Nov 15 - Nov 30
Celebrate the holidays one day at a time with this merry listing of daily pageants, shows,
workshops, festivals and more. If a listing advises you to rsvp, order tickets early:
Most holiday events sell out quickly.
Thursday November 15
Seasonal Shopping Spree at Waugh Chapel
Grab your gift list and start your shopping with holiday cheer. First, Santa arrives at the Village at Waugh Chapel to light the tree and meet children. Then, choirs serenade competitors in a Shop ‘Til You Drop contest. 7-11pm @ Village at Waugh Chapel, Rt. 3 & Waugh Chapel Rd., Gambrills. free: 410-269-1644.
Make Grecian Holiday Treats
Dress up your holiday table with festive pastries from Greece. Chef Frances Chumley teaches you the techniques for baklava, kourambeyethes and koulouris. After you cook, sip coffee and sample fruits of your labor. 7pm @ Whole Foods Market, Annapolis Harbour Center. $10; rsvp: 410-573-1800.
Nutcracker, Tout de Suite
Preview the Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s Nutcracker as costumed dancers twirl through an abridged rendition combining story and dance. 7:30pm @ Barnes & Noble, Harbour Center, Annapolis. free: 410-573-1115.
Happy Holidays with the Navy
Reserve your tickets for the U.S. Navy Band’s Happy Holidays concert, a compilation of favorite tunes voted by Navy Band fans. rsvp before Thanksgiving for performances Dec. 15 & 16 DAR Constitution Hall, Washington. rsvp: 202-433-2525; www.navyband.navy.mil.
November 15, 16, 17 & 18
Baldwin Hall Crafts
Local Crafters fill the Hall with jewelry, art baked goods, hand woven floral wreathes, and sewing. New this year are displays of Nantucket baskets — traditionally woven by lighthouse keepers — and tea ornaments. 10am-8pm WF; 10am-4pm ThSaSu @ Historic Baldwin Hall, Millersville Rd., & Rt. 178, Millersville: 443-691-7458.
Friday November 16
Traipse Through Taverns
Revelers 21 and older spark the season with a costumed pub crawl through Annapolis’ historic tavern sites. Colonial guides meet you inside the parlor of the Sands House to lead you through Annapolis’s early nightlife hotspots. Listen to live period music, sip authentic adult colonists’ beverages and experience colonial debauchery with re-enactors. 7-9pm @ St. Clair Wright Center, 99 Main St., Annapolis. $35; rsvp: 410-267-8146; www.annapolis.org.
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Saturday November 17
Cue up for Colonial Players Christmas Carol Tickets
Get up early to secure tickets to Colonial Players’ A Christmas Carol. This version of the classic Ebenezer Scrooge tale is a musical marvel that sells out early every year. Tickets go on sale at 9am, but theater-goers begin lining up by dawn’s early light. Playing Thurs. Dec. 6 thru Dec. 16 @ Colonial Players, 108 East St., Annapolis. $7 w/discounts: 410-268-7373; www.cplayers.com.
Amish Quilt Auction
Warm up the winter months by picking up a hand-stitched Amish quilt at the annual auction of over a hundred quilts and other home-sewn pieces. Wood and artisan crafts also auctioned, with food sold all day. Meet the craftsmen and women who created the goods and ask them about their designs. 9am-5pm off Rt. 325, Thompson Corner Rd. on Grove Farm Ln., Mechanicsville in St. Mary’s County: 301-475-4200 x1404; www.stmarysmd.com/tourism.
NJFK - Turkey Tales
Ages 3 and up gobble up Thanksgiving stories and make a fine feathered craft. 10am @ Severna Park Library, 45 McKinsey Rd., Severna Park: 410-222-6290.
NJFK - Create a Centerpiece
Turkey chicks ages 5 to 12 craft a centerpiece for their Thanksgiving Day tables. 10-11:30am @ Bowie Community Center, 3209 Stonybrook Dr., Bowie. $5 w/discounts: 301-464-1737.
Christmas Craft Show
Over 30 artisans display their work at the 16th annual holiday bazaar, featuring bake sale, holiday ornaments and seasonal art. Bibliophiles head to the used book sale, where lightly used texts await new homes. Buy raffle tickets to win a pair of seats to the Ravens play the Colts or a spa package. Sponsored by the Ladies of St. Andrew by the Bay to benefit their charitable projects. 10am-3pm @ the church, 701 College Pkwy., near Cape St. Claire. free: 410 974-0106.
Christmas Bazaar at St. Paul’s
Local crafters and artists help you fill your gift list with wares ranging from plants to attic treasures to unique crafts. Buy a raffle ticket to win a hand-stitched quilt. Kids inspect a Maryland branch of Santa’s workshop and browse thru toys his elves have finished. St. Nick sits with children all day to listen to Christmas lists and pose for pictures. Later, enjoy a holiday feast featuring crab cakes and homemade baked goods. 10am-5pm Bazaar; noon-5pm dinner @ St. Paul’s Episcopal, Church St., Prince Frederick. Bazaar free; dinner $18/adult; $9/child: 410-535-2897.
NJFK - Enter Santa’s Workshop
Little elves kick off the holiday season by stepping into Santa’s workshop to make a gift for someone on their list. 11am-noon @ South County Library, 5940 Rt. 256, Deale. rsvp: 410-867-4164.
Baltimore Thanksgiving Parade 
Charm City flaunts its feathers at this turkey-day parade. Balloon figures hover overhead as giant floats roll down Pratt St.; marching bands strut and Santa arrives. 11am-3pm thru Pratt St. to Harborplace Amphitheater: 410-752-8632.
Super Savings Saturday
Marley Station celebrates the season with a day of pre-Thanksgiving sales, free gift wrapping and door prizes. Call ahead participating stores. 11am–5pm @ Marley Station, Glen Burnie. free: 410-760-8900.
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Sunday November 18
ALS Artisan Boutique
Over 50 artists and crafters sell their wares in support of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Association. Peruse fine art, handcrafted jewelry, children’s clothing, pottery and more. Lisa McCue, illustrator of the Corduroy series, signs copies of her latest work. Try for door prizes, buy raffle tickets and bid at a silent auction to raise research money and find a cure. 10am-6pm @ Sheraton Annapolis Hotel, Annapolis. free: 410-991-4959.
Collectable Christmas
Meet King of Christmas Mark Roberts, who signs pieces from his collection of whimsical Fairy, Santa and elf figurines. Discuss his unique designs with other collectors and speak to the artist about his line of stationery and home décor. 1-3pm @ Homestead Gardens, Rts. 214 & 424, Davidsonville. free: 800-300-5631; www.homesteadgardens.com.
Hear Verdi’s Requiem
Take a break from Thanksgiving preparation and Christmas shopping to hear The Master Chorale of Washington sing Verdi’s Requiem. Conductor Donald McCullough infuses the music — written to interpret the Catholic funereal mass — with operatic drama. 3pm @ Concert Hall, The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., Washington D.C. $69-20: 800-444-1324; www.kennedy-center.org.
Celebrate Tofurky Day
Give turkeys a reason to celebrate Thanksgiving at The Vegetarian Resource Group’s 26th annual potluck dinner. Bring a vegan dish — meaning no meat or animal-derived products like honey or eggs — that serves four and a list of your ingredients to this meatless meal. Not sure what to cook? Visit The Vegetarian Resource Group’s website. 5pm @ North Baltimore Mennonite Church, 4615 Roland Ave., Baltimore. $4/adults; children free; rsvp: 410-366-8343; www.vrg.org.
Festival of Praise
Annapolis Area Christian School weaves together worship music that transcends time, featuring the Children’s Chorale singing original arrangements by Greg Pascuzzi, excerpts from Vivaldi’s Gloria and five Christmas Carols penned by Dave Willcocks. 7pm @ Kerr Performance Center, 109 Burns Crossing Rd., Annapolis. $20 w/discounts: 410-266-8255; www.aacsonline.org.
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November 17 & 18
Weekends at Homestead 
The holiday season blooms at Homestead Gardens. This weekend, shuttles take floral enthusiasts to the growing facility to view the new crop of poinsettias. Purchase a potted Christmas Star, one of the season’s traditional symbols, in a variety of colors to brighten up your holiday home (10am-4pm SaSu). Saturday, the Rob Levit Trio plays a jazzy set of seasonal music as visitors browsing dozens of dazzling holiday displays (1pm). Later, the gardens light up in the traditional illumination ceremony, featuring Annapolis Chorale singing holiday carols (5pm). Sunday, Karen Ashbrook plays Celtic songs (noon). @ Homestead Gardens, Rts. 214 & 424, Davidsonville. free: 800-300-5631; www.homesteadgardens.com.
Open House at Willow Oak
Fill your home with seasonal scents at Willow Oak’s Open House, featuring aromatic holiday wreaths, kissing balls, cut greens, festive herbs, homemade potpourri and natural and glimmering ornaments. Pick up unique presents such as herbal topiaries and folk art Christmas ornaments. Hot punch and herbal cookies spice up the visit. The Colonial Madrigal Singers deliver a tuneful treat as they serenade the crowds (10:30am-noon & 1:30-3pm Sa). Open house 10am-6pm Sa; noon-4pm Su @ Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Rd., Severn. free: 410-551-2237; www.willowoakherbs.com.
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Monday November 19
NJFK - Harvest Heartwarming
Ages 2 to 5 share smiles with residents at the Crofton Convalescent Center. Bring your favorite story, dancing shoes and singing voice. 10:30am @ Crofton Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center, 2131 Davidsonville Rd., Crofton. rsvp: 410-222-7915.
Tuesday November 20
Severn Town Club’s Holly Ball
rsvp by today for Severn Town Club’s 44th Holly Ball, where you’ll dress in black-tie best to dance the night away to live music in a winter wonderland after auctions and a full dinner. Ball benefits Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis/Anne Arundel County and The Hospice of the Chesapeake. Cocktails at 6:30pm; dinner at 8pm; dancing till midnight @ Loews Annapolis Hotel, West St., Annapolis. $150; rsvp to JoAnn: 410-268-2355.
NJFK - Turkey Art
Ages 3 to 5 shake a tail feather to make turkey-inspired masterpieces to display on the Thanksgiving table. Bring a sandwich for lunch and join the ranger for soup and turkey tales. 10-11am @ Kings Landing Park, 3255 Kings Landing Rd., off Rt. 524 and Huntingtown Rd., Huntingtown. $3; rsvp: 410-535-2661.
Create a Cornucopia
Pilgrims and natives learn how to make a centerpiece for a Thanksgiving table at this workshop. Bring wire cutters and a glue gun; greenery and container supplied. 6pm @ Homestead Gardens, Rts. 214 & 424, Davidsonville. $65 w/discounts; rsvp: 800-300-5631; www.homesteadgardens.com.
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Wednesday November 21
NJFK - Turkey Tales
Ages 2 to 5 pay tribute to Turkey Day by singing songs, listening to stories and gobbling up a craft. 9:30am @ Mountain Road Library, 4730 Rt. 177, Pasadena: 410-222-6699.
Glen Burnie’s Festive Farmers’ Market
Stroll through a scaled-down farmers’ market this year, featuring baked goods, seasonal produce and locally made crafts. 10am-1pm @ Best Buy parking lot, off Ordinance Rd & Rt. 2, Glen Burnie: 410-222-7410.
Piney Orchard Farmers’ Market
Piney Orchard reopens for a one-day Thanksgiving Market. With hours to spare before Turkey Day, grab homemade pies, apples, winter squash, broccoli and other seasonal foods to supplement your smorgasbord. Also buy raffle tickets for the 22-pound food basket, holding yummy donations from all he local farmers. 2pm basket drawing; noon-4pm @ Piney Orchard Community Center Parking Lot, Stream Valley Dr. off Rt. 170, Odenton: 410-867-9162.
Give Thanks for Community
Solitary birds of a feather flock to Cedar Grove’s Thanksgiving feast. Dine communally on a home-cooked turkey dinner and attend the family service following. Dinners delivered by need in South County. 5-7pm @ Cedar Grove UMC, 5965 Deale-Churchton Rd., Deale. rsvp by Nov. 19. free: 410-867-7417.
Trot for Turkeys 
Get a running start on burning off turkey day calories at the 19th annual Turkey Trot. Jog or walk a rolling expanse of A.A. Community College’s campus in a 5K race or a one-mile fun run. The fastest 5K runners in each category take home a turkey. Runners also win a bird if they accurately predict their race times (no timepieces allowed at the 5K race). Runners-up earn other holiday themed prizes and the knowledge that they can have a second helping at the Thanksgiving table. Post race; cool down with fellow Turkey Trotters over refreshments. Benefits AACC’s fitness center. Registration from 10:30am; runs at noon; prizes 1:15pm @ Siegert Field, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold. $18/single, $30/doubles teams, $7/fun run: 410-777-2767; www.aacc.edu/physed/turkeytrot.cfm.
Thanksgiving at Unity by the Bay
No matter your denomination, give thanks at the Unity By the Bay communion service. UBB favorite Stefan Scaggiari provides musical accompaniment to this reflective service. Light refreshments follow. 7:30pm @ Unity by the Bay, 836 Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park: 410-544-7990; www.unitybythebay.org.
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Thursday November 22
Thanksgiving Day
Gather round the feast with friends and family, giving thanks you’re not a turkey.
Turkey Chase
Work up an appetite for your Thanksgiving feast at Camp Letts’ 8th annual Turkey Chase. Rise early to walk or run the Smithsonian Preserve’s wooded trails in a 10K race or a 5K run/walk. Your jaunt through scenic trails raises money for YMCA children. Little turkey trotters eat a hearty breakfast, get their faces painted and ruffle a few feathers on pony rides. Racers get a free T-shirt with registration and try for door prizes. Medals and themed prizes awarded after the race. Later, go home and feast. rsvp online before Nov. 19 or race day beginning at 7am. 10K race starts 8:45am; 5K walk starts 9am; and you’ll be done by 11am to enjoy the rest of the day @ YMCA Camp Letts, Edgewater. $35 for 10K; $25 for 5K; rsvp Stacie: 410-919-1412; www.campletts.org.
Thanksgiving Dinner for All
Find good company and a feast at SMILE’s 17th Thanksgiving Day Dinner. No need to rsvp; all welcome. Call in advance for a ride to dinner. noon-3pm @ Catamaran’s Restaurant, 14470 Rt. 2, Solomons Island. free: 410-326-0009.
November 22 & 23
Art of the Christmas Story
See the Christmas story on canvas during this 50-minute tour of the permanent collection, examining paintings with holiday themes and symbolism. Also Nov. 27 & 30; Dec. 1, 4, 6, 11, 13 & 24. 1pm ThF @ West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th & Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C. free: 202-737-4215; www.nga.gov.
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Friday November 23
Native American Cooking
Learn the food traditions of Chesapeake natives, using customary tools and cooking methods to help prepare a meal. 10am-2pm @ Historic London Town & Gardens 839 Londontown Rd., off Mayo Rd., Edgewater. $8 w/discounts; rsvp: 410-222-1919.
Christmas on Leonardtown Square 
Experience a small town holiday at Leonardtown’s 10th annual Christmas on the Square. Carolers serenade visitors with songs about the spirit of the season. Jolly Juggler, Frosty the Snowman and the Town Crier greet little elves in the square and pose for pictures. Take sleigh, hay, truck and pony rides through the winter wonderland. St. Nick arrives in the square to light Leonardtown’s 60th Town Tree and greet children in town (7pm). Seasoned seasonal shoppers browse antique stores, craft booths and holiday haberdasheries. 5-9pm @ newly lively town square, Leonardtown, in St. Mary’s County; rain date Nov. 24: 301-475-9791.
Holiday Author in the Garden
Meet Christmas in My Heart author Joe Wheeler, who autographs copies of his book. 1-6pm @ Homestead Gardens, Rts. 214 & 424, Davidsonville: 800-300-5631; www.homesteadgardens.com.
Christmas Auction
Make an early bid at completing your holiday shopping this year. Stake your claim at auctions for commercially made Christmas trees, festive decorations, garlands, wreathes and Christmas-themed presents. 6pm @ Chesapeake Auction House, corner of Calvert Beach Rd. & St. Leonard Rd., St. Leonard: 410-586-1161; www.chesapeakeauctionhouse.com.
Festivities for the Tree Festival
Skip cooking the day after Thanksgiving at this gala catered by Mom’s in the Kitchen. Bid on holiday items and donated goods at live and silent auctions. Later, dance off your dinner with music from the 2-4-U Band. Benefits construction of Burnett-Calvert Hospice House. 6-11pm @ Banquet Hall, Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department, off Old Towne Rd., Huntingtown. $75/ticket; rsvp: 410-414-2626; www.calverthospice.org.
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November 23 & 24
Visit Early Maryland’s Hearth & Home
Step back to the 17th century and help your fellow colonists prepare for the long winter. Discover the skills needed to reap the harvest and store it for the barren months ahead with interactive demonstrations. 10am-5pm FSa @ Historic St. Mary’s City, St. Mary’s County. $10 w/discounts: 240-895-4991; www.stmaryscity.org.
Go Greek for the Holidays
Take time this season to celebrate St. Nick and St. Basil — known in Eastern Orthodox traditions for bringing presents to good children every New Year — at the Ss Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Peruse Greek holiday crafts and the wares of 65+ craftspeople at over 100 booths. Take a break from browsing crafts to tour the intricately decorated church and feast on classic Greek cuisine. Santa sits with little elves each day. 10am-5pm FSa @ Ss Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Rd., Annapolis. $2/church tour: 410-573-2072; www.schgochurch.org.
November 23, 24 & 25
Festival of Trees at Calvert Hospice
Satisfy your arbor ardor as Calvert Hospice invites you Home for the Holidays at their Festival of Trees. Friends of the Hospice sponsor over 70 elaborate trees, including the perennially favorites Poinsettia Tree and luminous Hospice Memorial Tree. Peruse the Festival Shoppes, where over 60 crafters sell holiday art and gifts. Musical groups from schools, churches, and community centers serenade with holiday tunes all three days. Keep an eye out for Rockin’ Elvis Jim Godbold. Sit for caricature portraits or have the artist paint your face in festive tones. Little elves visit with Santa all three days; ages 3 to 8 can have a meal with The Jolly Old Elf Saturday (rsvp; see Santa Sightings). 6-9pm F; 9am-8pm Sa; 10am-5pm Su @ Huntingtown High School, 4125 Rt. 2, Huntingtown. $4 w/discounts: 410-535-0892; www.calverthospice.org/c/112/festival-of-trees.
Kennedy Krieger Christmas Forest 
Christmas magic transforms the Cow Palace into a winter paradise at Kennedy Krieger’s 19th annual Festival of Trees. Volunteers, local florists and designers decorate over 300 trees in an indoor fantasy forest. Special wreathes and gingerbread villages pop up among the winter woods. Wind your way among the trees to find kids’ crafts, a carousel and Santa. The model railroad owners bought more real estate this year for a larger, more intricate train display. Entertainers — including Milkshake, Beale Street Puppets and the Baltimore Dance Company — offer up holiday amusements for young and old. Parents browse the wares of over 100 Christmas crafters, bid at a silent auction and vote for their favorite confection construction at the gingerbread house display. Visit the website for a $1 off coupon. 10am-9pm FSa; 10am-6pm Su @ Cow Palace, Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium. $10 w/discounts: 443-923-7300; www.festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org.
Leonardtown Trees
The Bell Motor showroom fills with festive firs and seasonal spruces at the 10th annual Leonardtown Festival of Trees. Elaborate wreathes and hand spun garlands add to the green display. 4-9pm F; 10-3pm Sa & noon-6pm Su @ Showroom, Bell Motor Company, off Washington St., Leonardtown, in St. Mary’s County. $1/adult: 301-475-9791; www.leonardtown.somd.com.
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Saturday November 24
Buy Bizaart
Purchase gifts for an unusual Yuletide at the American Visionary Museum’s Bizaart holiday shopping extravaganza. Over 50 regional artists and craftspeople sell one-of-a-kind furniture, sculpture, paintings, ornaments and other unorthodox items. Talk to artists, nibble refreshments and wander through the museum for a respite from Christmas commerce. 10am-5pm @ Jim Rouse Visionary Center, 800 Key Hwy., Federal Hill, Baltimore. free: 410-244-1900; www.avam.org.
Sunday November 25
Trainspotting at Bowie Station
On Amtrak’s busiest day of the year, every working passenger car is hooked to an engine. Visit Bowie Station Museum to watch Amtrak’s trains chug by, pulling cars that range from bizarre to antique. In between trains, explore the museum’s collection of railroad hardware, decorated for the arrival of Kris Kringle. Santa sits with tykes among the trains all day. 10am-4pm @ the Bowie Train Station Museum, 8614 Chestnut Ave., Bowie. free: 301-809-3088.
Sing-along to Messiah
Join in the joyful music of Handel’s Messiah at St. James’ sing-along. A chamber orchestra — complete with harpsichord and organ — fills the church as your voice blends with amateur crooners and choral members. Singers bring scores to the performance; a limited number of scores on hand for early-birds to purchase or borrow. The tone deaf welcome to listen in on this community reworking of Handel’s masterpiece. Bring festive snacks for reception following. 4pm @ St. James’ Episcopal Church, 5757 Rt. 2, Lothian. free w/donations of money or toys accepted for the Salvation Army: 410-224-2478.
Chesapeake Beach Lights Its Tree
The townspeople of Chesapeake Beach start the season with the official tree lighting ceremony. Snack on lemonade and cookies while Beach Elementary students sing songs for the season. Later, drive through the Bayside town for the opening night of the Brightest Beacon on the Bay competition and gaze at thousands of twinkling lights adorning residents’ houses. 6pm @ Town Hall, 8200 Bayside Rd., Chesapeake Beach: 410-257-2230.
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November 24 & 25
Weekends at Homestead
Spend your weekends gathering ideas and goods to deck your halls from the seasonal splendor of Homestead Gardens. Santa visits both days to greet children and take down Christmas wishes (10am-4pm Sa; noon-4pm Su). Get illumination on holiday LED lighting schemes from Homestead experts (1pm Sa) and meet with the GKI/Bethlehem Lighting representatives for tips on creating a memorable Christmas display (2pm Sa). Live music greets visitors all weekend with Sean Lane playing holiday tunes Sa (1pm) and Bayfield Brass Su (noon). All @ Homestead Gardens, Rts. 214 & 424, Davidsonville: 800-300-5631; www.homesteadgardens.com.
Monday November 26
Collegiate Ceramics Sale
Peruse handcrafted pottery — from mugs to unique sculpture pieces — made by A.A. County collegians at the Holiday Ceramics Sale to benefit the Keramos Society. 10am-2pm @ 219 Cade Center, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold; free: 410-777-2624.
Tuesday November 27
Art of the Christmas Story
See the Christmas story on canvas during this 50-minute tour of the permanent collection, examining paintings with holiday themes and symbolism. Also Nov. 30; Dec. 1, 4, 6, 11, 13 & 24. 1pm ThF @ West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th & Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C. free: 202-737-4215; www.nga.gov.
Peter White Jazzes up Christmas
Festive funk brightens up Rams Head when Peter White, Rick Braun and Mindi Abair play jolly smooth jazz, putting a modern spin on classic holiday songs and originals. 6:30 & 9:30pm @ Rams Head Onstage, 33 West St., Annapolis. $50: 410-268-4545; www.ramsheadtavern.com.
Fiddle with Phyllo
Learn how to make phyllo dough from scratch to create a holiday appetizers. Chef Frances Chumley brings her secret weapon (her father’s broom stick) to teach you how to tackle the fragile, paper-thin pastry, creating spanakopita and prasopita. 6:30-8:30pm @ Design Solutions, 1598 Whitehall Rd., Annapolis. $55; rsvp: 410-562-7993.
Holiday Brass Concert
Have a Feliz Navidad as you take a Christmas trip around the world at the 4th year of this brassy concert. Featuring The Catonsville High School Steel Drum Band, this eclectic holiday performance blends classic tunes with exotic melodies. Benefits the International Women’s Brass Conference. 7:30pm @ Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, 5200 North Charles St., Baltimore. $20 w/discounts: 410-377-7539; www.holidaybrass.com.
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Wednesday November 28
High Holiday Tea
Stay warm during your garden gallivants with a cup of hot herbal tea. Enjoy a traditional snack service with finger sandwiches and petite desserts. Later, crack the symbolic code of Christmas plants and decorations with a lesson in the subliminal signs of the season. 6:30-8:30pm @ Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Rd., Severn. $25; rsvp: 410-551-2237.
Thursday November 29
Find a Fontanini Nativity
Browse the wide variety of Fontanini Nativity pieces, featuring brilliantly colored, life-like miniatures. Marco Fontanini is on hand to sign his families’ work. 5pm @ Homestead Gardens, Rts. 214 & 424, Davidsonville. $30; rsvp: 410-798-5000; www.homesteadgardens.com.
Poinsettia Sale Blooms at Tawes
Buy a budding Christmas Star, the season’s favorite flower, in an assortment of colors and sizes, to benefit Tawes Garden. Many varieties get plucked quickly; shop early for the widest selection. 10am-5pm @ Tawes State Office Building Lobby, off Rowe Blvd. at Taylor, Annapolis: 410-260-8189.
Hear Native Voices
Discover the oral traditions of Native tribes at a night of true tales and history. Storyteller Dovie Thompson weaves stories of her life with the teachings of her Lakota and Plains Apache relatives. 7pm @ Maryland City at Russett Library, 3501 Russett Common, Laurel: 301-725-2390.
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November 27, 28 & 29
Learn Your Greens at Ladew Garden
Learn techniques for crafting your own holiday decorations and volunteer to craft boxwood trees, wreaths and kissing balls using Ladew Garden’s fresh greens. Items created will be sold at the Ladew Topiary Gardens’ Holiday Green Sale. 10am-3pm @ Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville, Monkton; rsvp: 410-557-9570 x13; www.ladewgardens.com.
Friday November 30
Art of the Christmas Story
See the Christmas story on canvas during this 50-minute tour of the permanent collection, examining paintings with holiday themes and symbolism. Also Dec. 1, 4, 6, 11, 13 & 24. 1pm ThF @ West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th & Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C. free: 202-737-4215; www.nga.gov.
Severna Park Christmas
Salute the season at Severna Park with a community Christmas celebration. Bagpiper Michael Binnie plays Celtic holiday tunes, followed by Severna Park Elementary School Chorus. The Cato East Coast Dance Company twirls through the party before the lighting of the Christmas tree. Then, harmonize with the Severna Park Ecumenical Youth Choir and the Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church Youth Band in community caroling. Make tracks to the Christmas display of the Severna Park Model Railroad Club. Bundle up for the outdoor ceremony, and bring extra socks and mittens to donate to the sock and mitten Christmas tree benefiting those in need of winter ware. From 5pm @ the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce, 1 Holly Ave., Severna Park: 410-647-3900.
Preview Three Centuries
Glimpse the elaborate holiday celebrations of the past three centuries in an evening tour of William Paca House, decorated in its holiday splendor. Colonials mingle with guests in this exhibit preview, as you listen to live music and nibble on desserts. 5-7pm members; 7-9pm public @ 186 Prince George St., Annapolis. $10 w/discounts: 410-267-8146; www.annapolis.org.
NJFK - Rudolph Retelling
Little elves and their parents snuggle up to watch Southern Maryland Repertory Theatre tell the tale of everyone’s favorite red nosed reindeer. 7:30pm @ Black Box Theatre, College of Southern Maryland, Fine Arts Center, 8730 Mitchell Rd., La Plata. $5: 301-934-7828.
Have a Ball with Severn Town Club
Dance the night away in an elegant winter wonderland at Severn Town Club of Annapolis’ annual Holly Ball. Feast upon a catered dinner, sip cocktails and dance to a live band. Bid in silent or live auctions for a chance to win jewelry, minks, a teak garden bench or a Day on the Bay (luncheon and cruising aboard a private vessel). Crabtowne Big Band keeps the party swinging until midnight, with brassy bandstand favorites. Ball benefits Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis/Anne Arundel County and Hospice of the Chesapeake. Black tie. 6pm cocktails; 8pm dinner; dancing till midnight @ Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West St., Annapolis. $150; rsvp to JoAnn: 410-268-2355.
Shop-N-Spa Party
Ladies cover their Christmas list in one night with Annapolis Spa Party, browse hundreds of items from clothing to jewelry to Christmas crafts. Revelers relax with free mini massages and makeovers; snack on desserts and refreshments. 7pm-midnight @ Historic Baldwin Hall, Millersville Rd., & Rt. 178, Millersville. $45-$35: 443-994-4791; www.annapolisspaparty.com.
It’s a Wonderful Christmas
Christian pop superstar Michael W. Smith makes the season merry with help from the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Singing holiday favorites and performing his original Christmas compositions, Smith convinces every Scrooge that It’s a Wonderful Christmas. Joining Smith for the seasonal singing are Christian pop group The Katinas and American Idol star Melinda Doolittle. 8pm @ 1st Mariner Arena, 201 West Baltimore St., Baltimore. $59.50-$38.50; rsvp: 410-547-7328; www.1stmarinerarena.com.
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November 30, December 1 & 2
Nutcracker at Baltimore School for the Arts
After a three-year hiatus, Baltimore School for the Arts revives its traditional holiday Nutcracker ballet. Students twirl through the tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in a complex ballet choreographed for the school by Atlanta Ballet executive director Barry Hughson. This weekend and Dec. 7-9 at 7pm F; 3pm & 7pm Sa; 3pm Su @ Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral St., Baltimore. $12 w/discounts; rsvp: 410-230-7940; www.bsfa.org.
A Pasadena Christmas Carol
The Pasadena Theatre Company takes you to Victorian London in this non-musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Follow miserable miser Ebenezer Scrooge as three Christmas spirits teach him the true reason for the season. Seats unreserved, so arrive early. 8pm Nov. 30 & Dec. 1; 3pm Dec. 2 @ Humanities Lecture Hall, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold. $12: 410-975-0200; www.pasadenatheatrecompany.com.
Amahl at AACC
Gian Carlo Menotti’s popular 1950s opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, comes to life at the Anne Arundel Community College. Opera AACC, Concert Choir and the All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis harmonize in the tale of a differently abled boy who meets the three wise men as they follow the star of Bethlehem. 8pm Nov. 30 & Dec. 1; 3pm Dec. 2 @ Pascal, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold. $20 w/discounts: 410-777-2457; www.aacc.edu/performingarts.
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