December 5th, 2024 – By Sophia Campbell
The winter holidays in Montgomery County are a season unlike any other. As December descends on Maryland, twinkling lights are illuminating neighborhood houses and seasonal delights are cropping up around the county. Whether you prefer to stroll through the splendor of a holiday market or prefer to sit back and enjoy the magic of the Nutcracker ballet, MoCo has something festive to offer you and your family. From holiday light displays to winter-themed celebrations, MoCo residents won’t want to miss out on these dazzling seasonal attractions.
Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland & Holiday Market
Stop by Norfolk and Cordell Avenues in downtown Bethesda on December 7 to enjoy a dazzling array of holiday festivities. Attendees are invited to peruse the holiday market of over 50 artisans and observe a live ice sculpting demo from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Santa Claus is scheduled to make a festive appearance at 2:00 p.m. that is sure to delight visitors both young and old. Other activities include a student concert, face painting, arts & crafts, and onsite restaurant options. The event will take place from 12:00 until 4:00 p.m.
Christmas at Calleva Farm
Immerse yourself in holiday cheer at Calleva, a farm-turned-festive utopia situated on 165 sprawling acres of cropland. Famous for their Markoff’s Haunted Forest experience during October, the farm redecorates each year for the Christmas season with dazzling lights and joyful music. Attendees can traverse the enchanting Christmas Trail inspired by heartwarming holiday stories every visitor will recognize. Then, take a stroll through Calleva’s Christmas Town, brimming with a multitude of colorful vendors and delectable food stalls. Trail passes must be purchased in advance here.
EWI’s 11th Annual Holiday Market
Enjoy the holiday cheer while supporting women-owned businesses with Empowered Women International, an organization hosting their 11th annual holiday market on Saturday, December 7. The event will occur from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building and features vendors such as Bonita Handmade, Crawford Creatives, and the Literary Adventure Society. EWI emphasizes that a large portion of the businesses featured are Black, Latina, and immigrant-owned. Admission is free and parking options are available at the Town Square Garage or the Wayne-Elsworth Garage.
Christmas on the Farm
An exciting experience for the whole family awaits at the Agricultural History Farm Park’s “Christmas on the Farm” event. Take part in hay rides, crafts, and holiday music while enjoying refreshments from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on December 7 and 8. The park’s famous array of farm animals will also be present at this free-to-attend holiday celebration, including several chickens, goats, and pigs. The event will take place at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood.
Garden of Lights
Stroll through 1.5 miles of dazzling light displays at Brookside Gardens this Christmas season. The Gardens’ winter wonderland is composed of over one million colorful lights painstakingly crafted into the shapes of flowers, snowflakes, and various other holiday delights. Furthermore, seasonal items will be available for purchase in the Gardens’ charming gift shop. Families can attend this attraction every night through January 5, 2025, with the exception of December 24, December 25, and January 1. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance.
Rockville Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Enjoy this timeless holiday classic at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre on December 6-8 and 13-15. For just $17 a ticket, audience members will experience the magical story of Clara Stahlbaum’s adventures through the Land of Sweets as performed by the Rockville Civic Ballet’s spectacular cast of dancers. This will be the company’s 50th anniversary of their annual holiday tradition, featuring talented performers both young and old; fans of the fine arts won’t want to miss this nostalgic Christmas spectacle.
Hannukah Celebration
This year, Hannukah officially commences on the evening of December 25 and wraps up on January 2. Westfield Montgomery Mall is hosting a celebratory gathering on December 26 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm led by the Potomac Chabad to light the mall’s spectacular golden menorah. Families are encouraged to attend the ceremony and partake in this coalition of community spirit; the event is located at 7101 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, Maryland 20817.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to experience Montgomery County’s unique holiday spirit and cheer, consider attending any of the aforementioned festivities. Whether you’re a last-minute holiday market shopper or a parent looking for a family-friendly activity during winter, you’ll find no shortage of interesting events throughout the county. Take advantage of these seasonal festivities while all is merry and bright!