Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews are coming for the holidays. You barely have time to plan menus or do laundry. What will you do with everyone for fun? We’re here to help. Check out these activity suggestions for your out-of-town guests in this week’s Parks’ Picks.
Garden of Lights
Garden of Lights(opens in a new tab) twinkles and dazzles at Brookside Gardens. The walk-through outdoor exhibition offers a glowing winter experience for all ages. Open nightly except December 24 and 25. Plan ahead because tickets are booking quickly.
Public Skating
Enjoy winter indoors at our ice centers(opens in a new tab). Bring everyone to daily public ice skating sessions at Cabin John Ice Rink(opens in a new tab) and Wheaton Ice Arena(opens in a new tab).
Open Parkways(opens in a new tab)
Run, walk, bike, skate, or scoot together on our car-free streets. Sections of Beach Drive, Little Falls Parkway, and Sligo Creek Parkway will be open Thursday, December 23, to Sunday, December 26, and Thursday, December 30, to Sunday, January 2.
Trails
If your family wants more nature, go into the woods! Montgomery Parks has about 280 miles of trails for all hiking abilities. Check out our website(opens in a new tab)and find trails to explore.
Parents with preschoolers may enjoy more organized trail activities, like Brookside Nature Center’s Nature Search on December 22(opens in a new tab) and December 29(opens in a new tab) from 10 am to 11 am, or Locust Grove Nature Center’s Reflections(opens in a new tab) special programs through December 31.
Winter Solstice
Celebrate the first day of winter and light up the longest night of the year at Locust Grove Nature Center’s Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk and Campfire(opens in a new tab) on Tuesday, December 21, from 4 to 7 pm. Best for families with children six and older.
Before leaving home, please visit our website and check for facility holiday hours.
Silver Spring ice skating is back at Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. Just like last season, reservations are required to skate.
More information, courtesy of Silver Spring Ice Skating, below:
- Welcome to the Reservation Section for the Silver Spring Outdoor Ice Skating 2021 – 2022 Season.
- This season reservations are required to skate at the rink. Reservations are open two weeks in advance
- You need to reserve your arrival time slot. Please click on the time to adjust the date and time requested.
- To make your reservation, select your time and the number of people at your party. We are asking for your name, email, and phone number to complete the reservation.
- All skaters or non-skaters must have a pre-purchased ticket to enter the venue. (Skating guests under the age of 12 may have one parent or guardian accompany them. This person will be asked to stay in a public viewing area while the minor skates.) The Day of your Reservation:
- You must arrive within 10 minutes of your scheduled reservation time. If you are more than 10 minutes early you will be asked to wait until your scheduled start time. If you are more than 10 minutes late your reservation will automatically be canceled and you will lose the opportunity to skate.
- Please observe social distancing while at the facility, on the ice rink itself, and while waiting to enter the facility. Masks must be worn inside of the facility.
- An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people outside of your household are present. According to the CDC, older adults and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting the facility, you voluntarily assume the risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Celebrate the holiday season from 1-4pm at the Norfolk Avenue Streetery (corner of Norfolk and St. Elmo Avenues) in downtown Bethesda with live ice sculpting, live music and more!
Thank you to 97.1 WASH-FM for supporting Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland. If you can’t make it to the festival, you can still listen to the music live.
This event is being hosted by Bethesda Urban Partnership. The mission of the Bethesda Urban Partnership is to create an environment in which downtown businesses and residents can thrive and prosper.
Looking for additional things to do in MoCo this holiday season? We’ve created a list with 10 more fun local events that you can check out in this link.
Bethesda’s Pooch Portrait Studio is offering complimentary, holiday pet portraits to the first 75 guests on Sunday, December 12th at Rose Park at North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose.
WHAT: Pike & Rose presents complimentary holiday pet portraits in Rose Park by Pooch Portrait Studio.
WHEN: Sunday, December 12th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DETAILS: Pooch Portraits sessions are available to the first 75 guests.
Enjoy drinks at the Julii pop-up bar beginning at 10:00 a.m. while this festive photography experience captures pets for an unforgettable holiday moment.
For more information visit, https://www.facebook.com/events/384911723315668?ref=newsfeed
There will be a free, interactive LEGO Menorah lighting event at Bethesda Row on November 28th that will include activities for the whole family.
Per Axiom Communications:
Bring the family for an interactive LEGO menorah building event to celebrate the start of Hanukah at Bethesda Row(across from the Apple Store), Sunday, November 28th at 5:00 p.m.
The festive and fun evening will feature:
- The construction and kindling of a giant LEGO menorah
- Chocolate gelt
- Chanukah music
- Build-your-own LEGO Dreidel gifts
- A magic and juggling show
- Selfies with Judah Macabee!
The event is free, and no RSVP is required. For more information visit www.shalomchabad.com or call 301.913.9777.
The Washington Wizards have brought back the popular postgame concert series for the current season. The team is looking to provide a great time for fans who are enjoying the Wizards’ hot start, as the team is currently 11-5.
Earlier this month, the Wizards brought in local legends, Backyard Band, DC Vybe Band, DJ Ezzy, and TCB to perform following a game.
Up next is Grammy Award winner Ludacris, who will be performing on Friday, Dec. 3 following the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Capital One Arena.
Per NBA.com:
The career of the multitalented Chris “LUDACRIS” BIdges can best be described as remarkable. As a recording artist, he has sold more than 15 million albums domestically, thanks to the blockbuster success of such singles as “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker” and “My Chick Bad.” All these records were accompanied by ingenious videos that demonstrated Bridges’ far-reaching imagination, and his willingness to stretch the boundaries of what rap videos should look and feel like.
With an unrivaled match of lyrical acumen, wit, and imagery, Bridges has solidified himself as one of music’s premier entertainers. Although he’s best known for his infectious tunes, Ludacris has shown that he’s equally adept at writing powerful songs with serious subject matter, including runaways, with the song “Runaway Love.” Bridges’ versatility and artistic complexity also enabled him to make a seamless transition to acting.
In 2017, Bridges starred in the highly anticipated The Fate of the Furious, which broke records at the box office, becoming the highest grossing film opening worldwide. He reprised his role of Tej in Fast & Furious 9, which debuted this past June. In 2018, Bridges was featured on Carrie Underwood’s platinum song “The Champion” on which he was a songwriter. Bridges was also featured in movies “Ride” and “Show Dogs” in 2018.
His other feature film credits include Universal Pictures’ Fast 7, Fast & Furious 6, Fast Five, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Garry Marshall’s ensemble comedy New Year’s Eve; and Ivan Reitman’s romantic comedy, No Strings Attached, opposite Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman. His acclaimed performances in film, (Crash, Hustle & Flow), and television, (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), have Hollywood and critics alike buzzing about his increasingly impressive screen resume. Stepping back into the studio, he is working on new music with an album release sometime this year.
A consummate businessman, Ludacris is enjoying success outside of entertainment. His latest venture includes launching his educational platform devoted to the enrichment of children called “KidNation”. In addition, the opening of his long-anticipated restaurant “Chicken-n-Beer” located at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport.
Bridges’ philanthropic efforts rival his entertainment accomplishments. He started The Ludacris Foundation in 2001 which focuses on helping the youth in his hometown of Atlanta. In addition, he has recently partnered with No Kid Hungry and Feeding America.
Leaves are falling. Temperatures are dropping. And, the holiday season is only days away. Here are activities to get you in the mood and to enjoy with family and guests from November 18 to 28.
Winter Light Show
Take in the dazzling colors and bask in the glow at Brookside Gardens’ Garden of Lights. The walk-through outdoor light display opens Friday, November 19, and will be open Saturday, November 20, and Sunday, November 21, from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. All visitors three years of age and older must have advance tickets. There will be no ticket sales at the entry gate. Garden of Lights will be closed November 22 to 25.
Get Moving
Get outdoors and get moving with two adult hiking programs: Bombay Hook Natural Wildlife Refuge Trip on Monday, November 22, 10 am, and What Is That Tree: Surviving Winter at Blockhouse Point Conservation Park on Saturday, November 27, 10 am.
Burn off calories and make room for turkey and trimmings at the family-friendly Gobbler Fun Run and Walk on Saturday, November 20, 9 am to 12 pm, at Wheaton Regional Park. All ages are welcome on our three-mile course. Bring nonperishable food to donate to our event partner, Shepherd’s Table.
Hit the Ice
Lace up and enjoy time at our indoor ice centers with adult, family, and children’s skating programs: Adults Only Public Skating on Thursday, November 18, 8:30 to 10 pm; Fairy Tale Skate on Tuesday, November 23, 2 to 4 pm; and Public Skating for all ages.
Family Programs
Learn all about Thanksgiving’s main bird at Maydale Conservation Park’s Turkey Talk(opens in a new tab) on Thursday, November 18, at 10:30 am. Looking for more children’s programs? Check out these on Saturday, November 20: Nature Hunt(opens in a new tab) at Black Hill Regional Park, 1 to 3 pm, or Drag Queen Story Hour(opens in a new tab) at Brookside Gardens, 10:30 am to 11:30 am.
Montgomery Parks…it’s all here!
Updated on 11/17 to reflect that ice skating will not be available at the event.
Light up the holiday season at the Rockville Town Square’s annual neighborhood tree lighting with non-profit partners Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Friday, November 19th from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
The festive and fun evening will include:
- 6:00 p.m. – Music from King Teddy, selfies with Santa, merchant tents open and strolling entertainment
- 6:45 p.m. – Countdown to tree lighting begins
- 7:00 p.m. – Dance performance by Dawn Crafton Dance Connection
- 7:30 p.m. – Music from King Teddy continues until end of event, at 8:30 p.m.
Ice skating will not be available.
- Dawsons: $4 draft beer, $2 off any sandwiches, $2 hot chocolate
- Cottage Monet: Free ornament with every purchase over $20
- Color Me Mine: Register to win a $50 gift card
Per the Rockville Town Square website, Rockville Ice Skating Rink is open November 11th, 2021 through March 20th, 2022
- Saturday: 10am – 11pm
- Sunday: 10am – 10pm
- Monday: Noon – 10pm
- Tuesday: Noon – 10pm
- Wednesday: Noon – 10pm
- Thursday: Noon – 10pm
Click here for more information on pricing, holiday hours, group rates, events and lessons.
For more information visit https://rockvilletownsquare.com/or https://www.facebook.com/RockvilleTownSq
Each year, for the past 39 years, the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase and the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary have teamed up to host an annual Turkey Chase Charity Race.
Prior to the pandemic, the event was run each year on Thanksgiving Day in Bethesda and was the largest 10K in Montgomery County. This year (as with last year,) the event will be virtual. Participants across the DMV region are invited to walk, run or bike on their own from Nov. 15 to Nov. 30.
As was the case last year, the virtual event allows the event to be expanded throughout the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. region in a format that allows registrants to walk, run or bike on their own any date from Nov. 15 to Nov. 30. Participants may choose to do a 5K run or walk (or a combination), a 10K run/walk, a two-mile walk and a 10-mile bike ride. Families, organizations and companies are encouraged to enroll and participate as teams. Registration is open at turkeychase.com.
The event helps provide much-needed funds for community programs and support for YMCA’s throughout the DMV. “The past year has been a tougher year than usual for many families in the Washington, D.C. community,” explained Angie Reese-Hawkins, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. “The Y has been actively supporting many of these families over the past year and the need is more critical now than ever.”
Throughout the pandemic and continuing, Washington area YMCA’s have provided a broad spectrum of community programs, services and support including serving more than 146,209 pounds of meals and produce and helping 14,416 local families; providing daycare at four YMCA’s for essential workers; hosting blood drives (area blood banks have been in great need); providing daycare for families throughout the DMV; and providing online classes, while also opening Y’s under area guidelines and restrictions.
Sponsorships of the Turkey Chase are available from $3,000 to $30,000 (title) and provide great visibility in front of a large audience. Complimentary entries come with sponsorships. For sponsorship information, please contact Carla Larrick, vice president of operations or Genette Comfort, vice president of philanthropy for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington at [email protected].
Back again this year, is the opportunity to donate $200 to feed families. A “Food for Good” donation provides a week’s worth of local produce for five families while also supporting local farmers. “More than 400,000 individuals face food insecurity within the Metropolitan Washington region,” said Reese-Hawkins. “The YMCA addresses food insecurity by working with Mid-Atlantic farmers to distribute food to DVM families.”
For more information on the 39th Annual Turkey Chase, including sponsorship, registration and “Food for Good” donations, visit www.turkeychase.com. For more information on the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, visit www.ymcadc.org.
The “Fair Hill Fall 2021 Spooktacular”, which was originally scheduled for today (Saturday, October 30th), has been rescheduled to tomorrow (Sunday, October 31st) from 1pm-3pm.
The free event will take place at the Fair Hill shopping center in Olney and will offer:
• Live entertainment
• Costume contest
• Balloon art
• Scarecrow making
• Prizes
• Crafts
• Scarecrow selfies
and more fun and free activities for families.
The event was rescheduled due to potentially poor weather that is in the forecast today.
Marian Fryer Plaza is located at 2424 Reedie Drive at the Wheaton Triangle Business District. Lot and garage parking is available across the street from the plaza on Grandview Avenue.
All attendees are encouraged to wear costumes.
Activities at HalloWheaton will include pumpkin and mask painting, S’mores roasting and caramel apples, face painting, balloon sculptures, caricature drawing, lawns games, hot chocolate and cider. All activities, food and soft drinks are free while supplies last.
A DJ will provide music throughout HalloWheaton.
The event will include a beer and wine garden, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to benefit Mid-County United Ministries (MUM), a food pantry in downtown Wheaton.
More information can be obtained at https://www.wheatonmd.org/.
