It never really feels like Christmas until the decorations are up, so as radio stations begin playing Christmas carols, Solomons starts decorating so by the first week of December, they are ready for the annual walk.
It’s amazing, really. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people in Calvert County out for a walk at the same time. No, it’s not uncomfortably crowded, but enough people come that it feels festive and fun. Homes and businesses compete in a decorating contest filling the town with lights, ornaments, and whimsy and there are plenty of places to stop along your walk to enjoy live music, do a craft, have something to eat, or do a little shopping.
The boy scout troop puts out luminarias every year, lining the streets, pathways, and even the boardwalk along the Patuxent. They truly are beautiful, but be careful of little feet and strollers as they do tip over easily. The street lights are appropriately themed with crabs, fish, and anchors.
Contrary to its title, the Christmas Walk is more than a walk. The three day event begins with a holiday party and includes Breakfast with Santa and the well-loved Lighted Boat Parade. Businesses schedule live music and special events to correspond with the walk. I enjoyed listening to live jazz at The Lotus and since we were cold after strolling, we really appreciated the hot cocoa and apple cider sold by students from Patuxent High School.
The Christmas Walk lights don’t turn on until 5, so if you show up early, you’ll find plenty of parking and a relatively quiet Solomons, a great time to enjoy a meal while you wait for the evening activities.
It may be chilly, but spending an evening strolling along the lighted streets of Solomons is really a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season.
For more information, see the Solomons Christmas Walk website.