SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Santa will be making dozens of stops across the region this year, and the Grinch is popping up at several events, too. From breakfasts and craft fairs to tree lightings, markets and photo ops, communities in all three counties are rolling out festive gatherings for families to enjoy. Whether you’re planning portraits, parades or a quick meet-and-greet, here’s your 2025 guide to the best Santa and Grinch events happening throughout the region.
Planning more holiday fun? Browse our Best Christmas Lights in Maryland 2025 and explore the Holiday Bazaars And Markets Across Southern Maryland 2025.
This list is being updated daily. Check back to see what has been added!
CALVERT COUNTY
Jingle All the Hay at Mrs. Moo’s Corner Market
Now til Dec. 28 (Fridays–Sundays, 5 to 9 p.m.), located at Mrs. Moo’s Corner Market, 3915 Hallowing Point Rd., Prince Frederick, MD – A festive farm experience with twinkling lights, hayrides, holiday treats, photo ops, vendors and Santa appearances throughout the season. Ticket required.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Jake’s Produce
Dec. 6 (3 to 7 p.m.), located at Jake’s Produce, 2985 Yoe’s Corner Lane, Port Republic, MD – Santa meet-and-greet with photo ops and festive family activities. Free admission.
Breakfast with Santa at Patuxent High School
Dec. 6 (8:30 a.m. to noon), located at Patuxent High School, 12485 Southern Connector Blvd., Lusby, MD – Breakfast, crafts and a holiday market hosted by the PAX NJROTC Booster Club, with photo opportunities available (bring your own camera). Ticket required.
Meet Santa at Hidden Lake Christmas Tree Farm
Dec. 6–7 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at Hidden Lake Christmas Tree Farm, Port Republic, MD – Santa photos, tree shopping and holiday family fun at the farm. Free admission.
North Beach Christmas Parade
Dec. 6 (12 to 2 p.m.), located at North Beach Boardwalk, 9036 Bay Ave., North Beach, MD – Annual holiday parade featuring floats, marching bands, classic cars, local groups and an appearance by Santa Claus. Free admission.
Santa & the Grinch at Mandy Lee’s Vintage Shop & Studio
Dec. 13 (time not listed), located at Mandy Lee’s Vintage Shop & Studio, 136 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD – Santa and the Grinch return during the Main Street Christmas Parade, with multiple photo backdrops available for festive holiday pictures. Free admission.
Breakfast with Santa at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort
Dec. 7 and Dec. 21 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), located at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort, 4160 Mears Ave., Chesapeake Beach, MD – Enjoy breakfast classics and holiday favorites, visit with Santa and stop by the craft station where children can help the elves in Santa’s Workshop. Ticket required.
Dinner with the Grinch at Anthony’s Bar & Grill
Dec. 8 (6 to 7 p.m.), located at Anthony’s Bar & Grill, Dunkirk, MD – Bring the family for dinner and meet the Grinch during this festive one-hour visit. A fun holiday outing with plenty of Christmas spirit. Free admission.
Cookies With the Clauses
Dec. 12–14 (various times), located at NRC Solomons Community Recreation, 13855 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD – Children receive a craft kit, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, storytime and a take-home gift from Santa during this festive holiday program. Must have base access. Ticket required.
Very Merry Christmas at Parkers Creek
Dec. 13 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), located at Parkers Creek Crystal Shop, 2990 Parkers Creek Rd., Port Republic, MD – Holiday market featuring Santa and his elf for photos, local vendors in the barn (until 3 p.m.), shops open until 5 p.m., a hot cocoa shed, food truck fare, caroling and festive surprises. Free admission.
Bowling With Santa
Dec. 13 (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.), located at Lord Calvert Bowling Center, Huntingtown, MD – Family bowling afternoon featuring Santa visits and holiday activities. Ticket required.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Jake’s Produce
Dec. 13 (12 to 4 p.m.), located at Jake’s Produce, 2985 Yoe’s Corner Lane, Port Republic, MD – Santa meet-and-greet with photo ops and festive family activities. Free admission.
Solomons Christmas Walk
Dec. 13 (4 to 9 p.m.), located throughout Solomons Island, MD – Island-wide Christmas celebration featuring lights, entertainment and Santa. Free admission.
Solomons Christmas Walk at Calvert Marine Museum
Dec. 13 (6 to 9 p.m.), located at Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, MD – Museum activities, crafts, lights and Santa photos during the Christmas Walk. Free admission.
Breakfast With Santa – Solomons VRSFD
Dec. 13 (9 a.m. to noon), located at Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Dept., Solomons, MD – Pancake breakfast fundraiser with Santa photos and kids’ activities. Ticket required.
Annual Christmas Bazaar at Deale VFD
Dec. 13 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at Deale Volunteer Fire Department, 6007 Drum Point Rd., Deale, MD – The 49th year of this community bazaar featuring crafters, vendors, lunch options, treats for children, and a noon visit from Santa. Baked goods available for sale. Free admission and door prizes.
Breakfast With Santa – Prince Frederick VRS Co. 4
Dec. 20 (8 a.m. to noon), located at 755 Solomons Island Rd S, Prince Frederick, MD – Join the fire station for a festive breakfast, Santa photos and holiday fun. Ticket required.
Santa Claus Is Cruisin’ the Town
Dec. 20 (1 to 4 p.m.), located throughout North Beach, MD – Santa tours the town by firetruck for an afternoon of festive neighborhood visits. Free admission.
CHARLES COUNTY
Green Acres Nursing and Rehab Holiday Bazaar
Dec. 6 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at Green Acres Nursing and Rehab, 10200 LaPlata Road, La Plata, MD – Holiday bazaar featuring local vendors, arts and crafts for kids, games, raffles, delicious food and festive fun for all ages. Free admission.
Winter Wonderland
Dec. 6 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), located at Marbury Baptist Church, 4675 Bicknell Rd., Marbury, MD – Free community event featuring a live Nativity, pictures with Santa, cookies, crafts and more. Free admission.
Visit with Santa Claus at Wild Birds Unlimited
Dec. 6 (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.), located at Wild Birds Unlimited, 58 Shining Willow Way, La Plata, MD – Santa visits the store to greet bird lovers, take photos and share holiday cheer. Free admission.
Lunch with Santa at Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department
Dec. 6 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), located at Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department, 15245 Prince Frederick Rd., Hughesville, MD – Holiday lunch event with Santa featuring crafts, games, prizes and photo time. Tickets required.
Indian Head’s Holiday Festival
Dec. 6 (4 to 9 p.m.), located at Village Green, Indian Head, MD – Enjoy a free community festival featuring a tree lighting, caroling, cookie decorating, games, a nativity activity tent, kiddie carousel, bounce houses, hot cocoa, firepit s’mores, craft vendors, food trucks and photos with Santa. Free admission.
Old Tyme Holiday Gathering – Town of La Plata
Dec. 7 (3 to 6 p.m.), located at La Plata Town Hall, La Plata, MD – Celebrate the season with carriage rides, kids’ activities, live entertainment, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Free admission.
Christmas on the Farm at Pop Pop’s Greenhouse
Weekends in December (various times), located at Pop Pop’s Greenhouse, Newburg, MD – Holiday lights, movies on the hill, bonfires, crafts, treats, and weekend appearances by Santa (6 to 7:30 p.m.) and the Grinch. Ticket required.
Breakfast With Santa – Newburg VRSFD
Dec. 7 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), located at 12245 Rock Point Rd, Newburg, MD – Enjoy a hot breakfast, crafts and games, pictures with Santa, and a performance by Sparkle and Sass Dance Company at 11:30 a.m. Tickets required.
Lunch with Santa with Bel Alton VFD
Dec. 7 (12–2 p.m.), at Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department, 9765 Bel Alton Newtown Road, Bel Alton, MD – Free community lunch with Santa featuring cookies, drinks and a small gift. Food pantry donations accepted. Free admission.
Visit Santa at Westlake VFD
Dec. 11 (6 to 8 p.m.) and Dec. 13 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at Westlake Volunteer Fire Department, 7000 Saint Florian Dr., Waldorf, MD – Family event featuring snacks, letters to Santa, photo opportunities with Santa and a chance to explore fire trucks and ambulances. Free admission.
Kris Kringle Christmas Market at Charles County Fairgrounds
Dec. 12–14 (Fri. 4–8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.), located at Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Rd, La Plata, MD – German-style holiday market featuring artisans, food, live music, kids’ activities and the official arrival of Santa. Ticket required.
Breakfast with Santa at Apehangers Bar & Grill
Dec. 13 (8 a.m.), located at Apehangers Bar & Grill, 9100 Crain Hwy, Bel Alton, MD – Holiday breakfast event with Santa arriving at 9 a.m. for photos and festive cheer. Free admission.
Merry and Bright Christmas Bazaar
Dec. 13 (noon to 4 p.m.), located at 11775 Pika Drive, Waldorf, MD – Free community event featuring giveaways, free clothes while supplies last, free toys, raffles, nail painting, face painting, vendors, book reading with Pete the Cat, and cookies and cocoa with Santa. Free admission.
Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus at All American Harley-Davidson
Dec. 13 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at All American Harley-Davidson, 8126 Old Leonardtown Road, Hughesville, MD – Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, H.O.G. Chapter bake sale, complimentary gift wrapping, Ride 365 mileage logging, and holiday gift-card options. Free event.
Swimming with Santa
Dec. 13 (1 to 3 p.m.), located at Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center, 5305 Piney Church Rd, Waldorf, MD – Kids can splash, play water games and take above- or underwater photos with Santa during this holiday pool event. Only the participating child needs to be registered; adults entering the water may pay the daily drop-in fee. Ticket required.
Hometown Heroes Holiday Event at Sam’s Club
Dec. 14, located at 2365 Crain Highway, La Plata, MD (Sam’s Club) – Holiday celebration with appearances by Santa with family-friendly activities on site. Free admission.
Pictures with Santa – Dentsville VEMS
Dec. 14 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), located at 12135 Charles Street, La Plata, MD – Bring your own camera and stop by for an evening of Santa photos hosted by Dentsville Volunteer EMS, Fire and Auxiliary. Free admission.
Christmas Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus
Dec. 17 (6:30 to 8 p.m.), located at Billingsley Community Center, 2300 Smallwood Dr W, Waldorf, MD – Kids can decorate shortbread cookies, make royal icing, enjoy craft-time with Mrs. Claus and take home their sweet creations. Adult participation required for ages 3–5. Preregistration required. Ticket required.
Bedtime Tales with the Grinch & My Gym Elves at My Gym Waldorf
Dec. 19 (times vary), located at My Gym Waldorf, 1148 Smallwood Drive, Waldorf, MD – Festive holiday event for ages 0 to 11 years featuring Grinch storytime, STEM activities, an obstacle course, dance party and photos with the Grinch and My Gym Elves. Ticket required.
Pastries with Pinch!
Dec. 20 (8 to 11 a.m.), located at 11765 Saint Linus Dr., Waldorf, MD – Holiday fun at the stadium with arts and crafts, treats, and photo opportunities with Santa and Pinch. Free admission.
Breakfast with Santa at Bad Axe Waldorf
Dec. 20 (10 a.m.), located at Bad Axe Waldorf, 1140A Smallwood Dr., Waldorf, MD – Breakfast, festive crafts, and photos with Santa. Registration required by Dec. 13.
Mr. Grinch Brings Whoville to Waldorf on Sat. Dec. 20 & Sun. Dec. 21 (12–5 p.m. both days), at The Shops at Waldorf, 3070 Festival Way, Waldorf, MD – Lil Featz Costume Entertainment transforms the plaza into Whoville with photos with the Grinch included in admission, cocoa and snacks for sale, and a free cupcake for the first 25 visitors. Admission: $25 per family. Use hashtag #WaldorfGrinch to follow the fun.
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.
ST. MARY’S COUNTY
A Casual Christmas at Mount Chance Farm
Weekends til Dec. 21 (various times) located at Mount Chance Farm, 23713 Mount Chance Farm Ln, Clements, MD – Holiday farm celebration featuring unlimited pony rides, Giddy-Up express train rides, Grinchmas hayrides, reindeer rides, games, cocoa, vendor shopping, decorated barn displays and Santa photo opportunities. Ticket required.
MWR Pax River Tree Lighting
Dec. 5 (4:30 to 8 p.m.), located at NAS Patuxent River, Lexington Park, MD – Base tree lighting with Santa, holiday activities, food vendors and live entertainment. Free admission.
Christmas Market at Barefoot Farms
Dec. 5–6 (Fri. 5–9 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.), located at Barefoot Farms, 21851 Oakley Rd, Avenue, MD – Two-day market with vendors, lights, food, kids’ activities and Santa appearances. Free admission.
Breakfast with Santa at Fitzie’s Marina Restaurant & Pub
Dec. 6 (9 a.m.), located at Fitzie’s Marina Restaurant & Pub, 21540 Joe Hazel Rd., Leonardtown, MD – All-you-can-eat breakfast buffet with Santa and holiday photo opportunities for kids. Ticket required.
RC Theatres $1 Polar Express Showing + Santa Photos
Dec. 6 (10 a.m.), located at RC Theatres Lexington Exchange, 44800 Oak Crest Dr, California, MD – $1 movie screening with Santa photos and themed activities. Ticket required.
Dinner with Santa at Drift Inn Crab House
Dec. 6 (3 to 7 p.m.), located at Drift Inn Crab House, 41310 Riverview Rd., Mechanicsville, MD – Family evening on the water featuring a holiday meal, crafts for kids, festive activities and plenty of time for Santa photos. Ticket required.
St. Michael’s on Candy Cane Lane
Dec. 7 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), located at Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Ridge, MD – Holiday market with Santa visits, food and activities. Free admission.
Photos with the Grinch – Balanced Paws Pet Care
Dec. 7 (12 to 3 p.m.), located at SOF Market, Leonardtown, MD – Pet-friendly photos with the Grinch and holiday treats. Free admission.
Bedtime Tales with the Grinch & My Gym Elves at My Gym St. Mary’s
Dec. 12 (times vary), located at My Gym St. Mary’s, 23415 Three Notch Road, Unit 2022, California, MD – Holiday storytime and play session for ages 0 to 3 years 11 months featuring the Grinch and My Gym Elves, with themed activities and interactive fun. Ticket required.
Breakfast with Santa at Helen’s Cafe
Dec. 13 (8 to 10 a.m.), located at Helen’s Cafe, 24509 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, MD – Start your morning with a festive breakfast and photo opportunities with Santa at this local favorite.
Grinch & Christmas Shopping Spree – Town Market LLC
Dec. 13 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), located at Town Market LLC, Leonardtown, MD – Holiday shopping with Grinch photos and seasonal vendors. Free admission.
Santa & The Grinch at Mandy Lee’s with Christmas Parade
Dec. 13 (9 a.m. during the Main Street Christmas Parade), located at Mandy Lee’s Vintage Shop & Studio, 136 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD – Return visit from Santa and the Grinch with festive photo ops and multiple holiday backdrops inside the shop. Free admission.
Pictures with Santa Paws at Think Like A Dog Training
Dec. 13 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at Think Like A Dog Training, 44727 St. Andrew’s Church Rd., Ste. 101, California, MD – Pet photos with Santa, free refreshments, and donations accepted to support AROO benefiting the St. Mary’s Animal Shelter.
Photos with Santa – St. Mary’s County Animal Services
Dec. 13 (10 a.m. to noon), located at the St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center, 22975 FDR Blvd, California, MD – Bring your pet (and camera) for photos with Santa during this festive morning event. Free adoptions for qualifying adopters also available Dec. 12–14. Free admission.
Visit with Santa Claus at Wild Birds Unlimited
Dec. 13 (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.), located at Wild Birds Unlimited, 46400 Lexington Village Way, Lexington Park, MD – Santa visits the store to greet bird lovers, take photos and share holiday cheer. Free admission.
Holidays in the Hangar – Pax River Air Museum
Dec. 13 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), located at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, 22156 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park, MD – Family celebration with Santa, crafts and aviation exhibits. Free admission.
Meet & Greet With Santa – Keepin’ It Local
Dec. 13 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at Keepin’ It Local, 25760 Colton Point Road, Morganza, MD – Meet Santa, enjoy holiday crafts and snap photos during this festive community drop-in event.
Crafting with Santa Claus at Crafts N Stitches
Dec. 13 (1 to 3 p.m.), located at Crafts N Stitches, 22680 Lawrence Avenue, Leonardtown, MD – Family-friendly holiday craft workshop where participants create ornaments alongside Santa, with optional photo opportunities. $10 per person.
Breakfast with the Grinch – Tall Timbers Marina
Dec. 14 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.), located at Tall Timbers Marina, Tall Timbers, MD – Holiday breakfast with the Grinch and family activities. Ticket required.
Breakfast with Santa at Hollywood VFD
Dec. 14 (8 a.m. to noon), located at Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, 24801 Three Notch Rd., Hollywood, MD – All-you-can-eat holiday breakfast with Santa, featuring pancakes, eggs, sides and photo opportunities. Ticket required.
Photos with Santa (Pets & Kids) – Balanced Paws Pet Care
Dec. 14 (12 to 3 p.m.), located at SOF Market, Leonardtown, MD – Santa photos for pets and kids with holiday backdrops. Free admission.
Holiday Storytime & Cookies with Santa & Mrs. Claus – USCT Center
Dec. 14 (1 to 3 p.m.), located at U.S. Colored Troops Interpretive Center, 23250 Hollywood Rd, Lexington Park, MD – Storytime and cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free admission.
Santa Is Coming to Nicolletti’s
Dec. 17 (4:30 to 7:30 p.m.), located at Nicolletti’s Pizza, California, MD – Santa meet-and-greet with pizza specials and family fun. Free admission.
Holiday Extravaganza at Lexington Park Auto Dealerships
Dec. 18 (4 to 7 p.m.), located at Lexington Park Chevrolet and Ford Dealerships, 22659 Three Notch Road, California, MD – Celebrate the season with complimentary photos with Santa and The Grinch, Clydesdale wagon rides from Suttler Post, and a mini moo photo op from K & J’s. Food trucks from Dan D’s Catering and Sweet Tooth Funnel Cakes will be on site. Live broadcast by Star 98.3’s T-Bone & Heather. Free admission.
Pictures with Santa – Town Market LLC
Dec. 20 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), located at Town Market LLC, Leonardtown, MD – Full-day Santa photo event with holiday vendors. Free admission.
Santa Claus Is Coming to CMA’s Hyundai of Lexington Park
Sat. Dec. 20 (9 to 11 a.m.), located at CMA’s Hyundai of Lexington Park, 22515 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD – Families are invited to stop by the showroom for festive photos with Santa and a bit of holiday cheer in a family-friendly setting. Free admission.
Last Chance Christmas Market – Dixon Family Farm
Dec. 20 (12 to 5 p.m.), located at Dixon Family Farm, Mechanicsville, MD – Final holiday vendor market of the season featuring gifts and décor. Free admission.
Grinch Garbage Grab at Greenwell State Park
Dec. 20 (1 to 3 p.m.), located at Greenwell State Park, Hollywood, MD – Community cleanup day along the beach trail. Limited supplies available; volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves and grabbers. Hosted by local environmental groups, with trash bags provided. Grinch costumes optional. Free admission.
Breakfast with Santa at Botanic Café
Dec. 21 (9 to 11 a.m.), located at Botanic Café, 22720 Duke Street, Leonardtown, MD – Festive morning event featuring a grazing table, hot chocolate bar and a Santa meet-and-greet. Ticket required.
Meet the Grinch at Annmarie Garden In Lights
Dec. 21 (5 to 8 p.m.), located at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD – Included with Garden In Lights admission; advance tickets required. The Grinch will greet guests and take photos throughout the evening. If weather is mild, the Grinch appears in the Holiday Tent; otherwise, find him inside the Arts Building. First-come, first-served access.
Drive-Thru Children’s Christmas Party at the Mechanicsville Firehouse
Dec. 21 (5 to 7 p.m.), located at 28165 Hills Club Road, Mechanicsville, MD – A free family event where children can wave to Santa and his elves, drop off wish lists, and receive stockings filled with goodies as they drive through the firehouse. Free admission.
Other Ways to Talk to Santa
Santa’s Hotline is an international voicemail line for children of all ages to leave messages for the North Pole at no charge. Callers across the globe may dial Santa’s Hotline at 1-605-313-4000.
USPS Operation Santa Have your kids write their letters to Santa, and address it to: Santa Claus 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888. Put a stamp on it and a return address and send it off to Santa! Then see what happens next. Letters received with full Santa addresses will be posted on the USPS Operation Santa site, where anyone can choose to “adopt” a child by sending a gift from their letter to them.
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