Holiday Happenings in Merry Maryland
A Sampling of Regional Events and Festivities
BALTIMORE (Nov.10, 2009) – Enjoy the splendor of this holiday season with a spectacular array of festive celebrations throughout Maryland. Below is a sampling of events and festivities from each of Maryland’s five regions. For an expanded list of holiday concerts, light displays, candlelight tours, winery events and more, go to our online events calendar at www.visitmaryland.org or call 1-800-719-5900 to speak with a travel counselor.
WESTERN REGION
Festival of Trees
December 3–6
Robinwood Medical Center, Hagerstown, Washington County
Benefit for special-care nursing at Washington County Hospital features decorated trees, holiday gift shop, entertainment, and special-event activities. www.festivaloftreesinhagerstown.org
Antietam Memorial Illumination
December 5, 6:00 pm
Antietam National Battlefield; Sharpsburg, Washington County
This illumination is one of Maryland’s most moving annual events. View 23,110 luminaries placed by hand along a six-mile driving route through historic Antietam Battlefield to commemorate the fallen and missing soldiers from this 12-hour battle in September 1862. www.nps.gov/anti
CAPITAL REGION
Maryland Christmas Show
November 20-22 and 27-29
Frederick Fairgrounds, Frederick County
This regional favorite is held in seven buildings and big-top tents at the fairgrounds. Arts and crafts including oil paintings, fine woodwork, fabric dolls, nattily-dressed teddy bears and intricate jewelry are but a fraction of the quality items for sale. Find the perfect handmade gift for everyone on your list. www.marylandchristmasshow.com
Holiday Market
Saturdays and Sundays, November 28 to December 20
The Waterfront Promenade, National Harbor, Prince George’s County
Stroll along the waterfront promenade at Maryland’s newest attraction and choose premier handmade crafts, holiday food specialties and unique gifts from local vendors and artisans. www.nationalharbor.com
Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival
November 27-28 and December 4-January 2, 2010 (Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)
Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, Montgomery County
The 2009 festival returns to Seneca Creek State Park for its 14th annual winter wonderland display. A great outing for all ages, particularly if you’ve got children to entertain! Drive through the 3.5-mile light display, or take the open-air trolley. www.gaithersburgmd.gov
10th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show
November 27-December 13
Darnall’s Chance House Museum. Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s County
Visitors can choose a favorite gingerbread house from entries in both the children’s and adult categories. Winner in each category receives a $250 prize. www.pgparks.com
Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship
December 28, 4-9 p.m.
Downtown Frederick, Frederick County
Take a self-guided walking tour of churches and a synagogue located in historic downtown Frederick. www.fredericktourism.org
SOUTHERN REGION
Garden in Lights
December 11-14, 17-21, 26-28 and 31 (closed during inclement weather)
Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and Arts Center, Solomons, Calvert County
Enjoy this delightful holiday light show full of imaginative creations and holiday “I Spy” games for children. Holiday art exhibits, refreshments and activities inside. www.annmariegarden.org
Hearth and Home in Early Maryland
November 27-28
Historic St. Mary’s City, St, Mary’s County
Maryland continues to celebrate its 375th anniversary. Discover how Maryland’s first citizens prepared for winter before there were supermarkets, department stores and Internet shopping sites. www.stmaryscity.org
Eighth Victorian Christmas
December 5-6, 11am – 8pm
Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum, Waldorf, Charles County
Indulge in refreshments, view Civil War exhibits, enjoy period entertainment and tour the home of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, the physician who treated the broken leg of President Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth. www.somd.lib.md.us/museums/mudd.htm
CENTRAL REGION
Christmas Market and Handmade Craft Show
November 7-December 19, 8am-2pm
Agriculture Center, 700 Smith Ave, Westminster, Carroll County
Buy local! The Carroll County Farmers’ Market has all of your holiday needs. More than 50 vendors with juried crafts, Christmas decorations, fresh-baked goods, gourmet food items, fresh greens and wreaths for sale. www.carrollcountyfarmersmarket.com
Holiday Festival of Trains at the B&O
November 27, 2009-January 3, 2010
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore City
One of the mid-Atlantic’s best holiday celebrations of toy trains and model railroading layouts. Santa will be present for visits with children on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the festival. www.borail.org
Singular Sensations Annual Holiday Exhibition
December 3
Columbia Art Center, 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia Howard County
Holiday exhibition featuring paintings, sculpture, cards, fiber, photos, jewelry and ceramics for sale. Most items priced affordably at under $150. Enjoy musical entertainment as you shop.
www.columbiaartcenter.org
Celtic Christmas
December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 1-5pm
Boordy Vineyards, Hydes, Baltimore County
Enjoy lively Celtic harp music, shop for unique holiday gifts and enjoy hot wassail. Wine tastings from Maryland’s oldest winery are also available. www.boordy.com
Candlelight Stroll
December 11-12, 18-19
Guided tours begin at the City Dock information booth. Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Welcome the holidays with a leisurely evening stroll through historic Annapolis, Maryland’s state capital since 1695. www.watermarkjourney.com
EASTERN SHORE
10th Annual Festival of Wreaths
November 12-December 3
Pleasant Day Medical Adult Daycare, 2474 Cambridge Beltway, Cambridge, Dorchester County
Wreaths on display for silent auction to benefit Dorchester Commission on Aging. Gala on December 3 features live auction of wreaths, trips and artwork. Entertainment and refreshments. www.pleasantday.com
Victorian Christmas
Saturdays and Sunday, December 3 –25
Historic Berlin, Worcester County
This small town is so big on charm that you’ll want to savor every minute of your visit. Berlin celebrates the season with life-size animated storybook displays, horse and carriage rides, visits with Santa, concerts, Victorian fashion show and teas. www.berlinmdcc.org
Holiday Greens Sale
December 5
Adkins Arboretum Visitors Center, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, Caroline County
Just in time for all of your holiday decorating needs, visit the arboretum for fresh local greens, decorated wreaths, swags, roping, boxwood trees and other natural materials. www.adkinsarboretum.org
20th Annual Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes and Churches
December 12-13, 5-8pm
Main Street, Quantico, Wicomico County
Make this annual candlelight walking tour part of your family’s holiday traditions. www.historicquanticomd.com
Talbot Twinkles
Various dates in November and December
St. Michaels, Oxford and Easton, Talbot County
Celebrate the holiday season in Talbot County’s picturesque hamlets with caroling, storytelling, festival of trees, “olde tyme” holiday parade, “midnight madness,” “moonlight madness” and other special events. www.tourtalbot.org
