Art on Main Street
Sat. Nov. 17 thru Dec. 16–Moonlight on Main Street opens Main Street Gallery’s holiday season 5-8pm Nov. 17 w/refreshments from Mom’s in the Kitchen. Find unique gifts at this eclectic display of local artisan’s wares, featuring Parran Collery’s tiles and mosaics; Julia Musengo’s hand-crafted shrines; Trish Lyddane’s hand-knit scarves; Susan Stockman’s jewelry; and Peggy Walters oils. Feel the spirit of the season at the Holiday Open House 11am-4pm Dec. 1 w/refreshments and sales. Tour The Curio Shop, where a wide variety of objects from the exotic to the rare will pique your curiosity. 11am–5pm W-F; 11am-4pm SaSu @ 486 Main St., Prince Frederick: 410-535-3334.
Anne Arundel Farmers’ Christmas Market
Saturdays Nov. 17 thru Dec. 22–Local farmers spread homemade Christmas cheer at this early morning market filled with holiday hullabaloo plus seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh baked goods and honey. Crafters add wreathes, jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts. 8am-noon Sa @ Riva Road & Harry S. Truman Pkwy., Annapolis: Brenda @ 410-349-0317.
Train Garden at Marley Station
Sat. Nov. 17 thru Dec. 29–Volunteers worked since March to construct a new, intricate web of train tracks and interactive winter villages at this annual display that weaves eight model engines through mountains, across forests and under two waterfalls. Trains crisscross on tracks, chugging through gum drop cities, a lively carnival and snowy patches of woods. This year you control the action: Push buttons to make planes take off from the airport and cause waterfalls to spill over the frozen land. Be sure to talk with the conductors, who seek volunteers to run the engines and help with next year’s construction. Benefits North County Emergency Outreach Network. Raffle tickets drawn Dec. 22 ($1/ticket); grand prize four-by-six-foot winter village, with new train. 10am-9pm M-Sa; 11am-6pm Su @ old Friendly’s location, on 2nd floor, Marley Station Mall, Glen Burnie. free, but donations welcome: 410-533-0823.
Chanukah Gallery Show & Sale
Sun. Nov. 18 thru Dec. 29–Purchase presents for Eight Days celebration at this Jewish Community Center arts and crafts show sponsored by the Guild for Judaic Arts. Browse fine art, handcrafts, menorahs, dreidels, stained glass, photography, ceramics and sculpture for a unique present to commemorate the festival of lights. Hours vary; call ahead. @ Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Rd., Rockville: 301-881-0100.
Norse Noel
Tues. Nov. 20 thru Jan. 7–A sparkling spruce towers 30 feet over visitors in Union Station as centerpiece of the Royal Norwegian Embassy’s 11th annual Norwegian Christmas.
• Nov. 20-Jan. 7–Train display recreates a rail trip thru a Norwegian winter landscape. The trains navigate through mountains and fjords and pass traditional fishing villages. Each train is hand-modeled after engines running in Norway. Ski jumps and mountain trolls complete this virtual trip through a Norse wonderland. Donations for Toys for Tots accepted (during mall hours 10am-7pm M-Sa, noon-6pm Su).
• Wed. Nov. 28–World champion ice carver Stephen Berkshire sculpts a life-size polar bear from a block of ice. Check on his artistic process all day, 10am-6pm. Bear sculpture stands for one day, until the Nov. 29 lighting of the tree.
• Thurs. Nov. 29–The traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree, adorned with miniature Norwegian and American flags, lights up tonight. Over 8,000 lights blanket the 30-foot tree, a symbol of Norway’s gratitude for American aid under the Marshall Plan after World War II. The tree, lit by actor Earle Hyman, cheers Union Station thru December. 6pm lighting.
• Sun. Dec. 2 thru Jan. 6–Experience the majesty of Norwegian landscapes through the photography of Asle Svarerud. Stunning images of fjords and Lofoten archipelago line the walls of Union Station’s main hall.
• Fri. Dec. 8 & Sat. Dec. 9–Peruse crafts and sample a smorgasbord of dishes at the annual Norwegian-American Holiday Bazaar. Tables fill with traditional Norwegian crafts: hand-carved wooden trolls, jewelry, holiday ornaments, pewter wares and intricately knit sweaters. (10am-7pm F; 10am-3:30pm Sa). All @ Main Hall, Union Station, 40 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Washington, DC. Free: 202-333-6000; www.norway.org/xmas.
Gifts of a Lifetime at CalvART
Wed. Nov. 21 thru Jan. 7–Find the Gift of a Lifetime at CalvART’s new show, featuring unique holiday works from local artists. Find one-of-a-kind presents from fine art to jewelry at this massive holiday sale. Over 20 gallery artists contribute items to the show many under $100. Saturday, Dec. 1 CalvART holds an open house, where you can mingle with local talent and sip refreshments while you shop (2-7pm). The Arts Council Hospice erects its annual tree in the gallery, adorning it with original ornaments from featured artists. After the reception, buy the ornaments from the tree, benefiting the Hospice. 11am-6pm W-Sa; 11am-4pm Su @ CalvART Gallery, Prince Frederick Center, Rt. 4 at Rt. 231, Prince Frederick: 410-535-9252.
top of page
Seaside Shopping
Fri. Nov. 23 thru Nov. 25–Buy seasonal seashells by the seashore at the Ocean City Shopping extravaganza, with tables ranging from NASCAR memorabilia to jewelry to toys to wrought-iron sculpture. If waiting for your secret Santa to fill their bag, stop by the non-shoppers lounge and take a break from the bustling commerce with light refreshments. Children craft their own holiday gifts and watch magic tricks. 10am-5pm FSa; 10am-4pm Su @ Ocean City Convention Center, 40th St., Ocean City. $3 weekend: 800-626-2326; www.ococean.com/nov07.html.
Maryland Christmas Show
Fri. Nov. 23-Nov. 25; Nov. 30-Dec. 2–Find everything you need to deck the halls as over 500 artist and crafters fill the Frederick Fairgrounds for the Maryland Christmas Show. The state’s biggest holiday fair features fine art, pottery, handcrafted toys, wreaths, garlands and plenty of gay apparel, filling seven buildings and big tops. Kids perch on Santa’s knee daily for a photo and last-minute holiday requests. Go to the website for a free parking coupon; or pay $1/vehicle. No pets. 10am-6pm FSa; 10am-5pm Su @ Frederick Fairgrounds, off I-70 at exit 56, Frederick. $6 w/discounts: 301-898-5466; www.marylandchristmasshow.com.
Merry Mount Vernon
Fri. Nov. 23-Nov. 25; Nov. 30-Dec. 2 & Dec. 7-Dec. 9–Visit the first First Family this holiday season at candlelight tours of Mount Vernon. Grab a letter of introduction before getting formally presented to Martha Washington in the Mansion’s dining room. Your hostess will lead you through her home, lavishly decked in early American ornaments and garlands. Tour the rarely seen third floor, with Martha Washington’s garret chamber. Along the halls, meet friends and family of the founding couple as they prepare for the holiday festivities. Later, gather in the kitchen to learn about traditional Christmas fare and get Martha’s recipe for her Great Cake. 5-8pm @ Mount Vernon Mansion, at the end of George Washington Memorial Pkwy., Mount Vernon, VA. $15; rsvp: 703-573-7328; www.mountvernon.org.
What’s the Best Gingerbread House of All
Fri. Nov. 23 thru Dec. 9–Visitors marvel over confection constructions, homemade gingerbread village, ranging from royal icing castles to basic baked bungalows, furnished with icing, peppermint and gumdrops. Bakers in categories from children to seasoned architects vie for awards. Vote for your favorite mansion, pueblo or cottage of sweets at the 8th Viewers’ Choice Awards. Noon-5pm @ Darnall’s Chance House Museum, 14800 Gov. Oden Bowie Dr., Upper Marlboro. $1 w/age discounts: 301-952-8010; www.pgparks.com.
Walking in a Christmas Wonderland
Fri. Nov. 23 thru Dec. 23–A sprinkle of fairy dust transports you from Willow Oak Farm to the North Pole. Stroll through Santa’s hometown in a quest to find his workshop. Pass lighted gardens twinkling with Christmas scenes and watch Flower Fairies put the finishing touches on their festive gazebo. Visit a gingerbread house, celebrate Christmas with woodland party animals and look over the stable at an elaborate Nativity display. Finally, traverse a candy-cane forest to find the Jolly Old Elf’s Ice Palace. Inside the clear walls, watch elves as they create presents for those on the ‘nice’ list. Two separate schedules for self-guided walking tours @ Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Rd., Severn. $7 w/discounts: 410-551-2237; www.willowoakherbs.com.
• Fri. Nov. 23-Dec. 8–Walk 4:30-7pm Fridays and Saturdays.
• Mon. Dec. 10-Dec. 23–Walk 4:30-7pm Monday thru Saturday.
top of page
B&O Holiday Train Show
Fri. Nov. 23 thru Dec. 30–Hop aboard a car at the B&O Railroad Museum Holiday Train Festival. Elaborate model trains traverse Baltimore’s shrine to the locomotive industry. Santa chugs up to the museum by locomotive to kick off the annual celebration of toy trains and model railroading on Nov. 23. Setups of model trains include an HO scale layout aboard a B&O train car and an outdoor G-scale layout. Santa pulls into station Saturdays and Sundays throughout the Festival to take last-moment present requests and pose for photos. Closed Christmas Eve & Day. 10am-4pm M-F; 10am-5pm Sa; 11am-4pm Su @ B&O Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt St., Baltimore; 410-752-2490; www.borail.org.
Model Trains at Tan’s Motorcycles
Fri. Nov. 23 thru Jan. 19–Tan’s Motorcycles lays tracks for an elaborate holiday train garden. In its seventh year, the Lionel model train display covers a 20-by-20-foot area with trains chugging through a village, roads, waterfalls and an airport with flying model planes. Watch the 16 separate trains weave by skating ponds and disappear through tunnels. This year the detailed carnival display, featuring a Ferris wheel and miniature rides, returns by popular demand. Trains on display 3-8pm M-F; 2-5pm Sa @ Tan’s Motorcycles, 9032 Chesapeake Ave., North Beach. Free: 410-257-6619.
Ye Olde Yuletide in Harpers Ferry
Fri. Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Dec. 1-9–The historic district of Harpers Ferry celebrates Olde Tyme Christmas with garlands and holiday candles over two weekends. Every night features free music and entertainment.
• Kick off the Christmas season with the Nov. 30 illumination and Yule log ceremony at 7pm. Shops stay open late as bands of carolers roam the streets, encouraging visitors to join in.
• The National Park Service’s Prospects of Peace: A Soldier’s Prayer recreates Civil War Christmas1864, when Harpers Ferry soldiers improvised a celebration on the battlefield. Glimpse other bygone traditions, such as a Victorian Cotillion, old-fashioned Christmas confections and a Civil War era Santa Claus. Special walking tour leads you through this section of living history all day. Runs the first weekend, Dec. 1 & 2.
• Browse through forgotten treasures for the antique lover on your shopping list at the Olde Tyme Christmas Arts & Crafts Show. 9am-4pm Dec. 1 & 2 @ Hilltop House Hotel.
• The classic Bible tale leaps from the page to the earth at St. Peter’s Church Living Nativity @ 8pm Sun. Dec. 2 & 9. All shops open until 9pm daily, but close @ 6pm Dec. 10; bus schedule TBD; call for times @ Historic District, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: 304-535-9909; www.harpersferrywv.net.
Centerville Christmas Train Show
Dec. 1 & 2, 8 & 9–The Museum of Eastern Shore Life lays tracks for its holiday train village. This year’s show features seven trains, including a Thomas the Tank track designed by a 6-year-old conductor. Munch on cookies and punch while waiting for Santa, who visits the train yard daily. Buy a raffle ticket for your chance to win a train to take home. Noon-5pm SaSu @ 4-H building, 4-H Park, Centreville. free; but museum donations accepted: 410-758-0979.
top of page
Christmas House Designer Showcase
Sat. Dec. 1 thru Sun. Dec. 16–Designers decorate rooms in an 1850 historic mansion, creating elegant spaces with cutting-edge design schemes. Tour the rooms and gather inspiration for your home or new year. Benefits Springhill Center for Family Development’s counseling programs. 10am-5pm Tu-F; noon-5pm SaSu @ Springhill Center for Family Development, 1134 Bacon Ridge Rd., Crownsville. $20 w/discounts; rsvp: 410-626-6000.
300 Years of Cheer at Paca House
Sat. Dec. 1 thru Sun. Dec. 30–Visit the ghosts of Christmases past at the William Paca House. Walk through ornately decked halls featuring seasonal greens and traditional colonial ornaments. Talk to costumed re-enactors about colonial celebrations, open Civil War care packages and revel in extravagant Victorian gifting customs. Arrive a day early on Fri. Nov. 30 and take a candlelit tour of the planned festivities; including sharing a tea party with Paca’s colonial guests. Party 5-9pm Nov. 30 (5-7pm members only; 7-9pm open to all; $10/non-member). Daily hours: 10am-5pm M-Sa; noon-5pm Su @ William Paca House, 186 Prince George St., Annapolis. $8/non-member: 410-267-7619.
NJFK - Novel Noel Broadcasts
Sat. Dec. 1 thru Sun. Dec. 30–Celebrate Christmas like a baby-boomer with the Radio and Television Museum of Bowie’s Vintage Christmas. Watch television from the 1940s and 1950s on vintage sets and listen to Christmas broadcasts from that golden era of radio. Peruse early radios and television sets to learn about a time before HDTV. 10am-5pm F; 1-5pm SaSu @ The Radio and Television Museum in the historic Harmel House, 2608 Mitchellville Rd., Bowie. Free, donations encouraged: 301-390-1020.
Treats and Trains at St. Clement’s
Sat. Dec. 1 thru Jan. 7–A village of gingerbread houses pops up at St. Clement’s Museum. Local schools contribute to the confection city with wooden and ceramic replicas of the sweet structures. Admire hundreds of dolls — from antiques to brand new creations — that moved into the museum’s the seven-foot dollhouse. Pour through more antiques at the country store and watch trains chug through The Little Red Schoolhouse. Mr. and Mrs. Claus take a
break from their Christmas labor Dec. 8 to meet with visitors and share holiday refreshments. The Crab Claw Museum Store open for business. Noon-4pm W-Su @ St. Clement’s Island Museum, 38370 Point Breeze Rd., Colton’s Pt., St. Mary’s County. $3 w/discounts: 301-769-2222.
Hospice Raffles Santa
Thru Dec. 3–Spend 364 days a year with St. Nick — he needs Dec. 24th off — by winning Hospice of the Chesapeake’s 12th annual Santa raffle. A handcrafted, traditionally styled Kris Kringle moves into the winning home courtesy of Severna Park’s Virginia McConnell, owner of Crafty Grannies: Yes Mrs. Claus, There is a Virginia. Pick up raffle tickets at Chesapeake Treasures resale store, where McConnell volunteers. 10:30am-5pm M-Sa; until 7pm Th @ Chesapeake Treasures, Park Plaza Shopping Center, Severna Park. Tickets $1 or $5/six: 410-384-9260.
top of page
Festive Fruits
Order thru Dec. 6–Add seasonal succulence to your holiday table by ordering fresh citrus fruits as well as turkey and Italian sausages from the South Anne Arundel Lions Club. Pick up your holiday treats December 15 at South River High School. Prices vary based on order. Call: 410-956-4904.
Christmas Topiary Open House
Fri. Dec. 7 thru Dec. 9–Volunteers deck the halls of the Ladew Topiary Gardens’ Manor House with boughs of holly and hundreds of green garlands. Local garden groups decorate the rooms with their interpretation of Christmas traditions. Free hot cider and cookies add to the festive feel. Santa sleighs through to greet holiday crowds (SaSu). Stop by the greens sale and purchase handcrafted decorations including topiaries, wreathes and Christmas crafts. Buy loose greens to create you own holiday displays. 11am-4pm @ 353 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, north of Baltimore. $10 w/discounts: 410-557-9466; www.ladewgardens.com.
Southern Anne Arundel Chamber Gift Shoppe
Sat. Dec. 8 thru Thurs. Dec. 22–Browse the wares of over 50 crafters, take a class in ornament making, join in singing holiday carols, watch dance performances and meet with the first couple of the holiday season — Mr. & Mrs. Claus — at the Southern Anne Arundel County Chamber’s annual Gift Shoppe. 10am-4pm M-Th; 10am-8:30pm F; 10am-6pm SaSu @ Southern Anne Arundel Chamber Gift Shoppe, 4800 Atwell Rd., Suite 2100, Shady Side: 410-867-3129.
Maryland Hall Decks the Walls
Thru Dec. 15 (opens Nov. 12)–Don’t buy a gift card for that hard-to-shop for friend; find a creative piece of holiday cheer at Maryland Hall’s Deck the Walls exhibit. The Hall’s artists and students showcase paintings, drawing, sculpture, woodturnings, ceramics, jewelry and more festive festoons. Creative crafts don’t need to break the bank; one-of-a-kind art ranges from $20 to several hundred. 9am-5pm M-Sa @ Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis: 410-263-5544; www.marylandhall.org.
Toys for A.A. County Tots
Thru Dec. 21–Brighten the holidays of needy children by donating a toy to the Toys for Tots drive in Anne Arundel County. The Annapolis Optimist Club and the United States Marine Corps drop-off points, located around the county, accept new toys — no stuffed animals or weapons, please — until December 21. Two special drop-offs announced; call coordinator or check website for more locations: 410-987-3811; www.mclaacdet1049.org.
• Nov 15–Sheraton Annapolis, 173 Jennifer Rd., Annapolis.
• Dec. 7–Westfield Mall, Annapolis. 8am-7pm.
top of page
Homestead for the Holidays
Thru Dec. 23–Homestead Gardens dresses up for two months of festivities. Workshops throughout the week show you how to prepare Thanksgiving cornucopias and Christmas wreathes. Each weekend, come to Homestead for holiday festivities featuring live music, flower shows and crafting classes. Kris Kringle visits every weekend starting Nov. 24. For a full listing of special events (some require an rsvp), check our Day-by-Day guide. All @ Homestead Gardens, Rts. 214 & 424, Davidsonville: 800-300-5631; www.homesteadgardens.com.
Artful Ornaments
Thru Dec. 24–Deck your halls with handcrafted holiday ornaments from local artisans. Primitive folk artist Eileen Boldt returns to the annual show with her visions of sugar plums and interpretations of the jolly gentleman of the north. 11am-8pm Tu-Sa, 1-6pm Su @ ARTFX, 3 Church Circle, Annapolis. Free: 410-990-4540.
Art on Ice
Thru March–Glide over to the National Gallery for seasonal skating on their sleek ice rink, in the sculpture garden. Works from renowned 20th century sculptors Claes Oldenburg, Louise Bourgeois, Scott Burton and others surround the rink while festive tunes fill the air. After skating, warm up with a free cup of hot cocoa (get a coupon with every rental of skate time or equipment). Skate rink opens weather permitting; call ahead. 10am-9pm M-Th; 10am-11pm FSa; 11am-9pm Su @ Sculpture Garden, National Gallery of Art, 4th & Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C. $7/2 hr. skate; $3/skate rental: 202-737-4215; www.nga.gov.
top of page
