SOUTHERN MARYLAND — The holiday spirit is in full swing across Southern Maryland this week, with plenty of festive events and family-friendly activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for dazzling light displays, a chance to meet Santa, or unique holiday shopping opportunities, there’s something for everyone. Check out our guide to local events happening in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, and make the most of this magical season!
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CALVERT COUNTY
Garden in Lights – Outdoor Holiday Light Show taking place through January 1 (5 pm to 9 pm – Closed some evenings, please check website for updated schedule), located at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13470 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD – A must-see holiday tradition for the entire family! Enjoy a stroll through the gardens to see the magical holiday lights display. In addition, there will be holiday shopping, festive exhibits, and food available for purchase at food trucks on-site. Advanced times-entry tickets are required for members and non-members! Check the website for special nights and food truck schedules. This is a rain-or-shine event!
CMM Members Save 20% in the Museum Store on December 20 (10:15 am to 4:45 pm), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – CMM members enjoy a 20% discount in the Museum Store today and on the 20th of every month. Purchases can be shipped via USPS, Priority Mail, or held at the store for curbside pickup.
Pop-in with Poppie on December 21 (1:30 pm to 2:30 pm), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – Make your Saturday afternoon memorable by coming to visit with the museum’s own Pop Star “Poppie,” our Virginia Opossum. You can join the Poppie paparazzi in the museum lobby with one of our educational interpreters, learn all kinds of fun possum facts, and visit our Museum Store for possum fan gear. Since the welfare of the animals is the primary concern, Poppie’s ability to visit with her adoring public may occasionally be subject to change on short notice. Included with museum admission.
Dee of St. Mary’s Dockside Tour on December 22 (12 pm to 4 pm), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – Step aboard the museum’s skipjack for an up-close tour with crew members of her 56 ft. deck. Learn how watermen dredge for oysters, hoist the sails, and navigate the waterways of the Chesapeake.
Kids Christmas Bingo on December 22 (Doors open 12:30 pm, Admission open 1 pm, Main session 2 pm), located at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort, 4150 Mears Avenue, Chesapeake Beach, MD – Bring the whole family and enjoy some Bingo at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort! Price of admission includes pizza! Admission kids $15, adults $20.
Beyond the Displays: Artifact Stories on December 22 (1:30 pm to 2:30 pm), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – Discover the history behind the emblem from a paddle wheel boat, the tools found in the blacksmith shop, and the Gov. R. M. McLane name board. Hear captivating stories about WWII’s impact on the Solomons community and uncover hidden pictures within the museum murals. It’s a unique opportunity to delve into local history and see these artifacts in a new light. Included with museum admission.
For more Calvert County events, visit the Calvert County Maryland website.
CHARLES COUNTY
St. Charles Towne Center Santa Photo Experience every day at select times until December 24, located at 11110 Mall Cir, Waldorf, MD – Don’t miss Santa pictures at St. Charles Towne Center! Walk-ups are welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time.
Find Rudolph (On-site and Social Media) Scavenger Hunt taking place through December 24 (All Day), located at Shops at Waldorf Center, 2952 Festival Way, Waldorf, MD – Rudolph is lost at the center! Can you help find him so Santa can deliver toys for all the good girls and boys? If you see Rudolph snap a photo and upload it to our social media post for your chance to win a Shops at Waldorf Center shopping spree! The winner will be selected on December 24.
Christmas on the Farm taking place December 20 through December 22 (5 pm to 9 pm), located at Pop Pop’s Greenhouse, 13340 Rock Point Rd, Newburg, MD – $12 person 3 and older Tickets sold on site. Credit Card and Cash accepted. Come experience a lighted trail walk that will be sure to put you into the Christmas Spirit. Crafts for the kids, playgrounds, movies on the lawn, pedal carts, letters to Santa, 150ft lighted slide, and more.
Beautifica taking place every Saturday throughout January 4 (select times), located at James E. Richmond Science Center, 5305 Piney Church Rd, Waldorf, MD – Beautifica is a mindblowing 360 immersive journey through worlds real and imaginary, designed to be a delight for the senses and to leave you with a new appreciation for life. This family-friendly show is suitable for all ages 6+ and will leave you grinning ear to ear. Tickets required.
2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Extravaganza on the Farm on December 21 (2 pm to 7 pm), located at Charity’s Hope Family Farm, 8645 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata, MD – Join us on the farm for an unforgetable festive display of the holiday season featuring your favorite furry friends and exciting activities. Ticket required.
For more Charles County events, visit the Charles County Maryland website.
ST. MARY’S COUNTY
A Casual Christmas taking place on Fridays (6 pm to 9 pm), Saturdays (5 pm to 9 pm), and Sundays (1 pm to 4 pm) through December 28, located at Mount Chance Farm, 23713 Mount Chance Farm Lane, Clements, MD – A Casual Christmas is a magical and unique Christmas experience sure to bring out the child in you. Our event takes place on a working farm in Clements, MD. Walk through our beautifully decorated equestrian barn where you can vote on your favorite stall, visit with friendly horses, shop from local vendors and artists, and stop to see Santa. Just outside you will find face painting, hot chocolate, hay rides, pony rides, petting zoo, axe throwing, inflatables, and more!
Bubby’s Christmas Farewell taking place through December 23 (5 pm to 9 pm), located at Flat Iron Farm, 45840 Hwy to Heaven Ln, Great Mills, MD – Join us for a heartfelt farewell at Flat Iron Farm as we celebrate Bubby Knott’s legacy during this beloved holiday tradition. This year’s theme is “Giving Back,” with a goald to raise $100,000 for local charities in honor of Bubby’s spirit of community support. Entry as always is free, with exciting activities for everyone! We’ll also have charity drives and accept cash donations, ensuring that all proceeds go to Bubby’s favorite causes. Dazzling Christmas lights, photos with Santa Claus, local food trucks, entertainment and music, craft vendors and exhibitors, petting zoo and pony rides, family-friendly activities, hot chocolate & smores pit, Christmas market, and weekly special events.
Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit taking place through January 1 (10 am to 5 pm), located at 38370 Point Breeze Road, Coltons Point, MD – Families can enjoy a holiday exhibit of antique and collectible dolls like Barbie and American Girl, classic trains, and other vintage toys in this festive holiday display. The cost for this exhibit is $3.00 for Adults, $2.00 for Seniors and Military, $1.50 for Children, and 5 and under are free. The Museum Store will be open during museum hours for holiday shopping. Exhibits are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Holidays at Piney Point @ Piney Point Lighthouse Museum taking place through January 1 (10 am to 5 pm), located at 44720 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point, MD – Enjoy guided tours for all ages of the lighthouse and museum during the Holidays at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum! The Keeper’s Quarters and museum will be decorated for the holidays and special festive exhibits will be available. EXHIBIT ADMISSION & HOURS: $7.00 for adults; $3.50 for seniors, students, and military; and 5 and under free. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day). UNIQUE GIFTS IN THE MUSEUM STORE: Complete your holiday shopping inside the Museum Store. You’ll find tons of unique, local items for everyone on your list, including our new collectors’ ornament, made especially for this holiday season.
Santa’s 20th Annual Tour of Hollywood starts on December 1, located at Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, 24801 MD-235, Hollywood, MD – Old St. Nick will be arriving at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday, December 1st for your Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Starting on the Friday after his arrival, Santa will be touring our community spreading his Christmas cheer! Santa’s Elves have sent Santa’s itinerary to the firefighters so that we can help Santa spread some holiday cheer to the fine folks of Hollywood! As a friendly reminder, Santa’s tours will begin at approximately 5:00 pm each evening and will last until approximately 8:00 pm. Be sure to listen for our sirens to know that Santa is on his way! In case of rain or snow, we will reschedule that tour before Christmas. Please check our website site or visit our Facebook page for updated information regarding any change in schedules.
ALVFD Breakfast with Santa on December 21 (8 am to 11 am), located at Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, 22733 Lawrence Ave, Leonardtown, MD – Join us for a delicious full breakfast including pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, hashbrowns, applesauce, milk, juice, and coffee! Adults $13, 10 years and under $6, and under 3 years are free. Santa will join us so bring your lists and your camera! There will also be activities for the kids! What a great family event!!! You don’t want to miss this one!!!
Picture with Santa Claus on December 21 (9 am to 6 pm), located at Town Market, 22675 Washington St Leonardtown, MD – Santa will be here checking his list twice. Stop by and see him before he starts his Christmas journey. Get your pictures with Santa and he will also see your Fur Babies as well. Scratch Mobile Kitchen will be serving up some homemade favorites.
Last Chance Christmas Market on December 21 (11 am to 4 pm), located at Dixon Family Farm, 27075 S Sandgates Rd, Mechanicsville, MD – Bring the family and Christmas cheer to our 2nd annual Last Chance Christmas Market! Join us on the farm for last-minute shopping with our awesome local artisan vendors, craft beverage vendors, food trucks, fire pit, live music, and free photos with Santa! Weather permitting! Check our socials for last-minute updates.
Painting Night: Gingerbread Knight on December 21 (5 pm), located at Swords & Spoons, 22599 MacArthur Blvd, California, MD – A night for painting a knight of gingerbread! Join us here at Swords & Spoons as we show you how to go about painting a gingerbread knight in time for the holidays! We will supply everything you need: the miniature, the paints, and the brushes… all you need to do is stop by! Tickets required. $20 per person.
All You Can Eat Breakfast With Santa on December 22 (8 am to 11 am), located at 24801 Three Notch Rd, Hollywood, MD – To benefit the Ladies Auxiliary of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. Santa arrives at 8:30 am. $15 Ages 13 and Up, $8 Ages 4-12, FREE Ages 3 and Under. Menu: Bacon, Sausage, Scrapple, Scrambled Eggs, Potatoes, Waffles, Apples, Biscuits, Creamed Chip Beef, Omelettes made to order, Assorted Beverages. Mimosas and Bloody Marys available for an additional charge.
For more St. Mary’s County events, check out the Visit St. Mary’s MD website.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE BROUGHT TO YOU BY LYNN’S MUSIC LISTINGS
Friday – December 20th
5:00pm – Nightcap – Mully’s Brewery – Prince Frederick MD
5:00pm – Doc Lohn – Greene Turtle Sports Bar – California MD
5:00pm – Billy Breslin – Greene Turtle Sports Bar – La Plata MD
5:00pm – Joseph Norris – Snellman’s Store & Shuck Shack – Hollywood MD
5:30pm – David Norris – Coast 2 Coast Seafood Bar – Solomons MD
6:00pm – Tommy McGee Band – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Chris Dean – The Local – Hollywood MD
6:00pm – Mike Trujillo – Dockside Restaurant – Colonial Beach VA
6:30pm – Christmas Themed Open Mic – Potomac Gardens – Coltons Point MD
6:30pm – Audra & Johnny – Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill – Solomons MD
7:00pm – GrooveSpan – Pier 450 – Ridge MD
7:00pm – Hyland Brothers – O’Gannigan’s Irish Pub – Prince Frederick MD
8:00pm – MistleFoes Comedy Show – The Last Drop – Hollywood MD
8:00pm – Benefit for Josh Johnson – Hills Store Bar & Grill – Helen MD
————– Buffalo Velcro, Kenny Chewing, Chris Owens & More –
8:00pm – Hyland Brothers – O’Gannigan’s Irish Pub – Prince Frederick MD
8:00pm – The Dynamos – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
8:30pm – Barrick & Myles – Action Lounge & Billiards – Leonardtown MD
Saturday – December 21st
2:00pm – Vicki Roberts Band – Robin Hill Vineyards – Brandywine MD
2:00pm – Monkey Business – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
3:30pm – Lissie Deere – Coast 2 Coast Seafood Bar – Solomons MD
6:00pm – Midnight Sunsets – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Hamner & Dean – Southern Trail Distillery – Mechanicsville MD
7:00pm – HydraFX – Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar – Colonial Beach VA
7:00pm – Hyland Brothers – Neptune’s Seafood Pub – North Beach MD
7:00pm – Slam The X-Mas Tree – The Tavern – Saint Leonard MD
—— RoachZilla, Saint Diablo, Omen/Skye, Nights Edge, Space Lumberjacks
8:00pm – Jack Allen – Olde Town Pub – Leonardtown MD
8:00pm – Jay Shade – Phil’s Place – Hughesville MD
8:00pm – Taboo – Buckets Bar & Grill – Lusby MD
8:00pm – Girl Crush – The Rex Theatre – Leonardtown MD
9:00pm – EchoKarma – Apehangers Bar & Grill – Bel Alton MD
Sunday – December 22nd
10:30am – Brandon Kennedy – O’Gannigan’s Irish Pub – Prince Frederick MD
2:00pm – Shortcut Sunny – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
Monday – December 23rd
5:00pm – Dadid Norris – Cecil’s Old Mill – Great Mills MD
6:30pm – Open Improv Comedy Jam – The Last Drop – Hollywood MD
7:00pm – Open Mic w/ Will Benthal – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
Tuesday – December 24th – Christmas Eve
Wednesday – December 25th – Christmas Day
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
