.
Dec. 13: Poplar Hall Christmas Parade of Horses and Market
Chesapeake City, one of the most beautiful Victorian towns in the country, will be the home of an equestrian Christmas wonderland. From 9-9:45 a.m. say hello to the parade riders and their horses at the Chesapeake City Elementary School while they’re preparing for the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Starting at 11 a.m. the Poplar Hall team will transform Pell Gardens into a unique all handmade, old world style Christmas Market, plus a concert and more events.
Virginia and Washington, DC, Lighted Boat Parades:
Dec. 6: Holiday Boat Parade and Party at The Wharf
This free event features over 60 beautifully decorated boats parading up the Washington Channel (beginning at 7 p.m.), as well as fun landside holiday activities including hot toddies, live music, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, family photos with Santa, fireworks (8 p.m.), a 45-foot illuminated Christmas tree on District Pier, and more. 5 to 8 p.m. at The Wharf in Washington, DC.
Dec. 6: 25th Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Dozens of brightly lit boats will cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline beginning at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park from 2 to 8 p.m. including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities, and more. This event is part of Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend. Learn more at visitalexandria.com.
Dec. 6: Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade
Pre-parade festivities start at 6 p.m. at the Yorktown, VA, waterfront and include caroling around illuminated braziers, a musical performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town, and complimentary hot cider from the Boy Scouts of America. At 7 p.m. the boats will finish out the evening as they make their way down the river in a dazzling display of lights.
Dec. 13: Hampton Lighted Boat Parade
The parade takes place at the Downtown Hampton waterfront and is visible from anywhere along the Hampton River. Stay tuned for more details at hampton.gov.
More Virginia Events:
Throughout the month of December: Yorktown Celebrates Christmas
Events throughout the month in historic Yorktown, VA, including the Christmas Tree Lighting December 5 at Riverwalk Landing, Christmas Market on Main December 6-7, Mistletoe Market December 13, and more.
Dec. 6: Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups, and more to celebrate the city’s Scottish heritage.
Tips for Spectators:
- Always pack more layers than you think you need. You can always take off extra layers and leave them in the car. Bring mittens, a winter hat, scarf, coat and leggings or long-johns under pants.
- Wear warm shoes and socks. You will be standing outside, either on a dock, seawall, or beach, so this is not the time for cute heels and boat shoes. Wear winter boots and bring hand/foot warmer packets just in case.
- Bring a thermos of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. These events are often family affairs so please leave the alcohol at home. Warm up at the bar after the parade. Also a few snacks will be great to have on-hand.
- Have a parking plan in place. Certain areas might be harder to find parking in, so find out beforehand if there is a garage or free street parking. That way you won’t waste time searching for a spot and miss the parade.
- Choose your viewing location ahead of time. Most parades have a map of the route on their website, so pick your restaurant or park accordingly (some restaurants require reservations while others are first come, first served, so best to arrive early).
- Bring a blanket. If it’s extra cold, chances are you will want something more to wrap around you.
- If allowed, bring collapsible chairs.
- Bring a camera with a night setting. We are always looking for great lights parades photos! Email your favorites to [email protected] and they just might end up in the magazine.