Tuesday, December 4
A Scottish Christmas
Celebrate the holidays w/wassail tunes and traditional Celtic melodies as fiddler Bonnie Rideout and fiery Scottish dancers and musicians transport you to a holiday in the Highlands. 7:30pm @ Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore. $32 w/discounts; rsvp: 410/783-8131.
Wednesday, December 5
Holiday Crafts Show
Browse gifts and holiday decorations among an array of goods by community crafters at the popular annual Holiday Crafts Show. Sponsored by Anne Arundel Community College Health Services. Vendor space may still be available ($40). 10-3 @ cafeteria, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold. Free: 410/777-2218.
Thursday, December 6
Hang Greens at the Courthouse
Calvert Garden Club bestows its gift upon Calvert County in the annual Hanging of the Greens. Club members drape greenery about Calvert County Courthouse and the surrounding streetscape in the pursuit of an appropriately festive county seat. 1-3pm @ Courthouse Square, Prince Frederick: 410/535-2111.
Holiday Shop for a Cause
Shop an offering of unique holiday ornaments, artwork and accessories from local artists at Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer’s the 7th annual Holiday Fund-Raiser. Benefits breast cancer programs at Anne Arundel Medical Center and North Arundel Hospital. 5pm @ E/I Design, 2 Annapolis St., West Annapolis: 410/268-9595.
Decorate with Collectibles
Learn doll preservation tactics plus safe ways to use collectibles in holiday decorations from doll conservator Bettyanne Twigg. Meanwhile, kids can create their own heirloom and enjoy refreshments. 6pm @ Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore. Free; rsvp: 410/685-3750.
Midnight Madness
Seasonal cheer keeps downtown merchants up late as they gleefully peddle wares to charged and charging holiday shoppers. Shop till you drop in stores along Main St., Maryland Ave. and State Circle and discover deals aplenty. Several shops show even more spirit by serving up holiday treats and entertainment. 6pm-midnight @ downtown Annapolis. Free except for what you buy, including parking at and shuttle from Navy-Marine Corps Stadium: 410/263-1183.
Monumental Merrymaking
Who knew a lighting could be so spectacular? Spectate at A Monumental Occasion as Baltimore’s Washington Monument is set aglow amidst the fanfare of live entertainment and a flaming finale of fireworks. 7-7:30pm @ Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore: 888/baltimore; www.baltimore.org.
Friday, December 7
Musical Celebration of Christmas
The voices of the Annapolis Chorale sing in Christmas, backed by the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra and Chorus. J. Ernest Green conducts, and Amy Cofield solos. Celebrity reader is a surprise. 8pm @ Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. $30, rsvp very early: 410/263-1906.
Holiday Luncheon
Reserve your ticket today to dine and dance at Annapolis Senior Center’s Holiday Luncheon Dec. 13. Enjoy live Sinatra-esque music to complement a chicken and turkey meal. 11-3 @ Paul’s on the South River, Annapolis. $22; $20/members: 410/222-1818.
December 7 & 8
Holiday Festival
Solomons UMC stokes the holiday spirit w/its Holiday Festival, featuring a concert of guest musicians, Christmas bazaar and visit with Santa. 5-9pm @ Solomons UMC: 410/326-3848.
Celebration in Lieu of Legislation
Beautiful decorations, candlelight and music blend for rich holiday ambiance at the 26th annual State House by Candlelight. Entertainment includes Poet Laureate of Eastport Jeff Holland, Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra and many more acts to be announced. 7-9pm @ Maryland State House, Annapolis. Free: 410/974-3400.
December 7 - 9
Solomons Christmas Walk
Stroll streets lit by 2,000 luminaria while enjoy caroling and entertainment galore at the 16th annual Solomons Christmas Walk. Pop into a menagerie of unique shops & galleries and refuel at any of many fine eateries. Highlights: • Dec. 7: Opening ceremonies include Santa’s arrival by fire truck and the tree lighting (6pm @ Riverwalk); • Dec. 7: Kids build a nutcracker (6-9pm @ Lore Oyster House); • Dec. 7: Blue Sky Puppet Theater presents Santa’s Workshop (7:30pm @ Our Lady Star of the Sea); • Dec. 7 & 8: Live nativity (evenings @ Our Lady Star of the Sea); • Dec. 7 & 8: Patuxent Animal Welfare Society pet adoption (6-9pm @ Carmen’s Gallery); • Dec. 8: Boat Light Parade (6pm). Free shuttles bring you to the island from Glascock Field parking. Sponsored by the Solomons Business Association. Benefits the Patuxent Animal Welfare Society. 6-9pm F; 9–9 Sa; noon-6 Su @ Solomons. Free except for what you buy: 888/580-3856, www.sba.solomons.md.us.
Saturday, December 8
Eastport Lights up the Tree
All are welcome to help Eastport decorate and light their holiday tree amidst carol sing-alongs and camaraderie. During the day, volunteers stand ready to aid Eastportoricans in stringing lights or hanging wreaths. Time tba @ 6th St. & Severn Ave., Eastport, Annapolis: 410/280-1411.
Edgewater’s Community Christmas
Gather up your fill of Christmas crafts, gifts and treats at London Towne Property Owners Assoc.’s Holiday Art & Craft Show. Peruse 35 booths and go thru an art show featuring the county’s biggest collection of paintings by local artists. Home-made cookies, gift breads and fudge are there to fill your Christmas cupboard. Door prizes awarded thruout the day as carolers make a merry musical background. 9-2 @ London Towne Community Hall, Edgewater: 410/956-6214.
Holiday Bake Sale, Bazaar
Stock up on scrumptious holiday treats as The Ladies Auxiliary of the Deale Vol. Fire Dept. hosts the 25th annual Christmas Bake Sale and Bazaar. Find home-made cookies, candy, cakes and more plus lunch for sale to sustain you as you shop. 9:30-3 @ Deale Fire Hall, 6007 Drum Point Road, Deale: 410/867-3181.
Wrap a Wreath at London Town
Floral artist Vicki Trego shows how to turn mixed evergreens and other natural elements into a unique and festive holiday wreath in an Historic London Town workshop. Then try building your own. Materials provided; bring clippers. 10-noon @ Historic London Town, Edgewater. $20; rsvp: 410/222-1919.
Gingerbread House Workshop II
Keep little hands busy (and happy) at the Calvert Library’s annual Gingerbread House Workshop. Bring a bag of candy to share in the decorations of candy-covered houses built of graham crackers. Two locations: 10-11am @ Fairview Branch, Owings; rsvp: 410/257-2101 • 2-3pm @ Northeast Community Center, Chesapeake Beach; rsvp: 410/257-2411.
Make your own Ornaments
Choose from 4 designs to create Christmas ornaments from dried flowers, herbs and spices. 10-1pm @ Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, Severn. $20: rsvp: 410/551-2237.
Holly Jolly Holiday Concert
Lend ears to music of the season as played on English handbells at Chesapeake Bronze’s Holly Jolly Holiday Concert. 7:30pm @ Huntingtown UMC. $6; $4/kids under 13: 301/855-2461.
Create your own Candle Tradition
Bring the kids and create your own candles, candleholders, menorahs or Kinaras. Design a shiny tinsel ornament or grow sparkling rock candy crystals. 10-4 @ William Paca House, Annapolis. $5: 410/267-7619.
Pets Pictured with Santa Claws Again
Bring in your furry, finned or feathered best friends for photos on the lap of Santa Claws. Benefits spca of Anne Arundel County. 11-5 @ PetSmart, Annapolis. $: 410/268-5285.
Naval Academy Plays for Kids
The US Naval Academy Band tunes its instruments to delight the kids w/its annual Children’s Holiday Matinee, which includes a visitor from the North Pole. Noon & 2 @ Mitscher Hall, US Naval Academy, Annapolis. Free: 410/293-0263; www.usna.edu.
Children’s Holiday Party
Bring out the kids for Anne Arundel Community College Children’s Holiday Party. Enjoy crafts, carols, piñatas, a visit from Santa and refreshments. For kids ages 2-10. Sponsored by the 
Student Association. Noon-3 @ cafeteria, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold. $3/kid; free for parents and younger siblings: 410/777-2219.
Bed & Breakfast Holiday Tour 2001
Breeze thru 8 charming historic inns on the Annapolis Bed & Breakfast Assoc. Holiday Tour 2001. Included are Chez Amis, a triangular building that was formerly a grocery store; 55 East, an 1864 townhouse w/an enclosed fountain courtyard; and Prince George Inn. A shuttle bus gets you around. Noon-5 @ Historic District, Annapolis. $15 w/discounts: 410/263-6418; www.annapolisbandb.com.
Snyder Talks Golden Ring
Warm up to Christmas early as author John Snyder discusses & signs The Golden Ring. Just before the Christmas of 1918, nine-year-old Anna and father Joseph, a B&O engineer, share a series of dreams that brings them together for the holiday. He visits Annapolis again Dec. 15. 1pm @ Borders, Westfield Shoppingtown Annapolis: 410/571-0923.
Homes for the Holidays
Tour many of Baltimore’s grand historic houses, including the homes of Babe Ruth, Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Carroll, plus the Star Spangled Banner Flag House, the Evergreen House and more. Enjoy decorations, music, refreshments, demonstrations and unique shopping opportunities. Noon-5 @ Robert Long House, Baltimore. $1/per site; rsvp: 410/561-0341.
London Town’s Colonial Christmas Revisited
Follow docents thru the decked halls of William Brown House, decorated for the holidays. See colonial holiday decorations and hear about life in colonial London Town during the holiday season. Noon-3 @ Historic London Town & Gardens, Edgewater. $5 w/discounts; free w/canned good donation 10-3 Dec. 26-30: 410/222-1919.
3rd Annual Deale Tree Lighting
Buy hot dogs and drinks from Deale Charter captains, sample the results of the chili cook-off, jam to bluegrass, visit w/Santa and more at the 3rd annual Tree Lighting sponsored by the Deale Merchants Association. 3pm @ 655 Deale Rd. free: 410/867-6707.
St. Clement’s Christmas Open House
Get into the holiday spirit w/free hot cider, cookies, punch and gift wrapping at St. Clement’s Island – Potomac River Museum’s Christmas Open House. Noon-7 @ the Museum, 38370 Point Breeze Rd., Colton’s Pt. Free: 301/769-2222.
Shady Side Tree Lighting
Light your holiday spirit at Shady Side’s annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting. Make Christmas crafts (4-5:15pm) before singing carols and lighting the outdoor tree (5:30pm). After the tree’s lit, Santa arrives. 4-6pm @ Centenary UMC lawn & St. Matthew’s UMC Fellowship Hall, Shady Side: 410/867-2048.
Shape Colonial Greenery
Gild your holidays by learning to make wreaths and swags w/natural greenery as colonial-style adornments for mantle and door in an Historic Annapolis Foundation workshop. 1-4pm @ William Paca House & Garden, 186 Prince George St., Annapolis. $25 w/discounts; rsvp: 410/267-7619; www.annapolis.org.
Chorale Christmas for Kids
Kids delight in an evening of carols, stories and more at Annapolis Chorale’s Christmas for Kids, featuring the Annapolis Youth Chorus. Santa makes a special guest appearance from the North Pole w/gifts. 7pm @ Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis. $10 w/discounts; rsvp: 410/263-1906.
December 8 & 9
St. Michaels’ Christmas Charm
The quaint, historic Eastern Shore village of St. Michaels dresses up for the holidays during the Christmas in St. Michaels celebration, overflowing w/such seasonal pleasures as Santa’s Wonderland for kiddies, caroling, concerts, a parade down Talbot Street (10:30am Sa) and decorated shops, galleries & homes — including the lighthouse at Chesapeake Maritime Museum. Also tour town and country for a gander at historical homes looking their Christmas best ($25 w/advance discounts). 9-7 SaSu @ various spots, St. Michaels: 800/465-5428; www.stmichaelsmd.org.
Belair by Candlelight
Revisit Christmas Yule of yore as Belair Mansion (c. 1745) takes you on a candlelight tour of its historic halls, reflecting on the theme The Holly and the Ivy. Enjoy hot cider, refreshments and a gift shop. Sunday, Con Viva Musica sings holiday tunes. 6-9pm Sa; 4-7pm Su @ Belair Mansion, 12207 Tulip Grove Dr., Bowie. $: 301/809-3089.
Sunday, December 9
St. Mary’s Holiday Home Tour
Tour 9 local homes delightfully decorated for the season in the 7th annual Holiday Home Tour. Stray from the beaten path to find St. Mary’s County’s hidden jewels. Benefits Health Share, a grass-roots initiative w/no public funding but lots of good works that benefit 100s of St. Mary’s countians. 11-5 @ various spots in Hollywood, Leonardtown and Avenue, St. Mary’s County. $35/all 9; $5/each: 301/884-8998.
Worshipful Sounds of Christmas
Be inspired by the seasonal song of Trinity UMC’s Chancel Choir in a Sunday morning carol concert. 11am @ Trinity UMC, Prince Frederick: 410/535-1782.
Eating Together Keeps a Community Strong
Eat among good company in a beautifully decorated setting as Shady Side Rural Heritage Society hosts the annual Christmas Brunch. After, buy local books, calendar, ornaments and cards for gifts. 11-2 @ Captain Salem Avery House Museum, Shady Side. $12.50; rsvp: 410/867-2866.
Stroll a Living Railroad Village
Why play with model train sets when you can wander an actual railroad village at Family Fun Holiday in historic Old Bowie. Enjoy antique shopping, music, puppets, a magician, strolling carolers and face painting in a quaint railroad village. Noon-5 @ Bowie Train Station Museum, historic district, 8614 Chestnut Ave.: 301/809-3089.
Revolutionary Retro Revelry
Step back in time for seasonal celebration as you’d have experienced in the days of the Revolutionary War. Costumed docents, light refreshments, music and more complete the festive feel as you indulge in an historical holiday at the decorated home of Gen. William Smallwood. Drop in 1-7pm @ Smallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Pt. Rd., Marbery. Free to all ages: 301/743-7613.
Holiday Tea at London Town
Sip holiday tea English-style in the Glass Pavilion overlooking the South River. Savor sweet treats served w/the tea in an assortment of antique cups, saucers and teapots, then take a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark William Brown House. Handmade topiary trees, wreaths swags, kissing balls and centerpieces for sale. 2pm @ Historic London Town and Gardens, Edgewater. $17.50; $15/members; rsvp: 410/222-1919.
Concert of Bells
Listen to the beautiful sounds of The Colonial Ringers & The Canterbury Ringers in the warm surroundings of His Lordship’s Kindness, an 18th century historic home. 2pm @ His Lordship’s Kindness, Clinton. $5 w/discounts; rsvp: 301/856-0358.
Tuesday, December 11
County Executive’s Open House
Meet your County Executive Janet S. Owens at the Holiday Open House. Enjoy refreshments, seasonal sounds and good cheer. 3-6pm @ the County Executive Suite, 4th Floor, Arundel Center, Annapolis. free: 410/222-1357.
