The Towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach, collectively known as the Twin Beaches, are gearing up for a festive holiday season filled with community events, cheerful traditions, and opportunities to spread holiday cheer.
Chesapeake Beach: Lighting Up the Town
Chesapeake Beach kicks off the season with a series of events designed to bring neighbors together in the spirit of the holidays.
Town Hall Hours
Town Hall will close early at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, and reopen on Monday, December 2, for regular business hours. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Sunday, December 1: Christmas Market and Light Up the Town
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Town Hall complex will transform into a Christmas Market, featuring:
- Holiday tunes performed by the Beach Elementary School orchestra.
- Local vendors offering unique gifts.
- Crafting activities with CBOCS.
- A cozy firepit for warming up.
- A visit from the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, selling Christmas trees on-site.
The evening culminates with the mayor flipping the switch to “Light Up the Town,” officially marking the start of the holiday season.
Barbara “Jo” Finch’s Brightest Beacon on the Bay Contest
Residents are invited to enter their homes, boats, or businesses in this year’s contest. Submissions are open until December 9, and entries will be judged during the Holiday Lights Tour.
Saturday, December 14: Holiday Trolley Tours
The annual Holiday Trolley Tours allow residents and visitors to enjoy Chesapeake Beach’s festive displays while voting for their favorite Brightest Beacon entries. The trolley departs from Kellam’s Field at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. A cheerful elf will guide the tour, sharing historical tidbits about the town.
Giving Back
Chesapeake Beach residents are encouraged to participate in holiday giving:
- Angels and Silver Bells: Gifts selected from Angel Tags at Town Hall must be returned by December 2.
- Toys for Tots: Donations of unwrapped toys are accepted in the Town Hall atrium until December 11.
North Beach: A Magical Christmas Parade and Santa Visits
North Beach is ready to dazzle with its own festive traditions, highlighting creativity, community spirit, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Saturday, December 7: A Magical Christmas Parade
The annual North Beach Christmas Parade takes place at 12 p.m. on Bay Avenue, stretching from 1st Street to 7th Street. Residents and businesses are invited to participate by creating holiday-themed floats inspired by classic tales or new traditions.
Parade Entry Information:
- The deadline to submit applications is Monday, December 2, by 12 p.m.
- Visit the North Beach website for rules and online applications.
- For questions, contact 301-855-6681 or email info@northbeachmd.org.
Saturday, December 21: Santa’s Golf Cart Tour
Santa will trade his sleigh for a golf cart as he cruises through North Beach, greeting children and collecting letters for his special mailbox. The tour runs from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A map and estimated times for each area will help residents know when to expect Santa’s arrival.
Celebrate the Twin Beaches This Holiday Season
With activities ranging from trolley tours to a magical parade, the Twin Beaches offer something for everyone this holiday season. Whether lighting up Chesapeake Beach or welcoming Santa to North Beach, these events foster community, joy, and the spirit of giving.
For more information about individual events, contact:
- Chesapeake Beach Town Hall at 410-257-2230.
- North Beach Town Hall at 301-855-6681 or info@northbeachmd.org.
