You’re cruising down Bestgate Road, maybe trying to beat the evening rush, and the only thing on your mind is whether you can snag that pair of shoes or grab a quick dinner before the doors lock. We've all been there. Knowing what time does Annapolis mall close isn’t just about a single number—it’s about knowing which entrance to park near and which stores decide to play by their own rules. Honestly, there is nothing worse than walking up to those heavy glass doors just to see a security guard shaking their head at you.
Annapolis Mall (or Westfield Annapolis, if you’re being fancy) is a massive footprint. It’s one of the biggest in Maryland. Because of that, the hours aren’t a "one size fits all" situation. While the main concourse has its set schedule, the big anchors and the restaurants usually stay open later, especially on the weekends when things get a bit more lively.
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The Standard Weekday and Weekend Cutoff
If you are looking for the quick answer, the mall generally starts winding down around 8:00 PM during the week. But if you’re planning a Friday night out or a Saturday shopping spree, you get a little more breathing room.
Here is the basic breakdown of the main mall hours:
- Monday through Thursday: The mall is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Friday and Saturday: Doors open at 10:00 AM and stay open until 9:00 PM.
- Sunday: Things start a bit later at 11:00 AM and wrap up early at 7:00 PM.
Now, keep in mind these are the "center hours." This means the smaller boutiques like Zara, H&M, or Apple will likely follow these to the minute. If you show up at 8:05 PM on a Tuesday, you’re probably out of luck for that iPhone repair or a new sweater.
Why the Anchor Stores Are Different
Don’t assume that because the mall closes at 8:00 PM, Macy’s or JCPenney is following suit. Big department stores often operate on their own internal clocks. They have their own exterior entrances, which gives them the freedom to stay open later for seasonal sales or just general high-volume days.
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For instance, Macy’s frequently adjusts their closing times based on the specific day. It isn't uncommon to see them stay open until 9:00 PM or even 10:00 PM during peak shopping seasons, even if the rest of the mall is dark. JCPenney tends to stick closer to the mall schedule but always check their specific exterior door if you’re arriving late.
Late Night Dining and Entertainment
This is where the "what time does Annapolis mall close" question gets tricky. If you’re heading to the mall for a movie or a sit-down meal, the 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM rule basically goes out the window.
AMC Annapolis Mall 11
The movie theater is the true night owl of the property. Depending on the blockbusters out—like the recent buzz around 28 Years Later or Avatar: Fire and Ash—the last showtimes can start as late as 10:30 PM or 11:00 PM. This means you’ll be exiting the mall well after midnight. Just a heads up: if you’re leaving after 11:00 PM, you’ll usually be funneled out of specific theater exits rather than the main mall corridors.
Restaurants with Exterior Seating
Places like The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano's Little Italy, and Rodizio Grill operate almost like independent entities.
- The Cheesecake Factory: Usually stays open until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM on weeknights and often until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Rodizio Grill: Typically serves until 9:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 PM on the weekends.
- Maggiano’s: Usually wraps up around 10:00 PM.
If you have a late reservation, always park near the restaurant’s specific outdoor entrance. It saves you from wandering through a ghost-town mall trying to find a way out.
Holiday Shifts and Special Events
We can't talk about mall hours without mentioning the chaos of the holidays. During the "Midnight Madness" events in December—which are huge in Annapolis—the schedule shifts significantly to accommodate the crowds. While the mall doesn't always stay open until midnight like the downtown boutiques, they almost always extend their evening hours to 10:00 PM in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Conversely, on major holidays like Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day, the mall is typically closed entirely, though the AMC theater often stays open for limited screenings.
Tips for the "Just in Time" Shopper
If you’re racing the clock, here’s the move. Use the mall’s "Curbside Pickup" if you’re within an hour of closing. Many stores like Nordstrom Rack or Apple let you buy online and grab your stuff at a designated spot outside, so you don't even have to worry about the doors being locked.
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Also, the mall walkers get in early—usually around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM—but that doesn't mean the stores are open. You can walk the laps, but you can’t buy anything until that 10:00 AM bell rings.
Basically, if it’s a Tuesday, plan to be out by 8:00 PM. If it’s a Saturday, you’ve got until 9:00 PM. And if you’re just there for a steak or a movie, you’re good until late.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the AMC app: If you're going for a late movie, check the specific end time so you know which parking lot exit will be accessible.
- Call the "Big 3": If you need Macy’s, JCPenney, or Bowlero, check their direct lines as they often deviate from the 8:00 PM weekday close.
- Park by the Food Court: If you’re arriving within 30 minutes of closing, this is generally the last entrance to be strictly locked, giving you a slightly better chance of getting in for a last-minute errand.