The State of Maryland is a fantastic place to spend the holidays. No matter how you prefer to celebrate the season, you’ll find a fun and festive atmosphere throughout the state.
Activities in this document are listed in the following categories:
- Holiday Light Displays
- Lighted Boat Parades
- Holiday Celebrations at Museums, Attractions and Historic Sites
- Small-Town Charms
- New Year’s Eve Festivities
Within each category, the state is divided into its five geographic regions (Western Maryland, Capital Region, Central Maryland, Southern Maryland and Eastern Shore). Towns within each region are listed alphabetically, and attractions within each town are then listed alphabetically as well.
Bear in mind that there is a fee for many of these activities.
For more information about travel around the state of Maryland, visit www.mdisfun.org or call 800-719-5900.
Holiday Light Displays
For a small state, Maryland offers a big selection of lighted displays in which to walk or ride through.
WESTERN MARYLAND
Cumberland
Holiday Illumination
Downtown Cumberland Mall and Historic District
November 29-early January
301-777-2800
www.downtowncumberland.com
Flintstone
Mountain Reflections
Rocky Gap State Park
November 25-January 5
Nightly, 6-10 p.m.
301-722-1760
CAPITAL REGION
Wheaton
Garden of Lights
Brookside Gardens
November 22-January 5
Nightly, 5:30-9 p.m.
301-962-1453
www.brooksidegardens.org
CENTRAL MARYLAND
Columbia
Symphony of Lights
Merriweather Post Pavilion/Symphony Woods
November 25-January 5
November 25-December 12: Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 6-11 p.m.
December 13-January 5: Nightly, 6-11 p.m.
410-740-7666
SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Solomons
Garden in Lights
Annmarie Garden
December 6-January 1
Nightly, 6-9 p.m.
410-326-4640
EASTERN SHORE
Ocean City
Winterfest of Lights
Northside Park, Inlet parking area and throughout town
November 14-January 2
Northside Park (1-mile tram ride and Winterfest Village): Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Inlet Lot and Downtown (drive-through displays): Open throughout the evening
800-OC-OCEAN
Lighted Boat Parades
Maryland’s history is firmly “anchored” in our waterways. Our ties to and passion for the water has led to one of the most charming holiday traditions along the Chesapeake Bay . . . the holiday boat parade.
CENTRAL MARYLAND
Annapolis/Eastport
December 14
6 p.m.
410-263-0415
Baltimore
December 7
6 p.m.
410-321-0409
SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Solomons
December 7
6 p.m.
888-580-3856
www.solomons.md.us
EASTERN SHORE
Oxford
December 7
Begins at dusk.
410-770-8000
Tilghman Island
December 7
5:30 p.m.
410-770-8000
Holiday Celebrations at Museums, Attractions and Historic Sites
With attractions and historic sites that celebrate everything from aviation to zoology, there’s sure to be a place that appeals to your particular interests. At this time of year, the halls are decked in historic homes and Santa Claus makes countless appearances – in garb relating to all periods of history.
WESTERN MARYLAND
B&B’s Throughout Allegany County
Open House
December 15
12 noon-2 p.m. for lunch; 2-6 p.m. for tours.
Five historic B&B’s in Allegany County open their doors to the public. (Reservations required.)
301-777-5132
www.mdmountainside.com
Cumberland
Gordon-Roberts House
Open House
November 29
3-6 p.m.
Free visits to Allegany County’s historical society, which is decorated with the theme “Golden Splendor.”
Tea for Children
December 7
1-2:30 p.m.
Theme for children’s event is “Deck the Halls.”
Boxing Day
December 26
1-4 p.m.
Reliving the tradition of boxing food and gifts for staff.
301-777-8678
www.historyhouse.allconet.org
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Santa Express
November 29, December 7-8
11:30 a.m.
Santa, elves and other characters take the train ride with passengers. (Reservations required.)
Polar Express
November 23 & 29, December 6
6 p.m.
Train follows the book Polar Express and Santa greets passengers upon arrival at the station. (Reservations required. Kids encouraged to come in pajamas.)
800-TRAIN-50
www.wmsr.com
Frostburg
The Old Depot
A Holiday Dinner and Murder Mystery
November 23
6-10 p.m.
“Homecoming of the Altos” is a take-off of “The Sopranos.” (Reservations required.)
301-777-5132, ext. 100
CAPITAL REGION
Bowie
Belair Mansion and Stable
Candlelight Tour
December 7-8
Saturday, 6-9 p.m.; Sunday, 4-7 p.m.
Holiday celebration and tour of mansion and stables at the birthplace of Maryland’s Thoroughbred racing industry.
301-809-3089
www.cityofbowie.org/comserv/museums.htm
Clinton
Surratt House Museum
Victorian Yuletide by Candlelight
December 14-15
Saturday–Sunday, 5-9 p.m.; Monday, 6-9 p.m.
Holiday tours, period greens, antique toys and dolls, 19th-century cards and ornaments, and a Civil War-era Santa mark the celebration in this historic home with ties to John Wilkes Booth.
301-868-1121
Frederick
Various Historic Sites
Museums by Candlelight
December 14
2-7 p.m.
Sites throughout the historic town offer interpretive tours, seasonal music, decorations, children’s activities and holiday traditions of the past.
301-228-2888
www.fredericktourism.org
Various Houses of Worship
Candlelight Tour
December 26
4-9 p.m.
A self-guided tour highlights churches and synagogues in the historic district.
301-228-2888
www.fredericktourism.org
Rose Hill Manor Park
Holiday Magic
December 7
10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
Holiday programming for elementary-aged children includes hands-on crafts and a magic show.
301-694-1648
www.co.frederick.md.us/govt/parks/index.html
Riverdale Park
Riversdale House Museum
Winter Evenings
December 26-27
7-9 p.m.
Step back in time to a candlelit winter evening in the early 19th century.
301-864-0420
www.pgparks.com
Wheaton
Brookside Gardens
Holiday Display
December 14-January 12
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Seasonal designs of holiday plants and a miniature toy train.
301-949-8230
www.brooksidegardens.org
CENTRAL MARYLAND
Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
Maryland State House
State House by Candlelight
December 6-7
7-9 p.m.
State House bearing the distinction of being the oldest one in continuous legislative use in the United States celebrates the season with musical entertainment.
410-974-3400
Three Centuries Tours
Candlelight Pub Crawl
December 8, 12, 15, 19
Begins at 7 p.m.
Enjoy a progressive seasonal feast with a candlelight walk through historic Annapolis. (Reservations required.)
410-263-5401
www.annapolis-tours.com
William Paca House
Music and Candlelight at Christmas
December 14
5-8 p.m.
Period music enhances a candlelight tour of the house in all its holiday grandeur.
410-267-7619
www.annapolis.org
Baltimore
B&O Railroad Museum
Holiday Traditions
November 29-December 30
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Museum commemorating the 175th anniversary of American railroading celebrates the holidays with model train layouts and holiday gardens.
410-752-2490
www.borail.org
Lexington Market
Holiday Music in the Market
December 2-24 (closed on Sundays)
Approximately 12 noon.
School choral groups and seasonal entertainers perform holiday favorites at lunchtime.
410-685-61269
www.lexingtonmarket.com
Washington Monument
A Monumental Occasion
December 5
5:30 p.m.
Annual lighting of the Washington Monument by the mayor and his family includes live entertainment, refreshments and colorful fireworks.
410-837-4636
www.baltimoreevents.org
Catonsville
Catonsville Historical Society
Christmas Open House
December 7-8
1-5 p.m.
Annual holiday house tour features rooms decorated by local community groups.
410-744-3034
Ellicott City
B&O Museum
Holiday Train Gardens
December 1-January 30
Call for schedule.
Old rail station doubles as a home for train gardens.
410-461-1944
www.b-orrstationmuseum.org
Havre de Grace
Calvary United Methodist Church
Candlelight Christmas and Tea
December 15
4 p.m.
Concert featuring 18th- and 19th-century music with authentic instruments is held in the sanctuary of the oldest continuously operating Methodist church on the western shore of Maryland.
410-836-2060
Lock House
Christmas Boutique
December 7-8
Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sunday, 4-8 p.m.
Historic lock house on the Susquehanna River is a unique setting for holiday shopping.
410-939-5780
www.users.erols.com/susmuseum/Index.html
Monkton
Ladew Topiary Gardens
Christmas at an English Country House
December 6-8
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Spacious manor house is festively decorated with fresh greens.
410-557-9466
www.ladewgardens.com
Westminster
Carroll County Farm Museum
Holiday Tour
December 6-8 and 13-15
Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Holiday tours include wagon rides, food, poinsettia sales and an appearance by Santa.
410-876-2667
www.ccgov.carr.org/farm
SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Colton’s Point
St. Clement’s Island-Potomac River Museum
Doll and Train Show
December 1-January 4
Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 12 noon-4 p.m.
Special exhibit features an array of antique and character dolls and toys, as well as working miniature trains.
301-769-2222
www.stmarysmd.com
Hollywood
Sotterley Plantation
A Plantation Christmas
December 7-8
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Historic plantation home is the ideal backdrop for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration.
301-373-2280
www.sotterley.com
Marbury
Smallwood State Park
Colonial Christmas at Smallwood
December 8
1-7 p.m.
Historic home notes the Christmas holiday as it would have been celebrated during the Revolutionary War.
301-743-7613
www.dnr.state.md.us
Port Tobacco
Thomas Stone National Historic Site
Christmas Candlelight Tour of Haberdeventure
December 7
4:30-8 p.m.
Home of one of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence demonstrates the elegant but understated Colonial holiday.
301-392-1776
Solomons
Calvert Marine Museum
Drum Point Lighthouse Seasonal Tours
December 4-January 2
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Museum’s famous “screwpile” cottage lighthouse is decorated for the holidays. The central focus is the cedar tree, an evergreen used in the lighthouse when it was a family residence.
410-326-2042
St. Mary’s City
Historic St. Mary’s City
Community Open House Concert
December 4
7:30 p.m.
Christmas concert at the Old State House.
240-895-4990
www.stmaryscity.org
Christmas Madrigal Evenings
December 6-8, 13-15
5:30-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy dinner and period music at the Old State House. (Reservations required.)
240-895-4990
www.stmaryscity.org
EASTERN SHORE
Centreville
Queen Anne’s County Museum of Eastern Shore Life
Christmas Train Show
December 7-8, 14-15
1-5 p.m.
Electric trains, antiques, a Christmas village and an appearance by Santa Claus are among the features.
410-758-1419
Elkton
Sinking Springs Herb Farm
Festive Christmas Lunch
December 14
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Holiday lunch at a 130-acre historic farmland includes guided tours.
410-398-5566
North East
Sandy Cove Conference Center
Christmastide on the Chesapeake
December 14-15
Family-oriented weekend features a Christmas feast, Diane Susek and Michael Faircloth in concert, Sunday brunch, caroling and Christmas movie.
410-287-5433
Tailwinds Farms
Live Nativity
December 22
6-8 p.m.
Reading of the Christmas story in a stable with holiday music and animals.
410-658-8187
Snow Hill
Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum
19th-Century Christmas
December 7-8
12 noon-4 p.m.
Artisans, decorations and activities in a wooded village setting.
410-632-2032
Julia Purnell Museum
Victorian Christmas Celebration
December 7
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Museum hosts a 19th-century celebration complete with holiday treats and décor.
410-632-0515
Sudlersville
Sudlersville Train Station
Olde-Fashioned Christmas
December 7 and 14
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Features small-model train layouts.
410-438-3501
Small-Town Charms
Though Maryland’s larger cities offer their own special appeal, at this time of year you might long for a taste of old-fashioned, small-town hospitality. Escape from the holiday hustle and join in the fun of tree lightings, candlelight walks and homespun parades in these charming destinations.
WESTERN MARYLAND
Cumberland
Festival of Trees
November 16 – December 8
Fridays, 5-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays 1-6 p.m.
Collection of Christmas trees, wreaths and tabletops theme-decorated for a silent auction.
301-777-5132, ext. 100
Tree and Building Lighting
November 29
Open houses 6-9 p.m., tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Event includes caroling, late-night hours for stores and the town’s official tree lighting. Open houses scheduled for City Hall, Canal Place at the Western Maryland Station and the Woman’s Civic Club.
301-777-2800
www.downtowncumberland.com
Capitol Holiday Tree’s Visit
November 30
6 p.m.
Tree on its way from Oregon to Washington, D.C. will stop in Cumberland along the way.
301-724-3655
Frostburg
Tree Lighting
November 29
6:30 p.m.
Town tree on Main Street is lighted to kick off the holiday season.
301-689-6000
CAPITAL REGION
Frederick
Kris Kringle Procession
December 6
6:30 p.m.
Traditional German procession culminates with the arrival of Kris Kringle.
301-694-2489
www.cityoffrederick.com
Candlelight House Tour
December 7-8
Saturday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
Homes in the town’s historic district are decorated in holiday splendor.
301-694-2489
www.cityoffrederick.com
Laurel
Historic Main Street Holiday Parade
December 7
3:30 p.m.
Old-fashioned parade down Main Street with Santa, caroling and tree lighting.
301-725-7539
www.laurelmainstreet.com
New Market
Christmas in New Market
December 7-8
Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Community engages in a traditional 18th-century celebration, complete with carriage rides, strolling carolers and a tree lighting.
301-865-5544
www.newmarkettoday.com
Silver Spring
Montgomery Holiday Parade
December 7
10 a.m.
County-wide parade kicks off the holiday season.
301-565-7300
www.co.md.us/silverspring
CENTRAL MARYLAND
Baltimore Neighborhood of Hampden
Miracle on 34th Street
Daily
Fascinating neighborhood goes all-out for the holiday season, and the decorated stretch along 34th Street simply can’t be missed.
410-659-7300
Bel Air
Bel Air Christmas Parade
December 1
3:30 p.m.
Parade begins on Main Street and Churchville Road and includes floats, marching bands and Santa.
410-638-4540
www.belair.bel-air.md.us
Ellicott City
Dickens of a Tour Celebrating the Spirits of Christmas Past
December 6-7
5-8 p.m.
Special holiday ghost tour includes dinner, treats and an appearance by Scrooge. (Reservations required.)
410-313-1900
www.visithowardcounty.com
Havre de Grace
30th Annual Candlelight Tour
December 8
4-8 p.m.
Walking tour of a historic town on the banks of the Susquehanna River.
410-939-3947
www.users.erols.com/susqmuseum/Index.html
Towson
Baltimore County Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 2
6-8:30 p.m.
Official lighting of the county tree by the county executive also includes caroling, refreshments and an appearance by Santa.
410-825-1144
www.towsonbusinessassoc.org
Westminster
Holiday House Tour
December 7
3-8 p.m.
Historic homes are decorated for the holidays.
410-848-7967
www.carr.lib.md.us/westcity/westcity.htm
SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Throughout St. Mary’s County
8th Annual Health Share Holiday Home Tour
December 8
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Private homes are beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
240-895-7171
Chesapeake Beach
Brightest Beacon on the Bay
December 1
6 p.m.
Official start to the town’s holiday celebration includes displays throughout town and the lighting of the town’s tree.
410-257-2230
www.chesapeake-beach.md.us
Breakfast With Santa
December 8
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Rod ‘n Reel restaurant hosts breakfast with the big guy.
877-ROD-N-REEL
www.rodnreelinc.com
Leonardtown
Christmas on the Square
November 29
5-9 p.m.
Festivities involve Santa, sleigh rides, caroling, parade, live nativity and Christmas tree lighting.
301-475-9660
Lusby
Friends of Calvert Hospice Festival of Trees
November 29-December 1
All day.
Display of 50 decorated trees is complemented by holiday crafts and the appearance of Santa.
410-535-0892
North Beach
Christmas on the Beach
December 7
3-6 p.m.
Town tree decorating and lighting, caroling and appearance by Santa.
410-257-9618
www.ci.north-beach.md.us
Prince Frederick
Madrigal Dinner
December 7
5:30 p.m.
Madrigal dinner at Calvert High School features food, music, laughter and dancing.
410-535-7351
Solomons
17th Annual Christmas Walk
December 6-8
Friday, 6-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday starting at 10 a.m.
Entertainment, shopping and festivities scheduled throughout the weekend.
www.solomons.md.us
Waldorf
Festival of Trees
November 29-December 1
Call for times.
110 decorated Christmas trees are a highlight, along with Santa’s Village and an opportunity to have breakfast with Santa.
301-609-TREE
www.hospiceofcharlescounty.org
EASTERN SHORE
Berlin
Berlin’s Victorian Christmas
December 7-24
Various times.
Festivities include horse and carriage rides, parade, house tour, concerts, tea parties and breakfast with Santa.
410-641-4775
www.berlinmdcc.org
Cambridge
Cambridge Garden of Trains
December 1-31
Monday-Friday, 6:30-8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m. and 6:30-9 p.m.
Town’s firehouse is home to a huge train garden.
410-228-1000
Cambridge-Dorchester County Christmas Parade
December 7
5 p.m.
Largest nighttime parade on the Eastern Shore.
410-228-3092
19th Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour
December 8
2-6 p.m.
Tour homes in the Cambridge area and Old Trinity Church.
410-228-1271
Centreville
Christmas Parade
December 6
6:30 p.m.
Parade features antique cars, lighted floats, fire engines and high school marching bands.
410-758-1180
Chesapeake City
Christmas Candlelight Tour
December 14
6 p.m.
Victorian-style town celebrates a fairytale holiday as thousands of twinkling lights and candles dot the porches and windows throughout the canal-side village.
410-885-5995
www.seececil.org
Chestertown
Festival of Trees
November 29-December 1
12 noon-8 p.m.
Christmas trees decorated by local individuals, organizations and businesses are on display and visitors may vote on their favorites.
410-778-0845
Crisfield
Christmas in Crisfield
December 7
All day.
Special activities include caroling, tree lighting and breakfast with Santa.
410-968-2500
www.skipjack.net/le_shore/visitsomerset
Easton
Festival of Trees
November 29-December 2
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
More than 60 decorated trees are displayed at the Tidewater Inn & Conference Center.
410-770-8000
Olde Tyme Holiday
December 7
Various times throughout the day.
Festivities include a fun run, horse and carriage rides, parade and tree lighting.
410-770-8000
Fair Hill
Santa Hay Ride
December 7
1-3 p.m.
Celebration includes carriage rides, pony rides and hayride with Santa that begins at Fair Hill Stables and continues to Fair Hill Nature Center, where participants will make natural ornaments.
410-620-3883
Jackson/Perryville
Holly Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 7
4-7 P.M.
“Holly Tree by the Tracks” -- standing 60 feet tall and decorated with more than 3,000 lights and 2,600 enormous Christmas balls -- stands beside the area’s railroad tracks and has been lighted for years as a way of greeting passing trains.
410-392-4537
www.seececil.org
North East
Tree Lighting
November 22
5:30 p.m.
Annual tree lighting features Santa.
410-297-5801
www.northeastchamber.org
Cecil County Christmas Parade
December 7
12 noon
Traditional, hometown event includes marching bands, floats and Santa Claus.
410-287-5801
www.northeastchamber.org
Dickens’ Christmas
December 7
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Town offers the flavor of the 19th century, with shopkeepers in Victorian garb and decorated stores and businesses.
410-287-2658
www.northeastchamber.org
Ocean City
Victorian Christmas
November 24-December 31
3-4 p.m.
Dunes Manor Hotel hosts a daily tea during which visitors can enjoy Victorian Christmas decorations and toy train garden.
410-289-1100
Christmas Parade
December 7
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Town turns out to celebrate the holidays and welcome Santa Claus.
800-OC-OCEAN
www.ococean.com
Perryville
Colonial Christmas and Tree Lighting
December 15
3-6 p.m.
Hometown Christmas celebration includes refreshments and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.
410-642-3703
www.seececil.org
Port Deposit
Candlelight House Tour
December 15
4-8 p.m.
Town’s historic homes and churches are decorated with thousands of twinkling lights and candles.
410-378-3553
www.seececil.org
St. Michaels
Christmas in St. Michaels
December 14-15
Activities throughout the day
Festivities include tours of historic buildings, Christmas parade and appearances by Santa.
410-745-0745
Tilghman Island
A Tilghman Island Christmas
December 6-7
Various times. (Tree lighting is 6 p.m. Friday, boat parade is 5:45 p.m. Saturday.)
Features include lighting of the island tree, live music, and horse and carriage rides.
410-770-8000
New Year’s Eve Festivities
Ring in the New Year with family fun at one of the state’s “tame” public parties.
WESTERN MARYLAND
Cumberland
New Year’s Eve Party
December 31
8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Entertainment and dining in stationary train and Western Maryland Station Center. (Reservations required.)
301-777-5132, ext. 100
www.mdmountainside.com
CENTRAL MARYLAND
Annapolis
First Night Annapolis
Throughout the historic district
December 31
3 p.m.-midnight
410-268-8553
www.firstnightannapolis.org
Baltimore
Noon-Time New Year Celebration
Port Discovery
December 31
12 noon
Kids ring in the new year at noon rather than midnight.
410-864-2681
www.portdiscovery.org
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
Inner Harbor
December 31
8 p.m.-1 a.m.
410-837-4636
www.baltimoreevents.org
EASTERN SHORE
Easton
First Night Talbot
Sites throughout town
December 31
6:30 p.m.-midnight
410-770-8000
North East
New Year’s Eve Spectacular
Sandy Cove Conference Center
December 31
6 p.m.
410-287-5433
www.seececil.org
Ocean City
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Roland E. Powell Convention Center
December 31
8 p.m.-12 midnight
410-798-6304
www.ococean.com
Posted: 11-13-2002
