Things To Do In Southern Maryland Nov. 29 Through Dec. 5

SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, unique holiday shopping experiences, or festive traditions, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the top events happening across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties that are sure to make your week merry and bright!

To have your upcoming event feature, please enter your event information on our Events Calendar. 

Black Friday & Small Business Weekend on November 29 and November 30 (10 am to 5 pm), located at Barefoot Wellness, 445 Main St, Prince Frederick, MD – Joining us this year, K’s Lunchbox & local vendors too!

Rolling Acres Farm Christmas Weekend Spectacular taking place November 29 through December 1 (10 am to 2 pm), located at 3305 St. Leonard Road, Port Republic, MD – Santa will be onsite along with a professional photographer (McIntosh Images) to take 3 digital images with access to online photo album. The fun doesn’t stop there. There are plenty other memories to be made. Shop for the perfect Christmas tree this holiday season, while having fun making holiday crafts, and enjoying a hot cocoa bar. Farm activities will also be available for additional fun. There will be a food truck onsite to enjoy brunch, dinner, and breakfast with Santa. We can’t wait to spend the holidays with you on the farm! $5 presale price for online sales. $7 at the gate.

Garden in Lights – Outdoor Holiday Light Show taking place November 29 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 website for special nights and food truck schedule TBD. Closed on some evenings, please check website for updated schedule. This is a rain or shine event!

Holiday Market on November 30 (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.

3rd Annual Kid’s Shopping Day on November 30 (10 am to 1 pm), located at Solomons Mission Center, 14454 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD – A special day for kiddos to shop for their siblings and loved ones! We even have some elves to help with wrapping! If you are interested in Volunteering, email Solomonsmissioncenter@gmail.com

Artist Market on November 30 (11 am to 4 pm), located at CalvART Gallery, 110 Solomons Island Road N, Prince Frederick, MD – Help us celebrate Small Business Saturday by coming out in support of our local artists! The Arts Council is hosting an Artist Market, where some of our member artists will have a booth setup in the gallery with items for sale. This is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the artwork in our local community and show support for your local artisans who are sharing their talents. Come out and get a head start on some holiday shopping this year!

Pop-in with Poppie on November 30 (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.

Museum Store Sunday on Sunday December 1 (10 am to 5 pm), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD – Mark your calendars and shop with a purpose! The Museum Store is thrilled to participate in Museum Store Sunday, a global shopping event where you can find uniquely curated gifts while supporting our mission and fundraising efforts. On this special day, CMM members will draw for a chance to enjoy 25% – 40% off their entire purchase. One lucky member may even get their entire purchase for FREE! Non-members will receive a 20% discount all day. Some exclusions apply, see store for details.

Beyond the Displays: Artifact Stories on Sunday December 1 (1:30 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.

Light Up the Town on December 1 (4 pm to 6 pm), located at Chesapeake Beach Town Hall, 8200 Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach, MD – It’s TIMMMEE to light up this Town and get into the Holiday Spirit! Visit with Santa, shop local vendors, indulge in sweet treats & holiday activities, and enjoy a very special performance from Beach Elementary String Orchestra!

Artists Sunday Shopping @ Annmarie Garden on December 1 (10 am to 3 pm), located at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13470 Dowell Rd, Dowell, MD – Each shopper on Artists Sunday will enjoy complimentary tea or coffee, along with an Artsfest ’24 shopping bag (while supplies last). The Main Gallery at Annmarie has been transformed into a shopping wonderland! You’ll find thoughtful handmade gifts for everyone on your list, including ornaments, ceramics, jewelry, works of art, and more. Everything is made with love! Ornament Show & Sale, Holiday Gift Shop & Sale, Annmarie Gift Shop.

Joyful Paws Holiday Open House on December 1 (11 am to 3 pm), located at Calvert Animal Welfare League, 1040 Prince Frederick Blvd, Prince Frederick, MD – Adoptable pets, Bake Sale, Ask the Trainers, Thrift Shop, Vendors, Taste of the Tides Food Truck, Professional Pet Photos with Santa and more!

Pictures with Santa on December 1 (11 am to 4 pm), located at Sophia’s Oasis For Equines, Inc. (SOFE), 9145 Mackall Road, Saint Leonard, MD – Santa is coming to town!! Your $20 picture package includes a picture with Santa as well as one of our horses in a beautiful Christmas barn setting. One time slot ticket is valid for ONE family! You can have as many people per family as you like. Your $20 is considered a donation to our rescue. Time slots are only 15 minutes long, so please be mindful of time and not overlap with the family behind you. Parking is also limited; carpool if/when possible.

Sea Squirts: Patterns in Nature on December 5 (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. Cost is free with museum admission. Sign up at the Admissions Desk when you arrive. 

Christmas Wonderland on December 5 (5 pm to 8 pm), 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, Story time with Mrs. Claus, Cookies and hot cocoa, Christmas crafts, and more!

First Fossil Friday on December 6 (1 pm to 4:30 pm), located Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, 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.

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 welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time.

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.

La Plata Farmers Market taking place every Wednesday and Saturday (9 am to 2 pm) throughout November 30, located at 209 Washington Ave, La Plata, MD 

Beautifica taking place every Saturday throughout January 4 (select times), located 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.

Find Rudolph (On-site and Social Media) Scavenger Hunt taking place November 29 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! Winner will be selected on December 24

Holiday Tree Lighting Event on November 29 (6 pm to 8 pm), located at Shops at Waldorf Center, 2952 Festival Way, Waldorf, MD – After a day of holiday shopping, join us as we officially kick off the holiday season with our 2nd annual tree lighting celebration! Santa, holiday music, Christmas crafts, and more to spread holiday cheer! Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots donation drive if you can!

Small Business Saturday – La Plata MD on November 30 (Hours Vary by Location), located at Town of La Plata, La Plata, Maryland, 400 Charles St, La Plata, MD – Shop small and support your favorite local businesses — they’re your friends, your neighbors, your relatives, and some of the hardest-working people you know! La Plata’s downtown businesses are teaming up to celebrate the day together, with some special events sprinkled in. Plan on spending the day downtown — there’ll be plenty to eat, drink, and delight in. Participating businesses are listed here.

La Plata Train Station Museum Opening on November 30 (10 am to 2 pm), located at 101 Kent Ave, La Plata, MD – Learn about the history of the Pope’s Creek branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the pivotal role it played in the growth of La Plata. The museum’s thoughtfully curated collection of artifacts and displays gives visitors a unique opportunity to explore local history in a visual and hands-on way. There is no admission fee.

Thomas Stone High School: Shoe Drive-Thru Drop-Off on December 1 (12 pm to 3 pm), located at Thomas Stone High School, 3785 Leonardtown Rd, Waldorf, MD – This event is designed to offer a convenient and safe way for everyone to contribute—whether you’re donating gently used shoes or spreading the word to others who may want to help. Simply drive up to our designated drop-off location, and our volunteers will be on hand to collect your donations without requiring you to leave your car. It’s quick, easy, and hassle-free!

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

ST. MARY’S COUNTY

The Newtowne Players Present “Maltida the Musical” taking place November 22 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)

Hearth and Home @ Historic St. Mary’s City taking place November 29 & November 30, located at 18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City, MD – Join Historic St. Mary’s City for one last open weekend of the year in 2024 and take a leisurely walk through the beautiful museum grounds. Opening hours are Friday, November 29th from 10-4pm and Saturday, November 30th from 10-4pm. Bring a canned good for Chapline House and save $1 on admission! Admission: $10 Adults; $9 Seniors (60+); $6 Youth (6-18); Free for Museum Members and children 5 and under.

Holiday Market with The Grinch & Cindy Lou Who on November 29 (9 am to 7 pm), located at Town Market, 22675 Washington St Leonardtown, MD – The Holiday Market will be open with all types of vendors to help get you started on your Holiday Shopping. Watch out for the Cindy Lou Who as she will be around making sure the Grinch doesn’t make any trouble. Get your pictures taken with The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who to take home. We will have the Race Cars and Classic Cars on display for everyone to see as well as a Light Display.

Christmas on the Square & Annual Tree Lighting on November 29 (4:30 pm to 8:30 pm), located at Town of Leonardtown, 22698 MD-326, Leonardtown, MD – The holiday season begins in Leonardtown when Santa arrives for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the Town Square. The festivities begin at 4:30 PM with holiday music, entertainment, horse and carriage rides, sleigh rides, train rides, hayrides, live nativity, petting zoo, face painting, children’s crafts, hot drinks, fresh kettle korn and other fun activities! Many downtown restaurants and shops around the Town Square will be open and decorated for your holiday pleasure. The Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, Leonardtown Business Association, and the Commissioners of Leonardtown sponsor this traditional holiday event.

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) from November 29 to 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 artist 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 November 29 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.

Evening Tides: Candlelight Christmas at Piney Point Lighthouse on November 30 (5:30 pm to 7:30 pm), located at 44720 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point, MD – Join us for a festive holiday evening on the grounds of the beautiful historic park at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum featuring candlelight, carolers, hot chocolate bar, Buddy the Elf and the return of the annual Building Bricks Lighthouse Challenge competition (see below). Admission is free; a $5 per person donation is suggested. LOCAL GIFTS: Complete your holiday shopping for a wide range of of unique and local items inside our museum store while at the event. There is something for everyone on your list, including ornaments, art, kids’ items and much more. Can’t shop in-store? Shop on our online museum store: https://friendsmuseumstore.square.site/ MORE INFO: Call 301-475-4200 ext. 1832.

Holiday Open House at St. Clement’s Island Museum on December 1 (10 am to 5 pm), located at 38370 Point Breeze Road, Coltons Point, MD – Official opening of the Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit! The museum will offer fun for the entire family, including kids’ activities like face painting and make-a-toy workshop, music from COSMIC Flute Orchestra, and holiday refreshments including cookies and hot chocolate or mulled cider. Attendees can learn about Christmas in early colonial Maryland with Dr. Thomas Gerrard, St. Clement’s Island’s first landowner, run the model trains, see vintage dolls like Barbies and American Girls, and more! Get a jump on your holiday shopping with a wide variety of unique and local items inside the Museum Store. Admission is free for the day.

Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit taking place December 1 through January 1 (10 am to 5 pm), located at St. Clement’s Island Museum, 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 Adults, $2.00 Seniors and Military, $1.50 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.

Holiday Open House at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum on December 1 (10 am to 5 pm), located at 44720 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point, MD – We’re kicking off the opening of the holiday season inside the museum and Keeper’s Quarters here at Piney Point Lighthouse with family activities, refreshments and more. This event is a special opening that encourages the public of all ages to come experience this unique Christmas setting in the museum. Free admission & refreshments available for all visitors. Get a jump on your holiday shopping inside the Museum Store, including the special edition 2024 museum ornament. For more info, call 301-994-1471.

Holidays at Piney Point @ Piney Point Lighthouse Museum taking place December 1 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.

SMS Breakfast with Santa on December 1 (8 am to 11 am), located at Ridge Vol. Fire Department, 13820 Point Lookout Rd, Ridge, MD 20680 – Save the date for St. Michael’s School Annual Breakfast with Santa. This will be at the Ridge Vol. Firehouse. Come enjoy delicious foods, a good time with family and friends, get some last minute shopping in with local vendors and crafter, and don’t forget your picture with Santa.

Holiday Shopping @ The Belmont Farm on December 1 (10 am to 2 pm), located at 24079 Budds Creek Rd, Clements, MD – Save the date and join us for some festive shopping at The Belmont Farm for that special Christmas gift for that special person or a gift for yourself you deserve it! Come hungry, because Rita B Catering will be selling delicious stuffed ham and chicken salad sandwiches, yummy fried chicken dinners and the famous macaroni shrimp salad!! Also leave room for dessert because The Farmers Daughter will be selling some yummy goodies. Come support our local crafters and vendors!

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 5:00pm 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 Online Holiday Gift Basket Auction on December 4 (7 am to 7 pm), taking place online via Facebook – The Auxiliary of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department is hosting an online auction featuring holiday gifts and seasonal items! The online auction will run from 7am – 7pm on December 4th. Individual photos and the description of each item will be shown under the “Discussion” tab of this event. Bids can be increased by multiples of $5. The highest bid as of 7pm will be the winner of that item. Items must be picked up from 5pm-6:30pm on December 5th at the Leonardtown Fire Department. We only take cash or check. Get your gift shopping completed! Happy Bidding! Thank you for your generous support!!! ***Pro tip: Make sure you have selected “All Comments” on the photo of the item you are bidding on to see all of the previous bids made.

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 – November 29th
2:00pm – Brian Grumbine – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
5:00pm – Doc Lohn – Greene Turtle Sports Bar – La Plata MD
5:00pm – Justin Berdeguez – Greene Turtle Sports Bar – California MD
5:00pm – Stripped – Mully’s Brewery – Prince Frederick MD
5:00pm – Joseph Norris – Snellman’s Store & Shuck Shack – Hollywood MD
5:30pm – David Norris & Stu – Coast to Coast Seafood Bar – Solomons MD
6:00pm – Blakbyrds – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Nightcap – Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar – Deale MD
8:00pm – John Farrall & Rachael Zimmerman – Buckets Bar – Lusby MD
8:00pm – Tommy McGee Band – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
8:00pm – GrooveSpan – Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill – Solomons MD
8:00pm – Chris Dean – O’Gannigan’s Irish Pub – Prince Frederick MD
8:00pm – Wes Ryce – Olde Town Pub – Leonardtown MD

Saturday – November 30th
1:00pm – John Luskey – Robin Hill Farm & Vineyard – Brandywine MD
2:00pm – Nightcap – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
2:00pm – Chris Dean – Corteau Vineyards – Mechanicsville MD
3:30pm – Lissie Deere – Coast 2 Coast Seafood Bar – Solomons MD
6:00pm – Ferro & Friends – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Greg Barrick – Southern Trail Distillery – Mechanicsville MD
8:00pm – Linwood Taylor & Still Standing – Buckets Bar & Grill – Lusby MD
8:00pm – Funkzilla – O’Gannigan’s Irish Pub – Prince Frederick MD
8:00pm – Taboo – The Tavern – Saint Leonard MD
8:00pm – Maryland Monroe – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
8:00pm – Groovespan Trio – Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill – Solomons MD
8:30pm – Dagenhart – Ollie’s Bar & Grill – La Plata MD
9:00pm – Chris Dean & David Hamner – Huntt’s Tavern – Pomfret MD

Sunday – December 1st
2:00pm – The Misfits – Apehangers Bar & Grill – Bel Alton MD
2:00pm – Greg Floberg – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD

Monday – December 2nd
6:30pm – Open Improv Comedy Jam – The Last Drop – Hollywood MD
7:00pm – Open Mic w/ Will Benthal – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD  

Tuesday – December 3rd
6:30pm – Open Mic w/Mike Trujillo – The Last Drop – Hollywood MD

Wednesday – December 4th
7:00pm – Open Mic w/Steve Nelson – The Tavern – Saint Leonard MD

Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com