Experience a weekend of entertainment, learning, and community spirit in Montgomery County, Dec. 13-15.
Friday, Dec. 13
Holiday Parents’ Nite Out
Burtonsville
The Montgomery County Recreation Department hosts this free event for elementary-aged children (kindergarten through grade 5). Activities include games, music, a TikTok booth, and more. Space is limited.
When: 6–9 p.m.
Where: Praisner Community Recreation Center, 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville.
Learn more and reserve a space.
Winter Lights Festival
Gaithersburg
Drive through 3.5 miles of illuminated attractions, including Winter Woods, Mermaid Lagoon, and a Fairytale Castle. Proceeds benefit local charities. Tickets must be purchased online in advance for a specific date.
When: 6–10 p.m.
Where: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg.
Learn more and purchase tickets.
Dance Party at Long Branch
Silver Spring
Young children are invited to a lively dance party at the library. Music and movement help build early literacy skills like listening, following directions, and rhyming. No registration is required.
When: 11–11:30 a.m.
Where: Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring.
Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Winter Wonderland
Damascus
Enjoy a free winter-themed event featuring gingerbread houses, photos with Santa, a gift-wrapping station, and fun activities. Registration is required for children ages 5–13. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent.
When: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Damascus Community Recreation Center, 25520 Oak Dr., Damascus.
Learn more.
Sounds of the Season
Silver Spring
Celebrate the holidays with live performances from talented school and community groups on the Ellsworth Plaza Stage. Performances include:
- Noon: Wootton High School’s Acatonics a Capella group
- 1:30 p.m.: Montgomery Blair High School’s InToneNation a Capella group
- 3 p.m.: B-CC High School’s Chamber Singers
When: Noon–4 p.m.
Where: Ellsworth Plaza Stage, 8661 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring.
Learn more.
Cabin John Winter Ice Show
Rockville
Celebrate the holidays with a free performance by figure skaters. Enjoy an evening of twirls, leaps, and dance set to a variety of festive music.
When: 6:30–9 p.m.
Where: Cabin John Ice Rink, 10610 Westlake Dr., Rockville.
Learn more.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Snow & Ice Family Festival
North Potomac
Celebrate the season at the North Potomac Community Center’s first Snow & Ice Family Festival. Enjoy crafts, a cocoa bar, games, a DJ, and more. Snap a photo with a snowman. Pre-registration is required.
When: 1–5 p.m.
Where: North Potomac Recreation Center, 13850 Travilah Rd. Rockville.
Learn more.
The Nutcracker
Rockville
Experience Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker. This family-friendly performance features student and professional dancers, stunning costumes, magical sets—including a growing Christmas tree, dancing dolls, marching toy soldiers, and a dazzling blizzard.
When: Two performances at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, 51 Mannakee Dr., Rockville.
Learn more and buy tickets.
Garden Railway Exhibit
Wheaton
Brookside Gardens’ South Conservatory hosts the return of this beloved tradition in partnership with the Washington Virginia Maryland Garden Railway Society. Watch model trains traverse tracks featuring iconic Montgomery County landmarks, bridges, and miniature landscapes. Free admission.
When: 10 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
Where: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton.
Learn more.
Photo courtesy Montgomery Parks taken by Marilyn Stone.
