This year marks the 30th anniversary of Christmas in St. Michaels, which takes place on December 9, 10 and 11.
The first event of Christmas in St. Michaels—the Gingerbread House Cocktail Party– occurs the weekend before on Sunday, December 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Woman’s Club of St. Michaels. This festive party allows guests the first view of the gingerbread houses (many of which are available for sale). Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased in advance by calling 410-745-0745.
The Christmas in St. Michaels weekend begins on Friday, December 9, with the opening of the Gingerbread House Display and the Marketplace boutique (next door at the Granite Lodge on St. Mary’s Square) both from noon to 3. Locals “in the know” line up at noon to get first pick of the lovely handmade gift items and mouthwatering homemade gourmet foods. This year’s offerings include the new cookbook, A Few of Our Favorite Things, and the 2016 Collectors Ornament.
The Yuletide Party and 30th Anniversary Celebration takes place on Friday evening from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Town Dock restaurant on the harbor in St. Michaels. It will feature a gourmet tour of St. Michaels’ finest restaurants, a jazz band and a magical view of the harbor lit for the holidays. Tickets are $150 per person and may be purchased online at christmasinstmichaels.org or by calling 410-745-0745. A portion of the ticket cost is tax deductible.
Saturday, December 10, has a full line-up of events including the not-to-be missed Talbot Street Parade:
• Marketplace boutique and the Gingerbread Display will both be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Breakfast with Santa at the Town Dock restaurant for children ages 3 to 8 (accompanied by an adult). Reservations are required.
• St. Luke’s Church Holiday Breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Christmas Bazaar in the Christ Church Parish Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring holiday greens, handmade crafts, attic treasures and more.
• Talbot Street Parade starting at 10:30 a.m. featuring more than 50 different groups, including the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
• Tour of Homes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with ten homes open to visitors. Advance tickets are $25; $30 during the weekend. They can be purchased online or at Chesapeake Bay Outfitters, The Christmas Shop and Chesapeake Trading Company.
• Santa’s Wonderland—following the parade until 2:30 p.m. on the St. Michaels School Campus. The cost is $2 per child ages 3 to 11. Harold Baines, retired professional baseball star, will be available to sign autographs. Children can visit with Santa, participate in fun activities and shop at the “Shop and Wrap” store.
• Eastern Shore Christmas Dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church featuring a homemade holiday meal with all the trimmings. Cost is $18 per person.
• Jackson Jubilee Singers perform gospel music and Christmas spirituals at 1:30 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church.
The fun continues on Sunday, December 11 :
• Marketplace boutique and the Gingerbread Display will both be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tour of Homes is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Celebration of Choirs at St. Michaels Middle/High School auditorium is from 6 to 7 p.m. and features choirs from area churches and the Covenant Gospel Choir, who join together to present joyful holiday music. This free concert is one of the most popular events and provides a perfect ending to a fun-filled holiday weekend.
Christmas in St. Michaels brings the warmth of a small town community to everyone who comes to participate in the weekend’s events. And this special feeling lasts all year for the hundreds of volunteers who give countless hours of their time preparing for this event. During its 30-year history, Christmas in St. Michaels has provided more than $1 million to local non-profit organizations that serve the Bay Hundred area.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit christmasinstmichaels.org or call 410-745-0745.
Come experience the magic of Christmas in St. Michaels.
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