Tree Lighting, Santa And The Grinch, Live Music At Area Malls

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A tree lighting and Santa's debut at Bowie Town Center will take place Dec. from 6 to 8 p.m. There also will be live music and a free hot chocolate bar courtesy of Starbucks as everyone gathers to watch the lighting of the 20th anniversary 20-foot-tall tree.

Accompanying Santa to the Bowie Town Center will be the Grinch. Everyone will receive a free candy cane, too.

Kids can visit Santa and have their photo taken every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m between Dec. 4 and Dec. 19, then weekdays from 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20-23 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24.

Holiday festivities at the Laurel Town Center will include special music by the CAISO Steel Drum Band Dec. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m., a performance by the Marshall White Brass Trio Dec. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m., and two appearances by Victorian carolers Dec. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Dec. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.

At the Mall at Prince George's County, pet photos can be taken with Santa Mondays through Dec. 20. Kids photo sessions with Santa can be reserved in advance now through Dec. 24. Santa will hear kids' wish lists weekdays from noon to 8 p.m. with a break from 3 to 4 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with two breaks of 1 to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. with a break from 2:30 to 3 p.m.