Events

CANCELLED: Cabin John Regional Park Goes to the Dogs on Saturday, Dec. 3, for ‘Holiday Barket’

By MCS Staff

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Per Montgomery County: Every family member must be considered during the holidays and Montgomery Parks will enable dog owners to have outing with their pets at its free “Holiday Barket’ from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Cabin John Region Park in Bethesda. Cabin John Regional Park is located 7400 Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda. The event will be held in the picnic area across from the park’s train station. The Barket will be an opportunity for dog owners and their pets to explore a handful of small local businesses and outdoor activities. Gifts and accessories for pets will be available from vendors. Food also will be available for dog owners.

Go to CANCELLED: Cabin John Regional Park Goes to the Dogs on Saturday, Dec. 3, for ‘Holiday Barket’ Read more

Forum on Examining Mental Health in Our Communities Set for Dec. 6

By MCS Staff

MCPS is hosting Your Story Matters, a mental health forum for parents and caregivers that will include panel discussions and workshops. The event will be held in person from 6–8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Richard Montgomery High School. Doors open at 6 p.m. with information tables and welcome activities; the program begins at 6:30 p.m. High school students are also welcome to attend.

The four panel discussions for Your Story Matters will be focused on the African American, Asian and Hispanic communities. For the Hispanic community, there will be a panel presented in English and a separate panel presented in Spanish. Topics will focus on anxiety and depression, grief during the holidays and academic stress. Panels will also examine the stigma around mental health in those specific communities.

Go to Forum on Examining Mental Health in Our Communities Set for Dec. 6 Read more

Smithsonian’s ZooLights Named One of “The 23 Best Christmas Light Displays” in the Country By U.S. News & World Report

By MCS Staff

The colorful glow of Washington, D.C.’s beloved Smithsonian’s National Zoo holiday tradition, Zoo Lights, returned last weekend 2022 and it has been named one of “The 23 Best Christmas Light Displays” in the country by U.S. News & World Report. While there are many great Christmas/Winter light displays in our area, this was the only one to make it onto the U.S. News list of 23.

Per U.S. News: “ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is one of the city’s premier events – and it’s extremely popular among residents and visitors alike. The zoo is decorated to the nines with colorful LED lights and glowing animal lanterns. Visitors can catch live music performances and sample tasty snacks as they walk through the display and admire the lights. The pathways to view the lights are wheelchair-accessible but situated on a hill with a bit of an incline – something for disabled travelers and families with young kids and strollers to keep in mind. The event runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 30 (note: some weeks it’s only open from Friday to Sunday), from 5 to 9 p.m. Overall, many love checking out ZooLights each year; however, some warn that it can get crowded and note that the animals are not out. Admission to ZooLights is free, but you will need a special entry pass (which is different from a normal zoo pass). There is a parking fee of $30; if you wish to visit by Metro, the nearest stops are Cleveland Park or Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan on the Red Line. For more information, head to the National Zoo website.”

Go to Smithsonian’s ZooLights Named One of “The 23 Best Christmas Light Displays” in the Country By U.S. News & World Report Read more

Montgomery Parks Announces December Special Events and Programs

By MCS Staff

Montgomery Parks has a festive lineup of special events and programs in December, including the continuation of the holiday favorite Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens, Holiday Barket, a dog-themed holiday market, several winter solstice celebrations and the return of our Urban Wood Sale. There are many ways to celebrate the holiday season at Montgomery Parks.December events in Montgomery Parks include: 

Garden of Lights | Through January 1, 2023 (closed December 24 – 25) | 5 – 9:30 p.m.

Go to Montgomery Parks Announces December Special Events and Programs Read more

Jingle Jubilee & Tree Lighting on December 3 in Gaithersburg

By MCS Staff

City of 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 96th 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. Masks are encouraged for this outdoor event.

Children & adults alike will delight in meeting Santa, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Paw Patrol, and other characters. Be sure to bring your camera to capture memorable holiday photos. Meet animal characters who benefit from clean streams, pose for pictures with the City’s newly painted snowplows and a beautifully decorated police car, write a letter to Santa, sing along to holiday songs with the Gaithersburg High School Band, and enjoy exhibits of diverse decorations & traditions.

Go to Jingle Jubilee & Tree Lighting on December 3 in Gaithersburg Read more

Winter City Lights Now Open in Olney (Aerial Preview)

By MCS Staff

Winter City Lights is described as “a magical holiday experience of 1 million twinkling lights spread across 18-acres of an outdoor winter wonderland where it is guaranteed to Winter City snow every night.” It’s now open 4501 Olney Laytonsville Road in Olney (preview below).

Per Winter City Lights: This is the largest light show in the Washington DC and Baltimore area. Winter City Lights is one of the most technologically advanced Christmas light experiences in the country. Complete with 14 bonfires, Winter City Lights includes an enchanted 1.5-mile long trail of Christmas lights and displays through the woods, a 52-foot high programmable Christmas lights tree and light show, a 200-foot diameter canopy of Christmas lights, an 8 lane Snow Tubing Ride, s’mores, funnel cakes & more.

Go to Winter City Lights Now Open in Olney (Aerial Preview) Read more

Things To Do in Montgomery Parks on Thanksgiving Weekend

By MCS Staff

Per Montgomery Parks: Family and friends in town for the holiday? Get outdoors and enjoy nature together in the parks! Check out these suggested activities for Thanksgiving weekend.

Ice Skating: Everyone loves ice skating! Our indoor ice centers—Cabin John Ice Rink(opens in a new tab) and Wheaton Ice Arena(opens in a new tab)—have public skating sessions this Friday, November 25, to Sunday, November 27. Visit our website for skating schedules.

Go to Things To Do in Montgomery Parks on Thanksgiving Weekend Read more

Montgomery County Recreation Will Celebrate Holiday Season with Festivals, Movies Events and Special Events

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County Recreation is hosting holiday-themed, family-friendly events for everyone to enjoy this winter. From cocoa and crafts to photos with Santa, December events will be hosted at community recreation centers, senior centers and aquatic facilities across the County. Registration for events can be completed online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. Registration for winter programs and activities is also currently underway. Upcoming special events hosted by Montgomery County Recreation will include:

Saturday, Dec. 3:

Go to Montgomery County Recreation Will Celebrate Holiday Season with Festivals, Movies Events and Special Events Read more

2022 Winter Lights Festival Opens On Friday, November 25

By MCS Staff

The City of Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival is getting ready to welcome visitors for another spectacular season. The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly November 25 through December 31. The festival is closed on December 25 and last entry for December 24 & 31 is 8:30 p.m. The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees that light up the night. The park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, conveniently accessible from I-270.

Advanced purchase of tickets is required and one ticket is required per vehicle and pricing/additional information can be seen below:

Go to 2022 Winter Lights Festival Opens On Friday, November 25 Read more
View More Stories