12 Days Of Cheer In Anne Arundel: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Anne Arundel. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Anne Arundel feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Drive through a glowing holiday tradition at Lights on the Bay.

Lights on the Bay brings more than 70 illuminated scenes to the Chesapeake shoreline at Sandy Point State Park, creating a bright, festive drive-through experience running through Jan. 1. Vehicles move along the waterfront route at their own pace, with optional 3D glasses that add extra dimension to the displays. Hours vary between weekdays and weekends, and tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, with proceeds supporting the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.

2. Spend a winter day exploring Kinder Farm Park.

Just minutes away from Anne Arundel, Kinder Farm Park offers 288 acres of trails, fields, pavilions and historic farm features perfect for a crisp December outing. Visitors can enjoy the restored farmhouse, stroll the 2.4-mile paved loop or watch the resident animals cared for by local 4-H groups. With picnic spots and playgrounds, it’s an easy all-ages destination perfect for any day in December. And if you visit on Dec. 6, the Jingle Bell Hayride (tickets required) offers festive rides, warm drinks, marshmallow roasting and visits with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

3. Wander the Annapolis Holiday Market at St. John’s College.

The Annapolis Holiday Market brings more than 100 artisans, food vendors and performers to the front lawn of St. John’s College on select dates through Dec. 21. Seasonal drinks, handmade goods and festive music give the event a lively feel, and the historic campus creates a backdrop that fits the season. Visitors often pair the market with a walk through downtown’s decorated streets, and the campus bookstore and Mitchell Art Museum are open nearby for anyone who wants to explore even more.

4. Shop late during Annapolis’s Midnight Madness nights.

Midnight Madness turns Downtown Annapolis into an after-hours holiday scene, with shops along Main Street, West Street and Maryland Avenue staying open late on three December Thursdays. Storefronts dress up for the season, and live music and carolers fill the streets as people browse. Some shops offer small treats or specials throughout the night, and alpacas make their yearly appearance near the top of Main Street. Parking garages offer discounted or free evening rates, and shuttles run through the downtown area.

5. View the Great Annapolis Gingerbread Houses display.

The Great Annapolis Gingerbread Houses display takes over the Annapolis Visitors Center with creative entries from local bakers and community members. Each design has its own theme and details, and the space fills with the unmistakable scent of gingerbread. Visitors can look through the collection at their own pace. The display runs through Dec. 19 for anyone exploring West Street during the season.

6. Capture a festive photo in Snowflake Alley.

Snowflake Alley, tucked off Main Street near Chick & Ruth’s Deli, sparkles with twinkling overhead flakes all season long. Running through January, this whimsical walkway has become one of Annapolis’s favorite holiday selfie spots. Whether visiting during the day or under the glow of evening lights, it makes an irresistible backdrop for photos while exploring downtown.

7. Meet Santa at the Arundel Mills Santa Photo Experience.

The Santa Photo Experience at Arundel Mills gives families a chance to slow down and capture a classic holiday moment. Reservations help keep the wait manageable, so kids can step right into their visit with Santa feeling excited rather than rushed. The set is bright and cheerful, with plenty of room for siblings or whole-family photos.

8. Drive — or stroll — through the dazzling Merriweather Symphony of Lights.

A beloved Howard County tradition, the Merriweather Symphony of Lights sparkles with more than 300,000 lights and larger-than-life holiday scenes running through Jan. 3. Choose from drive-through nights (priced per vehicle) or special walk-through evenings that let you experience the glowing displays up close. Families can also enjoy the seasonal contest that challenges visitors to spot letters and solve a secret phrase as they roll along. With proceeds supporting Howard County General Hospital and the show shining on through rain or snow, it’s a feel-good December outing with plenty of wow factor.

9. Warm up with a cozy drink at The Coffeehouse.

Just 25 minutes from Anne Arundel, The Coffeehouse in Annapolis Junction is a welcoming retreat for winter days. With plush seating, local coffee blends and a menu of fresh breakfast, lunch and pastries, it’s an ideal spot to recharge between holiday errands. The calm, friendly atmosphere makes it great for remote work or catching up with friends, and its convenient hours (7 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturdays) let you pop in anytime you need a warm pick-me-up.

10. Lace up for a winter skate at the Glen Burnie Outdoor Ice Rink.

Embrace a classic winter pastime at Glen Burnie Outdoor Ice Skating, less than 30 minutes from Anne Arundel County. Skaters of all ages can enjoy up to two hours on the open-air rink, with online reservations highly recommended since sessions often sell out. Admission is priced by age group, and skate rentals and sharpening are available on site.

11. Step into the holiday charm of Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse.

Open daily during the holiday season, Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse feels especially inviting in December, with its historic rooms, soft lighting and shelves tucked into every corner. The café adds the smell of warm drinks to the space, making it a pleasant place to step in from the cold. As holiday greenery and lights along Maryland Avenue give the whole block a seasonal glow, many visitors wander in while exploring downtown’s decorations and end up staying longer than planned.

12. Savor a winter meal at The Elkridge Furnace Inn.

The Elkridge Furnace Inn offers a welcoming setting for a holiday-season meal, with its historic rooms and wooded grounds taking on a peaceful glow in winter. The kitchen draws from its organic gardens and local farm partners to create menus that highlight cold-weather favorites, whether you’re coming for dinner or Sunday brunch. Families often gather here during December for a relaxed, seasonal meal in a setting that feels made for the holidays.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Anne Arundel!

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