Tilghman Island offers a peaceful and scenic backdrop for the holidays, where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay alongside local holiday charm. Tilghman Island is only a 20-minute drive from St. Michaels, Maryland and a visit to this quintessential historic American waterfront town is worth the excursion.
A Tilghman Island Christmas: Crab Basket Tree Lighting and Boat Parade
While many towns are well lit with Christmas trees this time of year, as a working waterfront town, Tilghman Island embraces its roots during its Crab Basket Tree Lighting. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. outside the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum.
Head over early to explore the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum, a wonderful place to learn about the island’s maritime history. The museum is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Dec. 22 and is offering free admission to explore Tilghman’s Festival of Trees, which includes a beautifully crafted Christmas village and vintage train sets. Commemorate your visit by purchasing the museum’s annual holiday ornament. The 2024 ornament depicts the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Department’s Tanker 75.
After the Crab Basket Tree Lighting, head over to Knapps Narrows for the Tilghman Island Lighted Boat Parade at 6 p.m. before grabbing dinner at Gina’s at the Bridge (a second location for the well-loved Gina’s in St. Michaels).
A Tilghman Island Christmas: Where to Stay
For a holiday respite, consider staying on Tilghman Island, as it’s an ideal base to explore the island or relax in a peaceful, scenic location during the winter months. You can relax amongst the views of a wildlife sanctuary in a cabin at Black Walnut Point Inn, take in the water view at Tilghman Island Inn, or relax with an outdoor cold plunge followed by a visit to the wood-fired sauna at Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island.
Tilghman Island’s peaceful ambiance, local dining, and small-town charm make it an excellent destination for a quiet holiday retreat. During a Tilghman Island Christmas, you can explore the island at your own pace, enjoying its natural beauty and waterfront lifestyle during this special time of year.
