SOUTHERN MARYLAND — The holiday season is in full swing across Southern Maryland, bringing tree lightings, parades, and cozy community traditions to life from the bay to the countryside. Families can take in the magic at A Casual Christmas in Clements, enjoy Clydesdale carriage rides, explore the Holiday Market at Annmarie Sculpture Garden in Solomons, or enjoy seasonal exhibits along the waterfront at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum. With Santa and The Grinch making appearances all week, and dozens of free events and gift markets underway in every county, now’s the perfect time to explore, celebrate, and shop local.
Check out this week’s regional guides for Santa & Grinch Sightings, Holiday Bazaars, and more holiday happenings through Dec. 18.
Looking for stocking stuffers or local gift cards? Shop our Local Holiday Guide Here.
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THINGS TO DO IN CALVERT COUNTY
Santa & Grinch Sightings in Calvert County from Dec. 12–18 – Families can catch Santa all over the county this weekend, from the annual Solomons Christmas Walk and marine museum festivities to bowling, breakfasts, and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus. Don’t miss holiday markets at Parkers Creek and Deale VFD, photos at Jake’s Produce, and festive lights across Solomons Island. See full list here.
Holiday Bazaars in Calvert County from Dec. 12–18- Celebrate the season throughout Calvert County with festive markets, handmade goods, and community cheer. Admission to Annmarie Garden’s indoor Holiday Market is free on Friday, Dec. 13. See full list here.
SDVFDRS 4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 12 (6 to 8 p.m.), located at Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, 19330 Piney Point Rd., Valley Lee, MD – Gather with neighbors for an outdoor tree lighting at the fire station with music, lights, and cozy holiday cheer; dress for the weather and bring the family. Free admission.
Annmarie Garden Daytime Holiday Market on Dec. 13 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13470 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD – Shop more than 60 regional artists and vendors during the Daytime Holiday Market in the Main Gallery, featuring handmade gifts, holiday décor, and festive finds as part of Annmarie Garden in Lights. Free admission.
Town Christmas Parade at Mandy Lee’s on Sat. Dec. 13 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), at Mandy Lee’s Vintage Shop & Studio, 136 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD – Celebrate the season with free parking, hot chocolate in free mugs, and a visit from The Grinch (9 a.m.–2 p.m.). The parade runs from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. while the shop stays open all day with festive fun. Free admission.
Very Merry Christmas at Parkers Creek on Dec. 14 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), located at 2990 Parkers Creek Rd, Port Republic, MD – Holiday market with local vendors, live caroling, photos with Santa and his elf, free gift with purchase (while supplies last), and festive treats including hot cocoa and food trucks. Free admission.
Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert to Benefit East-John Youth Center on Dec. 13 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at Sneade’s Ace Hardware, 11861 H G Trueman Road, Lusby, MD – Enjoy a free outdoor holiday concert and community fundraiser featuring performances from local school, church, and community choirs to support the East-John Youth Center. Free admission.
Tree Cookie Ornaments at Bayside History Museum on Dec. 13 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), located at Bayside History Museum, 4025 4th St., North Beach, MD – Create eco-friendly tree cookie ornaments with natural materials while enjoying hot chocolate and festive treats. Free admission.
Solomons Christmas Walk on Dec. 13 (4 to 9 p.m.), located at Solomons Boardwalk and town center, Solomons, MD – Enjoy an evening of professional Santa photos, a lighted boat parade, and a festive street parade as the waterfront village lights up for the holidays. Free admission.
COSMIC Symphony and St. Maries Choral Arts Holiday Concert (Gloria) on Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 (3 to 4:30 p.m.), located at Huntingtown High School, 4125 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown, MD, and Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center, 47855 College Drive, St. Mary’s City, MD – COSMIC Symphony and St. Maries Choral Arts present Gloria, a festive holiday concert featuring classical and sacred choral works performed jointly by orchestra and choir. Free admission.
Creature Feature on Sun. Dec. 14 (10:15 to 11:15 a.m.), at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – Join the museum’s education team for a special animal encounter in the lobby as part of the monthly mystery feature, showcasing estuary creatures not normally on display. Educational coloring pages available. Included with museum admission.
Budweiser Clydesdales Holiday Visit in North Beach on Dec. 16 (2 to 4 p.m.), located at Downtown North Beach along 3rd Street, North Beach, MD – Watch the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales stage on 3rd Street before parading through town with stops along the waterfront for festive photo opportunities. Free admission.
Christmas CFA Craft Party on Dec. 17 (5 to 7 p.m.), located at Chick-fil-A Prince Frederick, 806 Solomons Island Road N, Prince Frederick, MD – Families are invited to decorate a festive ornament and enjoy a hands-on holiday craft activity in a cheerful, kid-friendly setting. Free admission.
Kids Night Out at Southern Community Center on Dec. 19 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.), located at Southern Community Center, 20 Appeal Lane, Lusby, MD – Kids ages 6 to 11 can enjoy pizza, snacks, group games, game room activities, Nintendo Switch play, crafts, and more while parents take a night off. Ticket required.
For more Calvert County events, visit the Calvert County Maryland website.
THING TO DO IN CHARLES COUNTY
Santa & Grinch Sightings in Charles County from Dec. 12–18 – Enjoy festive fun across the region, from Santa’s arrival at the Kris Kringle Christmas Market and photos with Mrs. Claus at All American Harley-Davidson, to cookie decorating, swimming with Santa, and holiday breakfasts at Apehangers. Look for additional appearances at Sam’s Club, Dentsville VEMS, and community bazaars throughout the weekend. See full list here.
Holiday Bazaars in Charles County from Dec. 12–18 – Celebrate the season with a variety of community festivities, including the German-style Kris Kringle Christmas Market, the Merry and Bright Christmas Bazaar with Santa, and a holiday ornament pop-up at Port Tobacco Restaurant. See full list here.
Kris Kringle Christmas Market on Dec. 12–14 (various times), located at Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata, MD – Stroll through a festive Christmas market with lights, music, food and craft vendors, a living nativity, visits with Santa, and fireworks on Saturday at 6 p.m. Ticket required.
Christmas on the Farm at Pop Pop’s Greenhouse on Dec. 12–14 (5 to 9 p.m.), located at Pop Pop’s Greenhouse, 13340 Rock Point Rd., Newburg, MD – Enjoy a festive evening with a lighted music trail, 150-foot lighted slide, outdoor movies, bonfires, arts and crafts, Santa and Grinch appearances, a huge playground, and sweet treats from Emma’s Place Bakery and The Sip Society, with admission covering all activities. Ticket required.
Farmers Feeding Charles County: Holiday Food and Gift Bag Giveaway on Fri.–Sun. Dec. 12–14 (Dec. 12: 4 to 8 p.m.; Dec. 13: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 14: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), at Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata, MD – Join Commissioner B.J. Bowling at the Kris Kringle Christmas Market for a three-day community giveaway event featuring free holiday food and gift bags while supplies last. Free admission.
Winter’s Night on Dec. 13 (4 p.m.), located at Piscataway Park, 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD – Join the Accokeek Foundation and “Planetarium Patty” for a family-friendly evening of story time, crafts, and stargazing. The gate closes at 5 p.m.; all participants must check in at the visitor center before then. Ticket required.
JCPenney Kids Zone LEGO Build Event on Dec. 13 (11 a.m. to noon), located at JCPenney, St. Charles Towne Center, 11110 Mall Circle, Waldorf, MD – Kids can build a LEGO Creator 3-in-1 toucan or monster truck during this hands-on craft event while parents receive an extra-savings coupon. Free admission.
Southern Maryland Concert Band: “Something Different” on Dec. 13 (7:30 p.m.), located at Brad and Linda Gottfried Theater, Hank Willoughby Foundation Center for the Arts (FA Building), 8730 Mitchell Rd., La Plata, MD – Enjoy an evening performance by the Southern Maryland Concert Band featuring community and CSM musicians playing a variety of holiday and concert selections. Ticket required.
James E. Richmond Science Center Holiday Dome Shows on Dec. 13, 16, 17 and 20 (evening showtimes between 5 and 7:30 p.m.), located at James E. Richmond Science Center, 5305 Piney Church Road, Waldorf, MD – Enjoy the festive “Let It Snow” dome movie alongside James Hood’s immersive “Beautifica: A Celebration of Life,” with full-dome visuals, music, and access to interactive science exhibits for all ages. Ticket required.
Pasha Lounge Sip & Shop on Sun. Dec. 14 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), at Pasha Lounge, 3242 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD – Enjoy a lively pop-up market filled with local vendors, networking, and Sunday vibes at this first-ever Sip & Shop hosted by JC Nicole and Charles County Moms. Free admission.
For more Charles County events, visit the Charles County Maryland website.
THINGS TO DO IN ST. MARY’S COUNTY
Santa & Grinch Sightings in St. Mary’s County from December. 12–18 – From storytime and playdates at My Gym and Nicolletti’s Pizza to breakfast events with Santa and the Grinch, festive photo ops, holiday shopping, and crafts at Keepin’ It Local, Tall Timbers Marina, and the Pax River Air Museum, the week is packed with family fun and community cheer. See full list here.
Holiday Bazaars in St. Mary’s County on Dec. 12–18 – Enjoy the season with local shopping, festive treats, and community cheer at holiday markets happening throughout the county. From school bazaars to vendor pop-ups and cozy craft shows, there’s something for everyone. See full list here.
Holidays at Piney Point through December (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), located at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park, 44720 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point, MD – Explore the decorated lighthouse, Keeper’s Quarters, and museum with festive seasonal exhibits and guided tours for all ages. (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Ticket required.
Journey to Bethlehem – Living Nativity on Dec. 12 & 13 (5:30 p.m.), located at Camp Maria Retreat Center, 41290 Camp Maria Road, Leonardtown, MD – This living nativity experience features four immersive scenes, live animals, and choral music performed by St. Maries Musica and St. Mary’s Ryken Knight-N-Gales. Pre-registration required at campmaria.org. Ticket required.
SMTMD Contra Dance on December 13 (7 to 9:30 pm), located at Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 37497 Zach Fowler Road, Chaptico, MD – The evening starts at 7 pm with a half hour beginner’s dance workshop followed by live music performed by the SOMD Open Band and dancing from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Check the website calendar for the lineup of dances and callers. Ticket required.
JCPenney Kids Zone LEGO® Build Event on Dec. 13 (11 a.m. to noon), located at JCPenney, 45250 Worth Ave., California, MD – Kids can build a LEGO Creator 3-in-1 toucan or monster truck during a free in-store craft activity while parents receive extra savings coupons. Free admission.
7th Annual Holiday Open House – Suttler Post Farm Clydesdales on Dec. 13–14 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day), located at 38750 Chaptico Rd., Mechanicsville, MD – Family-friendly holiday event benefiting Hospice of St. Mary’s with craft vendors, wineries, food trucks, pony rides, and up-close encounters with the Clydesdales. Free admission.
Holiday Storytime and Cookies with Santa & Mrs. Claus on Dec. 14 (1 to 3 p.m.), located at the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) Interpretive Center, 21675 Old Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD – Families are invited to enjoy festive storytimes, holiday treats, and a cheerful seasonal open house with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free admission.
Dungeons & Drafts – At Brudergarten on Dec. 16 (6 to 9 p.m.), located at Brudergarten, 22725 Duke St., Leonardtown, MD – Join fellow adventurers for a special one-shot Dungeons & Dragons night with tabletop questing and cold brews in a relaxed pub setting. Ticket required.
Christmas Carols with the Loffler Sunshine Singers on Dec. 18 (10 a.m.), located at Loffler Senior Activity Center, 21905 Chancellors Run Road, Great Mills, MD – Enjoy festive favorites as the Loffler Sunshine Singers perform Christmas carols and invite the audience to sing along. Drop-ins welcome; no registration required. Free admission.
Holiday Extravaganza at Lexington Park Chevy & Ford on Thurs. Dec. 18 (4 to 7 p.m.), at 22659 Three Notch Road, California, MD – Enjoy complimentary photos with Santa and The Grinch, a mini moo photo op from K & J’s, and Clydesdale wagon rides from Suttler Post. Dan D’s Catering and Sweet Tooth Funnel Cakes will be on site, with a live broadcast from Star 98.3’s T-Bone & Heather. Free admission.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE BROUGHT TO YOU BY LYNN’S MUSIC LISTINGS
Friday – December 12th
5:00pm – Chris Dean – Greene Turtle Sports Bar – California MD
5:00pm – Doc Lohn – Greene Turtle Sports Bar – La Plata MD
5:00pm – Jack Allen – The Slice House – Leonardtown MD
5:00pm – Joseph Norris – Snellman’s Store & Shuck Shack – Hollywood MD
6:00pm – Levi Stephens – Antoinette’s Garden – Leonardtown MD
6:00pm – Kevin Lee – Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar – Deale MD
6:00pm – Shane Graham – Mully’s Brewery – Prince Frederick MD
6:30pm – Funkzilla Trio – Blue Fish Pub – Solomons MD
7:30pm – Dust on the Bottle – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
8:00pm – Carla Simpson & Dan Tellis – Action Lounge – Leonardtown MD
8:00pm – Off The Trax – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
8:00pm – Wes Ryce – Olde Town Pub – Leonardtown MD
8:00pm – Myles Deep Band – Twisted Bar & Grill – Hollywood MD
8:30pm – Greg Barrick – Brick House Bar & Grill – Front Royal VA
Saturday – December 13th
12:00pm – Steve Potter Blues Band – The Bargain Barn – Hughesville MD
12:30pm – Mark Tatum – Two Lions Vineyard – Upper Marlboro MD
2:00pm – Greg Barrick & Sean P – Wharf 38 – Deale MD
2:00pm – Nightcap – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
3:00pm – COSMIC Orchestra Gloria – Huntingtown HS – Huntingtown MD
6:00pm – Blake & Hamner – Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar – Deale MD
6:00pm – Chesapeake Sons – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Doc Lohn – Pax River Ale House – Lexington Park MD
6:00pm – Shane Graham – The Local – Hollywood MD
7:00pm – Billy Breslin – Neptune’s Seafood Pub – North Beach MD
7:00pm – The Prophessor – The Brass Tap – California MD
7:30pm – Scoglio Duo – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
8:00pm – Sundown – The Tavern – Saint Leonard MD
8:00pm – Jack Allen – The Taphouse 1637 – California MD
8:00pm – Southbound 4 – Buckets Bar & Grill – Lusby MD
8:00pm – Left Turn Clyde – Cryer’s Back Road Inn – Leonardtown MD
8:00pm – The Copper Pennies – Hills Store, Bar & Grill – Helen MD
8:00pm – Funkzilla – Olde Town Pub – Leonardtown MD
8:00pm – Smoke Signals – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
8:30pm – Social – Ollie’s Bar & Grill – La Plata MD
9:00pm – Tommy McGee Band – Huntt’s Tavern – Pomfret MD
9:00pm – No Go Romeo – Apehangers Bar & Grill – Bel Alton
Sunday – December 14th
2:00pm – Joseph Norris – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
3:00pm – Aaron Hawkins – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
3:00pm – COSMIC Orchestra Gloria – Dodge Center – St. Mary’s City MD
4:00pm – Steve Potter Band – PTR Waterfront – Port Tobacco MD
Monday – December 15th
6:00pm – Open Mic w/ Will Benthal – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
Tuesday – December 16th
4:00pm – Luskey & Ferro – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
5:00pm – Hyland Brothers – Heritage 485 – Prince Frederick MD
7:00pm – Bert & Shawn – Neptune’s Seafood Pub – North Beach MD
7:00pm – Open Mic w/Mike Trujillo – Twisted Bar & Grill – Hollywood MD
Wednesday – December 17th
5:00pm – Hyland Brothers – Ketch 22 Restaurant – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Ben Heemstra – Brick Wood Fired Bistro – Prince Frederick MD
7:00pm – Open Mic w/Steve Nelson – The Tavern – Saint Leonard MD
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