BlackRock Center for the Arts and the Germantown Town Center will host a free holiday weekend on Dec. 13 and 14 featuring live performances, an artisan market, family activities, and a Chanukah celebration with a community “can-orah” lighting.
The events are part of BlackRock’s Season of Giving campaign, which encourages attendees to donate items or funds that support local partners while participating in creative community art and pay-what-you-can experiences.
Per the news release: “This holiday season, BlackRock Center for the Arts and the Germantown Town Center invite the community to come together in joy, creativity, and generosity. From festive performances and local artisan shopping to meaningful opportunities to give back, BlackRock is the place to celebrate the magic and warmth of the season.
Celebrate the Season Holiday Weekend
Join us Saturday, December 13, from 12 pm to 4 pm, for our beloved Celebrate the Season — a free, family-friendly event featuring live performances, a bustling artisan market, and festive activities for all ages.
Enjoy performances from local schools, community choirs, and dance troupes showcasing the best of the UpCounty’s creative talent. Wander through our artisan market filled with one-of-a-kind handmade treasures and treats — perfect for holiday gifting.
Guests can also enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies from the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) and the Germantown Town Center, games, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. While there, enjoy a visit from Santa, a personal friend of the Germantown Volunteer Fire Department.
Chanukah Celebration & Community “CAN-ORAH” Lighting
Sunday, December 14 | 4:15–5:30 PM | Menorah Lighting at 4:45 PM
Join us at BlackRock for a joyful Chanukah Celebration and Community Menorah Lighting, presented in partnership with Chabad of North Moco and with support from the Germantown Town Center Initiative.
Enjoy festive music, children’s activities, hot cider and coffee, and delicious complimentary kosher donuts and latkes.
At 4:45 PM, a special menorah or “can-orah” built entirely from donated canned goods — collected through our Season of Giving drive — will be lit, symbolizing the power of giving light through kindness. After Chanukah, all cans will be donated to our partners at the CORE Foundation and other local organizations to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness and financial instability in Montgomery County and beyond.
Season of Giving: One Donation, Many Ways to Give Back
This year, BlackRock invites everyone to join our Season of Giving — one simple way to spread kindness that unlocks a variety of meaningful opportunities throughout the festival.
During the Celebrate the Season weekend guests can bring a monetary gift, nonperishable food, new toiletries, or art supplies, to support local families and individuals through our community partners — The CORE Foundation and Scrap Happy Creative Reuse Center.
Your generosity not only fuels vital community programs but also allows you to participate in several creative giving experiences, including:
• Shine Bright Together Star Arch — with any donation you can paint a star to add to a community art installation and take another star home.
• Community Chanukah “Can-Orah” Lighting — celebrating with a menorah built entirely from donated canned goods.
• BlackRock Pay What You Can – Give What You Can performances — your contribution helps neighbors in need and gives you access to pay-what-you-can tickets.
“Art is for everyone — and during this season of giving, no one should be left out,” said Katie Heckinger, CEO of BlackRock Center for the Arts. “Our Pay What You Can – Give What You Can campaign makes it possible for every person to experience the joy of the arts, no matter their budget, while giving back to those in need.”
Celebrate the Season 2025 | BlackRock Center
Every donation — large or small — helps our community shine brighter this season.
Tickets available while supplies last.
Community Star Arch Activation
The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce and the Germantown Town Center Initiative proudly present the “Shine Together Star Arch” — a stunning community art installation and photo moment celebrating the diverse cultural and spiritual traditions of our area.
Visitors who contribute through our Season of Giving initiative can paint two ceramic stars — one to take home and one to add to the arch. As the evening continues, the Star Arch will glow as a symbol of unity and compassion. After the festival, the garland of stars will be moved inside BlackRock’s lobby, where it will remain on display for the remainder of the season.
“The Star Arch is more than an art installation — it’s a symbol of unity,” said Zeina Davis, Program Director for GGCC’s Germantown Town Center Initiative. “Every star reflects the light of our diverse community and the generosity that brings us together.”
Guests are encouraged to RSVP at the link below to be the first to learn about new details for the event:
Celebrate the Season Holiday Market and Community Can Menorah Lighting — Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-the-season-holiday-market-and-community-can-menorah-lighting-tickets-1859491451989
BlackRock event page:
https://www.blackrockcenter.org/celebratetheseason
