“And finally Winter, with its bitin', whinin' wind, and all the land will be mantled with snow.” -Roy Bean
Here are our picks for you and your family to enjoy this weekend in and around Gaithersburg.
- , Friday, Dec. 9: You can help the Montgomery County Humane Society volunteer dog walkers by making wish list donations through December 20 in anticipation of a special Holiday with the Shelter Dogs. Preferred items include new blankets, bones (not rawhide), toys, and anything else on the list -- you may add your donations to the decorated box in the shelter lobby or drop them off at the “Unleashed” pet stores located in Olney, Gaithersburg and Olney. Volunteers will distribute the "holiday presents" to each dog in the shelter on December 22
- , Friday, Dec. 9, Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11: 16th Annual City of Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival - a 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 380 illuminated displays and 60 animated vignettes that light up the night. Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole, and much more. The park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, just a few miles west of the intersection with I-270.
- , Friday, Dec. 9: Join Whole Foods in the Kentlands for Story Time and snacks in the Cafe.
- , Friday, Dec. 9, Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11: Celebrate the holidays with a classic performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” by Montgomery Playhouse at the Arts Barn. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the heartless miser who discovers the true meaning of the holiday season after a Christmas Eve haunting, features all of Charles Dickens’ beloved characters: Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future. This show is suitable for ages eight and older.
- , Friday, Dec 9, Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11: The 60+ members of the Gaithersburg Community Chorus are pleased to present three glorious nights of Handel’s Messiah, directed by Hugh Harvey, III and accompanied by MaryLu Hartsell. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. This program is presented by the City of Gaithersburg Cultural Arts Advisory Committee.
- , Saturday, Dec. 10: Enjoy area High School Carolers and Band Ensembles on the Lakefront Plaza in front of the Christmas tree at the Rio between 12:00-4:30p.m.
- , Friday, Dec, 9, Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11: Santa is ready for hugs and photos at Lakeforest Mall. Santa’s hours are: Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. with breaks from: 1:00 p.m.-1:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. with a break from: 2:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
- , Friday, Dec. 9, Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11: Gaylord National's popular ICE! winter holiday attraction returns with an all-new, hilarious theme: ICE! featuring DreamWorks' Merry Madagascar. From Nov. 18 to Jan. 8, the DreamWorks Animation holiday TV special will be brought to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures carved entirely from TWO-MILLION pounds of ice. Hours vary, check website for times and cost.
- , Friday, Dec. 9 – Tuesday, Dec. 13: Gaithersburg’s Activity Center at Bohrer Park proudly hosts the Freddie Mac Foundation Heart Gallery in December. The Gallery features compelling portraits of local children in foster care who are waiting to be adopted. The moving photos capture the spirit of these children – all of whom are hoping to find a loving, permanent family of their own. Forty eight children will be featured in the exhibit, and as a result stand a better chance of being adopted by the adults who see the pictures. By putting these children’s faces in the public eye, the Foundation hopes to find them permanent homes and raise awareness of the plight of more than 500 foster children in the region.
- , Saturday. Dec. 10: Donation drive for All Breed Rescue and Referral Inc. Help local animal rescue groups with greatly needed donated items. View wish list and other locations/rescues at www.warmheartshappypaws.com.
- , Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11: "Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." But wait! A mouse is stirring - because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say "Merry Christmas!” we're off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf and a spunky little girl who just won't take no for an answer. Don't miss this joyful tribute to the holiday season from three-time Tony nominee and Olivier Award winning playwright Ken Ludwig.
- , Saturday, Dec. 10: The Seneca Valley High School Choir will perform at the RIO right outside Joes' Crab Shack at the tree from 3:00-4:30 p.m.
