It’s Christmas In Chesapeake Beach

I have lived in Calvert County since 2005, and my family has lived in Chesapeake Beach since 2007. Christmas is my favorite time of year to be a Chesapeake Beach resident because the town really gets into the holiday spirit. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the town lighting ceremony, complete with elementary school band members playing Christmas songs, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate, and beautiful Christmas lights.

But the celebration doesn’t end there. Driving through the Beach this time of year is an event of its own. There are light displays all through the town, and one of my family’s favorite traditions is finding each display every year. The town holds a Holiday Lights Contest each year to reward the homeowner who gets the most festive with their decorations, so neighborhoods and their various light displays also provide some cheap family entertainment.

My favorite part of Christmas in the Beach, though, has to be the train display at Tan’s Cycle Parts in North Beach. Mr. Tan is an authorized dealer for Lionel trains, and he always creates a festive model train village right in the middle of his shop. My family tries to go at some point each year, and it’s hard to tell which of us enjoys it the most. It’s free to visit, and you can take a quick trip over to the North Beach Boardwalk to enjoy their Christmas tree boardwalk display and lights.

If you’re looking for a fun, inexpensive way to spend an evening, come to Chesapeake Beach. Drive through the lights, then head down to Tan’s Motorcycle Parts to warm up and enjoy the trains. Finish the night off with pictures by the big tree and gigantic nutcrackers. Family members of all ages are sure to enjoy it!