We live in a fantastic area for holiday events and activities for everyone. Now that Halloween is over and November has started, it’s officially time to start talking and thinking about the holidays. Many get started in November so mark your calendars. Lots of lights, lots of crafts and lots of fun! These holiday activities have something for all interests and ages.
Every year the fountain gets transformed into a gorgeous themed Christmas tree! Last year it was the bikes and the lights. What will it be this year? Come on down to the lighting and street fest. This is a great family event and who doesn’t love a surprise tree and holiday shopping?!
Date: Saturday, November 10th from 6-9pm
Where: Downtown Silver Spring Fountain/Ellsworth Ave.
Click here for more info: Downtown Silver Spring Tree Lighting
If you love walking through the gorgeously maintained gardens during the fall and spring you will absolutely adore how they are transformed into a twinkling walkway of holiday delight! With some holiday-themed creatures and some regular sparkly tree lights, bring your strollers and puffy coats to walk through the garden wonderland.
Dates: Runs from November 16th through January 1, 2019
Where:Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
Cost: $25 per Car/Van (Sunday-Thursday) // $30 per Car/Van (Friday-Saturday)
Click here for more info: Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Held in downtown Silver Spring, line up along Ellsworth and up around Georgia Avenue. There are so many incredible performances like Girl Scouts, cultural dancers and fun floats that march along to kick off the holiday season. The exciting parade traditionally heralds the start of the holiday season. It also is televised live on News Channel 8 and rerun on Thanksgiving Day. Check it out live or on TV!
Date: Saturday, November 17th at 10am
Where: Downtown Silver Spring
Click here for more info: Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade
The Smithsonian’s famous National Zoo hosts a light display with fun activities for the family!
Walk up and down the zoo hill for events like “snow” tubing and riding the carousel. The lights abound on trees, walkways and bushes throughout the zoo. Some animal houses are even open late for viewing. As always, there is food and drinks available for purchase.
Dates: November 23rd through January 1, 2019
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
Cost: FREE (rides and activities cost money via ticket books purchased at the event)
Click here for more info: ZooLIGHTS
For the 5th year in a row, the brewery will be transformed into a crafters’ marketplace for one day only — perfect for visitors to start (and finish) their holiday shopping with unique wares from more than 40 local artists & artisans in a unique indoor setting. There will be live Music by Reed Appleseed & DJ Budman, food trucks, and games & activities for everyone and lots of delicious DC Brau beer!!
Date: Saturday, November 24th
Cost: VIP TICKETS – $10 EACH: Includes early admission at 1PM for an extra hour of shopping and a free branded DC Brau tote. // GENERAL ADMISSION – FREE – doors open at 2PM.
Click here for more info: DC Brau Holiday Market
A fairly self-explanatory event that supports local businesses the day after Black Friday. Shop small. Shop local. Support your neighbors and friends on SBS!
Date: Saturday, November 24th
Where: Main Street Takoma
Cost: Whatever you are willing to spend at local businesses in Takoma Park
Click here for more info: Small Business Saturday on Main Street Takoma
Get free tickets to this annual kick-off concert for the Washington, DC, holiday season, performed by the talented musicians of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” at DAR Constitution Hall. Be sure to log on and print your free tickets for entry! Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season with this fantastic free concert!
Date: Saturday, December 1st @3pm
Where: DAR Constitution Hall
Click here for more info: 2018 American Holiday Festival