Many communities officially start the winter holiday season with a evening of carols, hot chocolate, visits from Santa and a tree lighting ceremony. We found five events from Poolesville to Kensington and places in between.
Friday, December 1
Poolesville Holiday Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m.
Poolesville’s 18th annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony takes place Friday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Whalen Commons is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Festivities planned for the evening include a chance to visit Santa at his workshop, musical and dance performances, visits with Frosty and Rudolph, a ride aboard the “Polar Express”, a special reading by Mrs. Claus of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, ice skating rink, wood sculpture demonstration, shop local with local artisans, Gingerbread Cookie Decorating (at the Poolesville Museum), Calleva’s wagon rides through town, holiday basket auction, Gingerbread House decorating contest, and food trucks. Santa will arrive courtesy of the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department at 6:30 pm and the official Tree Lighting takes place at 6:45 pm. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Rockville Tree Lighting in the Square at 6 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season at Rockville Town Square Friday, Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m. Enjoy live music from local band King Teddy and Richard Montgomery and Rockville High Schools, a dance performance by Dawn Crafton Dance Connection, strolling entertainment, and crafts. Santa Claus is expected to make a visit. Those who are able are asked to bring a new stuffed animal to donate to Comfort Cases, a national non-profit organization based in Rockville.
Visit the Howard Avenue Park in Kensington Friday, Dec 1 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for the third annual ‘Light Up Ktown’ event. Kick off the holiday season with hot beverages, s’mores by the fire pits, music and the lighting ceremony scheduled for 6:45 p.m. The park is located at 3701 Howard Avenue.
Saturday, December 2
Gaithersburg Jingle Jubilee & Tree Lighting at 6 p.m.
Gaithersburg celebrates with the 97th anniversary of the tree lighting ceremony at the Concert Pavilion in Olde Towne. The event features an evening of music, dance and song. Admission is free. The outdoor venue features lawn seating with limited chairs. Please feel free to bring your own chair to enjoy the entertainment.
Meet Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Paw Patrol at the event. A stationary bike illuminates the holiday tree. Activities include letter writing to Santa, sing along with the GHS Symphonic Band, hot chocolatel and a warm tret from Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. The evening will conclude with holiday wishes from the Mayor and City Council and the magnificent tree lighting ceremony that will now include Menorah and Kinara light displays.
Sunday, December 3
Town of Kensington Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m.
The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department brings Santa Claus to meet everyone. The event features seasonal music and treats to enjoy. The annual tree lighting takes place Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at the Kensington Town Hall.
Photo courtesy Town of Poolesville
