Starting on Sunday, December 3rd, the 2023 holiday shopping season kicks off in Takoma with the annual Pajamarama Holiday Shopping Event and Market. Pajama-wearing shoppers are rewarded with discounts for […]
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Learn about the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals at the Winter Lantern Festival Washington, located at Lerner Town Square at Tysons II (8025 Galleria Dr, Tysons, VA 22102). Modern LED lights are embellished by traditionally hand-crafted lantern frames made from small pieces of classically made Chinese silk cloth and steel wire. All lanterns are created by artisans, some of which have over 20 years of experience in their trade and bring magical folklorical creatures to life. Each unique piece holds a story of its own that will be told to visitors to help contextualize their experience even more.
“With our lights and lanterns, we hope to provide an unforgettable experience for all. This year, not only will we bring lanterns, we are also excited to bring more family fun such as, dino rides, picture taking opportunities to further expand the entire experience.” The exhibition is held in an outdoor venue with indoor space available if you need to take a break during the 60-120 minutes experience. Though it is held in an outdoor venue, it is a rain or shine event. Feel free to take photos as new this year are a few figures just for picture taking. The venue reminds you to please make sure not to disturb others while taking photos. Professional equipment and tripods are not permitted. “Winter Lantern Festival’s unique luminescent nightwalk brings the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals, where contribution is celebration!”
Montgomery Parks is inviting dog owners to leash up their pups and jump into the holiday season at the Holiday Barket at Cabin John Regional Park (7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817) on Saturday, November 18 from 11am until 2pm. The Barket will feature live music, refreshments for sale, a canine photo booth with the Grinch, and plenty of pet-themed shopping.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and relax as they listen to rock music from the band Capital Effect at the amphitheater stage. They can also visit the dog park at Cabin John Regional Park where dogs can romp off-leash or take a stroll on the Cabin John Trail, which includes a loop around the event site. Providers of pet-related services such as adoption, training and grooming will be on site with information about their offerings. And Maryland-based businesses will be selling pet-themed gifts for pet lovers, as well as gifts and treats for pets.
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season as the mall debuts its inaugural Wheaton Wonderland event featuring holiday crafts and activities, theatrical performers, Santa’s arrival, live musical performances, pet photo parties and other festive family fun all month long
Westfield Wheaton Mall invites the Wheaton community to get into the holiday spirit with its first-ever Wheaton Wonderland event on Saturday, December 2 from 12pm to 5pm in Macy’s Lower Court. The whimsical pop-up craft market will transport visitors into an immersive winter wonderland experience, boasting theatrical performers, stilt walkers, and princesses, all against the backdrop of an enchanting frosted village. Pose for a caricature artist on-site or take holiday photos in front of the picture-perfect décor featuring street lamps, trees, and snow. A live DJ will amplify the cheer while Mrs. Claus herself carefully oversees a rotation of festive craft stations. Visitors can create homemade ornaments, gingerbread snowflakes, snowmen, houses, wearable holiday hats, holiday greeting cards and more. Complimentary hot cocoa will keep mall patrons warm while supplies last. Due to limited capacity, advance sign-up is required here where guests can reserve their spot in the wintry fun.
Montgomery County native and New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jordan Hawkins, making a start in place of CJ McCollum, scored a career-high 31 points on Monday night in a 116-134 loss to the defending World Champion Denver Nuggets. Hawkins’ coach Willie Green referred to him as fearless, saying, “When he’s open he’s going to shoot it. He’s aggressive and the beauty of it is Brandon, Z, all of his teammates are looking for him.”
The young man from Gaithersburg was drafted 14th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2023 NBA Draft. He is averaging 12.6 and 4.7 rebounds per game coming off of the bench, but earning significant minutes, for the Pelicans this year. Including the seven he hit on Monday night, Hawkins has made 20 three pointers in seven games this season. He has made 11 in his last two, showing that he is the outside-shooter he was drafted to be in the NBA.
Westfield Montgomery has announced details for this year’s ‘Home for the Holidays Celebration’ taking place on Saturday, November 18th. The event will be hosted by The Holderness Family (The Amazing Race, YouTube) and feature performances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of DC’s, the Maryland Youth Ballet, and Rockapella. Full details below courtesy of Westfield Montgomery:
“Westfield Montgomery Mall is getting into the seasonal spirit with their Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting Celebration in support of Children’s National Hospital on Saturday, November 18. Award-winning content creators and best-selling authors, Penn and Kim Holderness of The Holderness Family will host the free celebration that welcomes the winter holidays. With over one billion views across social media, The Holderness Family will bring their signature brand of family comedy and joy to Bethesda, Maryland for the day. The duo are best known for winning Season 33 of The Amazing Race and chronicling their marriage and family life through hilarious videos for their eight million followers.
Rio Lakefront’s ‘Light Up the Lakefront’, which includes a fireworks display, will take place on Saturday, December 9th from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. “Join us for a festive evening of holiday fun on the Lakefront with activities along the Boardwalk (near Guapo’s/Charley Prime) and Fire Lounge (between True Food Kitchen & Uncle Julio’s):
6:45 PM: Enjoy a Dazzling Fireworks show over the lake!* Perfect viewing all along the Boardwalk and Fire Lounge.
EDENS and the Cabin John Village shopping center (11325 Seven Locks Rd. Potomac, MD) will be hosting a “Winter Wonderland” event on Sunday, December 3rd at the Community Green Space.
Per the event listing, “Bundle up and join us at Cabin John Village for a day of fun for all ages! Hot chocolate, live music, kids crafts + games+ more! Be sure to visit the special Milk Lady Holiday Farmer’s Market from 10am – 3pm. Support the community: bring a brand-new, unwrapped toy for the MHP Toy Drive.”
The Maryland Terrapins didn’t have much luck against the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, losing 51-15. The Terps have now lost four in a row and it seems to have even the biggest fans in the crowd confused as a few who attempted to spell out “TERPS!” with body paint couldn’t quite get the order down and were caught on national television spelling out “STREP!” (video below).
With temperatures getting a little colder and a few predictions for higher-than-average snowfall, maybe the young fans were just warning of communicable diseases that come with the season, but it’s more likely the fans were as confused as Maryland’s offense seemed to be against Penn State.
Akon is bringing his “The SuperFan Tour” to the DMV, when he performs at The Fillmore in Silver Spring on Tuesday, November 7th. Akon recently promoted the show on his instagram, referring to Silver Spring as “Silver Springs“, a common mistake among those not familiar with the area. The video can be seen below.
The Senegalese-American singer, record producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist has become an influential figure in modern world music after rising to prominence in 2004 following the release of “Locked Up”, the first single from his debut album Trouble (2004), followed by the second single “Lonely”, which was also a smash hit. Akon’s second album, Konvicted (2006), received three Grammy Award nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Album, and for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Smack That” (featuring Eminem) and “I Wanna Love You” (featuring Snoop Dogg). Both singles became Billboard Hot 100 top ten hits, followed up by “Don’t Matter” and “Sorry, Blame It on Me”. His third studio album Freedom (2008) was led by the single “Right Now (Na Na Na)”.
Sailing Through The Winter Solstice begins annually in November, when a number of boats, transformed through the “creative minds of many Frederick friends”, set sail on the Creek. The boats are anchored in Carroll Creek (50 Carroll Creek Way, Frederick, MD 21701), between Market Street and Carroll Street in Frederick County. The fleet includes gaff-rigged ketches, yawls, three-masted schooners, and pirate ships, moored with their sail outlines, rigging and decks lit up from dusk till dawn. This year, the experience launches on November 18th. Admission is free from 8am until midnight (a video of the experience is available below).
“It’s not just fun, it’s for a purpose. In addition to voting for your favorite boat ($1 per vote), many organizations are raising awareness and money for amazing causes. All proceeds raised during STTWS got to Color On The Creek and each boat’s designated charity. The event runs from launch week in November through the 1st Saturday in February’s traditional theme ‘Fire & Ice’.” Per Visit Frederick, “You can view the boats anytime day or night. In fact, you may want to take a look while it’s light out and again after it gets dark and the lights come on. Lights typically turn on at sunset, so this is a great time to see them both ways. Sailing Through the Winter Solstice is a fundraiser – visitors can vote on their favorite boat, with donations supporting local non-profit organizations. The 2022-23 season raised more than $130,000 for charities in Frederick County!”