Insider's Guide: Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

First Things First: The Basics

The 2023 Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is December 9 from 6–8 PM. All of the action either happens in the harbor or down Spa Creek & Ego Alley.

Where can I watch?

Any of the pins on the map above are good options. Most of the street end parks are quite small so stake out your spot early.

Best viewing points

Spa Creek Bridge

This is the best vantage point but fully exposed to the wind so it can be mighty cold. But you can see both fleets and get a close up when they switch places.

Ego Alley

This is as close as you can get to the boats without being on one. Get here early if you want to see every little detail of how the displays are constructed.

City Dock

Get a great view of all the boats as they circle around the harbor. You can get a higher vantage point if you join the We Care and Friends fundraiser on Watermark’s Harbor Queen. In lieu of tickets, bring a monetary donation, toy, blanket, clothing, or non-perishable food item to get in.

Other viewing options

If you have friends with homes or offices on the water, time to get them an early Christmas present and hope for an invite.

The Choptank is also a great option but space is limited and last year there was a private party on the entire second floor.

Where do I park?

The official parking garage of the parade is the garage at Park Place – 100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401. The free circulator shuttle will run downtown.

Other options include:

• Hillman Garage. Cost: not free. Likelihood of spot: low
• Gotts Court Garage. Cost: not free. Likelihood of spot: medium
• Calvert Street Garage. Cost: free on weekends. Likelihood of spot: high
• Knighton Garage. Cost: not free. Likelihood of spot: medium
• Street parking. Cost: not free. Likelihood of spot: low

Remember that you get 1 hour free in the Hillman Garage and two hours in meter spots by using the code ParkDTA on the ParkMobile app until New Year’s Day.