Holiday Must Do’s in Southern Maryland
(and those worth the drive!)

Tis’ the season for twinkling lights and traditions, and celebrations with family and friends living near and far. It’s also the season for hoping the biscuits don’t burn, last-minute shopping and keeping the adult beverage fridge full, because let’s face it—hosting family can be stressful! I wanted to share the best of the best holiday events that have become part of my own family’s traditions. The fresh air, change of scenery and holiday tunes will bring joy to family members young and old.

1. On chilly evenings when it’s too cold to be out and about, we like to grab a pizza and head to the Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park. Last year we bundled up and opted for the hayride through the lights, with a stop at the Nature Center for hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit with the nature center critters. While the Festival of Lights is open to vehicles 7 evenings a week, hayrides are only offered on Friday and Saturday evenings. For hayride reservations, call 301-218-6770.

2. When the weather is in our favor, we drive out to the Garden in Lights at Annmarie Gardens. Enjoy a leisurely stroll while children do a scavenger hunt, dance and sing along to the nightly performers, and warm up with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa in the café. The path is very wheelchair and stroller friendly. Be sure to check the website for a listing of performers as well as special evenings, such as Pet Night (Jan 1)!

3. National Harbor is a must! Even if you are not a guest, stop by the Gaylord Resort to experience Christmas on the Potomac—featuring lavish Christmas décor, and Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, gingerbread house making, an indoor snowfall and ICE!, carved from over two million pounds of colorful ice. Enjoy holiday performances and films throughout the season on the Harbor plaza stage. Visit the farmers’ market or enjoy one of the many family-friendly restaurants, but be sure to make reservations, as there can be quiet a wait during weekend.

4. Not located in Southern Maryland, but no need to drive! Join us in beginning a new tradition by ordering personalized letters from Santa for all the children and grandchildren in your lives. Genevieve, the founder and creative genius behind Pixie Post Pen Pals, will write a personalized letter to all the boys and girls on your list—you provide the personal details and she will work her magic! These aren’t just regular letters, they include coal smudges, magical glitter, tiny presents, and more! Put this next to the empty cookie plate in the morning for some extra Christmas morning magic! Now through December 31, Santa letters are just $5 and Genevieve is offering a buy 2 get 1 free promotion. Check out her other Pixie Post subscriptions to keep magical mail coming from your child’s new princess, pirate or fairy friend all year long!

5. Running weekends throughout November and December, take a train ride with Santa on the Walkersville Southern Railroad. Santa visits with each family during the hour and a half ride, including a signing Santa for our hearing impaired friends! Free hot chocolate and Uncle Ralph’s cookies are served in the museum afterwards. These excursions fill quickly so be sure to book in advance!

6. A new local business, celebrating one successful year in Southern Maryland, Clay Creations offer pottery painting to be enjoyed by the young and old alike. With reasonable prices and a wide variety of ornaments, mugs, figurines and plates—think Santa’s cookie plate!–you can enjoy a snowy day indoors while creating beautiful holiday keepsakes for loved ones. Check out Clay Creation’s Facebook page for upcoming special events, such as breakfast with Santa and a kids’ night out—where you can drop off the kids to paint while you shop! Keep in mind that you will need to leave your pieces to be fired and return a few days later to pick them up.

7. Enjoy the music, shopping, and tasty Christmas treats at the Kris Kringle Christmas Market at the Charles County Fairground. The official tree lighting and arrival of Santa Claus will be held on Friday, December 9th.

8. Explore Charles County’s historical sites along the Charles County Holiday Trail!

9. See a show! Catch one of the many renditions of the Nutcracker, or travel a bit further to see Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas , Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Imagination Stage, or for the younger crowd Adventures with Mr. Bear at Arts on the Horizon in Alexandria. We’ve never been disappointed with any of these theater companies and I am sure your family will leave with hearts full of holiday cheer.

Did we miss something? Let us know about your favorite family-friendly Southern Maryland holiday activities.

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