13 Maryland Seafood Feasts Transforming Christmas Dinner Into A Bayfront Tradition
Every Christmas Eve, our kitchen fills with the briny scent of the Chesapeake, not carols or cookies.
Growing up in St. Mary’s County, turkey never stood a chance against platters of steamed blue crabs and Maryland lump crab dip baked golden-brown.
My grandfather would arrive early, his boots still damp from checking crab pots at dawn.
“Fresh from the Bay,” he’d wink, unloading coolers brimming with oysters and rockfish.
What started as a family quirk-why eat ham when we could have crab cakes?-has become our most cherished tradition.
Now, generations gather barefoot on the deck, cracking claws under string lights, shucking oysters with laughter ringing over the water.
The frost nips our noses, but the warmth of the feast and each other keeps us close.
It’s not the Christmas most know, but for us, the rhythm of tides and taste of salt define the season.
In Maryland, Christmas doesn’t come wrapped in snow-it arrives on a half-shell.
Christmas dinner is getting a delicious makeover as bayfront restaurants and seafood spots across the state serve up feasts that honor both Maryland heritage and the bounty of the bay.
1. Faidley’s Seafood at Lexington Market
Baltimore’s Lexington Market houses one of the most beloved seafood counters in the entire state, and Faidley’s has been serving locals since 1886.
Their jumbo-lump crab cakes are the stuff of legend, with massive chunks of sweet crab meat barely held together by the lightest touch of breadcrumbs and seasoning.
During the Christmas season, families line up for holiday carry-out orders, turning Christmas Eve into a crab cake celebration instead of the usual poultry routine.
Faidley’s also whips up rich crab soups that warm you from the inside out on chilly December evenings.
The cream of crab is velvety and packed with flavor, making it a perfect starter for any holiday meal.
Regulars know to call ahead because these holiday specials sell out fast, and nobody wants to miss their annual Faidley’s fix.
Located at 203 North Paca Street in downtown Baltimore, this counter-service gem keeps things simple and delicious.
The no-frills approach means all the attention goes straight to the seafood, which is exactly how Marylanders like it.
2. Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood has built a reputation across Baltimore for serving some of the most indulgent crab-forward dishes in town, and their social media game is just as bold as their flavors.
With multiple locations around the city, this family-owned spot makes it easy to grab a holiday feast no matter which neighborhood you call home.
Their Christmas specials feature towering seafood platters piled high with crab cakes, shrimp, and all the fixings that make a meal memorable.
The restaurant goes all-out during the holidays, offering festive platters designed for sharing and celebrating with the whole crew.
Each platter is a work of art, combining different preparations of crab and shellfish so everyone at the table finds something they love.
Jimmy’s knows how to make a statement, and their portions are generous enough to leave even the hungriest guests satisfied.
Whether you dine in or order carry-out, Jimmy’s delivers consistent quality that has made them a go-to for special occasions.
The staff treats every order like it matters, because in Baltimore, Christmas crab is serious business.
3. Thames Street Oyster House
Oyster lovers find their happy place at Thames Street Oyster House, with locations in both Annapolis and Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood.
This cozy spot specializes in fresh-shucked oysters from local waters, served on ice with all the classic accompaniments.
During winter months, their hearty Maryland crab soups become the star of the menu, offering warmth and comfort when the bay breeze turns cold.
I remember stopping by their Fells Point location one December evening, and the place was packed with families celebrating early Christmas gatherings.
The smell of Old Bay and butter filled the air, and every table seemed to have at least one bowl of their famous crab soup.
The atmosphere felt festive without being over-the-top, just good people enjoying great seafood together.
Their menu balances raw bar classics with cooked dishes, so even picky eaters find something appealing.
The crab soups come in both cream-based and tomato-based versions, satisfying different regional preferences.
Service is friendly and knowledgeable, with staff happy to recommend pairings and explain where each oyster variety comes from.
4. Boatyard Bar & Grill
Annapolis harbor views make any meal better, and Boatyard Bar & Grill takes full advantage of its waterfront location to create a dining experience that feels like a mini-vacation.
This harbor-side tavern serves up crab soups and seafood platters in a relaxed setting where you can watch boats bob in their slips while you eat.
The casual vibe makes it perfect for families who want a special meal without the pressure of formal dining.
Their crab soup is thick and loaded with vegetables and meat, the kind that sticks to your ribs on a cold December day.
Platters come with a variety of preparations, from steamed to fried, ensuring everyone at the table gets their favorite style.
The portions are sized for sharing, which encourages that communal holiday feeling that makes Christmas dinner special.
Located right on the water in Annapolis, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating depending on how brave you feel about winter weather.
Locals love this spot for its consistent quality and laid-back atmosphere that never feels stuffy.
Reservations are smart during the holiday season when everyone wants a taste of that bayfront magic.
5. McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar
McGarvey’s has been an Annapolis institution since 1975, serving up raw bar favorites and Chesapeake comfort food in a lively saloon atmosphere.
The raw bar gleams with fresh oysters, clams, and shrimp, all sourced from nearby waters and shucked to order throughout the day.
Their crab-heavy menu features dishes that showcase Maryland’s favorite crustacean in every form imaginable, from simple steamed clusters to elaborate crab imperial.
The holiday season brings out regulars who have been coming here for decades, making it feel like a family reunion where everyone just happens to love seafood.
Crab soups, crab dips, and crab cakes dominate the orders, with servers moving quickly to keep up with demand.
The energy is infectious, with conversation and laughter bouncing off the wood-paneled walls.
Located in the heart of downtown Annapolis, McGarvey’s sits within walking distance of the harbor and historic district.
The building itself has character, with that worn-in feeling that comes from decades of happy customers.
For an authentically Chesapeake holiday meal that captures the spirit of Maryland’s seafood culture, this saloon delivers every time.
6. Old Fashioned Eastern Shore Christmas Dinner In St. Michaels
St. Michaels hosts a community holiday dinner that brings together locals and visitors for a true Eastern Shore Christmas experience centered around fried oysters and classic sides.
This annual tradition celebrates the region’s heritage with a menu that reflects what generations of Shore families have served during the holidays.
Fried oysters take center stage, crispy on the outside and tender within, seasoned with just enough spice to let the natural brininess shine through.
The dinner includes all the traditional sides that Eastern Shore cooks have perfected over the years, from cornbread dressing to sweet potato casserole.
But it’s the oysters that make this meal distinctly coastal, reminding everyone that the bay’s bounty deserves a place at the holiday table.
The community atmosphere adds warmth to the experience, with neighbors catching up and newcomers feeling welcomed into the fold.
St. Michaels itself is a charming waterfront town that looks like a Christmas card during December, with lights reflecting off the harbor.
Attending this dinner means participating in a living tradition that connects present-day celebrations to centuries of Eastern Shore history.
It’s the kind of meal that sticks in your memory long after the last oyster disappears.
7. The Crab Claw
The Crab Claw in St. Michaels has been a waterfront landmark since 1965, serving steamed crabs and crab cakes to generations of families who return year after year.
The restaurant sits right on the harbor, offering picture-perfect views of boats and water that make every meal feel like a special occasion.
During Christmas season, they keep the tradition alive by serving up the same high-quality seafood that made them famous, just with a festive twist.
Steamed crabs arrive at your table hot and spiced, ready for the ritual of cracking and picking that turns dinner into an event.
Their crab cakes are packed with meat and grilled to golden perfection, with a texture that’s more crab than cake.
The casual atmosphere means kids can make a mess and nobody minds, which is exactly how crab-eating should be.
My family made a Christmas Day stop here a few years back, and the staff treated us like we’d been coming for decades.
The view alone is worth the visit, but when you add in the quality of the seafood, it becomes clear why this place has lasted nearly sixty years.
For a picturesque Bayfront Christmas dinner that captures everything great about Maryland seafood culture, The Crab Claw delivers.
8. Crab & Cruise Feasts From Crisfield
Crisfield, known as the Crab Capital of the World, offers all-you-can-eat crab feasts aboard sunset cruises that combine sightseeing with serious eating.
These cruises operate from the Eastern Shore and provide families with a unique way to celebrate the holidays while enjoying unlimited steamed crabs.
The format is simple but brilliant: board the boat, cruise the scenic waters, and crack crabs until you cannot crack another claw.
The cruise aspect adds adventure to the meal, turning dinner into an experience that kids and adults both remember for years.
As the boat glides through the bay, passengers pile their tables high with crab shells and dig into the sweet meat inside.
The all-you-can-eat format means you can try different techniques and take your time, making it a relaxed and fun way to celebrate.
Holiday season cruises often sell out early because locals know this is one of the best ways to enjoy Maryland’s signature seafood.
The combination of fresh air, beautiful views, and unlimited crabs creates a festive atmosphere that feels different from traditional restaurant dining.
Crisfield’s location on the Eastern Shore puts you right in the heart of crab country, where these crustaceans are treated with the respect they deserve.
9. Mama’s On The Half Shell
Mama’s on the Half Shell operates locations in Canton, Owings Mills, and beyond, bringing their signature cream-of-crab dishes to seafood lovers across the region.
Their menu features lump crab toppings on everything from burgers to pasta, proving that Maryland’s favorite ingredient works in just about any context.
The cream of crab soup is legendary, rich and smooth with generous portions of meat that make every spoonful feel indulgent.
During holiday suppers, families order the crab-topped specialties that have made Mama’s a local favorite for celebrations.
The casual neighborhood vibe means you can show up in jeans and still feel like you’re somewhere special.
Portions are generous without being overwhelming, sized just right for a festive meal that leaves room for dessert.
The Canton location has a fun, energetic atmosphere that appeals to younger crowds, while other locations offer slightly more subdued settings for family gatherings.
No matter which Mama’s you choose, the quality stays consistent and the crab stays plentiful.
For holiday suppers that center around cream-based crab dishes and lump meat toppings, Mama’s delivers comfort and flavor in equal measure.
The staff knows their regulars by name, creating that neighborhood feeling that makes the holidays special.
10. The Choptank
The Choptank operates locations in Annapolis and other spots around the City Dock area, serving as a reliable fish-and-crab house where steamed platters rule the menu.
Their approach is straightforward: take the freshest seafood available, prepare it simply, and let the natural flavors speak for themselves.
Steamed crab platters arrive piled high, seasoned with Old Bay and ready for the picking ritual that Maryland diners know by heart.
The bayfront location means you can watch the water while you eat, adding that scenic element that makes any meal more memorable.
During the holidays, The Choptank becomes a gathering place for families who want a festive meal without the fuss of formal dining.
The atmosphere is lively but not loud, striking a balance that works for both couples and larger groups.
Their menu extends beyond crabs to include other local catches, but during Christmas season, the steamed platters are what most tables order.
Prices are reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes, making it accessible for families celebrating together.
For a festive, bayfront meal that captures the essence of Maryland’s seafood tradition, The Choptank checks all the boxes.
Service is efficient and friendly, keeping the focus on the food and the company.
11. Chart House & Chart House Prime
Chart House and its upscale sibling Chart House Prime operate in Annapolis and other regional locations, offering waterfront seafood dining with a more refined approach.
Their holiday menus feature carefully prepared dishes that elevate Maryland seafood to special-occasion status.
Families seeking a Christmas dinner that feels elegant but still honors local traditions find exactly what they need here.
The waterfront settings provide stunning views that make the meal feel like a true celebration, with tables positioned to maximize the scenic backdrop.
Chart House specializes in perfectly cooked fish and shellfish, with preparations that highlight quality ingredients without unnecessary complications.
Their crab dishes maintain Maryland authenticity while adding touches of sophistication that appeal to diners looking for something a bit fancy.
Service is polished and attentive, with staff trained to handle holiday crowds while maintaining the personal touches that make dining out special.
The wine list and dessert menu round out the experience, turning dinner into a full evening affair.
Reservations are essential during the Christmas season because locals book their favorite tables weeks in advance.
For families wanting to make Christmas dinner feel extra special while staying true to Maryland’s seafood heritage, Chart House delivers an upscale experience worth celebrating.
12. Captain’s Daughter
Captain’s Daughter sits harbor-side in Annapolis, operating as a seafood tavern that balances casual comfort with seasonal specials that keep regulars coming back.
The restaurant has built a loyal holiday crowd by consistently delivering quality seafood in a relaxed atmosphere where families feel at home.
Their seasonal specials during December showcase the best of what the bay offers during winter months, with preparations that honor Maryland traditions.
The harbor-side location provides views that enhance every meal, especially during the holidays when lights reflect off the water at dusk.
Captain’s Daughter focuses on approachable seafood dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes, from adventurous eaters to kids trying crab for the first time.
The tavern atmosphere means you can relax and enjoy your meal without worrying about formal dress codes or stuffy service.
One December evening, I watched a family celebrate three generations together at Captain’s Daughter, with grandparents teaching the youngest ones how to crack crab legs.
That kind of scene happens here regularly because the restaurant creates an environment where traditions get passed down naturally.
For harbor-side seafood dining that feels welcoming and festive, Captain’s Daughter offers exactly what Maryland families want during the holidays.
The combination of location, quality, and atmosphere makes it a go-to spot year after year.
13. Baltimore Holiday Crab Feasts & Pop-Up Events
Baltimore keeps its seafood holiday tradition alive through seasonal public crab feasts and neighborhood pop-up events that spring up around the city during December.
These gatherings range from organized community events to informal neighborhood get-togethers where someone fires up steamers and everyone brings something to share.
The pop-up format adds spontaneity and excitement to the holiday season, with news of the best feasts spreading through word-of-mouth and social media.
Public crab feasts often take place in community centers, fire halls, or even parking lots transformed into temporary dining areas with long tables and festive decorations.
The atmosphere is always festive and inclusive, welcoming anyone who wants to celebrate Maryland’s seafood heritage during the holidays.
These events remind participants that the best traditions are the ones shared with neighbors and strangers who quickly become friends over piles of steamed crabs.
Pop-ups keep the city’s seafood culture dynamic and accessible, preventing it from becoming something only restaurants offer.
The informal nature means prices stay reasonable and the focus remains on community rather than commerce.
For visitors and locals alike, stumbling upon one of these holiday crab feasts provides an authentic taste of how Baltimore celebrates Christmas.
The tradition continues to evolve while staying true to its roots in Chesapeake Bay bounty.