One of my favorite holiday traditions is back for its 31st year: Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park, running now through January 1, every night from 5–9 p.m. (and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). If you’ve never been, this is the year to fix that. 

Lights on the Bay is a two-mile drive along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay with more than 70 animated and stationary holiday displays lighting the way. You’ll see everything from classic holiday scenes to displays inspired by historic Annapolis, including a crowd favorite: USNA midshipmen tossing their covers into the air.

There’s plenty to keep everyone in the car entertained—yes, even the dog. Kids can jump into a nightly scavenger hunt, spotting specific displays along the route, answering questions, and entering for a chance to win prizes. 

Details at a glance:

📍 Where: Sandy Point State Park

📅 When: November 23 – January 1

⏰ Hours: 5-9 p.m. (Sun - Thu) and 5–10 p.m. (Fri & Sat)

🚗 Cost: $20 per car (keep an eye out for discount offers that can save you $5–$10, hint--look up! And consider advance tickets to skip the longer lines on peak nights)

If you’re looking for an easy, low-stress way to get into the holiday spirit—no cooking, no crowds, just lights and music from the comfort of your car—this is it.

Check it out, and I’ll see you out there under the lights.