Order Online, Pick Up In Museum!

Now Available: Online ordering for everyone's favorite tradition: hand-painted holiday ornaments! Ornaments may now be purchased online for pick-up in-person at the William Paca House or can be purchased in-person at the Museum of Historic Annapolis and the William Paca House and Garden during open hours.

Order Ornaments Online

This year we have partnered with “The Ornament Scribe,” local artist Sarah Schabow, to offer two exclusive designs: an iconic image of Factor’s Row on the Annapolis Waterfront, and the majestic U.S. Naval Academy Chapel with its beautifully restored dome.

The total cost for ornaments is $44, including tax, a gift box, and ribbon! Available only while supplies last, no discounts apply.

Museum of Historic Annapolis

99 Main Street | 410.990.4754

Holiday Hours:

Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday: 10 am - 2 pm

William Paca House & Garden

186 Prince George Street | 410.990.4543

Holiday Hours:

Friday, Saturday, & Monday: 10 am - 4 pm

Special Pick-up Hours Saturday, December 3: 10 am - 6 pm

All HA properties will be closed on December 24 and 25.

**New Tour**

Holiday Spirit Tour: Yuletide Traditions at the William Paca House

Friday, December 2

Celebrate the season and join our new holiday tour of the William Paca House!

Bring family and friends to enjoy the elegant decorations, learn about 18th century Maryland holiday traditions, and stories of Christmases past. The guided, one-hour candlelit tour highlights how the Paca household prepared for their holiday guests. The historic home is ready to greet you with music, garlands, a sweet treat, and a take-home recipe!

Advance registration recommended; space is limited.

Register

Time: 4 pm

Location: William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George Street

Cost: $15 General Admission; $10 for HA Members, Volunteers, and Military; $7 Children (3-17); Free for Children 2 and under

This tour will also be offered on December 9, 16 and 17 at 4 pm, and December 10, 19, and 26 at 11 am. Visit the Calendar of Events to book your preferred date!

Interested in scheduling this tour as a private event for your group of 10 or more? Contact Janet Hall, Visitor Services Manager, at [email protected].

Colonial Yuletide Celebration

Saturday, December 3

You are cordially invited to celebrate a colonial holiday with Historic Annapolis! Bring the entire family to welcome yuletide at the William Paca House and Hogshead. It’s the year 1772, and you'll experience the holiday traditions, music, and stories of Christmases past.

Be entertained by our special guests, the Annapolis Living Historians, who will bring the Paca House and Garden to life. Enjoy the musical stylings of BedlamColonial Music, and create special holiday crafts. Meet the merry townspeople of Annapolis at Hogshead and sample a colonial sweet and cider!

Spend a fun afternoon with us at this joyous celebration! Your admission includes both sites, and you may begin your celebration at either location.

Advance registration strongly recommended; walk-ups will be accommodated as space permits.

Time: 2 pm - 6 pm (timed entry on the hour)

Location: William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George Street; Hogshead, 43 Pinkney Street

Cost: FREE for HA Members and Volunteers; $12 General Admission; $7 Child (ages 3-17, free for 2 and under)

Register

Mr. Paca's Garden Storytime

Tuesday, December 6

Join us on select Tuesday mornings for storytime and fun activities in the William Paca Garden. Each program is designed for little ones (3-7 years) with a book reading, song, craft/art project, and free time in the garden. 

This Week's Books: Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko and My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz

Join us for two exciting stories about two young girls and how they celebrate the winter holidays. In Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama, Sadie looks forward to the golden gelt sparkling under the Christmas tree and hanging candy canes on the eight menorah branches, while in My First Kwanzaa, another young girl looks forward to dressing up in African clothing and lighting the seven candles in the kinara. Come find out what all three holidays have in common and make decorative take-home crafts to celebrate all three holidays!

Advance registration recommended; space is limited.

Time: Program, 10 - 11 am; Garden Time, 11 - 11:30 am

Location: William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George Street

Cost: $10 per Child and $5 per Adult for General Admission; $8 per Child and Free for Adults for HA Members and Active Military; $5 per Child and Free for Adults for Family Circle Members 

Register

Hands-On History Day at the Museum of Historic Annapolis

Sunday, December 11

isit the Museum of Historic Annapolis on the second Sunday of every month for Hands-On History Days. Drop in any time between 10 am and 2 pm for special family activities - a new theme each month means you and your family will want to visit again and again! Activities are included with Museum admission, which is 1/2 price on second Sundays. 

In December, join us for Recollections of World War II.

- Explore the Museum and talk with living historians and people from our community who lived through WWII.
- Be like "Rosie the Riveter" and help build a boat out of modeling clay.
- Make a medal similar to those received by WWII soldiers.
- View WWII special mementos during our Curator's Corner.
- Read stories about WWII with your family in our Anne Arundel County Public Library Book Nook.

The special Curator's Corner experience will be offered at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Advance registration recommended.

Time: 10 am - 2 pm

Location: Museum of Historic Annapolis, 99 Main Street

Cost: $5 General Admission; $2.50 Children (ages 6-17, free for 5 and under); Free for HA Members and SNAP/WIC recipients

Register

Visit our Calendar of Events for more upcoming programs!

'Tis the Season for ... The Jolly Express!

Annapolis's favorite holiday activity makes its return for the 2022 holiday season. Starting November 25, Watermark's Miss Anne will be adorned with reindeer spirit for an intimate 45-minute "sleigh ride" including hot cocoa, holiday music, and good cheer. Captain Santa is at the helm during this festive evening cruise on Spa Creek.

Bring your own cozy blanket to keep you warm. This is the perfect opportunity to start a family holiday tradition.

In the spirit of the season, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Historic Annapolis!

Learn More and Book