CAROLINE COUNTY
FACES Holiday Exhibit & Boutique
Date: Through Jan. 20 Thursday through Saturday noon to 4 pm
Location: Denton. Christmas quilts and seasonal fiber art exhibit; unique gifts handcrafted by local artists will be available for sale. FACES Gallery 7 N. 4th Street; 410-479-1009; Fiber ArtsCenter.com
Downtown Denton Holiday Marketplace
Date: Friday December 1st, Saturday December 2nd, Friday December 8th and Saturday December 9th
Location: Denton. Shop for unique gifts at Downtown Denton’s Holiday Marketplace this holiday season. Shoppers will find crafts, pastries, jewelry, holiday gifts and more. Brought to you by Downtown Denton Main Street. 406 Market; DowntownDenton.com
Christmas in Caroline
Date: Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 am to 4pm; Sunday Dec. 3 from 10 am to 3 pm. Location: Denton
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at Christmas in Caroline, featuring artisan crafts, collectables, gifts, wreaths, a silent auction, food, costumed characters, children’s activities, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a 5K Reindeer Run on Saturday. Registration for the 5K opens at 8 am and the run starts at 9 am. 4-H Park 8230 Detour Road; 410-479-0565. FREE EVENT
Ridgely’s Old Fashioned Christmas
Date: Saturday, December 2nd
Location: Ridgely. Get into the holiday spirit at Ridgely’s Old Fashioned Christmas, featuring a parade, refreshments, Santa and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. The parade begins at Martin Sutton Park at 6:45 pm and ends at the Town Hall for pictures with Santa and refreshments. 410-634-2177. FREE EVENT
Wreath Sale and Holiday Open House
Date: Saturday, Dec. 2
Location: Ridgely. Handmade natural wreaths, shopping, cookie sales and more! Sign up for the Holiday Greens Workshop and register young naturalists for O Wildlife Tree, O Wildlife Tree. Adkins Arboretum 12610 Eveland Road; 410-634-2847 ext. 0; info@adkinsarboretum.org.
Hand Painted Holiday Cards
Date: Saturday, December 2nd from noon until 2 pm
Location: Preston. The new art studio, Aesthetic Alternatives, will continue their unique array art classes and Open Studio hours on Saturdays in December. The classes give people a wonderful opportunity to make one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends this Holiday Season. Class $25 per person, all ages are welcome, materials are provided. 172 Main St.; 410-212-9320; aestheticalternativesartsstudio.com
Federalsburg Lighting of the Water Tower
Date: Sunday, December 3rd at 5 pm
Location: Federalsburg
Come celebrate the return of this Federalsburg tradition. Meet Santa, enjoy Christmas Music by the Federalsburg Community Choir, and watch the direction and presentation of lights. The event takes place at M&M Refrigeration in the Caroline Industrial Park located at Railroad Avenue and S. University Avenue (across from Federalsburg Elementary School) Federalsburg.org
MidShore Community Band Holiday Concert
Date: Tuesday, December 5th at 7 pm
Location: Ridgely
Kick off the holiday season with a special performance by the Midshore Community Band. This concert is becoming its own holiday tradition. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear local volunteer musicians spread a little cheer through a mix of well known and lesser known holiday tunes. Donations to the MidShore Community Band are encouraged. North Caroline High School Auditorium; 410-479-8120; Caroline Recreation.org
Denton Holiday Parade and Lighting of the Green
Date: Thursday, December 7th at 6 pm
Location: Denton
Get into the holiday spirit with marching bands, Santa and the best of the season. Following the parade, watch the illumination of the Courthouse Green and enjoy a holiday musical performance. 410-479-2050 FREE EVENT.
Candlelit Caroling Celebration
Date: Saturday, December 9th
Location: Ridgely. Live music by local favorites Dovetail and violinist Nevin Dawson, caroling in the forest, lights, hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats, wine, bonfires and fun! Adkins Arboretum 12610 Eveland Road; 410-634-2847 ext. 0; info@adkinsarboretum.org
Greensboro’s Lighting of the City
Date: Saturday, December 9th at 6 pm
Location: Greensboro
Celebrate the season at Greensboro’s Lighting of the City. The annual parade will be followed by the lighting of the city, cookies, hot cocoa and pictures with Santa Claus, Santa’s Elf, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph! Greensboro River Park; 410-482-6222.
Federalsburg Christmas Parade
Date: Monday, December 11th at 7 pm
Location: Federalsburg. Bring the whole family for a traditional small-town Christmas parade. Contact 410-754-8173. FREE EVENT.
Old Fashioned Christmas in the Museum
Date: Monday, December 11th from 6 pm to 10 pm
Location: Federalsburg
Celebrate the season at this Federalsburg Historical Society event. Santa Claus will be paying a visit to the museum after the parade. Free refreshments will be served. HistoricFederalsburg.org.
DORCHESTER COUNTY
Holiday Market on the Farm
Date: Friday, December 1st through Sunday, December 3rd
Location: Vienna
Breckinridge Adventures hosts a fun filled weekend of shopping, entertainment and mingling all weekend. They will also have fresh cut Fraser Fir trees for sale. No two vendors alike. 4032 Mill Road; 443-521-9588.
USA Dance – Special Holiday Dance
Date: Saturday, December 2nd from 7:30 to 11 pm
Location: Cambridge
Special Holiday dance mix. Pot Luck. BYOL. Semi-formal attire. Music provided by a DJ. Singles and couples, all are welcome. Advance tickets are $20 per person for members; $25 per person for non members and $30 per person at the door. Contact Aggie Beletsky PO Box 366 East New Market; 760-468-1049; aggiebele@hotmail.com. 447 Race Street; www.usadanceeastonmd.com
Nativity Scenes from Around the World
Date: Sundays and Wednesdays in December from 2 to 5 pm
Location: Cambridge
See more than 25 Nativity scenes (also known as crèches) from around the world on display at the historic Cambridge House Bed & Breakfast. Admission is $5 per person. Reservations are required. Call 410-221-7700 to reserve your spot. 112 High Street.
Karaoke Happy Hour – Christmas Edition
Date: Friday, December 8th from 6 to 10 pm
Location: Vienna
Layton’s Chance Vineyard and Winery hosts a special Christmas edition of Karaoke Happy Hour. Prizes awarded for best ugly sweaters and a Christmas Carol Karaoke Contest! Join in for singing, dancing and all around good times. Bring your dinner and snacks to complete the night. Wine available at the bar. Table reservations taken the day of the event only. 410-228-1205; 4225 New Bridge Road.
Christmas Concert with Tidewater Singers
Date: Sunday, December 10th at 4 pm
Location: Cambridge
The Christ Church Concert Series features a Christmas Choral Concert with the Tidewater Singers. Admission is $10 or free for students. A reception follows the concert in the parish hall. Parking on the street or behind the church at the parish hall. 601 Church Street; 410-228-3161; christchurchcambridge.org
Luminaria Night Celebration
Date: Saturday, December 16th from 5 to 9 pm
Location: Vienna
More than 1,500 glowing luminarias will line the streets of Vienna, a 300 year old town on the Nanticoke River. Ride the free tram, visit with Santa, enjoy entertainment at the churches and find treats at the button factory at the Vienna Heritage Museum. A number of homes will be open to patrons with house tour tickets, which can be purchased at the Vienna Heritage Museum, which will serve as headquarters for the event. The cost of the home tour is $5 per person; children under 6 are free. All other activities are free of charge. 104 Race Street; Edwin A Murphy Community Center; 410-376-3413.
KENT COUNTY
Dickens of a Christmas First Friday
Date: Friday, December 1st from 5 to 8 pm
Location: Chestertown
Join us for Downtown Chestertown’s monthly progressive open house – with a holiday twist! Shopping, dining, caroling and special events and activities will delight visitors of all ages. Part of Main Street Historic Chestertown’s inaugural Dickens of a Christmas Weekend. downtownchestertown@gmail.com; www.downtownchestertown.org.
Miracle on 34th Street
Date: Friday, December 1st 2017 through December 17th. Fridays, Saturdays, at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm
Location: Chestertown
$20 general admission; $15 for seniors; $10 for students. Garfield Center for the Arts; 410-810-2060; boxoffice@garfieldcenter.org
Festival of Trees
Date: Friday, December 1st through Sunday, December 3rd 5-7pm Friday; 10 am to 5 pm Saturday; 11 to 3 pm Sunday.
Location: Chestertown. This is a community event that allows the community for all ages to visit a diplay of trees decorated by businesses, organizations as well as families. This is our way of saying thank you to the community for helping Soroptomist with the betterment of women and girls. Our Christmas Tree display is free and open to the public. Our event is a wonderful way to welcome the holiday spirit. We are pleased to partment with 1st UM Church to allow us to be downtown during the Winter Festival. There will be Christmas Trees, Santa, Mrs. Santa and various entertainment groups. We have poinsettias on sale. Soroptimist Internations of Kent & Queen Anne’s Couties; 410-708-6554; sikentqueenescounties@soroptimist.net
Crab Basket Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, December 2nd at 7 pm
Location: Rock Hall
Join the community members for Christmas music and the lighting of Rock Hall’s Crab Basket Christmas Tree, featuring several hundred decorated baskets in memory/honor of loved ones. 410-639-7719; mparry@rockhallmd.gov
Santa Comes to Town!
Date: Saturday, December 2nd at 6:30
Location: Rock Hall
Santa arrives by boat at the public landing at about 6 pm, accompanied by the Kent County Community Band. Upon arrival, Santa is transported to Main Street where he “takes up shop” in “Santa’s House” on Main Street to meet children and hear their Christmas requests. The Kent County Community Band continues to play Christmas tunes on Main Street during Santa’s visit. 410-639-7719; mparry@rockhallmd.gov
Galena’s Tree Lighting
Date: Sunday, December 3rd at 7 pm
Location: Galena
Santa arrives and lighting of the tree at town hall.
Pet Photos with Winemaker Santa
Date: Sunday, December 3rd from noon to 4 pm
Location: Kennedyville
Bring your pet to Crow Vineyard & Winery and take their photos with Winemaker Santa and his trusty intern Elf! 12441 Vansants Corner Road; 302-304-0551; office@crowvineyard.com
Santa’s Back!
Date: Friday, December 8th at 6 pm
Location: Rock Hall
Santa will be back to hear children’s Christmas requests. Town of Rock Hall Main Street; 410-639-7719; mparry@rockhallmd.gov
QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY
Saturday With Santa
Date: Saturday, December 2nd
Location: Grasonville
Guided nature hikes, local artists, holiday crafts and pictures with Santa. All at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center! 600 Discovery Lane; 410-827-6699; http://www.bayrestoration.org/calendar-of-events/
Old Fashioned Christmas at Train Station Museum
Date: Saturdays and Sundays in December from 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Sudlersville
Running Model Trains and refreshments. S Linden Avenue; 410-438-3501; http://sudlersvillemuseum.org
Heck With the Malls
Date: Saturday, December 2nd from 10 am to 3 pm
Location: Centreville
The season’s best artisan shopping experience. Over 40 vendors in 2 buildings. Unique gifts and goods handmade by exceptional local talent. Jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, prints, toys, holiday decorations and much, much more! Something for everyone on your list. Holiday refreshments are also available. Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts 206 South Commerce Street; 410-758-2520; queenannescounty.com.
TALBOT COUNTY
Easton First Weekend – Winter Wonderland!
Date: Friday, December 1st
Location: Downtown Easton
We welcome the Christmas season with a Winter Wonderland in downtown Easton with festivities. First Friday – galleries are open later into the evening with new exhibits and discussions with the artists.
Pictures With Santa
Date: Friday, December 1st from 5 to 8 pm
Location: Easton
Family pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, snacks and the chance to see Santa! Mid-Shore Community Foundation 102. E Dover Street.
Easton Choral Arts – Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols”
Date: Friday, December 1st at 7:30 pm
Location: Easton
Seasonal favorites accompanied by harpest Rebecca Smith of the National Philharmonic Orchestra. Easton Choral Arts under the direction of Wes Lockfaw. Admission charge $25 in advance/ $30 at the door. Students are admitted free with reservation. Purchase tickets at eastonchoralarts.org; 410-200-0498.
Christmas Paint for Kids at Calico Toys & Games
Date: Saturday, December 2nd from 10 am to noon
Location: Easton
Just in time for Christmas, bring the kids to see Santa on most Saturdays in December. During this paint for kids, they will be able to paint an image of a reindeer. Santa will judge the reindeer art, and the winner will receive a gift certificate from Calico Toys & Games. Kemp Lane; 410-310-5070.
Carriage Rides
Date: Saturday, December 2nd through December 31st
Location: Downtown Easton
FREE carriage rides for five days during the holiday season! Don’t miss the opportunity to see downtown Easton in old-fashion style during the most wonderful time of the year. Sponsored by and departing from The Tidewater Inn.
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Sunday, December 3rd
Location: Easton. Annual breakfast with Santa at the Tidewater Inn in the Gold Room. Advanced registration is required. Reserve through the Hunters Tavern 410-822-4034.
Skate with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 9th
Location: Easton
Santa will visit the Talbot County Community Center to share holiday memories with the whole family!
The Great Crab Pot Christmas Tree Lighting and Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 9th from 5:30 to 9 pm
Location: Tilghman Island
Tilgman Island residents will kick off the holidays with a cocktail party at The Bridge Restaurant at 5:30 pm on Tilghman Island.
Christmas in St. Michaels Tour of Homes
Date: Saturday, December 9th from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday, December 10th from 11 am to 4 pm
Location: St. Michaels
Homes in town are within walking distance of each other, providing a great opportunity to stroll through and soak up the historic atmosphere. Most of the homes, built in the 18th and 19th centuries. The countryside homes are located just outside of town, often situated on expansive waterfront settings Exquisite architectural details and creatively set amidst the Eastern Shore landscape. Shuttle bus service to reach the country homes departing from the Crab Claw parking lot. Advance ticket price $25; after December 8th $30. Available online at https://christmasinstmichaels.org/product/tour-of-homes; info@christmasinstmichaels.org; 410-745-0745.
