11 Maryland Christmas Crab Feasts Locals Wait All Year For
Maryland and crabs go together like snow and Christmas morning.
When December rolls around, locals know the best way to celebrate the season is by cracking open steamed blue crabs with family and friends.
These beloved crab houses serve up holiday feasts that combine Old Bay seasoning, festive cheer, and waterfront views that make winter feel a little warmer.
1. Cantler’s Riverside Inn – Annapolis
Nestled along Mill Creek, this Annapolis institution has been slinging crabs since 1974, and boy, do they know their shellfish.
Located at 458 Forest Beach Rd, Annapolis, MD 21409, Cantler’s feels like stepping into your uncle’s backyard crab feast, except the crabs are bigger and the views are better.
Christmas at Cantler’s means feasting on hot steamed crabs while watching boats bob in the water.
The no-frills atmosphere lets the crabs do all the talking, and trust me, they’re pretty chatty.
Families pile in wearing their stretchy pants because everyone knows you’ll need room for seconds (and thirds).
The outdoor deck stays open year-round for the brave souls who don’t mind a little chill with their Old Bay.
Nothing says Maryland Christmas quite like cracking claws by the creek!
2. Higgins Crab House – Ocean City
Beach town vibes meet holiday magic at this Ocean City favorite that’s been feeding crab lovers since 1971.
You’ll find this treasure at 12801 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842, where the portions are generous and the atmosphere is always lively.
Higgins doesn’t just serve crabs; they serve memories on brown paper.
Their Christmas crab feasts attract locals who’ve been coming here for decades, some since they were kids learning to pick meat from shells.
The nautical decor gets a festive upgrade during December, with twinkling lights reflecting off the wooden tables.
Staff members treat everyone like family, remembering faces and favorite seasonings year after year.
When you’re here, you’re not just eating crabs—you’re participating in an Ocean City tradition that’s as essential as boardwalk fries!
3. Schultz’s Crab House – Essex
Baltimore County’s best-kept secret sits at 1732 Old Eastern Ave, Essex, MD 21221, and locals guard it like a family recipe.
Schultz’s has that authentic crab shack charm where the walls are covered with decades of memorabilia and the crabs are always fresh.
Christmas here feels like a neighborhood block party where everyone’s invited to feast.
The crabs arrive at your table piled high, steaming hot, and coated in just the right amount of seasoning that makes your fingers tingle.
Regulars know to arrive hungry because portion control isn’t in Schultz’s vocabulary.
Kids run around between tables while adults settle in for hours of picking, laughing, and storytelling.
It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over shared crab crackers and cold beverages!
4. Fisherman’s Crab Deck – Grasonville
Perched on the edge of Kent Narrows at 3032 Kent Narrow Way S, Grasonville, MD 21638, this spot offers views that rival the crabs themselves.
Fisherman’s Crab Deck captures everything magical about Maryland’s Eastern Shore in one delicious package.
Christmas feasts here come with a side of spectacular water views that make you forget it’s winter.
The casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere means you can wear your comfiest jeans and still feel right at home.
Watching boats cruise by while you’re elbow-deep in crab shells is pretty much the definition of Maryland paradise.
Their crabs are caught locally, ensuring freshness that you can taste in every sweet bite of meat.
Sunset timing during December creates a golden glow that makes your feast feel even more special!
5. The Crab Claw Restaurant – St. Michaels
Since 1965, this St. Michaels landmark at 304 Cherry St, Saint Michaels, MD 21663, has been serving up crab feasts with a side of maritime history.
The Crab Claw sits right on the harbor, giving diners front-row seats to one of Maryland’s prettiest waterfronts.
Christmas here feels extra special because the entire town transforms into a postcard-worthy winter wonderland.
Their crabs are legendary among locals who plan their holiday gatherings around securing a table here.
The wooden deck creaks with character, and every corner holds stories from decades of crab-picking celebrations.
Families bundle up and brave the cold because eating indoors just isn’t the same when that harbor view is calling.
It’s where tradition meets deliciousness in the most Maryland way possible!
6. The Point Crab House & Grill – Arnold
Arnold’s waterfront gem at 700 Mill Creek Rd, Arnold, MD 21012, combines upscale ambiance with down-home crab feast authenticity.
The Point proves you can have fancy views without sacrificing that roll-up-your-sleeves crab house experience.
Christmas celebrations here attract families who appreciate both quality crabs and a little extra elbow room at their tables.
Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every seat feels like the best seat in the house, especially when the winter sun sparkles on the water.
Their crabs arrive perfectly seasoned, and the staff knows exactly how to pace your feast so you’re never waiting too long.
Live music often accompanies weekend feasts, adding a festive soundtrack to your crab-cracking adventure.
It’s where Maryland tradition gets a polished presentation without losing its soulful, satisfying heart!
7. Kentmorr Beach Bar & Grill – Stevensville
Beach vibes meet holiday cheer at 910 Kentmorr Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666, where the crabs are plentiful and the atmosphere is permanently set to vacation mode.
Kentmorr Beach brings that laid-back island feeling to your Christmas crab feast, complete with tiki torches and sandy shores.
Locals love escaping here during the holidays because it feels like a mini getaway without leaving the state.
The outdoor seating area stays open for hardy souls who want to enjoy their crabs with an unobstructed bay view.
Crabs here taste even better when you’re watching the sun set over the Chesapeake while sipping something cold.
Families spread out across multiple tables, creating a festive atmosphere that’s equal parts reunion and celebration.
It’s proof that Christmas in Maryland doesn’t require snow to feel magical!
8. Bethesda Crab House – Bethesda
Who says you need waterfront views to have an authentic Maryland crab feast?
Located at 4958 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814, this landlocked gem proves that great crabs can thrive anywhere in Maryland.
Bethesda Crab House brings Eastern Shore tradition to the suburbs, making it a lifesaver for locals who don’t want to drive an hour for quality crabs.
Christmas here means packed tables, plenty of laughter, and the constant soundtrack of mallets hitting shells.
The communal dining style encourages conversation with neighbors, creating that authentic crab feast camaraderie.
Their crabs arrive fresh daily, and the kitchen knows exactly how to season them for maximum flavor without overwhelming the sweet meat.
It’s proof that Maryland crab culture isn’t confined to the waterfront—it thrives wherever locals gather to feast!
9. Tyler’s Tackle Shop & Crab House – North Beach
North Beach’s charming combo establishment at 9034 Bay Ave, North Beach, MD 20714, serves up crabs with a side of fishing supplies—because why not?
Tyler’s embodies small-town Maryland charm where everybody knows your name and your preferred crab size.
Christmas feasts here feel like gathering at a friend’s house, except your friend happens to have access to the freshest crabs around.
The tackle shop adds quirky character, reminding diners that these crabs were probably swimming nearby just hours ago.
Locals appreciate the no-pretense approach where good crabs and good company are all that matter.
Kids love exploring the fishing gear while waiting for their feast, making it entertainment and dinner rolled into one.
It’s the kind of authentic local spot that tourists dream of finding but locals know to keep semi-secret!
10. Blue Crab House & Bar – Street, MD
Tucked away at 3501 Ady Rd, Street, MD 21154, this countryside crab house offers a peaceful alternative to the waterfront hustle.
Blue Crab House & Bar proves that amazing crabs aren’t just found on the shore—they’re wherever Marylanders gather to celebrate.
Christmas here means escaping the crowds and enjoying your feast surrounded by farmland and open skies.
The spacious outdoor area allows families to spread out, making it perfect for large holiday gatherings that need room to breathe.
Their bar serves up creative cocktails that pair surprisingly well with Old Bay-dusted fingers and crab-picking concentration.
Locals drive from surrounding counties because word has spread about the quality and the welcoming, unhurried atmosphere.
It’s where rural Maryland hospitality meets the state’s greatest culinary tradition in perfect harmony!
11. Harris Crab House – Grasonville
Kent Narrows’ legendary establishment at 425 Kent Narrow Way N, Grasonville, MD 21638, has been a pilgrimage site for crab lovers since 1988.
Harris Crab House represents everything right about Maryland’s crab house culture—fresh catches, generous portions, and views that never get old.
Christmas feasts here attract generations of families who’ve made this their annual tradition, with grandparents teaching grandkids the proper picking technique.
The massive deck accommodates crowds without feeling cramped, and the waterfront location provides endless entertainment between courses.
Their crabs consistently rank among the best in the state, with seasoning that’s become the gold standard for Maryland flavor.
Watching watermen work the docks nearby reminds you that these crabs truly are fresh from the Chesapeake.
It’s where Maryland’s past, present, and delicious future come together on brown paper-covered tables!