Make Plans for Merriment
Dickens of a Christmas
Nov. 24 & 25; Dec. 8 & 9-Stroll the lanes of historic Ellicott City on the Spirits of Christmas Past tour. Enjoy tales of local holiday tradition as you stroll thru the decorated town. Also learn how Charles Dickens’ visit to the area may have influenced his classic tale, A Christmas Carol. Includes dinner in 1 of 3 restaurants plus hot cider and refreshments along the walk. $30; rsvp: 800/288-8747 www.howardcountymdtour.com.
Melodize in Messiah
Line up Dec. 2 for Dec. 23-Add yourself to a part of one of the season’s most glorious experiences — singing as part of a massive chorus in a performance of Handel’s Messiah. The Kennedy Center’s soul-stirring Messiah Sing-Along has free tickets for whoever gets them first, granting a spot in the Dec. 23 choral concert (7:30pm). Maximum 2/person; good up until 15 min. before the performance — then your seat goes to people waiting in line. Dress warmly and line up before 10am @ Hall of Nations, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC: 800/444-1324 www.kennedy-center.org.
Gratifying Gala
Sat. Dec. 2-Dress up in your finest for this black-tie evening of fine dining and dancing, all the while supporting many worthy causes at the 36th Annual Holly Ball. Also put your bid on a variety of desirables at silent auction, including dinners, overnight stays and jewelry. Sponsored by Severn Town Club to benefit Hospice of the Chesapeake and Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Complementary photos by Buxton Photography of Severna Park at 6pm; auction and cocktails 6:30pm; dinner 8pm; dancing to the music of Crabtowne Big Band 8-midnight @ Sheraton Barcelo Hotel, Annapolis. $125; rsvp: 410/544-0121.
Jingle Against Arthritis
Sun. Dec. 3-Loosen up those stiff winter bones in a run to fight arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation sponsors the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis, featuring a mall walk, a 5k fun run/walk, and an 8k run w/prizes in gender and age groups. Also enjoy a costume contest, the Rudolf Romp for kids (50/100-yd. dash) and visits by Santa and friends. Raise $25+ in pledges and get T-shirts, jingle bells and other prizes. Outside course uses the B&A Trail. 8am @ Ruby Tuesday outside entrance, Marley Station. rsvp early, limit is 1,000 runners; or take your chances at 6:30am race day: 410/544-5433 www.arthritis.org.
His Lordship’s Holiday Tea
rsvp by Dec. 6 for Dec. 10-Sit down to a holiday dessert tea at His Lordship’s Kindness (c. 1787), a National Historic Landmark gilded for the holidays. Also enjoy a brief tour. 6-9pm SaSu; 6-8pm M @ His Lordship’s Kindness, Clinton. $16; rsvp: 301/856-0358.
Candlelight Pub Crawl
Dec. 7, 10, 14, 17-Meander betwixt taverns as Three Centuries Tours hosts the annual Christmas Candlelight Pub Crawl. The progressive feast is led by costumed guides, lighting the way w/lanterns thru historic downtown Annapolis. Within the warmth of the taverns, enjoy a Christmas supper and raise wine glasses to toast the season, a winsome lass or a prosperous New Year. Wrap it all up at the last stop over a Yuletide dessert and a steaming mug of Irish coffee, complemented by merry carols. By early rsvp @ downtown Annapolis. $79: 410/263-5401.
Navy Band Noël
rsvp by Dec. 8 for Dec. 16 & 17-The US Navy Band gathers all its specialty groups together for the rousing Happy Holidays concert. 7:30pm Sa; 3pm Su @ Constitution Hall, 18th & D Sts. NW, Washington, DC. Free; rsvp: 202/433-2525.
Christmas Candlelight Stroll
Dec. 8, 9, 15 & 16-Warm up your holiday spirit with Three Centuries Tours’ Christmas Candlelight Stroll thru the full-size Christmas village known as Annapolis. Glowing lanterns light your way thru the historic downtown made magical for the season. By early rsvp @ downtown Annapolis. $9 w/discounts: 410/263-5401.
Glow in Eastport’s Lights Parade
rsvp asap for Dec. 9-Get your gilded boat in the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade. On-line registration: lightsparade@eastportyc.org www.eastportyc.org • 410/312-1852.
South Calvert’s Lights at Home Contest
rsvp by Dec. 10 for judging Dec. 11-15-Plan early for winning cash prizes for the most original & creative holiday lighting & decoration in Southern Community Center’s Holiday House Décor Contest. Residents of Broomes Island, Dowell, Lusby, Port Republic, Solomons and St. Leonard are invited to indulge in a little friendly competition with the added incentive of $100, $50 and $25 cash prizes. Apply @ Southern Community Center, Lusby. $7: 410/586-1101.
Eating Together Keeps a Community Strong
Sun. Dec. 10-Eat among good company in a beautifully decorated setting as Shady Side Rural Heritage Society hosts the annual Christmas Brunch. A great way for neighbors to meet, it continues a Shady Side Leatherbury family tradition of a bountiful holiday gathering. After, buy local books, calendar, ornaments and cards for gifts. 11-2 @ Captain Salem Avery House Museum, Shady Side. $12.50; rsvp: 410/867-2866.
Mozart by Candlelight
rsvp early for Dec. 10-Share in a beautiful European tradition as the Annapolis Opera presents its popular annual performance of Mozart by Candlelight. Garbed in authentic colonial costumes, singers dramatize Mozart’s most popular arias. Enjoy a reception afterward. 4:30pm & 7pm @ Great Hall, St. John’s College, Annapolis. $32; rsvp: 410/267-8135.
Joy of Christmas
rsvp asap for Dec. 16-18-Experience the grandeur of Christmas in the ornate Washington National Cathedral as its resident chorus, the 180-voice Cathedral Choral Society, performs the annual Joy of Christmas concert. Enjoy uplifting song as the chorus opens w/an Advent wreath procession and fills the program w/seasonal favorites and carols for all to sing. Edward M. Nassor plays a prelude and postlude on the cathedral’s 53-bell carillon, Eric Plutz accompanies the choir and the program includes music by a full orchestra. Nicole LaCroix of WETA-FM gives free pre-concert lectures (2:30pm SaSu). Concerts are very popular; buy tickets asap. 4pm SaSu; 7:30pm M @ Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts & Wisconsin Aves., NW, Washington, DC. $15-$43: 202/537-8980.
Volunteer for First Night
Lend a hand to First Night Annapolis’ 2001 celebration and they’ll put a free admission button in it so you can enjoy the fun before & after your shift. Friends, couples and families will be assigned together: 410/268-8553 www.firstnightannapolis.org.
Handel’s Messiah Maxes Out
Heads up for next year- Tickets for next year’s Messiah at the the Naval Academy Chapel go on sale just after Veterans Day: 410/293-tixs www.tickets.com.
Santa Sightings
Santa Makes Tracks to B&O
Fri. Nov. 24-Greet Santa as he arrives by train into B&O Railroad Museum’s roundhouse for 1 day of visits. Climb onto the back of the locomotive to deliver your requests; then browse the railroad gift shop. 11-3 @ B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore. $7 w/discounts: 410/752-2388.
Santa Tours Annapolis
Fri. Nov. 24-Santa arrives by City of Annapolis Fire Boat at 1:15pm at City Dock. From down on the dock, he and his bag of candy hitch a ride on a fire engine to Graul’s Shopping Center (1:55-2:10pm); Newtowne 20 Apartment Complex (2:25-2:40pm); Robinwood Apartment Complex (2:55-3:10pm); Giant at Bay Forest Center (3:25-3:40pm) and Eastport Shopping Center (3:55-4:15pm): 410/263-1183.
Santa Lights Leonardtown
Fri. Nov. 24-Find snacks and visit with Santa in St. Mary’s County after he lights the Christmas tree in Leonardtown Square. 7pm @ Washington St., Leonardtown: 301/475-4572.
Harbour Center Hosts St. Nick
Nov. 24 & 25, Dec. 2 & 9-Santa arrives by horse-drawn carriage. Visit jolly old St. Nick and give him your wish list, then find even more to make you merry as Pip the Christmas Mouse, carolers, musicians and old-fashioned carriage rides fill out your visit. Noon-3 @ Annapolis Harbour Center: 410/266-5857.
Santa Visits Festival of Trees
Sat. Nov. 25-Meet up w/Santa in this indoor grove of 50+ decked out Christmas trees in Calvert Hospice’s 12th Annual Festival of Trees. Choose breakfast or lunch w/the jolly old elf for kids 3-8. Breakfast 9-10:15am; lunch 11:30-12:45 @ Patuxent High, Lusby. $5/kid per meal; rsvp: 301/855-2756.
Cocoa and Cookies with Frosty
Sat. Dec. 2-Filling in for Santa, Frosty welcomes kids ages 3-5 for treats and fun. 11-1 @ Southern Community Center, Lusby. $2; rsvp: 410/586-1101.
Skate with Santa
Sat. Dec. 2-Strap on skates and round the rink with good old St. Nick in Diane Herbert Dance Studio’s Skate with Santa. Enjoy 3 hours of skating plus a show by the studio’s students and a pizza dinner (drinks for sale). 4:30-7:30pm @ Calvert Roller Skating Center, Owings. $6 + skate rental: 301/855-8855.
Pets Pictured with Santa Claws
Dec. 2 & 3-Bring in your furry, finned or feathered best friends for photos on the lap of Santa Claws. Benefits SPCA of Anne Arundel County. 10-5 @ PetSmart, Annapolis. $9.95 ($5 goes to SPCA): 800/4-petsmart.
Breakfast with Santa & Talent Machine
Dec. 2, 9 & 16-Sit down to a hearty breakfast w/Santa Claus, Rudolph, Frosty and the cast members of The Talent Machine Company’s Holiday Magic 2000. Following food, a spirited show. Doors open 8:30am; breakfast 9am @ Buddy’s, Annapolis. rsvp: $9.95: 410/956-0512.
Santa at Salem Avery
Sun. Dec. 3-Kids and their parents are invited to a Children’s Christmas Party by the Bay. It’ll be time to decorate the tree w/ornaments made by Shady Side Elementary students. Then eat Christmas snacks, listen to Christmas music & stories and confide your wishes to Santa. 1-3pm @ Captain Salem Avery House Museum, Shady Side. Free: 410/867-2866.
Santa Stops at Crofton
Mon. Dec. 4-Today is Santa’s day to visit Crofton, and he arrives ceremoniously by firetruck. Kids enjoy confidences and pictures with the generous elf, plus song and treats. Sponsored by Crofton Civic Assoc. 7pm @ Crofton Country Club: 410/721-2301.
Santa Snacks on Pizza
Fri. Dec. 8-That jolly old elf Santa Claus welcomes kids ages 3-7 to a pizza party, pleasing all with holiday crafts, games and time to share wishes. Standard lap sittings. 7-8:30 pm @ Southern Community Center, Lusby. $6; rsvp: 410/586-1101.
Santa’s at the Beach
Thurs. Dec. 13-That jolly old elf Santa Claus welcomes kids ages 2-10 to Dinner with Santa, pleasing all with supper, dessert, songs and lap sittings. 6:30pm @ Northeast Community Center, Chesapeake Beach. $4; rsvp: 410/257-2554.
Cookies with Santa
Fri. Dec. 15-Kids nosh milk and cookies in a visit with Santa. 6:30-7:30pm @ Mt. Hope Community Center, Sunderland. $4; rsvp: 410/257-6770.
Brunch with Santa
Sat. Dec. 16-Share pancakes and cocoa w/Santa and his helpers. 11-1 @ Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West St. $18; $12/kids; rsvp: 410/263-7777.
Santa Stops by Deale
Sat. Dec. 16-Tell all to Santa on his traditional visit to Century 21/H.T. Brown Realty, who’ll take your picture to record the experience. Noon-4 @ Deale. Free: 301/261-5200.
Breakfast with Claus
Sun. Dec. 17-Meet Santa by the buffet as he comes to do breakfast with the young ones. Kids find lap time and a free gift. 8am @ Rod ‘n’ Reel, Chesapeake Beach. $9.95; $4.95/kids; rsvp: 410/257-2735 www.rodnreelinc.com.
Magic Meetings at Annapolis Mall
Till Christmas Eve-Bring the kids for sittings w/Santa Claus as they submit their wish lists atop his lap. Also take home pictures to remember the occasion by. He’s off to make his yearly rounds by 5pm Christmas Eve. 10-9 M-Sa; 11-6 Su @ Annapolis Mall: 410/266-5432.
Entertainments
A calendar of plays, concerts, ballets and festivals with three or more engagements; events of one to three days in Day by Day.
Wonderful Season for a Wonderful Life
Dec. 1-3 & 8-10-George, Mr. Potter, Clarence and even little Zuzu come to life on-stage as Pasadena Theatre Company continue their tradition of performing the story immortalized by Jimmy Stewart, It’s a Wonderful Life. George discovers just how important one man can be as he traipses thru an alternate reality in company with the wingless angel Clarence. 8pm FSa; 3pm Su @ Humanities Recital Hall, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold. $12 w/discounts: 410/969-1801.
Colonial Players’ Christmas Carol
Dec. 7-10, 14-17-Colonial Players’ 20th annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol delights young and old alike with the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s overnight redemption. This holiday classic is a gift from the Players to the community. Traditionally, tickets are snapped up on the day of sale, which was Nov. 18. Don’t give up; try for stand-by tickets an hour before the curtain rises. 8pm ThSa, 7pm & 9pm F; 2pm & 4pm SaSu @ Colonial Players, 108 East St., Annapolis. $5: 410/268-7373.
Vibrant Voices Lift Lofty Lyrics
Dec. 10, 12 & 17-The Choral Arts Society of Washington unleashes a concert of stirring seasonal masterpieces and beautiful carols from many periods and nations. Joining the 190-voice chorus are organist William Neil and full orchestra. For the climactic finale, everybody joins in w/the chorus to sing familiar favorites. 5pm Su; 7pm Tu @ Concert Hall, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC. $17-$47; rsvp: 800/444-1324 www.kennedy-center.org.
Nutcracker at Prince George CC
Dec. 13, 15, 16-18 & 20-Here’s another chance at The Nutcracker as National Ballet, the resident company of PG Community College, gives star billing to Clara. She ventures w/the Nutcracker Prince into the land of the Snow Queen and later to the Land of the Sweets where the two dance the Waltz of Flowers. 10:30am MWF; 2:30pm SaSu @ Hallam Theatre, PG Community College, Landover. $15-$30; rsvp: 301/261-0261.
Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite
Dec. 14, 16, 19 & 21-Dance combines w/the inimitable music of Duke Ellington in a fun-filled production combining swing-era music w/the comedic artistry of National Ballet, PG Community College’s half-century old professional resident company. 10am TuTh, 7:30pm Sa @ Hallam Theatre, PG Community College, Landover. $15-$30; rsvp: 301/261-0261.
Twin Beach Christmas Carol
Dec. 6-10-Twin Beach Players bring holiday spirits to the beaches with their 4th annual dinner theater production of A Christmas Carol. Complementing stageplay is a hayride. Hayride at 7, show 7:30 the 6th and 7th; at 2 for light fare and again at 5:30 the 9th; and at 5:30 the 10th @ St. Anthony’s Church, North Beach. $25; matinee $10 & $7: 301/494-0879.
Sons of the Severn Sing Out
Thru Dec. 19-Hear holiday harmonies of Sons of the Severn as their 4-part harmonizing carolers roam the region. Local spots where you can lend an ear: Dec. 5: Millenium Health & Rehab. Center, 7575 E. Howard Rd., Glen Burnie (7-7:30pm); Dec. 9, 17 & 23: Marley Station Mall (7-9pm Dec. 9 & 23; 2-4pm Dec. 17); Dec. 10: Annapolis Harbour Center (noon-2); Dec. 12: Genesis Eldercare, Severna Park (7-7:30pm); Dec. 19: Sons Holiday Party, bring the kids. Glen Burnie UMC (7:30-9pm).
Quiet Waters Freeze Over
Until the Spring Thaw-Glide over Quiet Waters Park’s ice rink, open for all the holidays except Thanksgiving & Christmas. Weather dependent. 3-9pm MWThF; 10-9 SaSu & holidays @ Quiet Waters Park Ice Rink, Annapolis. $4 w/discounts; $2 skake rental: 410/222-1777.
Skate the Inner Harbor
Until the Spring Thaw-Starting Nov. 24, slip on your skates and practice figure eights on the Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Noon-2 & 4-6pm M-F; 7-9pm M-ThSu; 7-10pm F; 10-6 & 7-10pm Sa; noon-5 Su @ the rink, Rash Field, Baltimore. $5 w/discounts: 410/385-0675.
Illuminations
ZooLights
Nov. 24-Jan. 1-Baltimore Zoo gets wildly festive this season, setting itself aglow in 500,000+ lights and brimming w/delights such as Santa with his 9 real reindeer (thru Dec. 24) and the Zoo’s playful polar bear, Magnet. The area’s biggest walk-thru light show features the Candy Mountain Express, North Pole Workshop and a fire truck w/Santa and his Dalmatians. Also find live entertainment, a menagerie of winter animals, the Elves’ Holiday Hideout, KidZone, Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Toyland, Polar Express Depot, an historic carousel, train garden and more. Warming stations thruout. Benefits the Zoo’s conservation programs. 5:30-9:30pm Th-Su thru Dec. 10; nightly Dec. 14-Jan. 1; closed Christmas Eve & Day @ Baltimore Zoo, Druid Hill Park. $4.50 w/discounts: 410/366-lion www.baltimorezoo.org.
Watkins’ Winter Festival of Lights
Nov. 24-Jan. 1-Wander Watkins by car and peek at a lighted showcase of Peace Through Diversity. The theme shines brightly via 450,000+ colored lights decorating trees, shrubs, buildings and roads. This twinkling array expands over years past to new magnitude as it highlights the symbols of PG County’s various ethnic, cultural and religious groups. Kids with a parent have the best time, riding thru the lights on a haywagon. Dusk-9:30pm @ Upper Marlboro. Donation of canned foods is your admission: 301/699-2456.
Nautical Noel at the Narrows
Sat. Nov. 25-Lay claim to the best vantage points early for a good view of the Kent Narrows Boat Parade. The parade starts from Wells Cove and circles the Narrows twice, w/commentary from the Bridge Tower. But the fun starts earlier, w/Santa arriving on a fire truck to visit kids, a trove of antiques in the Secret Santa Shop and a vintage car & boat show. After the parade come awards followed by live music. Park under Kent Narrows Bridge. Benefits Grasonville & Kent Island Vol. Fire Depts. 2-7pm; parade 6pm; music 7pm @ Kent Island Yacht Club, Chester: 410/643-4438.
Chesapeake Beach Casts its Glow
Nov. 26 thru the holidays-Bring the whole family as Chesapeake Beach heralds the holiday season with the official ceremony to light up town on Nov. 26. Afterward, natives fan out to set their homes, boats and businesses aglow in plenty of time for town-wide judging the night of Dec. 18. Come Dec. 21, awards are passed out to the top 3 displays in categories ranging from best workboat to best house to Brightest Beacon on the Bay to Most Kilowatt Hours. Lights on 6pm Nov. 26; awards 7:30pm Dec. 21 @ Town Hall, Chesapeake Beach: 410/257-2230.
Magothy River Glows
Sat. Dec. 2-After years of living in the shadow of Spa Creek’s spectacle, Magothy River gets its chance to shine in the 1st Annual Magothy River Lighted Boats Parade. Watch 25 to 30 boats shimmer their way along the river or add your own boat to the lineup (rsvp by Dec. 1). 7pm @ Ferry Point Marina, Arnold: 410/647-5793.
Delight in De-Lights
Sat. Dec. 2-Take in the spectacle of 50+ pleasure craft decked out in holiday lights and finery as they parade from Fells Point to the Inner Harbor and back in Baltimore’s 13th annual Lighted Boat Parade. A panel of celebrity judges decides the winners based on theme, artistry and creativity. Find good viewpoints at the Fells Point waterfront and the Inner Harbor West Wall & promenade. Presented by Sail Baltimore and the Fells Point Yacht Club. Dusk @ Fells Point & Inner Harbor: 800/harbor-1.
Illuminating Art
Dec. 8-Jan. 2-Wander a sculpture-studded landscape and delight in the added splash of colorful lights that grace the many sculpted forms of Garden in Lights. The intermingling of festive lights and the serene setting spawns a seasonal display w/artistic flare. Weather dependent. 6-9pm nightly @ Annmarie Garden, Dowell Rd., Solomons. Admission is a non-perishable food item: 410/326-4640.
National Christmas Tree Shines Bright
Dec. 12-Jan. 1-The 87th annual National Christmas Tree casts a glorious glow over the Ellipse as centerpiece for the 2000 Pageant of Peace. Fifty smaller trees, representing each of the states, line the winding path you follow to the gilded gargantuan. Free live music complements the view Dec. 12-23 & 26-30 (6-9pm). Lighting ceremony tickets for Dec. 11 are all taken. Tree viewing daily 10am-11pm on the Ellipse, btwn. Washington Monument and the White House: 202/208-1631.
Christmas on Congress’ Doorstep
Dec. 13-Jan. 1-The People’s Christmas Tree reflects the season spirit and itself, casting a thousand points of light on Congress from its prominent perch between the US Capitol and the Capitol Reflecting Pool. Come see and hear the fanfare of the free public lighting ceremony w/band music and carols (starts 5pm; lit by 5:30pm Dec. 13). See it anytime on Capitol Hill: 202/224-3069.
Lights on the Bay
Thru New Year’s Day-Meander thru a menagerie of pious and whimsical light sculptures along 3 miles of Bayfront by the Bridge. This year, half the 60 forms are brand new, including the Children’s National Holiday and Holiday Snowboys exhibits for the younger set. To top it off, enjoy a seasonal serenade of holiday music over your car radio. Rain or shine. Benefits Anne Arundel Medical Center’s new hospital. 5-10pm nightly thru Dec. 23; 5-11pm nightly Christmas Eve till New Year’s Day @ Sandy Point State Park, by the Bay Bridge. $12/car: 410/295-3161.
Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights
Thru Jan. 2-Stroll beach and boardwalk as Maryland’s Atlantic coast brightens up a bit for Christmas. The sandy shores and city streets of Ocean City cast a glow on the surf and sound as the town drapes lights from the nautical-themed inlet to the Christmas fantasy lightscape of Northside Park. Up at the park, you can tour the twinkling fantasy land as a passenger aboard the Winterfest Express ($3; under 12 free) plus find Santa, cocoa, treats, a gift shop and more. The tree-lighting celebration features carolers, choral music and a visit from Santa (5pm @ Northside Park). 5:30-9:30pm Su-Th; 5:30-10:30 FSa @ Northside Park and all over the rest of town, Ocean City: 410/250-0125.
Symphony of Lights
Thru Jan. 7-Roam Symphony Woods and admire the dazzling array of 70+ illumination creations, including a half dozen themed areas of gigantic light sculpture and playful denizens amounting to some 300 illuminations. Scenes include Mother Goose Magic, elves, teddy bears, toy soldiers and much more against a wooded backdrop, illuminating a 1.4-mile path w/over 250,000 lights. To make your tour a bit more interactive, tune in your car radio for a special broadcast and enjoy a seasonal soundtrack. Benefits Howard County General Hospital. 6-10pm Su-Th, 6-11pm FSa thru Dec. 10; 6-11pm nightly Dec. 11-Jan. 2 @ Symphony Woods, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia. $12/car: 410/740-7666.
Holiday Shows & Shops
Long-term events; shorter exhibits and shops in Day by Day.
Country Crafts for Christmas
Nov. 24-Dec. 17-Find the ingredients for a crafty Christmas at Calvert Homestead’s Holiday Open House. Or direct a staff artist in making your holiday home decorations. Pick from a holiday crop of crafts and such, including dried floral wreaths, swags, decorated swans, centerpieces, grapevine trees & angels, potpourri, primitive items, herbal racks & ladders, fresh wreaths, greens, roping and much more. 10-5 @ Calvert Homestead, 4555 Sixes Rd., Prince Frederick: 410/535-3786.
Norwegian Noel at Union Station
Nov. 24-Jan. 7-A towering Norwegian spruce from the City of Oslo once again stands tall in Union Station as centerpiece to the station’s 4th Annual Norwegian Christmas, a gift from the Royal Norwegian Embassy. This year’s theme, Gifts from Norway, highlights the nation’s contributions to fine art, fashion, film, cuisine, music and more in many events. Highlights: Nov. 24: Opening ceremony w/Ambassador of Norway (noon); Nov. 24 & 25: Christmas Bazaars (10-4); Nov. 24-Dec. 31: World’s biggest portable Scale G model train display recreates a rail trip thru Norway (runs 10-7 M-Sa; noon-6 Su); Dec. 1: Tree lighting ceremony w/DC Mayor Anthony Williams & former VP Walter Mondale, a Norwegian-American (5:45-7:15pm); Dec. 1-31: Gifts from Norway exhibit; Dec. 2 & 16: Taste of Norway (noon-2); Dec. 9: Winter fashion show (1pm). Various times @ Union Station, 40 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Washington, DC. Free: 202/289-1908 www.norway.org/xmas.
Homestead for the Holidays
Nov. 25-Dec. 17-Gear up for the holidays at Homestead Gardens. Each day features demos on designing fresh greens and arrangements. Highlights: Nov. 25: Tree lighting ceremony (5:30pm); Dec. 2: Author John Snyder signs The Golden Ring (10-2); Dec. 9 & 10: Holiday bow making (1-3pm). Greens & arrangement demos 11-3 SaSu @ Homestead Gardens, Davidsonville: 800/300-5631 www.homestead-gardens.com.
Christmas Cornucopia
Saturdays Nov. 25-Dec. 23-Find a plethora of fresh & homemade holiday treats plus plenty of the standard fare at AA County Farmer’s Christmas Market. Bakers show off skills in fruit cakes, pound cakes, pies, sweet breads, daily breads, pastries and eclectic cookies. Also find homemade fudge, jellies, jams and much more. 9-noon Sa @ Annapolis Farmer’s Market, Riva Rd. & Harry S. Truman Pkwy.: 301/261-4978.
Old-Fashioned Christmas Train Garden
Nov. 26-Jan. 6-Travel back in time w/Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department’s 6th Annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Train Garden. Twelve trains run through wondrous scenery: towns and cities, mountains and valleys. Donations of old train cars, sets or miniatures are gratefully accepted. 6:30-8:30pm M-F; 11-8:30 SaSu; 11-4 Christmas Eve & New Year’s day; closed Christmas & New Year’s Eve @ Arbutus VFD. Free; donations accepted: 410/242-6601.
Buy Art for Holiday Giving
Nov. 29-Dec. 31-Make it an artful Christmas at Maryland Federation of Art’s Holiday Show and Sale. You’ll find an array of fine arts and crafts including ceramic bowls, platters, candle holders, Christmas ornaments, stocking stuffers, wood & clay sculptures, jewelry, hand-painted silk scarves, watercolor & acrylic paintings, photographs, prints, drawings, etchings and much more. 11-5 Tu-Su; 11am-midnight Dec. 7 for Midnight Madness & till 11pm Dec 14 for 11th Hour @ Gallery on the Circle, 18 State Circle, Annapolis: 410/268-4566.
Treasures of Christmas Past
Dec. 1-Jan. 8-Trek to St. Clement’s Island - Potomac River Museum’s Christmas Doll and Train Exhibit. The display reflects holiday traditions w/fresh greenery and rooms filled w/antique and reproduction trains, toys, dolls, teddy bears and hand-made quilts. Noon-4 W-Su @ the museum, 38370 Point Breeze Rd., Colton’s Pt. $1: 301/769-2222.
Christmas Light … House
Dec. 2-17-Piney Point Lighthouse is decorated for the holidays. Noon-5 SaSu @ Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Park, Lighthouse Rd., Piney Pt. Free: 301/769-2222.
Tree of Lights
Dec. 3-31-Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Tree of Lights commemorates the memories of lost loved ones named on the nearby Tree of Lights Memorial Wall. Lights go on 5pm Dec. 3 ; for $25 you can reserve a light on the tree and receive a dove bearing a loved one’s name. Benefits Chesapeake Hospice. Free to see @ west lobby, North Arundel Hospital, Glen Burnie: 410/987-2129.
Drum Point Lighthouse Decked
Dec. 5-Jan. 3-Tour the newly refreshed Drum Point Lighthouse (c. 1883) where it now stands in Solomons and get a glimpse of what Christmas was like for the lightkeeper and family. Trimmed for the holidays, the turn-of-the-century, octagonal screwpile cottage lighthouse is open daily for guided tours. 10-5 @ Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. $5 w/discounts: 410/326-2042.
London Town’s Colonial Christmas
Dec. 8 thru the holidays-Follow docents thru the decked halls of William Brown House, decorated for the holidays with a vast display of antique christening gowns. See what colonial holiday decorations were really like. 10-5 M-Sa; noon-2 Su @ Historic London Town & Gardens, Edgewater. $4: 410/222-1919.
Paca’s Colonial Christmas
Dec. 15-31-Tour William Paca House in full holiday glory, with garlands, fruit pyramids and even a Christmas tree decorated in colonial revival style. Historic Annapolis Foundation enlightens on the beginnings of today’s displays. 10-4 M-Sa; noon-4 Su @ William Paca House & Garden, 186 Prince George St., Annapolis. $5: 800/603-4020 www.annapolis.org.
Fine Art for Holiday Giving
Thru Dec. 20-Expose your holiday list to art as two of Maryland Hall’s galleries deck their halls with art. For yourself and all you love, find affordable artwork created by the Hall’s artists and students. 9-5 M-F; 9-8:30 Th @ Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis: 410/263-5544 www.mdhalarts.org.
B&O Train Garden
Dec. 23-29-Stop in to admire Baltimore’s biggest and best O guage train garden on B&O Railroad Museum’s magnificent 60-foot turntable. The octagonal, holiday-themed setup by the National Capital Trackers has a bit of everything to please all ages. Closed Christmas Eve & Day. 10-5 @ B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore. $7 w/discounts: 410/752-2388.
Barge House Goes to the Dolls
Thru the holidays-Reflect on holidays past in Barge House Museum’s exquisite retrospective on Richwood Toy Company of Eastport, whose factory was replaced by Muller’s Marina. The exhibit of Richwood’s 1950s era toys include the company’s popular handcrafted dolls, such as the Sandra Sue; a 1955 dollhouse; and finely carved miniatures of period furniture. 11-4 Sa @ Barge House Museum, Bay Shore Ave., Eastport: 410/268-1802.
