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 […]
Events
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.
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.”
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!”
The City of Gaithersburg will host its 97th annual tree lighting ceremony and “Jungle Jubilee” festivities on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 6pm- 8pm at the Concert Pavilion in Olde Towne Gaithersburg (32 South Summit Ave).
Per Gaithersburg: Celebrate diverse & vibrant holiday traditions at Gaithersburg’s Jingle Jubilee. Enjoy an evening of music, dance & song. Enjoy an evening of music, dance, and song. This year marks the 97th anniversary of the tree lighting ceremony. The festivities take place at the Concert Pavilion in Olde Towne. Admission is free. The outdoor venue features lawn seating with limited chairs. Please feel free to bring your own chair to enjoy the entertainment.
Rio will be hosting its Holiday Makers Market on Saturday, November 11th and Sunday, November 12th from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. “Join us as we kick off the holiday shopping season with a two-day Holiday Makers Market with Locally Crafted on Grand Corner Avenue!”:
A list of artisans participating on each day can be seen in the images below:
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Are the Festival of Lights events free? All of the Festival of Lights events and displays at the Washington D.C. Temple are free of charge. The performances require you to reserve free tickets in advance. Ticket holders are asked to be in their seats no later than 15 minutes prior to the performance. After this time, the standby line will be admitted to fill in any remaining seats.
I am not a member of your church, can I still come? Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to attend our events and our worship services (learn more about worship services). We only request that all attendees dress modestly, use clean language, and treat everyone with respect. We are Christians who do our best to follow the commandments and teachings of Christ. Whatever your background, you’re invited to join us!
With Halloween and Daylight Saving Time approaching, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is urging drivers and pedestrians to use extra caution when traveling during evening hours.
“The National Safety Council tells us that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “That statistic should serve as an important reminder for motorists; drive safely, keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters, and never drink and drive if you’ve celebrated with alcohol. As the clocks turn back on Nov. 4, drivers and pedestrians should also be aware of the safety challenges that occur as it gets dark earlier during the shorter days of fall and winter.”