Enjoy the splendor of this holiday season with a spectacular array of festive celebrations throughout Maryland. Here is just a sampling of Maryland events and festivities.
The Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival has returned to Seneca Creek State Park for its 14th annual winter wonderland display through to January 2, 2010 (Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1). This is a great outing for all ages, particularly if you’ve got children to entertain! Drive through the 3.5-mile light display, or take the open-air trolley.The Garden in Lights on December 11-14, 17-21, 26-28 and 31 (closed during inclement weather) at Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and Arts Center, Solomons, Calvert County, is a delightful holiday light show full of imaginative creations and holiday “I Spy” games for children. Holiday art exhibits, refreshments and activities inside.
The Carroll County Farmers’ Market has all of your holiday needs at the Christmas Market and Handmade Craft Show to December 19 (8am-2pm) at the Agriculture Center, 700 Smith Ave, Westminster, Carroll County. More than 50 vendors with juried crafts, Christmas decorations, fresh-baked goods, gourmet food items, fresh greens and wreaths for sale.
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore City hosts Holiday Festival of Trains at the B&O through to January 3, 2010. One of the mid-Atlantic’s best holiday celebrations of toy trains and model railroading layouts. Santa will be present for visits with children on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the festival.
Enjoy lively Celtic harp music, shop for unique holiday gifts and enjoy hot wassail at the Celtic Christmas December 12-13, 19-20, 1-5pm at Boordy Vineyards, Hydes, Baltimore County. Wine tastings from Maryland’s oldest winery are also available.
Take a leisurely evening Candlelight Stroll on December 11-12, 18-19 through historic Annapolis, Maryland’s state capital since 1695. Guided tours begin at the City Dock information booth.
Historic Berlin, Worcester County, celebrates Victorian Christmas on Saturdays and Sunday, through to December 25. Berlin celebrates the season with life-size animated storybook displays, horse and carriage rides, visits with Santa, concerts, Victorian fashion show and teas.
Main Street, Quantico, Wicomico County hosts the 20th Annual Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes and Churches December 12-13, 5-8pm.
On various dates in November (now past of course) and December, St. Michaels, Oxford and Easton celebrate the holiday season in Talbot County’s picturesque hamlets with Talbot Twinkles – caroling, storytelling, festival of trees, “olde tyme” holiday parade, “midnight madness,” “moonlight madness” and other special events.
For more information about top events in Maryland take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-maryland.html
Or, take a look at the official web site for Maryland at http://visitmaryland.org