Can't-Miss Holiday Events In Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — With the holidays now in full swing, there's no shortage of events and activities to keep people busy and entertained until the new year begins. Here is a list of events that promise to be as popular as a mall Santa.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton, celebrates its 20th season. See more than one million lights shaped into hand-crafted, art forms of flowers, animals and other natural elements. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, fountains, sparkling snowflakes overhead and more. Hours through January 1: Sunday - Thursday: 5:30 - 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 5:30 – 10 p.m. Open every night except Dec. 24 and 25.

Christmas on Main Street Damascus

Head to Damascus for a magical evening of fun, tradition and excitement from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 9. Meet at Jimmie Cone where you will find an extra large tree where you can place your home-made or store-bought ornament just in time for the tree lighting ceremony. Join in for the singing of Christmas songs while waiting in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. Then Santa will lead the way down to Main Street where he will set up for all to visit and tell him their favorite holiday requests. Stroll down Main Street, visit the shops, eat some food and be Merry.

Holiday Market and Craft Show

Just in time for the holidays, come check off your shopping list. From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods, to body and hair care, the vendors have everything you wish to surprise your loved ones with. Event is from 12-4 p.m. Dec. 9 at Veterans Plaza at 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring.

Pet Photos with Santa

Sit. Stay. Say Cheese! Santa knows whether your pooches have been naughty or nice, and he loves them either way. Bring your furry friends to our annual Pet Photos with Santa on Bethesda Lane to pose for a pic with the big guy. Your $5 donation will benefit Lucky Dog Pet Rescue. Event goes from 12-4 p.m. Dec. 9 at 4950 Elm St., Bethesda.

Holly TrolleyFest

Holly TrolleyFest features Santa aboard street car rides and toy trains in Santa’s Garden. Santa boards each street car trip and visits with children during their ride through Northwest Branch Park. Visitors may enjoy Santa’s Garden in the Museum’s auditorium, tour Street Car Hall with a docent, learn about the role of street cars in developing communities, and see the antics of Harold Lloyd in silent film comedies featuring street cars. Runs from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the National Capital Trolley Museum at 1313 Bonifant Rd., Colesville, December 9-10, 16-17, 23.

All Aboard With Santa

A chance for Train Lovers to visit with Santa. Enjoy fresh baked cookies and hot chocolate for the children, and tea or coffee for the adults, in the 1884 Railroad Station. Visit with Santa in the caboose, view vintage model train cars and listen to stories in the Budd Car, and play and learn in the Freight House. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. Online registration is available below. Tickets may also be purchased at the Gaithersburg Community Museum. Event is from 4-6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Gaithersburg Community Museum.

Fenton Street Market: Holidaze

Silver Spring's favorite handmade holiday market is back from 12-6 p.m. Dec. 10 at Ellsworth Drive & Fenton Street. Stop by to enjoy a variety of treats like eggnog, hot chocolate and latkes. Set your mood right with holiday lights, handmade gifts and over 30 of FSM's favorite vendors.

Ugly Sweater Event

Eat, drink and be tacky in your best (worst) holiday sweater and go home with a $10 Stella Barra gift card to use on your next visit. The evening includes Happy Hour deals from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 12, $3 beers from RAR Brewing and a live DJ from 5-9 p.m. Event will be held at Stella Barra Pizzeria at 11825 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda.

Fire & Ice

Come out and enjoy live ice sculpting, a haute chocolate bar, s’mores stations, live music, giveaways and more. Event will go from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Crown Park at Fields Rd and Sam Eig Hwy, Gaithersburg.

Takoma Cocoa Crawl

This holiday crawl offers holiday shoppers a break during this hectic season. Check out the cocoa crawl in between finding the perfect gift at Takoma’s indie shops. Takoma mug holders are offered discounts at participating businesses. Adult versions available too. Mugs available for purchase at Artspring, Old Takoma Ace and at Pajamarama from Main Street Takoma. Takoma coffee mugs purchased for previous crawls can be used too. Goes from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 16 at Main Street Takoma, Caroll Ave., Takoma Park.

"45 Years of Music" Winter Concert

Join the Rockville Chorus for the 45th Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. This free concert brings holiday cheer from community voices, with the music of Pachebel’s “Magnificat,” “Mozart’s Celebration Canon,” Hanukkah favorites and more. A cookie reception follows the concert. Event is at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater, 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville.

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