Full List Of Gaithersburg Holiday Events

GAITHERSBURG, MD - From the City of Gaithersburg: Celebrate the holiday season with the City of Gaithersburg. From a traditional tree lighting and visits with Santa to theatrical performances, a dazzling Winter Lights Festival and even a Hoppy New Year, there’s plenty of holiday fun for all ages. Links to all of these activities are conveniently packaged under Special Events – Holiday Festivities on the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

Art After Dark – Relax & Wreath

Nov. 9 , 6 – 8 p.m.

Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road

Let the master wreath makers from Butler's Orchard help you create a beautiful wreath to deck your halls and kick off the holiday season. Channel your creativity while enjoying music and light refreshments. To make it custom and unique, bring a 10 yard spool of 2½ inch ribbon of your choice and other custom decorations. A $35 materials fee due at workshop includes one grapevine wreath, pinecones, berries, other seasonal decorations, and all tools. Registration required. Register online here.

Miracle on 34th Street

Nov. 9 at 8 p.m., Nov. 10 at 1 & 8 p.m., Nov. 11 at 2 & 8 p.m.

Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

In partnership with Sandy Spring Theatre Group, Arts on the Green presents Miracle on 34th Street, a heartwarming holiday classic retold in the tradition of a live 1940s era radio broadcast. When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his sanity is questioned and a young lawyer goes to court to defend him. This show is recommended for ages 7 and older. Purchase tickets online here.

Leashes & Lights Dog Walk

Nov. 21, 6 – 9 p.m.

Seneca Creek State Park

Treat your pooch an exhilarating walk through the magical displays of the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival. You’ll also find vendors of dog-related products, hot beverages, and you can even take a pet selfie with Santa, all under a heated tent. Bring your own camera for the photos. Last entry is at 8 p.m. for all attendees, and registration will close when event reaches capacity. Admission is $10. City residents receive a $4 discount with advance registration. Dogs and children ages 4 and under are free. Register online here.

Winter Lights Festival

Nov. 24 – Dec. 31, Sun.- Thurs. 6 -9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 6 - 10 p.m.

(Closed 12/25)

Seneca Creek State Park

The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted woodland setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit park trees that brighten the night. Admission at the gate is $12 per car Monday through Thursday and $15 per car Friday through Sunday. Details here.

Turkeypalooza

Nov. 24, 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

A comedic and interactive Thanksgiving-themed movement performance featuring the VF Dance Theater. Let your imagination run wild as an ordinary house turns into an exciting Thanksgiving adventure. Admission is $15. This family-friendly performance is recommended for ages three and older. Purchase tickets online here.

Double Deception: An Evening of Astonishment

Nov. 24, 5 & 8 p.m.

Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

Oscar Wilde once wrote that the secret to life is to appreciate the pleasure of being terribly, terribly deceived. Join us for an intimate evening of magic, mystery and illusion starring the talented team of deception experts, David Meneses and Kourosh Taie. Admission is $20, $18 for ages 15 to 22 with student ID. Purchase tickets online here.

Zumba Turkey Burn Off

Nov. 25, 9 – 10 a.m.

Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Avenue

Dance off your holiday feast with this free Zumba exercise party for all ages.

A Christmas Carol

Nov. 25 – Dec. 10

Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 & 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., Thurs., Nov.30 at 8 p.m.

Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

In partnership with Kensington Arts Theatre, Arts on the Green presents the holiday classic A Christmas Carol. Admission is $20, $12 for ages 14 and under. This show is recommended for ages 7 and older. Purchase tickets online.

Family Holiday Mini Photo Sessions

Nov. 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road

Participate in 15-minute holiday photo sessions with Heartwing Photography. The beautifully decorated historic Kentlands Mansion provides the perfect backdrop for your family holiday portrait. The cost per session is $95 and includes an individual edited collection of photos, an online gallery, and 15 high-resolution downloads of your choice. Reservations are required. For reservations and information call 301-258-6425.

Winter Farmers & Artists Market Holiday Gift Shopping

Dec. 2 – 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Kentlands Main Street Pavilion

Shop unique holiday gifts including seasonal fresh produce, artisanal chocolates, blown glass, jewelry, hand knitted items, small batch distilled spirits, and much more.

Jingle Jubilee & Tree Lighting

Dec. 2, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

City Hall Concert Pavilion, 31 South Summit Avenue

Welcome the holidays with a traditional tree lighting ceremony, holiday music and a special visit from Santa. Enjoy performances by Impact Dance Studio, Gaithersburg High School Chamber Singers, Gaithersburg High School Band, and Pritchard Music Powerhouse Brass. Festivities include Gaithersburg Chorus Sing-Along, photo booth, costumed characters (Frosty, Rudolph, Elmo, Cookie Monster), holiday card signing for our troops, and giveaways. The donation of nonperishable food and household items to benefit homeless veterans is also welcome. Click here for needed items. Free admission, hot chocolate and food for sale.

Gaithersburg Chorus Holiday Concert

Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.

Asbury Methodist Village

Join the Gaithersburg Chorus in celebrating its 30th anniversary with a free holiday concert. Reception to follow. All ages welcome.

A “Chili” Winter Night

Dec. 8 , 6 – 9 p.m.

Casey Community Center

Dine on a delicious chili dinner at Casey Community Center and then enjoy a bus tour of the beautiful Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children ages four to ten, and includes meal, beverages and Winter Lights admission. Ages 3 and under are free. Registration deadline is Nov. 30. Call 301-258-6366 to reserve.

All Aboard with Santa

Dec. 9, 4 – 6:30 p.m.

Community Museum

A chance for train lovers to visit with Santa! Festivities include a visit with Santa in the caboose, vintage model train cars and stories in the Budd Car, and play and learn opportunities in the Freight House. Enjoy fresh baked cookies, hot chocolate for the little ones, and tea and coffee in the 1884 Railroad Station. Admission is $10 per child, $5 adults. Purchase tickets online here.

Art Night Out – Holiday Fun

Dec. 15 • 7 – 9:30 p.m.

Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

Everything is supplied for a beautiful holiday-inspired art project. Just bring your sense of adventure and fun. Cost is $50, $45 for City of Gaithersburg residents (includes one drink ticket). $5 discount if two or more register together. This program is for ages 21 and over, photo ID required. Register online here.

Cool Yule - Holiday Jazz with Mark G. Meadows

Dec. 15, 8 p.m.

Kentlands Mansion

Enjoy arrangements of holiday favorites and endearing originals in the beautifully decorated Kentlands Mansion with acclaimed jazz composer, pianist, vocalist, collaborator, recording artist, teacher, and actor, Mark G. Meadows. There’s something for everyone in his music, which harmonizes pop, gospel, R&B, hip hop, funk, and jazz. Admission is $25, $15 youth 18 and under. Purchase tickets online.

A Morning with Santa

Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Casey Community Center, 810 South Frederick Avenue

Cozy up near the fireplace to decorate cookies, color winter scenes, enjoy holiday music, and take a picture with Santa. Bring your own camera. Admission is $5 per person, children 3 and under are free. Call 301-258-6366 or visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov to purchase tickets.

Holiday Tea & Art Party

December 16, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

Spend a relaxing afternoon creating your very own holiday inspired art while enjoying afternoon tea and delicious treats. All materials provided. $60 for City residents, $65 for nonresidents. $5 off if two or more register. Suitable for ages 12+. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Register online here.

Caroling in the Kentlands and Free Concert

Dec. 16

6 p.m. – Caroling (meet at Lakelands Clubhouse)

7:30 p.m. – Free Concert at Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

Get in the holiday spirit with a caroling sing-along in the beautifully decorated Kentlands & Lakelands neighborhoods. Meet at the Lakelands Clubhouse at 6 p.m. After caroling, come to the Arts Barn for hot drinks and yummy treats at 7 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., enjoy a holiday concert by the Gaithersburg Chorus and the Kentlands Children’s Chorus.

A Singer Songwriter Holiday

Dec. 17, 7 p.m.

Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

Local singer songwriter favorites come together for an evening of traditional and original holiday songs. Mix and mingle with the artists after the performance. Admission is $25, $15 Youth 18 & under. Purchase tickets online here.

New Year’s Blood Drive

Jan. 4, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Casey Community Center, 810 South Frederick Avenue

Start the New Year off by helping others at a New Year's Red Cross Blood Drive at Casey Community Center. Ages 17 and older. Register online here or call 301-258-6366. Walk-ins are welcome

Hoppy New Year

Jan. 5, 6 – 10 p.m.

Casey Community Center, 810 South Frederick Avenue

Enjoy beer tasting of local, seasonal brews, live music and food. Admission is $25 and includes four tastings. Discounted admission for non-tasters is $10. Must be 21 or older, photo ID required. Call 301-258-6366 or visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov to purchase tickets.

For more information, visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

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