Kick off the winter holidays with carols, hot cocoa, visits from Santa, and dazzling tree lighting events that bring communities together. Here’s a roundup of upcoming celebrations:
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Montgomery Village Christmas Tree Lighting
Montgomery Village Avenue, near Montgomery Village Center
6 p.m.
Santa and the Montgomery Village Community Band invite you to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Enjoy festive music, hot chocolate, and complimentary treats with family and friends.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Annual Jingle Jubilee at Chevy Chase Lake
8525 Chevy Chase Lake Terrace, Chevy Chase
5:30–8 p.m.
Chevy Chase Lake transforms into a winter wonderland for its festive tree lighting at 6 p.m., hosted by radio personality Tommy McFly. Enjoy a dance performance from Rock Creek Dance Academy, live holiday music, a Polar Bear Express train ride, yuletide crafts, s’mores, food, and warm drinks. Support A Wider Circle’s Toy Donation Drive by bringing new, unwrapped toys to benefit children in need.
Friday, Dec. 6
Poolesville Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Whalen Commons
6 p.m.
Now in its 19th year, Poolesville transforms Whalen Commons into a Winter Wonderland. Experience musical and dance performances, visit Santa at his workshop, enjoy a “Polar Express” wagon ride, ice skating, and a holiday basket auction benefiting WUMCO. Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m., with the tree lighting at 6:45 p.m. Don’t miss gingerbread cookie decorating at the Poolesville Museum and a host of other family-friendly activities.
Rockville Tree Lighting in the Square
Rockville Town Square
6–9 p.m.
Enjoy live music by King Teddy and performances from Richard Montgomery and Rockville High Schools. The event features a tree lighting at 6:45 p.m., “Touch a Truck,” arts and crafts, strolling performers, and selfies with Santa.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Gaithersburg Jingle Jubilee & Tree Lighting
Concert Pavilion, Olde Towne
6 p.m.
Celebrate Gaithersburg’s 98th annual tree lighting ceremony with music, dance, and appearances by Santa Claus and holiday favorites like Frosty the Snowman. Highlights include singing with the Gaithersburg High School Symphonic Band, photos inside a Snow Globe Photo Bubble, and diverse holiday displays. Warm up with hot cocoa and pretzels as Mayor Jud Ashman and the City Council light the tree, Menorah, and Kinara. Donations to the Holiday Giving Program are welcomed.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Kentlands Tree & Menorah Lighting CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Kentlands Market Square Courtyard, Gaithersburg
6–7:30 p.m.
Kick off the season with this cherished community event. Festivities include a holiday concert, a hot chocolate bar, and ornament making. Special guest Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman will light the tree and Menorah. Santa arrives in a fire truck courtesy of the Rockville Fire Department.
Feel free to distribute this calendar of events to spread holiday cheer. And if you are aware of additional community events, please let us know.
