Nov. 30-Dec. 1
Yorktown Christmas
This annual holiday celebration features the procession of lights down Main Street, the lighting of the town Christmas tree, a lighted boat parade, caroling and a visit from Santa. On Saturday enjoy an oyster roast at the Maritime Museum. Yorktown, Va. Friday festivities begin at 7 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., oyster roast 1-6 p.m., boat parade at 6 p.m. 757-890-4970; www.yorkcounty.gov.
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
Holiday Candlelight Tours
Tour Sotterley Plantation while the Civil War Era homestead drama is recreated around you. There will also be live seasonal music, refreshments and more. Reservations required. Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood, Md. 6 p.m. 301-373-2280; www.sotterley.org.
Nov. 30-Dec. 2
Old Tyme Christmas
Welcome St. Nick as he arrives at Fells Point by tugboat, then peruse the Christmas village wares, hit up the egg nog contest, build your own gingerbread house and more during this annual Christmas festival. Broadway Square, Fells Point, Baltimore. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 410-675-8900; www.fellspointmainstreet.org.
Nov. 30-Dec. 2
Harbor Holiday Festival
This new holiday festival on the water will have fun for the whole family, including handmade crafts, gift items, holiday entertainment, costumed merry-makers, kids activities and more. Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m; Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Plateau, National Harbor. www.nationalharbor.com.
1
Christmas on the Beach
Gather in North Beach, Md., for the town's annual parade, caroling, refreshments and decorating the community Christmas tree on the boardwalk. North Beach, Md. Noon-3 p.m. 301-855-6681; www.ci.north-beach.md.us.
1
Gloucester Holiday Parade
This community parade will welcome the holiday season with music, floats, animals and Santa. Gloucester, Va. 2 p.m. 804-693-2355; www.gloucesterva.info.
1
Christmas in Rock Hall
Christmas season in Rock Hall, Md., is kicked off by Santa's arrival by boat and the lighting of the town's Christmas tree. The evening will also feature caroling, refreshments and family activities. Rock Hall, Md. Activities start at 6:30 p.m. 410-639-7611; www.rockhallmd.com.
1-31
A Colonial Christmas
Experience the holiday traditions of the 17th and 18th centuries through interpretive programs, musical entertainment, guided tours and more at Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. Williamsburg, Va. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 757-253-4838; www.historyisfun.org.
1-2
Marine Electrical Systems Basics
Students will receive hands-on and lecture instruction in basic electrical theory, troubleshooting and repair skills, and system design and maintenance. A level II class will be held Dec. 3-4. Annapolis School of Seamanship, Annapolis. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-263-8848; www.annapolisschoolofseamanship.com.
7
Pearl Harbor Day
Commemorate Pearl Harbor Day aboard the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Taney, one of two surviving ships afloat present during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The memorial service will include an aerial wreath drop, a 21-gun salute and a bell tolling. U.S. Coast Guard cutter Taney, Baltimore. 11:45 a.m. 410-396-3453; www.historicships.org.
7-8
Solomons Christmas Walk
Solomons, Md., will celebrate the season with a boat parade, candlelight tours, live entertainment, the lighting of the Drum Point Lighthouse and more. Solomons, Md. Fri. 6-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., boat parade 6:15 p.m. 410-326-1950; www.solomonsmaryland.com.
7-9
Christmas in St. Michaels
Celebrate the holidays in St. Michaels with historic home tours, a Christmas parade, breakfast with Santa, classic boats on display at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and a holiday gala. St. Michaels, Md. Call for specific events and times. 410-745-0745; www.christmasinstmichaels.org.
8
Christmas Home Tour and Music Fesitval
This annual Christmas home tour features historic Onancock homes, the Center for Eastern Shore History at Ker Place, the Onancock School and music at Cokesbury Church. Onancock, Va. Home tours 2-6 p.m.; music at Cokesbury Church 3-7 p.m. 757-787-7600; www.onancock.org.
8
Prince William Marina Lighting Ceremony
Walk the docks at Prince William Marina to see how the creative slipholders have decorated their docks and boats for this annual celebration. Prince William Marina, Woodbridge, Va. Festivities start at dark. 800-772-3240; www.pwmarina.com.
8
Santa Swim
Strip down to your swimsuits-but keep on your Santa cap-and dive into the chilly Choptank River to benefit the Care & Share Fund. Afterward, there will be a "survivors" party with hot food, music and prizes. Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, Cambridge, Md. 10 a.m. 410-901-4131; www.careandsharefund.org.
8
First Light Celebration
Commemorate the first recorded English Christmas in North America (which took place in Hampton, Va.) with caroling, children's activities, ginger cakes and more. Hampton History Museum, Hampton, Va. 5 p.m. 757-727-1610; www.hampton.gov/history_museum.
8
A Family Plantation Christmas
Sotterley Plantation will host this annual fun family event featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, crafts vendors, children's games, a petting zoo, seasonal music, gifts and a visit from St. Nick and Mrs. Claus. Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood, Md. 10 am.-4 p.m. 301-373-2280; www.sotterley.org.
8
A Holiday Second Saturday
For its December Second Saturday celebration, Cambridge, Md., will step back in time with old-fashioned holiday festivities, gallery receptions, late shopping hours, sleigh rides, Christmas decorations and music, fireside s'mores, crafts and more. Downtown Cambridge, Md. 5-9 p.m. 443-477-0843; www.cambridgemainstreet.com.
8-9
Christmas on Cockrell Creek
Historic homes and boats will be decorated for the holidays and open for tours during Reedville's annual Christmas celebration. Reedville Fishermen's Museum, Reedville, Va. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 804-453-6529; www.rfmuseum.org.
8-9
Candlelight Tours
Tour historic sites in Old Town Alexandria, Va., including Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House, all decorated for the holidays, plus enjoy live entertainment and light refreshments along the way. Gadsby's Tavern, Alexandria, Va. Sat. 6-9 p.m.; Sun. 3-6 p.m. 703-746-4242; www.historicalexandria.org.
9
Candlelight Tour and Carver Celebration
This annual holiday event features the traditional "duck head" Christmas tree, decoy carving demonstrations and exhibits, gift sales and the annual candlelight historic home tour through town. Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, Havre de Grace, Md. 4-8 p.m. 410-939-3739; www.decoymuseum.com.
9
Maritime Christmas
Celebrate the holidays with music, storytelling, nautical crafts and ornaments, demonstrations and book signings. Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, Havre de Grace, Md. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-939-4800; www.hdgmaritimemuseum.org.
14
Jackson Creek Cruise
This annual Christmas tour starts with refreshments at the community center, then moves to the dock, where you will depart on a cruise of Jackson Creek to see the town's Christmas decorations by water. After the cruise, hitch a ride on a hay wagon back to the community center for homemade goodies and cider. Deltaville, Va. 5-8 p.m. 804-776-9811; www.deltavilleva.com.
14
Noel Night
Head to Onancock Wharf to see Santa and his kayaking reindeer arrive for the season. Afterward enjoy the town tree-lighting ceremony and caroling in Town Park, while the galleries and shops stay open late. Onancock Wharf, Onancock, Va. 5-8 p.m. 757-787-3363; www.onancock.org.
15
Season of the Sailor Concert
Join Annapolis duo Calico Jack and traveling duo Pint and Dale for an evening of original and traditional seasonal maritime songs. Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis. 7-9 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.amaritime.org.
15
Market Days
In addition to the usual array of fresh produce, meat and seafood, baked goods, specialty cut flowers, art, and live music, the Yorktown market will offer items unique to the holiday season. Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown, Va. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 757-890-3500; www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism.
24
Santa Water-Ski
Head to National Harbor on the Potomac to watch Santa and his kneeboarding reindeer and elves, who will dazzle the crowd with their stunts, while avoiding the Grinch on his Jet Ski. National Harbor Marina, National Harbor, Md. 1 p.m. 703-280-1788; www.waterskiingsanta.com.
31
New Year's Eve Deck Party
Ring in the New Year aboard the U.S.S. Constellation and get a great view of Baltimore's fireworks display, as well as a catered dinner, behind-the-scenes tours and demonstrations. Call for tickets. U.S.S. Constellation, Baltimore. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. 410-539-1797; www.historicships.org.
31
Rock Hall Crawl
Rock Hall will ring in the New Year Mardi Gras style with a parade of crazy hats, music throughout the night at several venues, a countdown to the New Year and the "Rockfish drop," and fireworks at midnight. A breakfast will be served at the firehouse at 1 a.m. Rock Hall, Md., see website for specific events and times. 410-639-7611; www.rockhallmd.com.