• Christmas in St. Michaels unveils 2026 collector’s ornament

Christmas in St. Michaels unveils 2026 collector’s ornament


Christmas in St. Michaels has unveiled its 2026 Limited Edition Collector's Ornament, the 23rd in the annual series.
 
The ornament commemorates the winner of the 2025 Illuminated Boat Parade and features Working Girl, a beautifully decorated charter fishing boat owned by W. Shannon Pickens of St. Michaels, Md. Local artist Naomi Clark created the ornament's original artwork.
 
“As we celebrate 40 years of Christmas in St. Michaels, this ornament captures one of the traditions that have become synonymous with our festival,” said Christmas in St. Michaels Chair Pat Martin. “The illuminated boat parade reflects everything people love about our waterfront community, from creativity and holiday spirit to the Chesapeake Bay itself.”
 
The annual Illuminated Boat Parade is one of the signature events of Christmas in St. Michaels. Each December, festively decorated boats travel from the Miles River Yacht Club and into St. Michaels Harbor before completing a circuit past cheering crowds gathered along the waterfront.
 
Working Girl is a 38-foot Evans sportfishing boat powered by a 450-horsepower John Deere diesel engine and originally built by Witman Marine in Crisfield. Now, Working Girl is a familiar sight along the Miles River and for the Lighted Boat Parade, and serves as a meaningful reminder of the Chesapeake Bay.
 
“The boat parade has become one of the most photographed moments of our weekend,” Martin said. “This ornament preserves that memory and celebrates the volunteers, boat owners, artists, and supporters who have made Christmas in St. Michaels such a beloved tradition for four decades.”
 
The ornament is packaged in a commemorative gift box marking the festival's 40th anniversary. It will be available at select local retailers, during the Christmas in St. Michaels Marketplace and Sweet Shoppe, and online. Only 1,123 ornaments were produced.
 
Now celebrating its 40th year, Christmas in St. Michaels is presented entirely by volunteers. Since 1987, the annual weekend festival has raised more than $1.7 million to support local nonprofit organizations serving residents throughout the Bay Hundred community. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit 20 local nonprofits.
 
For more information about Christmas in St. Michaels, event schedules, or to purchase ornaments online, visit www.christmasinstmichaels.org.