The time has come, everyone is beginning to gear up for the holidays. Shopping has begun, decorations are going up, and peppermint lattes are back. Though for many this season is bringing stress, luckily Frederick is full of fun holiday themed activities to ease your mind from the money being spent on gifts and get you in the holly jolly spirit.

1. City of Brunswick, Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

If you are looking for a joyful small town feel to get you into the Christmas spirit Brunswick’s annual holiday parade is coming up. Saturday, December 2nd, from 3-8pm, go to 1 W Potomac Street Brunswick, MD for activities appealing to all ages, free of charge! This holiday parade begins at 5pm with the tree lighting to follow.

2. Kris Kringle Procession

You’re not going to want to miss out on one of Frederick’s biggest parades, The Kris Kringle Procession. The parade will begin at the corner of South Carroll and East Patrick streets in Frederick and end in Baker Park with the lighting of the tree. Many local organizations, musical groups, and holiday characters will be walking to the parade. Again, this event is free of charge and has fun activities to occupy all ages! December 8th, 2023, at 6:30pm.

3. Maryland Ensemble Theater—A Christmas Carol  

This show is a Christmas classic everyone should see, and a great way to get in the holiday spirit while you sit back and enjoy. Check out The Maryland Ensemble Theater’s performance of A Christmas Carol at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, December 15th-17th. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for children, a great deal for an even better show!

4. Maryland Regional Ballet—The Nutcracker

You can’t have a holiday season without the Nutcracker. Support Frederick’s talent local ballerinas from Frederick Classical Ballet, partnered with artists all the way from New York City as they perform the classic Nutcracker. See this amazing ballet at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, December 8th-10th and purchase tickets. 

5. The Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights is a fun family event sure to get you ready for the holiday season. Friday, December 15th, at 7pm, come listen to the amazing carols, Christmas sing-along, and candle light ceramony filling the courtyard with stunning lights.  This fun holiday event will take place at 101 N. Court Street, entry free of charge.

6. Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

No one wants to miss this beautiful Frederick tradition. Every holiday season local businesses and organizations fill Carrol Creek with individually designed boats filled with unique designs and beautiful lights. You have plenty of opportunity to see these amazing creations, as they will be in the canal from November 2023 to March 2024. Not only are they beautiful, but the Sailing Through the Winter Solstice has raised thousands of dollars in past years for charities around Frederick County.

7. Winter Lights Festival

Who doesn’t love a good Christmas light show? The Winter Lights Festival in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is truly one to see. Admission ranges from $15-$30 and must be purchased ahead of time. You have the opportunity to see these lights until December 24th at Seneca Creek State Park 11950 Clopper Road Gaithersburg, MD 20878. (Closed December 25th).

8. Live Nativity

A great way to celebrate the season is a reminder of Christmas’s origin. Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church will sponsor this event in the Urbana Fire Hall Parking Lot with live nativity performances under the stars December 3rd, at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm.

9. Frederick Holiday Art Competition

Come support local Frederick artists as the Delaplaine Arts and Crafts Expo turns into a winter wonderland. Come explore this artist market containing holiday themed fine art, pottery, jewelry, and more. This event is the perfect place to get some holiday shopping done while simultaneously supporting local artists. Admission is completely free. Come to Gardiner Hall, December 2nd, 10am-4pm: 40 S. Carroll St.

10. Museums by Candlelight

Come attend Frederick’s 275th anniversary of doing museums by candlelight. This free event is self guided, as you observe living history scenes, themed crafts, tours, holiday decorations/music and local history all by candlelight. Visit any location you want, in any order at Rose Hill Manor Park and Museums, December 9th, at 7:30pm.