🍦Inauguration day

Good morning, Annapolis. Coming back to work after a holiday weekend is always tough but don’t fear. Christmas is just 24 days away.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, & Duffy Perkins

Looking for a gift that actually gets used and appreciated? Yoga Factory’s $100 gift cards are on sale for $75 this December. It’s the perfect way to share the gift of movement, mindfulness, and well-being with someone you care about.

Gift cards can be used for classes, workshops, and everything Yoga Factory offers. Whether it’s for a friend starting yoga for the first time, a regular practitioner, or even yourself, it’s a thoughtful way to support wellness this holiday season.

Teachers and staff can’t wait to welcome everyone to the mat and help them find calm, focus, and energy. Purchase your gift card here.

As of this afternoon, Annapolis will officially have a new mayor and some new City Council members. Mayor-elect Jared Littmann and all eight members of the council will be sworn in at a ceremony this afternoon at 2:30 PM at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Interested in going? The swearing-in ceremony is free and open to the public. Shuttles will circulate and there’s free parking at the stadium via Gate 5 (Taylor Avenue) and Gate 2 (Farragut Road).

Want to celebrate with the new city officials? There will be a ticketed reception afterward starting at 4:30 PM in the N Room (not a typo — the N Room is an 8,500 square-foot banquet hall at the stadium). There will be live music, light fare, and libations. At press time, you can still get tickets.

It was anyone’s game in the first half. Navy spent halftime in the locker room 3 points down rethinking the game plan and rethink they did. The Mids controlled the ball for 23 of the 30 remaining minutes, scored 14 more points, and shut out Memphis’ offense to win 28-17.

With the victory, the Mids finished in a three way tie for first place in the American Conference with Tulane and North Texas. Unfortunately because of tiebreakers, Navy’s on the outside looking in for this weekend’s championship.

In other news, President Trump will attend the Army-Navy Game and offensive coordinator Drew Cronic turned down a head coaching position at UAB. The Mids also broke into the AP Top 25 for the first time this year, claiming spot #23.

The Naval Academy is making waves with its plan to build a $22 million, 33,000 sq ft, two-story standalone lacrosse facility. Designed by Bignell Watkins Hasser to resemble a naval ship, it’ll include locker rooms, a gym, coaches’ offices, rooftop terrace overlooking the Severn River, hydrotherapy recovery areas (hello underwater treadmills), and an 80-seat film room.

The state-of-the-art facility — funded by an anonymous donor — will give men’s and women’s lax teams dedicated space, free up shared training areas for other sports, and support recruiting, athlete development, and regional events, reinforcing the Academy’s top-tier commitment to the sport. If there were ever a time to change our state’s official sport from jousting to lacrosse — now would be it. Just saying . . . Construction should start in early 2026 and finish in 2027. ($)

Every year, Historic Annapolis issues Preservation Awards to those who exemplify a dedication to historic preservation within the city. The awards and their 2025 inductees are as follows:

Landmark Preservation Award: Old Treasury Building Awarded for the restoration of the 1725-1737 building within State Circle, part of the ongoing effort to restore the State House exterior and grounds.

Excellence in Historic Interpretation Award: Nannetta Hall, Historic Annapolis Education Coordinator Recognized for her portrayal of figures from local history and her dynamic work at Historic Annapolis through youth programs.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Richard Hillman Celebrated for accumulating an astonishing record of 1,400 walking tours of the historic district for Watermark Tours as Squire Richard before retiring last year.

Annapolis History Award: Jane McWilliams Honored for the book, Annapolis, City on the Severn: A History, a foundational resource of the city’s history.

Cultural Heritage Award: John Pantelides Saluted for his lifelong stewardship of cultural heritage, like his co-founding of the Annapolis Greek Heritage Project.

The contemporary novel Float Plan by Rob Hiaasen was published posthumously by his wife a few months after Rob and four colleagues at the Capital Gazette were murdered in their newsroom. Rob was a beloved columnist and editor at The Capital. There must’ve been something in the Ft. Lauderdale water growing up because his brother Carl Hiassen is the bestselling author of Bad Monkey (also an Apple TV+ show).

Back to Float Plan. Set in Annapolis, algebra teacher Will Larkin lives by the numbers — until life subtracts his wife after 2.92 years (he never rounds off), dog, job, boat, and freedom in one jaw-dropping year. Enter Parker Cool, a vet tech with a name too fitting and timing too perfect. Alongside a basset hound named Dean and a life-saving mozzarella stick, Will stumbles into mishaps including a gazebo that definitely started it. Float Plan is a quirky, big-hearted story about steering toward love, forgiveness, and happiness. It's a snappy, laugh-out-loud, 226-page read. Float Plan is a “love letter to Annapolis and Baltimore” which we’re naturally suckers for.

Published by Apprentice House Press, all proceeds benefit Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. Buy the book at local bookstores like Old Fox Books or Park Books.

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We’ve all been in one of those moods where you’re hungry but don’t exactly know what you want. Or maybe everyone in your entire family wants something different. The genius behind Wonder food halls is that they solve that problem by bringing together top restaurants all into one location — whether you want takeout or dine-in. (You can even order delivery.) Think of it as the food court at the mall, but without the rest of the mall. Now we’ve got a Wonder coming to Annapolis in January (yes, as in next month). It’s coming to 2486 Riva Road. There aren’t a lot of details yet, but you can sign up to get more info as soon as it’s available.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

116 million Americans live with chronic pain. Flexibility is the key to mobility – which is critical as you age. Assisted stretching decreases muscle and joint pain, improves posture, and helps prevent injuries while increasing longevity. StretchMed Annapolis, which is located in the Annapolis Town Center, is offering all Scoop readers a discounted price. Take advantage and book a free trial now!

TUESDAY

West Annapolis | Giving in Style: An Evening to Support AACPL | This evening at Wrabyn Boutique includes champagne, light fare, and a chance to learn how the library supports underserved communities. 6:30–8:30 PM.

THURSDAY

Downtown | Midnight Madness | The first installment of these late-night shopping events is this week, so bundle up and take a stroll along festively decorated Main Street. 4 PM-Midnight

SATURDAY

Millersville | Jingle Bell Hayride | Take a festive ride through Kinder Farm Park, sip warm drinks around a campfire, and meet Santa. 10 AM–1 PM.

Crownsville | Wildberry Vintage Christmas Market | Vendors, a hot chocolate bar, and so much good in this beautiful little farm. 1–5 PM.

SUNDAY

Crownsville | Holiday Paw-ty & Adoption Event | Adopting a dog is a big responsibility, but if you’re looking to bring home a new family member for the holidays, this event at Crownsville Canine is the perfect opportunity. Noon–3 PM.

West Annapolis | Annapolis Italian Christmas Market | Stroll through a festive bazaar and do some gift shopping while sampling Italian food and listening to Italian music. 10 AM–3 PM.

Inner West St. | Chocolate Binge Festival | Get your chocolate-fix at this family-friendly holiday festival. 11 AM–4 PM.

Severna Park | SPCC Holiday Market | Discover more than 40 local artisans and vendors at this magical afternoon of holiday shopping. 1–5 PM

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? Especially in Annapolis. When we talk about what we’re looking forward to in December, we’re talking about holiday festivities — and maybe a few other events thrown in there too. Here’s what we’ve got on the calendar:

Crownsville | The Magic of Christmas | This combination of dazzling lights displays and a North Pole workshop (with Santa and Mrs. Claus) at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds is nearly sold out. Tickets still available Dec. 11 & 14.

Sandy Point | Lights on the Bay | This spectacular drive-through lights display along the Chesapeake always impresses — and it raises funds for the SPCA. Open every night through New Year’s.

Downtown | Midnight Madness | Three nights where Annapolis stars in its very own Hallmark Christmas movie. Grab your friends and a warm coat; the rest you can find in shops all over downtown. Dec. 4, 11, and 18 from 4 PM on.

Crownsville | Wildberry Vintage Christmas Market | Vendors, a hot chocolate bar, and so much good in this beautiful little farm. Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1–5 PM.

Inner West St. | Chocolate Binge Festival | Family-friendly entertainment, great holiday gifts, and (of course) chocolate. Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Naval Academy | 10th Annual Brigade Market | Hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday shopping. Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

M&T Bank Stadium | Army vs. Navy | Being in Baltimore makes this practically a home game. Show up and as always, GO NAVY BEAT ARMY. Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3 PM.

Downtown | Santa Speedo Run | Think of this as a mass cold water plunge without the water. Then it seems much more sane. Saturday, Dec. 13. Registration starts at 11 AM at O’Briens.

Annapolis Harbor | Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade | It’s a Naptown holiday. Just remember to bring a thermos and warm boots, because the bridge gets cold under your feet. Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6 PM to 8.

St. Johns Campus | Annapolis Holiday Market | With City Dock under construction, the market is moving to St. John’s. Dozens of merchants selling everything you could imagine. Various dates starting Dec. 13.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium through Downtown | Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K | Show off your seasonal spirit with this “holiday hustle” through downtown on Dec. 20 starting at 7:30 AM.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium | Annapolis Military Bowl | The ACC and American Conference go head-to-head. And there’s a parade. Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11 AM.

Get ready for a trio of standout USNA seasonal concerts. Bonus: Two are free and open to the public (translation: no tickets needed).

🎷 Holiday Jazz Concert: The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear with a free holiday jazz concert. On December 3 (7–8 PM in Mahan Hall), the Superintendent’s Combo and Trident Brass Jazz Ensemble deliver spirited Yuletide classics in both small-group and big-band style. The night crescendos with both ensembles joining forces.

🥁 Pipes and Drums Fall Concert: “Nice pipes” takes on a literal meaning December 5 (7–8 PM) with one of only two active-duty military pipe bands. Expect bagpipers, drummers, highland dancers, and Celtic instruments in Mahan Hall. Scoop up tickets.

🎅 Naval Academy Band “Holiday by the Bay” Concert: Celebrate the festive season on December 11 at 7:30–9 PM in the USNA Main Chapel with multicultural holiday favorites, standout ensembles, midshipman guest performers — and maybe even a surprise visit from Santa.

It’s wild for us to believe, but even in 2025 people are still asking what Snowflake Alley is. And what about the alpacas? So we’re here to school you in the art of December Thursdays in Annapolis. Midnight Madness is upon us (December 4, 11, and 18).

First things first: downtown stores stay open late. But it’s not just shopping: they have treats; entertainment on every corner; and a whole separate market for crafters and artisans without brick-and-mortar shops. It’s a Hallmark Channel-style party that will make you love Annapolis on the level of the Blue Angels and Boat Shows.

Second: you have to know where to park. Parking is always free on weekday evenings starting at 6 pm at the Calvert Street Parking Garage (19 St. Johns St.). The Whitmore Parking Garage (25 Clay St.) always has a flat rate starting at 4 PM of $2. Annapolis’ holiday parking deal is back (2 hours free at any metered or kiosk spot). And you can park at Park Place Garage for a flat fee of $5 and take a free Magenta shuttle downtown.

Thirdly: On the second Thursday (Dec. 11), hit up the West Street Holiday Market on the first block of West Street. On the final Thursday (Dec. 18) walk down Maryland Ave. to the Annapolis Holiday Market (formerly located at City Dock) on the front lawn of St John's College.

Finally: This Thursday’s a super moon night. You’ll be up all night anyway, so why not have some hot chocolate and run around town with your besties? We’ll be there.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

The County Council is getting right back to business after Thanksgiving weekend with their regularly scheduled meeting tonight. It starts at 7 PM at the Arundel Center. This meeting will include discussions on a bill regarding ice and snow removal, whether roads are adequate for new development, and budgeting for school-related capital projects. See the full agenda. If you’re interested in providing testimony, you can submit it in writing or sign up to testify in person. The meeting is open to the public, but you can also stream on Arundel TV.

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🌤️43 🌡️ 35 | 🌤️ | 2% | 💨 N 12 mph (10 knots)

40 🌡️ 32 | 🌧️ | 98% | 💨 N 11 mph (10 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 48ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | Backroom Sessions | 7:30–10 PM

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7:30–9:30 PM
Brian Boru | PJ & Neal's First Tuesday Hootenanny | 6–9 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Point | Kavoossi | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Son Little w/ Candi Jenkins | 8 PM | Tickets

Football (9-2)
11/27 @ Memphis | W 28-17

Women's Basketball (5-2)
11/29 vs. Manhattan | W 59-52
11/29 vs. Liberty vs. Duquesne | Liberty 67 - Duquesne 60
11/30 vs. Duquesne | L 69-67 OT
11/30 vs. Manhattan vs. Liberty | Liberty 68 - Manhattan 56

Men's Basketball (4-4)
11/26 vs. Gardner-Webb | W 84-51
11/28 @ UNCW | L 87-57
11/29 vs. Southeastern Louisiana | L 69-65

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Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who caught the Thanksgiving sniffles over the long weekend. Better luck next year.

Btw it’s me. I caught the Thanksgiving sniffles.