December 1, 2024
Lauren Burke Meyer
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Contributor
Annapolis is getting ready to SHINE BRIGHT. On December 14, from 6–8 PM, the annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade will dazzle the city. Holiday-themed events abound, but trust the Scoop team: there’s no better place to be on the second Saturday in December than along the water, watching boats (power, sail, big, and small) decked out in thousands of festive lights. Whether this is your first year or your 42nd, here’s everything you need to know.
Best Boat Views
Every year, a whopping 30,000 spectators watch the parade from a variety of spots like:
Our top picks for the best views? Head to Spa Creek Bridge, Ego Alley, or City Dock. Dress warmly for the bridge though—it gets windy.
For more viewing spots, consider any street that dead-ends at the water (Market, Shipwright, and Revel Streets; First, Second, and Third Streets, and others). Eastport and Murray Hill parks are also great vantage points.
Of course, you can always butter up your friends with boats, or those who have homes or offices with water views along the parade route (see below).
Want to elevate your experience? Book a cruise! Watermark’s “Lights Parade Dinner Cruise with Ken's Creative Kitchen” runs from 5–8 PM. Live jazz and holiday classics accompany appetizers and dinner on the main deck, followed by scenic views of the parade from the open-air top deck. Tickets include an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, and dessert service at a private table. The cruise departs from Annapolis City Dock. Seating is limited. Book now.
Closures
The Spa Creek Bridge will also be closed to vehicles crossing between downtown Annapolis and Eastport periodically from 5:30–8 PM.
Note: traffic movement will also be limited before, during, and after the parade.
What to bring?
Bundle up in warm clothes, hats, gloves, blankets, etc. Cocoa and snacks can take what’s already a sparkly spectacle to a magical night to remember. Binoculars or flashlights could also come in handy, or simply entertain little ones.
What’s the parking situation?
Right out of the dock — err we mean gate — we’re going to recommend taking an Uber, Lift, or catching a ride with a friend. As mentioned before, this beloved, highly-anticipated Annapolis tradition draws a crowd. Naturally, parking is tricky. Here’s our advice for your best parking options from most likely to be available to least likely.
The official parking garage of the parade is the Park Place Garage (100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401). After parking, the free circulator shuttle will take you downtown.
Pro tip: Remember you get 1 hour free in the Hillman Garage and two hours in metered spots by using the code ParkDTA on the ParkMobile app between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
For Boat Competitors
Calling all skippers! With some new City of Annapolis requirements, EYC has updated your process to ensure a safe, enjoyable time for all. We can all get on board with that, right? While it’s a little different from previous years, it’s still easy. Read all about the process.
Remember to register your boat by December 6 at 5 PM. Next, peruse the Parade Rules and brainstorm your boat’s décor. Need inspiration? Check out past boat décor to get those creative juices flowing.
How to Sponsor
Join the EYC Lights Parade spotlight and be a sponsor! The parade is a completely non-profit, volunteer-run event. Production is only possible through the generosity and support of businesses and organizations. There are six different sponsorship levels with benefits including exposure on the EYC Lights Parade website, plus in print advertisements and across social media. Email Cheryl LeCourt at Sponsor.Lightsparade@eastportyc.org to sign up.
*Images courtesy of Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade.
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