COVID-19 may change the way you and your family celebrate the Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa this year, but there’s still fun to be had! We’ve compiled a list of local events and activities to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Happy Holidays from all of us at Frederick’s Child!
Editor’s Note: Our staff verified information to the best of our ability at press time. Please check with event organizers prior to attending or participating to confirm dates, times, locations and details.
December 1-13
Museums by Candlelight
Once a year, Frederick County’s historic sites and museums provide visitors with a living reminder of the area’s past. While this year’s Museums by Candlelight looks different, guests can discover the area’s history and culture through virtual programming.
December 1-14
Virtual Holiday Artists Market
The Delaplaine Arts Center’s holiday arts and crafts expo is going virtual for this holiday season. Shop a variety of curated artwork by selected artisans, including functional pottery, decorative ceramics, jewelry, painting, sculptures and more. Shipping and gift wrapping services will be available for purchases. The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick | 301-698-0656
December 1-21
Five Christmases at the Shriver House
Explore the story of the Shriver family during Civil War-era Gettysburg and how Christmases were celebrated by this family. Tours will take place from Dec. 1 through Dec. 21. The full tour schedule for the season is available on the Shriver House website. Shriver House Museum, 309 Baltimore St., Gettysburg | 717-337-2800
December 1-24
Photos with Santa!
Get your photos taken with Santa. To keep shoppers healthy and safe for the holiday, Francis Scott Key Mall is requiring advance reservations. Photo hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Alternatively, children can visit with Santa virtually. Francis Scott Key Mall, 5500 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick | 301-662-5151
December 1-27
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
This fun family event gives kids the opportunity to join Rudolph on his journey to learning about home and the meaning of family. Dates and times vary for performances. Tickets are $20 per person (includes lunch, show, taxes). The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick | 301-662-6600 |
December 4-6
Door to Bethlehem
Join Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem to search for shelter. A guide will lead a tour to various locations on the grounds of the Seton Shrine. The end of the walk concludes at the basilica where program attendees will pass through the Door to Bethlehem. Times are 5 to 7:30 p.m. with a new walk beginning every 15 minutes. Tickets: $6 per person, free for children children 6 and younger. National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 339 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg | 301-447-6606
11th Annual Gingerbread Celebration
The popular Gingerbread Celebration to benefit the Adams County (Pennsylvania) Arts Council continues this year in a virtual format. View an online gallery of gingerbread houses and select the winners by voting with dollars for your favorite gingerbread creations.
December 5
Holiday Parade
Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Brunswick at the third annual holiday parade. The parade begins at 6 p.m. with a tree lighting to follow. Downtown Brunswick, West Potomac Street to Square Corner Park | 301-834-7500
December 5-6, 12-13 & 19-20
Santa Train at Walkersville Southern Railroad
Take a ride with Santa! Enjoy some beautiful wintery scenery and meet Santa himself. Rides are one hour and 10 minutes—rain, snow or shine. Tickets are $18 for adults, $14 for children ages 1-12 and seniors ages 55 and older. Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville | 301-898-0899
December 10
Virtual ZooMobile Visit
Join The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore for a fun and silly interactive reading of “The Big Book of Animal Tales.” Meet four of the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors and discover how they use their special tails. This program is designed for preschool-age children and their families. Log in through Zoom Webinar or the Frederick County Public Library’s Facebook page to attend this program.
December 18
Festival of Lights
Attendees join in a moving program celebrating the spirit of the holidays. Sponsored by the Friends Meeting School, this program includes a candle lighting ceremony that will fill the courtyard with light. Frederick City Hall Courtyard | 101 N. Court St., Frederick | 301-600-CITY
