Holiday Candlelight Stroll in Annapolis: Colonial Christmas Walk

Walk Annapolis in candlelight, dressed-up streets, and colonial history

The Holiday Candlelight Stroll is a 75-minute guided evening walking tour through Annapolis led by a period-attired guide. You'll pass colonial mansions and Victorian homes adorned in holiday greenery, learn how early residents celebrated Christmas, and finish at the grand Christmas tree in Market House Park with a goody bag containing George Washington's eggnog recipe. The tour supports Historic Annapolis with every ticket sold.

Step-by-step itinerary

Holiday Candlelight Stroll in Annapolis

• Meet colonial-attired guide
• Walk through Annapolis decorated for holidays
• Learn about colonial Christmas traditions
• Pass by colonial mansions and Victorian homes
• Visit quaint shops along the route
• End at Market House Park Christmas tree
• Receive goody bag with eggnog recipe

The experience

The tour starts in Annapolis' colonial core and moves through the streets on foot, following a guide dressed in period costume who knows the area's holiday history. You'll see how the town decorates for the season (greenery draped across colonial-era buildings and Victorian storefronts), and hear what Christmas looked like in the 1700s, when the capital was taking shape. The walk covers the neighborhoods where merchants and government officials once lived, their homes now part of the city's preserved character.

At the end of 75 minutes, the route brings you to Market House Park and the grand Christmas tree, where the tour concludes. You leave with a goody bag that includes the recipe for George Washington's eggnog: a tangible piece of the holiday traditions you've just learned about. The whole outing is wheelchair accessible, and strollers work fine if you're traveling with infants or small children.

What’s included

• 75-minute guided walking tour led by a period-attired guide.
• goody bag with George Washington's eggnog recipe.
• support for Historic Annapolis with your ticket purchase.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDeparts at 19:00Last departure this season: 26 Dec

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Watermark Harbor Cruise

Is this one for you?The tour starts in central Annapolis and moves entirely on foot through the historic streets, so it works whether you're staying downtown or arriving by public transit: no car needed to join the walk or reach the Christmas tree at Market House Park where it ends.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Holiday Candlelight Stroll take?

The tour runs 75 minutes from start to finish, ending at the Christmas tree in Market House Park.

What's included in the goody bag at the end?

The goody bag features George Washington's famous eggnog recipe, a keepsake from the tour's conclusion.

What do you learn about on this walk through Annapolis?

The guide, dressed in period costume, shares how colonists celebrated Christmas and explains the holiday traditions that shaped the town's history as you pass the colonial mansions and Victorian homes that line the streets.

Can I use public transportation to get to the tour?

Yes. Public transportation options are available near the tour's starting point in Annapolis, so you don't need a car to reach it.