eastport yacht club lights parade

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

Stay tuned, the eastport yacht club's lights parade to celebrate its 42nd year in 2024.

The magical Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade takes place along the Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek on the second Saturday in December every year. This annual tradition has been delighting holiday revelers for 40 years!

It all began in the 1980s when  Eastport Yacht Club  (EYC) started. Back then, the club was based in a fourth-floor room with a tiny bar in a complex in what is now  Annapolis City Marina . Some of the earliest members lived on boats in that marina and used the club as their living room, especially after the weather got cooler. Feeling the spirit (pun intended) one December night, a few took to their boats and tooled around the harbor, singing Christmas carols.  1

Because it was so much fun, the EYC members decided to build upon the parade by adding lights to decorate their boats, making it an annual tradition. Although several tour operators sell packages during the lights parade, where you can watch the event on the water, the event is free. (Click here for more tours.) Now, it is an officially sanctioned and sponsored event on the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County holiday calendar.

Where to Watch

Book a cruise, join a friend's boat or watch from the Annapolis city front or Spa Creek Bridge. More great viewing spots are at the end of any street in downtown Annapolis that ends at the water. Pocket parks in Eastport and Murray Hill are also great vantage points for sipping some cocoa and watching the boat parade sail by.

To learn more about the parade's history, read this great blog on Annapolis Discovered .

1  Quote taken from the blog:  Behind the Mask: Tom Stalder & the History of the EYC Lights Parade

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Insider's Guide: Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

December 5, 2023

Ryan Sneddon

Like many things in Annapolis, our best holiday tradition involves the water. It’s the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade and here’s exactly what you need to know to enjoy it.

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.

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.

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.

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Annapolis Christmas Lights Boat Parade

Everything You Need to Know About the Eastport Yacht Club's Parade of Lights

Eastport Yacht Club Parade of Lights

Maryland's capital city celebrates Christmas in style with the Eastport Yacht Club Parade of Lights , a 30-years-and-running holiday tradition in which boat owners flaunt their best light decorations in an Annapolis Harbor procession. This is one of the most popular events of the season and a quirky, sometimes comical way to celebrate with family and friends. The event takes place every year on the second Saturday of December, but in 2020, it's been canceled. Still, many boats in the harbor will carry on the tradition of decorating their decks.

Where to Watch the Parade of Lights

The boats parade along the Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek Waterfront, extending from Primrose Road to the south and the USNA Seawall to the north. Be sure to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot (and dress warmly—temperatures are likely to be in the 40s at best).

WNAV Radio 1430 provides live coverage of the parade via roving reporters from 6 to 8 p.m. It announces the winners of the decorating contest at 10 p.m. They're also announced over marine radio Channel 72. A live feed is broadcast during the parade at the  Annapolis Smokehouse . Many other downtown bars and restaurants offer specials to entice visitors to stay after watching the Parade of Lights at one of these locations.

• Eastport Bridge
• Fawcett Boat Supplies Parking Lot at 110 Compromise Street
• Naval Academy
• Annapolis City Dock
• The walkway in front of Annapolis City Marina in Eastport
• Aboard the  Catherine Marie , which usually serves dessert and champagne during the parade
• Aboard the Harbor Queen , moored at the end of the City Dock and usually conducting a food drive during the parade
• Other spots include Market, Shipwright & Revel Streets, Acton Cove, Southgate, Taney and Cheston Avenues, Lafayette Park, Monticello Avenue, Truxton Park, Burnside Street, Fourth Street, Third Street, Second Street, and First Street. 

David Clow / Flickr CC 2.0 

Transportation and Parking

Parking is restricted and limited in many places near the Annapolis Harbor. The main parking site for the parade is usually the garage at Park Place, 100 Westgate Circle (across from the Annapolis National Cemetery). Signs on Rowe Boulevard and Taylor Avenue will direct visitors, then a free city shuttle will take them from Park Place to downtown every 10 minutes, running until 2:30 a.m. Additional garages are available, including Knighton Garage (Colonial Avenue), Gott's Court Garage (25 Northwest Street), South Street Lot (South Street off of Church Circle), and Hillman Garage (150 Gorman Street).

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40 years and counting for the Eastport Yacht…

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40 years and counting for the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade in Annapolis Harbor

This year the parade will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 10 , when boats decked out in holiday lights will be paraded up Spa Creek and through Ego Alley.

The Light Parade started as a one-man show in the early 1980s when Jim Langer, while living on his boat in Spa Creek, adorned it with Christmas lights and paraded around Annapolis Harbor. It caught on over the years, turning into a multi-boat extravaganza over the next four decades. By 1988, the event was proclaimed the official Maryland Winter Celebration.

Annapolis invites everyone to find a good spot along the parade route to see colorfully lit boats on a crisp December evening.

“Make sure you come out early because in the past it’s been pretty busy,” said Trudy Stalder, an Eastport Yacht Club member who hasco-chaired the Light Parade for the last four years with husband Tom Stalder.

Spectators can see the parade from several places, from the Eastport Bridge to finding a spot at the Eastport Yacht Club. There will also be vantage points along City Dock, Susan Campbell Park, the Naval Academy sea wall and other spots along Spa Creek.

During the event, Watermark is teaming up with We Care and Friends to host a dockside fundraiser from 5:30 to 9 p.m. aboard the Harbor Queen. There will music, drinks and a front-row seat to the parade. In lieu of a ticket, We Care and Friends, a nonprofit organization based in Annapolis that helps people struggling with substance abuse, will be collecting monetary donations as well as toys, linens, bedding, blankets, toiletries, clothing, and non-perishable food items.

Watermark has partnered with different organizations like this since 2011 and are excited to uphold the tradition to help a worthy cause.

“It is an absolute pleasure to partner with We Care and Friends for this year’s Queen of All Fund Drives. They do phenomenal work to help our community,” said Jake Iversen, president of Watermark, in a statement. “The Lights Parade is an Annapolis tradition, and we hope to see a big turnout to enjoy the festivities and support this wonderful organization.”

This year, there will be more than 40 boats participating in the parade, a number Tom Stalder said he hopes will continue to increase as the event gets closer.

“This show was up to 65 boats in the late ’80s,” he said. “It’s been down into the 30s recently but last year we were up to 40 before we canceled and this year we have more than that and counting. Hopefully, the trend continues.”

Stalder said he believes LED lights have allowed more boaters to light their crafts for a more reasonable price. He recalls when boaters needed a generator to keep their boat lit up.

“We expect to see all kinds of creative lighting ideas some by theme and others with moving lights spelling out fun holiday messages,” Stalder said.

Stalder said they are seeing new registrations every day, adding that participants don’t need to be part of the Eastport Yacht Club.

The Stalders said they take great pride in being able to help present the parade to the city each year because it starts the holiday season in Annapolis.

“It’s like our gift to the city,” Trudy Stalder said.

The event will coincide with other holiday events happening in the city. The Annapolis Holiday Market will be open from Dec. 8 to 11 at City Dock, along with Midnight Madness, when downtown businesses stay open late on Dec. 1, 8 and 15, leading up to Christmas..

The city of Annapolis asks those planning to watch the parade to be mindful of the potential for cold air and water temperatures along with slippery surfaces on boat decks and near the water’s edge.

The rain date for the event is Dec. 9.

Check the Eastport Yacht Club’s website for registration and inclement weather information. Deadline to register a boat in the parade is Dec. 6.

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Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

The eastport yacht club lights parade is a magnificent event that happens the second saturday night in december each year.  a fleet of boats adorn lights in many different and creative ways.  the cost of tickets for last year was $85.00 per person.  this includes a three course dinner, gratuity, access to our deck for prime viewing, and parking.  we sell tables like season tickets for a sporting event.  guest from the previous year will have the first right to purchase their table for the current year.  tables of 4 are the most common to come available. although reservations are difficult to obtain during the event, we will be seating our dining room after the show on a first come basis.  tables will usually become available after 8:30.  if you would like to dine with us after the show, please check in with the host/hostess upon arrival to the restaurant.  we recommend viewing the show from many of the public areas within our complex.  our inside bar will be open to the public along with an outside bar that evening.  unfortunately, parking that evening is limited to guests with reservations in the restaurant.  street parking is possible but limited.  if you would like to put your name on our waiting list for reservations during the show, please use the form below.  the waiting list for the 2024 show will start at 12 am december 9, 2023.   , lights parade wait list.

Old town crier

The eastport yacht club lights parade celebrates 40 years.

By Cheryl Lecourt

The 40 th  Anniversary of Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade presented by the Long & Foster Real Estate Eastport Office is an event you won’t want to miss. On Saturday December 10th, Annapolis will be celebrating a momentous anniversary of one of its signature events, the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade. This much imitated statewide award winning event draws people from all over the region to Annapolis city dock, waterfront area restaurants, watering holes, hotels, homes, offices and Eastport’s street end parks.

The event kicks off at 6 pm in Annapolis Harbor, and runs until 8pm. Anywhere from 40 to 50 uniquely lighted yachts will suddenly appear out of the dark, and parade up Spa Creek and Ego Alley providing a dazzling visual holiday light experience.

Music, singing, and visual surprises are part of the event. The air is electric, and you will want to be part of the excitement. Come early in the afternoon and wander around City Dock and see many of the yachts in the process of decorating for the evening parade. Two fleets participate and switch places mid-event: one circling in front of Eastport Yacht Club, City Dock and the Naval Academy Seawall, the other circles the length of Spa Creek, inside the bridge.

Serving as Diamond title sponsor for the Lights Parade for the third year in a row is the Long & Foster Real Estate Eastport Office. A choice viewing spot is on the bridge near their office.

Parking and shuttle buses will be provided from the Naval Academy Stadium on Rowe Boulevard and West Street garages. To get up to date information on parking, shuttle buses, viewing spots and more check out the  www.eastportyc.or/lights-parade  and the city website  www.Annapolis.gov

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Parades, festivals, events in coastal O.C. for Fourth of July holiday without the fireworks

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With the Independence Day holiday coming up Thursday, residents of coastal Orange County may be looking for ways to celebrate the occasion outside of the many fireworks displays. The following is list of a few parades and marathons that readers in the Daily Pilot’s coverage area can look forward to:

Old Glory Boat Parade on Fourth of July

Organized by American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291, the Old Glory Boat Parade will return to Newport Harbor this Independence Day to celebrate not only the founding of America but the post’s 100th birthday .

Boats will compete for best decorated, best music, spirit award, best theme, the commodore’s award and the sweepstakes grand prize. The parade will begin at 1 p.m.

For more details, visit alyc.com/page-1754585 .

American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 centennial celebration

In addition to the Old Glory Boat Parade, the American Legion post will host its centennial celebration at its location, 215 15th St., for three days, starting July 4. The event includes a pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. on Independence Day for a $12 donation for adults and $8 for those 12 and under; live music; a community and family day with a $5 breakfast menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 5 and a $10 breakfast menu on July 6, along with a silent auction and raffle.

For more information, visit al291.com/fourth-of-july-100-years-of-service .

Mariners and Dover Shores hosts annual bike parade

Residents in the Mariners and Dover Shores community will be organizing its 51st annual 4th of July Family Bike Parade and Celebration on Independence Day.

The parade will begin at Santiago and Mariners Drive at 10:30 a.m. and will end at Dover Drive. Live music will be at Mariners Park. There’s no reason to go hungry: TK Burger, Mom’s Kitchen and Kona Ice will have food available for purchase.

Mason Taylor Associates, Dog Republic, Tekne Development/Construction, Range Sports Therapy and the Law Office of Scott C. Thomas are sponsoring the parade.

13th annual 4th of July is for Families Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Festival

The city of Newport Beach will hold its own bike parade and festival on the Fourth of July.

The parade will begin at west Balboa Boulevard and 36th Street at 9 a.m., and the community event will be held at Channel Place Park, which will begin at 9 and continue to 11:30 a.m.

The festival will include carnival games, arts and crafts, lawn activities and food.

Street closures in Newport Beach for holiday

The Newport Beach Police Department announced the following street closures on Thursday, July 4:

From approximately 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Balboa Boulevard from 32nd Street to Channel Place will be closed, and no left turns will be allowed from westbound Balboa Boulevard at 34th, 36th, 39th, 43rd and 46th Streets for the parade.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing until early Friday morning, southbound Orange Street at West Coast Highway will be closed, as will Via Malaga, from Via Oporto to Via Lido.

From approximately noon to 10 p.m., Back Bay Drive and San Joaquin Hills Road between Back Bay Drive and the entrance to the Park Newport Apartment Community will be closed.

Surf City 5K run kicks off Independence Day

The Surf City 5K is back for another year. From 7 to 10 a.m. on Thursday participants will run along Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

Sign-ups are still open for all events, which includes the titular 5K, a stroller 5K and the Kids Fun Run. Pacific Coast Highway will be closed between Goldenwest Street and Beach Boulevard to accommodate the event, as will Main Street between Pacific Coast Highway to Gothard Street. For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/HuntingtonBeach/HBSURFCITYRUN .

Kiwanis Club of Huntington Beach hosts pancake breakfast

The Kiwanis Club of Huntington Beach will hold its annual breakfast at Lake Park, 1035 11th St., from 7 to 10 a.m. on Thursday.

The breakfast costs $10 and all proceeds will benefit children in need across the city.

120th annual Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade

Starting at 10 a.m. and following the Surf City 5K run will be the 120th annual Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade, which is expected to feature more than 100 groups including elected officials, military veterans, public safety and performers.

The parade route begins at Pacific Coast Highway and 9th Street and will conclude just past Yorktown Avenue. Tickets for reserved seating at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway are on sale at psqproductions.ticketspice.com/huntington-beach-independence-day-2024 for $27 a person.

The parade will be broadcast on KABC Channel 7 and livestreamed.

The city of Huntington Beach will host a block party downtown on the Fourth, with live music from 5 to 9 p.m.

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Lilly Nguyen covers Newport Beach for the Daily Pilot. Before joining the Pilot, she worked for the Orange County Register as a freelance reporter and general assignment intern. She earned her bachelor’s in journalism at Cal State Long Beach. (714) 966-4623.

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