Out On the Towne

21 EVENT PICKS | 28 SOCIAL | 32 SALUTE | 34 SPOTLIGHT | 38 ATHLETE

Ballet Theatre of Maryland: The Nutcracker

December 10th through 18th, the Ballet Theatre of Maryland will perform the age-old tradition of The Nutcracker at Maryland Hall. Adventure alongside Clara as she strives to rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell. Clara travels through the whirling Kingdoms of Snow and Sweets to the place where the possibility of dreams, the magic of Christmas, and the wonder of the child merge to reveal her destiny. Showtimes and tickets at balletmaryland.org.

Lights on the Bay

The SPCA of Anne Arundel County is hosting Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park the entire month of December. Unleash your excitement for the holidays and support the SPCA. The 26th annual light show opened on November 20th and closes January 1st and features a two-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay with approximately 70 animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway. Find more information at lightsonthebay.org.

 MIDNIGHT MADNESS

Christmas time is here in Annapolis and for holiday shoppers, that means Midnight Madness. The first two Thursdays of December (December 1st and 8th) shops will stay open until midnight and the third Thursday of December (December 15th) the shops will remain open until 11 p.m. This Historic Downtown Annapolis tradition allows residents and visitors to stroll along Main Street, West Street, Maryland Avenue, State Circle, Market Space, and Dock Street to support local businesses. Enjoy the Downtown Winter Wonderland and find more information at downtownannapolispartnership.org.

Annapolis Chocolate Festival

Another holiday tradition is back in Annapolis, the Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival! The festival will fill West Street and Calvert Street Downtown on December 3rd. The day will be full of chocolate making, chocolate history, and plenty of chocolate eating. For the kids, there will also be a gigantic gingerbread house to play in. For this event, Santa encourages attendees to donate hats, new toys, and coats for the We Care & Friends Holiday Party for needy children in the area. Find more information at annapolischocolatefestival.com.

 Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade

Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade is back for their 40th Anniversary on December 10th from 6 to 8 p.m. This is a beloved Annapolis tradition that is held on the second Saturday in December every year. Watch the magic come to the water of the Annapolis Harbor when the boats suddenly appear out of the cold winter night, illuminated with thousands of colored lights and crewed by jolly revelers. Find more information at eastportyc.org.

GOLDEN GALA

You are invited to Annapolis Opera’s Golden Gala on December 2nd at 7 p.m. at Maryland Hall. This unforgettable, one-night celebration will honor the last five decades of opera in Annapolis and allow us to look forward to the next 50 years. There will be a VIP entry at 6:30 p.m. and all tickets can be found online at annapolisopera.org.

ICE! AT GAYLORD NATIONAL

The signature winter experience is back at the Gaylord National hotel at National Harbor. Sport the signature blue parka and step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice. This year, the experience will be themed around a festive classic, A Christmas Story. Ice! At Gaylord National is open now through December 31st. Get tickets online today at christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com.

 SONGS OF HOPE

Life of Joy Foundation’s signature event, Songs of Hope, is on December 3rd at The Church at Severn Run. This event supports all those affected by suicide, depression, and other mental health challenges. This concert program will begin at 7 p.m. and will include music by Life of Joy Band, survivor testimonials, information booths, prayer support teams, and more. Proceeds from the event will support Life of Joy Foundation’s community programs for 2023. Find more information at lifeofjoyfoundation.org.

BCA Elite Charity Gala 

BCA Elite, a lacrosse club in Edgewater, is hosting BCA Elite Club Scholarship & Charity Gala on December 3rd from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Vetter Residence at Pemberton Farm. This formal event will allow you to dance the night away with a Nashville-based live band, enjoy an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction, all to raise money for two great causes: club scholarships to local players and to support the Ella Strong Foundation. Find more information at bcaelite.com.

Jingle Bell Run

Help keep the tradition going strong by jingling with your family and friends at the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run, held at the Inner Harbor of Baltimore on December 10th starting at 8 a.m. Wear your favorite holiday costume and spread good cheer for a great cause, raising awareness and funds to support arthritis research. Find more information at events.arthritis.org.