Day by Day
Friday, November 24
Author Wheeler Talks Christmas in My Heart
Editor Joe Wheeler returns with his collection of stories awash in Christmas spirit at a talk on and signing of Christmas in My Heart. The book is a collection of stories, written by ordinary people, recalling the magic of Christmases past. 10-1 & 7-10pm @ Barnes & Noble, Annapolis Harbour Center: 410/573-1115.
November 24 & 25
Give Ye Thanks the Olde Way
After enjoying the various excesses of a modern Thanksgiving, trek down to Historic St. Mary’s City for a look at how our colonial forepersons celebrated the end of harvest season. Giving Thanks: Hearth & Home in Early Maryland puts you in the middle of living history demos of 17th-century hearth cooking, pickling meats and vegetables, preserving fruits, dairying, smoking and drying. Interact by churning butter, shucking beans, grinding corn and more. 10-5 @ Godiah Spray Plantation, Historic St. Mary’s City. $7.50 w/discounts: 800/smc-1634 www.smcm.edu/hsmc.
Greek Arts and Crafts Show
Browse Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church’s annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show for a unique holiday excursion. Sample Greek dishes & pastries, say hi to Santa, browse loads of lovely Greek holiday handicrafts and tour the church. 10-5 @ Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Chruch, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis. $2: 410/573-2072.
Heartwarming Holiday Tales at Homestead
Meet and greet Joe Wheeler, author of Christmas in My Heart, as he stops in to say hi at Homestead. 2-5pm @ Homestead Gardens, Davidsonville: 800/300-5631 www.homestead-gardens.com.
Lionel Train Show
Model trains abound at Knights of Columbus’ Train Show celebrating Lionel’s centennial. Beginning hobbyists to all-out buffs find locomotives plus scenery, tracks, controls, clubs to join and more. Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Lionel Collectors Club of America. 6-9pm F; 9-2 Sa @ St. Mary of the Assumption School, Upper Marlboro. $3: 301/627-3923.
November 24-26
Kennedy Krieger’s Festival of Trees
Wander the Enchanted Woods, 200+ wondrously adorned Christmas trees, at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s 10th Annual Christmas Festival of Trees. This year’s festival features 300+ vendors of holiday gifts, a display of 50+ gingerbread houses, live entertainment and silent auction. Also visit Santa, ride an antique carousel and make holiday crafts. 10-9 FSa; 10-6 Su @ Maryland State Fairgrounds’ Cow Palace, Timonium. $8/weekend w/discounts: 410/502-tree.
Calvert Hospice’s Festival of Trees
Meander among 50+ decked out pines at Calvert Hospice’s 12th Annual Festival of Trees. Featured Christmas trees are the Hospice Memorial Tree and lush Poinsettia Tree. A trove of holiday gift shops includes Santa’s Secret Shop for kids. Meet Santa in two special meals (see Santa Sightings). Highlights: Nov. 24: Service of remembrance for loved ones lost (5-6pm) Nov. 26: Gala Festival Auction (2-4pm; $6/bid ticket; rsvp). Benefits Calvert Hospice. 6-10pm F; 10-8 Sa; 10-6 Su @ Patuxent High, Lusby. $4 w/discounts: 410/535-0892.
November 25 & 26
Willow Oak Herbal Christmas
Explore a treasure trove of gift and decorating ideas at Willow Oak’s Herbal Christmas Open House. Find beautiful handmade ornaments & decorations, some made from herbs, plus various entertainments. 10-6 Sa; noon-4 Su @ Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Rd., Severn: 410/551-2237.
November 25 & 26, December 3
Ride the Polar Express
Ride thru a winter wonderland en route to the North Pole aboard Willow Oak’s Polar Express hayride. 10-6 Sa; noon-4 Su @ Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Rd., Severn. $8; rsvp: 410/551-2237.
Sunday, November 26
Old Cold Turkey 10k
Put your best foot forward toward the goal of shedding Thanksgiving’s pounds in Annapolis Striders’ Old Cold Turkey 10k. Racers are handicapped by age and gender, set by the World Association of Veteran Athletes. Awards go to the 1st 10 men and women finishers. Register 6:45-7:30am; race 8am @ South River Middle, Edgewater. $5 w/member & advance discounts: 410/626-8965 www.annapolisstriders.org.
Sing Christmas Praises
Loft your voice among many in a rousing sing-along of the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah and the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Impromptu choristers are accompanied by strings and harpsichord plus featured soloists. Afterward enjoy a candlelight reception w/a variety of chilis. Last year, 100+ people came to sing. Bring a score and a dessert or snack; some scores for loan. 4-5:30pm @ St. James’ Episcopal Church, Lothian. Free-will offering: 410/956-4114.
