Historic Downtown Frederick, MD

Historic Downtown Frederick, MD

HOLIDAYS IN FREDERICK

Holiday Celebrations Welcome Visitors to Frederick County

 

Frederick, MD - The holiday season in Frederick County is filled with a flurry of activity.  “From candlelight tours of museums, churches and homes, to a visit with a Civil War Santa, our area provides a window into the traditions of holidays long ago,” says Tourism Council of Frederick County executive director John Fieseler. 

 

The numerous historic sites and museums of Frederick County provide visitors with a living reminder of this area’s grand past.  Visitors can experience this first-hand during the Museums by Candlelight Open House on Saturday, December 12 starting at noon.  This complimentary event features over 20 museums and historic sites offering hands-on activities, tours, and entertainment for families to enjoy.  Museums by Candlelight program guides, maps, and site hours will be available after November 1 at the Frederick Visitor Center.

 

Historical ambiance can also be found when taking the Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship. During this self-guided walking tour, significant historic worship sites in Downtown Frederick open their doors to visitors from 4-9pm on December 28.  This free event offers special holiday programs at the sites and invites all to admire traditional seasonal decorations and magnificent architecture.

 

Dining, shopping, or antiquing, whether beneath the twinkling white lights of the trees in Downtown Frederick or in the quaint towns and villages in the countryside, is also a way to experience Frederick County during the holidays.  Antique shops, art galleries, independently owned specialty shops, and restaurants decorated with the holiday spirit make searching for the perfect gift an unforgettable experience. Opportunities also abound to take in a holiday theater production, dance or music performance, or an entertainment group appearing during one of the season’s many holiday events.  At the end of the day, retreat to a quaint bed and breakfast or inn, or relax with all the comforts of home offered by many of the area hotels and motels.  

 

To learn more about these programs and other great things to see and do in Frederick County, visit the Tourism Council of Frederick County website at www.fredericktourism.org or call 1-800-999-3613. Frederick County is a part of Maryland’s Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (www.heartofthecivilwar.org) and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area (www.hallowedground.org).

  

Detailed Holiday Schedule of Events for Frederick County, Maryland
The Tourism Council of Frederick County is sponsoring Museums by Candlelight and the Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship. Download Museums by Candlelight brochure
Download Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship
More Frederick events can be found online at www.FrederickTourism.org. 

 

DECEMBER

 
MUSEUMS BY CANDLELIGHT

December 12

Experience Holiday traditions at more than a dozen museums and historic sites in Frederick County, including some locations linked to the Civil War, special children’s activities featured.  12-7pm.

Various museums in Frederick County

301-600-4047

Download Museums by Candlelight brochure

 
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS

December 12

Start the morning off with Breakfast with Santa at the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance Company, then watch historic downtown Brunswick come alive with old fashioned decorations, live music & caroling. Festivities include: sleigh rides, marshmallow roasting, coookie decorating and a visit from Old St.Nick. Wind down the day with the lighting of the City Christmas tree in Square Corner Park, followed by the Children's Holiday Party at City Park. The tree lighting begins at 6:30 pm and the children's party will be from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Historic downtown and City Park
1 West Potomac St.
Brunswick, MD 21716

 (301) 834-7500
Website

 
BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY CHURCH TOUR

December 12

Self-guided tour of 12 churches in the Greater Brunswick area decorated in seasonal themes with greeters, church histories, refreshments, and music to enhance the spirit of the season. Maps available at participating churches, Brunswick Railroad Museum, Book Crossing and downtown businesses. Hours: 3-7:30 pm.

Brunswick churches
Greater Brunswick area
Brunswick, MD

(301) 834-7316


 

CHILDREN'S WEEKEND

December 12 - 13

The joy of the holidays is embodied in the children who partake in a weekend of activities just for them! From ornament painting and storytelling, to belsnickeling and Breakfast with Santa, this magical weekend has something for every child. (Some activities charge a small fee).

Various locations

Frederick, MD 21701

 (301) 600-2844
Website

 
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

December 18

This event begins as carolers throughout downtown Frederick proceed toward City Hall. Once at City Hall, attendees are given a candle to hold throughout the ceremony. After holiday greetings and an inspirational message, each candle is lit, filling the Courtyard with magnificent light. 7pm.

City Hall Courtyard
101 N. Court St.
Frederick, MD 21701

 (301) 600-2844
Website

 
CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP

December 28

Self-guided walking tour of historic worship sites in Frederick’s downtown historic district.  Many of these sites are linked to the Civil War.  Special holiday programs.  4-9pm

Various locations

Frederick, MD 21701

301-600-4047

Download Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship