EYC Lights Parade: Know Before You Go

Annapolis is getting ready to SHINE BRIGHT. On December 13, 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 43rd, here’s everything you need to know.

Festivities officially kick off at 5 PM with a live broadcast from WRNR FM outside Market House and a dockside party aboard Watermark’s Harbor Queen (no tickets or reservation required, just a suggested donation to the Eastport Yacht Club Foundation). All net proceeds support the EYC Foundation, a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides STEM-on-the-water programs, marine career exploration, and scholarships for local students.

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. Note: due to construction at City Dock (between Craig St. and Susan Campbell Park) many waterfront areas are inaccessible. The waterfront promenade between Randall St (at the top of Ego Alley) and Craig St (where the construction fence starts) is an available viewing area, but arrive early to secure your spot. 

For more viewing spots, consider any street that dead-ends at the water (Market, Shipwright, and Revel Streets, as well as First, Second, and Third Streets). 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.

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. Text LIGHTS2025 to 38276 for traffic advisories.

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.

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. 

Our top recommendation? Park Place Garage (100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401). It’s $5 after 5 PM on the night of the lights parade. After parking, the free circulator shuttle will take you downtown.

Pro tip: Remember you get 1 hour free in the Mills-Hillman Garage and two hours in metered spots by using the code ParkDTA on the ParkMobile app now until New Year’s Day.

Calling all skippers! In addition to the usual prize categories of Best Under 30’, Best 30’ and Over, Best In Show, EYC is introducing two new categories this year: 

Need inspiration? Check out past boat décor to get those creative juices flowing.

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 [email protected] to customize a package or ask questions.

*Images courtesy of Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade.