Things To Do In Southern Maryland Dec 6. Through Dec. 12

SOUTHERN MARYLAND — As the holiday season kicks into full swing, Southern Maryland comes alive with festive events and family-friendly activities throughout St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties. From dazzling light displays and cozy holiday markets to performances that capture the magic of the season, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

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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!

Christmas Wonderland on December 6 (5 pm to 8 pm) and December 7 (4 pm to 7 pm), located at Emmanuel Church – Huntingtown, 3800 Old Town Rd, Huntingtown, MD – Make holiday memories at this FREE family event! You’ll experience: Pictures with Santa, Carriage rides (Friday only), Christmas movies, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Cookies and hot cocoa, Christmas crafts, and more!

Home for the Holidays: Tree Lighting and Holiday Market on December 6 (4 pm to 8 pm), located at Downtown Prince Frederick Main Street and at the Courthouse – Holiday Market 4-8 p.m. on Main Street in Prince Frederick and tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. Enjoy supporting local vendors, food trucks, live music and more!

First Fossil Friday on December 6 (1 pm to 4:30 pm), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD – Fossil hunters, bring your fossil finds from Calvert Cliffs or other local areas to be identified! This service is provided for free; however, admission fees apply for access to CMM exhibits.

Pancakes with Santa on December 7 (8 am to 1 pm), located at Calvert Career and Technology Academy, 330 Dorsey Rd, Prince Frederick, MD – Join us for a delicious pancake breakfast prepared by our Culinary students, crafts, fun, and of course photos with Santa! All you care to eat breakfast and entry to the event: In advance: $10 adults/$8 children. At the door: $15 adults/$10 children.

Jingle Bell Run on December 7 (8 am), located at Tiki Bar, 85 Charles Street, Solomons, MD – The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Registation required to run. 

Holiday Market on December 7 (9 am to 2 pm), located at Cardinal Creek Plant Farm, 5180 Sixes Road, Prince Frederick, MD – Enjoy great seasonal shopping including over 30 vendors! Look for the perfect gift for that special someone and holiday decor for the home including holiday gifts, wreaths, greenery, candles art jewelry and much more! Admission to the market is FREE.

Daytime Holiday Market on December 7 (9 am to 2 pm), located at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13470 Dowell Road, Dowell, MD – Outside, guests can browse a festive variety of market booths featuring gifts made with love. You will find unique jewelry, pottery, beauty products, home decor, small-batch foods, and more. Everything is handmade, homemade, or homegrown with love. Inside the Arts Building, you will find live music, holiday exhibits, the Nature Nook – and more shopping in the Annmarie Gift Shop, the Holiday Gift Show, and the Ornament Show & Sale. There’ll be something for everyone on your list! Admission to the Market is FREE!

Spirit of Calvert Christmas Market on December 7 (9 am to 5 pm) and December 8 (10 am to 3 pm), located at Calvert County Fairgrounds, 140 Calvert Fair Drive, Prince Frederick, MD – Looking for that special gift, decoration or just need to get out of the house? Stop by the Calvert County Fairgrounds for the Spirit of Calvert Christmas Market. We will have craft vendors, food vendors, and much more.

Christmas Town in Lusby on December 7 (10 am to 5 pm), located at East-John Youth Center, 11835 Mill Bridge Road, Lusby, MD – Holiday fun for the whole family! Santa, hayrides, vendors, music, food, silent auction, and more! Free admission. Call 443-985-2407 for more information.

ACLT Annual Wreath and Greens Sale on December 7 (11 am to 1 pm), located at American Chestnut Land Trust South Side Trailhead, 1985 Scientist’s Cliffs Road, Port Republic, MD – Stop by the southside trailhead to purchase your holiday wreath, greens, and other goodies! Get there early as they sell out quickly!

Santa Clause is coming to Jakes Produce on December 7 (11 am to 4 pm), located at 2925 Yoes Corner Ln, Port Republic, MD – Santa Clause is coming to Jakes Produce and we couldn’t be more excited!! Join us for pictures and hot chocolate with Santa on December 7th AND December 14th! This event will be completely FREE!! Stop by Jakes Produce and get your picture taken with Santa, grab some delicious hot chocolate from our hot chocolate bar, and then let us help you and your family pick out the PERFECT Christmas tree!

An Old-Fashioned Christmas: Light Up Linden on December 7 (11 am to 4 pm), located at Linden House, 70 Church Street, Prince Frederick, MD – Join us for a FREE family day of holiday fun on the historic grounds of Linden, home to Calvert County’s Historical Society. You’ll find live music, activities for all ages, food trucks, vendors, a visit and reading with Santa and closing the day with a tree lighting!

A Magical Christmas Parade on December 7 (12 pm), located at Bay Avenue from 1st Street to 7th Street, North Beach, MD – Step into the magic of the holiday season as North Beach presents A Magical Christmas Parade! This annual event will bring the streets to life with holiday spirit, festive floats, and of course, a special appearance from Santa Claus!

Pop-in with Poppie on December 7 (1:30 pm to 2:30 pm), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, 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.

COSMIC Symphony’s concert titled The More the Merrier on December 7 (3 pm to 5 pm), located at Chesapeake Church, 6201 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown, MD – Hosted by award-winning tenor and local celebrity David W. Cook, the afternoon will feature appearances by many familiar faces and surprise guests as COSMIC spreads Christmas cheer through Southern Maryland. COSMIC is pleased to present this concert FREE of charge.

Second Annual Community Tree Lighting on December 7 (4 pm to 9 pm), located at Town Square Lusby Shopping Center, 258 Town Square Dr, Lusby, MD – The official kick-off to the holiday season! Join us for our second annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday block party! Bounce houses, DJ Dallas, mechanical bull riding, hot chocolate, bonfires, s’mores, Santa is stopping by, Black Sheep Jeeps In Lights, Madbyrd Confections, and so much more.

Crab Pot & Buoy Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 7 (6:30 pm), located at J.C. Lore Oyster House, 14430 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD – Bring the family and check out the Crab Pot & Buoy Tree, a new Calvert County tradition! Tree Lighting ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. The tree will remain on display from Dec. 7, 2024 to Jan. 25, 2025. 

Creature Feature on December 8 (10:15 am to 11:15 am), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD – Come to the museum for the Monthly Mystery Creature Feature. Every second Sunday of the month, the CMM Education Team will feature an animal in the museum lobby that is not normally on display. Learn about a new animal and discover the wonderful variety of creatures found in our local estuaries. Take-home educational coloring pages will be available! Included with museum admission.

Annual Holiday Market: Sip & Shop on December 8 (11 am to 4 pm), located at No Thyme to Cook, 14624 Solomons Island Road South, Solomons, MD – This festive afternoon has something for everyone – from a visit with jolly Santa to a mini craft fair featuring local artisans, and a gourmet hot cocoa bar. Admission is free but the memories are priceless!

Beyond the Displays: Artifact Stories on December 8 (1:30 pm to 2:30 pm), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, 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.

Sea Squirts: Patterns in Nature on December 12 (10:15 am & 11:15 am), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – Children 18 months to 3 years, with an adult, are invited to discover the museum together through music, stories, and special activities. Join us for story time and a craft, available while supplies last. Sessions are 25-40 minutes. The cost is free with museum admission. Sign up at the Admissions Desk when you arrive. 

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.

Mattawoman Creek Art Center’s Holiday Market taking place every Friday through Sunday until December 15 (11 am to 4 pm), located at Mattawoman Creek Art Center in Smallwood State Park, Smallwood State Park, 2759 Sweden Point Road, Marbury, MD – Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at the Mattawoman Creek Art Center’s 2024 Holiday Market in Marbury, Maryland’s beautiful, waterside Smallwood State Park. Expertly created handcrafts include ornaments, wooden tables, stained glass, knitted items, pottery, jewelry, photography, and many other unique artworks. The market is free. Park entry fees are waived for gallery visitors.

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.

Lunch with Santa on December 7 (11 am to 1 pm), located at Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department, 15245 Prince Frederick Road, Hughesville, MD – Come have Lunch with Santa! Crafts, door prizes, pictures, lunch! $10 for kids, $5 for adults if eating.

TC’s Christmas PopUp Shop on December 7 (11 am to 5 pm), located at 11800 Park Waldorf Lane, Suite 511, Waldorf, MD – Join Us for TC’s Cozy Corner Boutique Christmas Pop-Up Shop! Get ready for an amazing holiday shopping experience! On Saturday, December 7th from 11 AM – 5 PM, come and enjoy a festive day of shopping with our fantastic vendors, including Cozy Transportation Services, Tee Lover’s Cafe, Kelley’s Bags & Beauty, Park Lane Jewelry, and many more!

Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering on December 8 (3 pm to 6 pm), located at Town of La Plata, 305 Queen Anne Street, La Plata, MD – Celebrate the season with music, children’s activities, refreshments, horse-drawn carriage rides by Suttler Post Farm and a visit from Santa. The Christmas tree will be displayed in the circle at Town Hall and will be officially lit during the event. Food will be available for purchase from local favorites – Big Boy Taco, Judy’s Food Express, Mad Byrd Confections, Pizza Hotline, and Shugies Cookies.

For more Charles County events, visit the Charles County Maryland website. 

ST. MARY’S COUNTY

The Newtowne Players Present “Matilda the Musical” taking place through December 15 (Thursdays-Saturdays 8 pm & Sundays 3 pm), located at Three Notch Theatre, 21744 S Coral Dr, Lexington Park, MD – Please note that there will be NO show on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 28th. Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs, and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. Admission: Adults $20; Special Discount Groups $17; Children 6-11 $15; Under 5 free (not recommended for young children)

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.

Light Up Leonardtown First Friday on December 6, located at Town of Leonardtown – It’s First Friday Weekend in Leonardtown – explore, dine, and shop your way to a great time! You’ll find extra fun and special deals all around town.

Old Jail Museum First Friday in Leonardtown on December 6 (10 am to 7 pm), located at 41625 Court House Dr, Leonardtown, MD – Come take a tour of this fascinating historic site or shop at the Museum Store for a variety of unique gifts. Admission is free.

Second District Volunteer Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad Christmas Tree Lighting on December 6 (6 pm to 9 pm), located at SDVFDRS, 19330 Piney Point Road, Valley Lee, MD – The apparatus parade will promptly deliver Santa and Mrs. Claus at the station to light the tree at 6:30pm. We will also have special guests to include the Grinch and students from Little Flower Catholic School perform carols beginning at 6:45. We also have crafts, free giveaways, 50/50, Cooler of Cheer raffle, baked goods, food prepared by the SDVFDRS Auxiliary and Gatos Taco, letters to Santa, face painting, arts and crafts and more! We look forward to seeing you!

Movie Night featuring The Polar Express on December 6 (6:30 pm), located at Town Market, 22675 Washington St Leonardtown, MD – Due to cold weather we are moving this across the street inside of the Made By You unit (down by the Old Slice House). Please still bring your blanket and chairs. Free Showing of The Polar Express at 6:30 pm. Bring a chair and blanket! Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance to help decorate cookies. We will have concessions available for purchase which includes: popcorn, drinks, pizza, chips and candy.

MBMS Holiday Bazaar on December 7 (9 am to 2 pm), located at Margaret Brent Middle School, 29675 Point Lookout Rd, Mechanicsville, MD – Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for photos and we will have a kids activity table as well!!!!  We have over 35 vendors that offer a variety of items so you are sure to find a gift for everyone and yourself!! There will also be indoor concessions and food trucks on site. Admission is FREE! We will be accepting monetary donations as all our proceeds directly benefit MBMS 6th grade students for school events such as quarterly incentives, school dances, and our end-of-the-year celebration.  We hope to see you there!  Please reach out to Emma Ward at mbmsholidaybazaar@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Christmas Open House on December 7 (9 am to 5 pm), located at Cecil’s County Store, 20853 Indian Bridge Rd, California, MD – Join us for our annual Christmas Open House! Santa will be here from 9AM-11AM, and we’ll have plenty of fun activities and treats throughout the day. Don’t miss out on the holiday cheer!

Lord of Misrule on December 7 (10 am to 4 pm – at select times), located at Historic St. Mary’’s City, 47414 Old State House Road, St. Mary’s City, MD – Walk with the Lord of Misrule at Historic St. Mary’s City on December 7th during a guided tour exploring 17th-century holiday customs at either 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Participate in a craft, learn a historical dance, and enjoy a puppet show titled “How Cromwell Stole Christmas.” Contact 301-994-4371 / 4372 for reservations. General Admission.

Santa Visits Cedar Point on December 7 (10 am to 12 pm), located at Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, 22745 Maple Road, Lexington Park, MD – Come see Santa and Mrs. Claus and tell them what’s on your wish list! Bring your cameras and strike a pose with Jolly Old Saint Nick.

5th Annual Winter Market on December 7 (10 am to 4 pm), located at Southern Trail Distillery, 27227 Morganza Turner Rd, Mechanicsville, MD – Come out and do some shopping with local vendors and artisans in preparation of the Holidays. Grab your favorite Southern Trail spirits (for you or for a gift), a delicious Southern Trail cocktail and listen to the one, the only Bradley Turner (12:00-3:00). This year the Chopticon Band will also be here playing Christmas Carols at 11:00 & 3:30. And the Grinch may make an appearance. Mark your calendars for a great time!!

Festival of Trees on December 7 (10 am to 3 pm), located at University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland, 44219 Airport Rd, California, MD – This free community event showcases festive trees and wreaths sponsored and decorated by generous supporters. All proceeds benefit our local St. Mary’s County Hospice community! Tree & wreath display & auction, DIY photos with Santa from 10-12:30 & 1-3, Food trucks, Live music, Raffles, Kids’ activities, Free entry!

2024 St. Mary’s Splash on December 7 (Registration begins at 11 am, Splash will start a 1 pm), located at Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Rd. Scotland, MD – The St. Mary’s Splash is the COOLEST event in southern Maryland and is the perfect way to show your support of the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland, St. Mary’s County.

Christmas Open House at Summerseat Farm on December 7 (11 am to 2 pm), located at 26655 Three Notch Rd, Mechanicsville, MD – The Manor House will be beautifully decorated for Christmas with freshly cut greenery and vintage decorations. Please enjoy some warm cider, cookies, and Christmas music while touring the house. Santa will be there to greet all the good little children (both young and old). Activities will include crafts for the kids and hayrides. The barn area will also be open so you can visit our pasture animals. Summerseat Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and these events help us maintain the property and care for our animals. All funds received directly benefit the farm as we are a 100% volunteer-based organization. A $10 donation per family is requested.

Holidays In The Hanger on December 7 (11 am to 2 pm), located at The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, 22156 MD-235, Lexington Park, MD – Join us for a magical day of holiday cheer at Holidays in the Hangar! We’ve got something for everyone—bring the whole family for a day filled with fun activities and festive treats! Pictures with Santa – Capture a special moment with Santa from 11:30-1:30. Face painting, arts & crafts, sweet treats & hot cocoa. 

Lexington Park Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 7 (6:30 pm to 7:30 pm), located at St Mary’s County Library – Lexington Park Branch, 21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park, MD – Join us outside the Lexington Park Library as the skies begin to darken on Saturday, December 7. At 6:30 p.m., Commissioner Scott Ostrow will deliver a few remarks to open the tree-lighting ceremony. Music will play, and we’ll count down to the moment volunteers from the Bay District VFD light the tree! The tree-lighting ceremony is graciously sponsored by Millison Management.

Lexington Park Holly Days Extravaganza on December 8 (1 pm to 4 pm), located at St Mary’s County Library – Lexington Park Branch, 21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park, MD – Holly Days Extravaganza will be open to the public both in and around the library! This event will feature pictures with Santa, arts and crafts for all ages, a vendor shopping experience, carolers from St. Maries Choral Arts, and festive decorations!

COSMIC Symphony’s concert titled The More the Merrier on December 8 (3 pm to 5 pm), located at Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, 47855 College Drive, St. Mary’s City, MD – Hosted by award-winning tenor and local celebrity David W. Cook, the afternoon will feature appearances by many familiar faces and surprise guests as COSMIC spreads Christmas cheer through Southern Maryland. COSMIC is pleased to present this concert FREE of charge.

Santa Visits Nicollettis on December 11 (4 pm to 7 pm), located at Nicollettis Pizza, 22741 MD-235, California, MD – Santa will be visiting Nicolletti’s again this year!! This is a free event! Stop by get your pictures taken and grab some pizza.

For more St. Mary’s County events, check out the Visit St. Mary’s MD website. 

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