11.5.2021 Create Holiday Memories with Virtual and In-Person Festivities in Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg, MD (November 4, 2021) Celebrate the holiday season with the City of Gaithersburg. From socially distanced visits with Santa and holiday concerts to cooking classes and a dazzling drive through Winter Lights Festival, there's plenty of safe holiday fun for all ages. Masking and physical distancing continue to be required for all visitors over the age of two inside City facilities. For more information, explore the Holiday Festivities calendar on the City's website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.
Classes & Workshops
Let's Cook@Casey: Perfect Party Appetizers (Virtual)
November 13, 10:30 a.m.
Learn how to create crowd-pleasing party appetizers with Chef Maris Mokey. Recipes will include Cheesy Gougeres, Spicy Maple Pecans & Perfect Party Meatballs. Register online here.
Storytime at the Arts Barn: Thanks for Thanksgiving (Virtual)
November 19, 1 p.m.
Join us from home for a virtual seasonal story and coloring/craft activity. A video conference link and coloring sheet/project instructions will be sent via e-mail. Register for this free event here.
Turkey Burn Off
November 27, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Activity Center
Join us for a 30-minute WERQ class with Colette followed by 30 minutes of Ultimate HIIT with Tracy. This free event is a great way to try out two of our classes while burning off some of that turkey.
Let's Cook@Casey: Holiday Yule Log
December 4, 10 a.m.
Casey Community Center
A Yule Log is a tricky but tasty traditional French holiday treat. Chefs Carolyn Crow and Maris Mokey will teach you how to make your own miniature Yule Log during this in-person class. Register online here.
Art Night Out: Handmade Ornaments
December 11, 7 p.m.
Arts Barn
Join artist Natalya Parris and learn how to make stunning homemade ornaments. All experience levels are welcome and everything is provided. Sign up with a friend to each receive a $5 discount. Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available for purchase and welcome in the studio. Register online here.
Storytime at the Arts Barn: SNOW! (Virtual)
December 17, 1 p.m.
Join us from home for a virtual seasonal story and coloring/craft activity. A video conference link and coloring sheet/project instructions will be sent via e-mail. Register for this free event here.
Storytime at the Arts Barn: Family Holiday Story Celebration (Virtual)
December 19, 3 p.m.
Join the Arts Barn to celebrate all of the wonders of the season with a festive, virtual storytime. Who knows, we might even get a visit from a special holiday friend or two. A fun, creative at-home art activity will be shared via e-mail. Register for this free event here.
Performances
Comedy: Lady ADHD featuring Blaire Postman
December 3 and 4, 8 p.m.
Arts Barn
Blaire's hilarious flip chart stand-up comedy, mixed with commentary on life with ADHD, plus the lessons learned along the way, makes this show a fun rollercoaster ride. Recommended for ages 16 and older. Purchase tickets here.
Gaithersburg Chorus Winter Concert
Friday, December 10 at Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, December 14 at Asbury Methodist Village
7:30 p.m.
Free
The Gaithersburg Chorus will perform two in-person holiday concerts. Join Music Director Daniel Hopkins and new Accompanist Ying-Shan Su in a concert featuring "Happiness" from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, "More I Cannot Wish You" from Guys and Dolls, "In Meeting We are Blessed," based on a spiritual from Nairobi, plus a selection of holiday carols and favorites. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted.
Cool Yule with Integriti Reeves (In-person & Livestream)
December 11, 8 p.m.
Arts Barn
The holidays get a new groove. Cool Yule with Integriti Reeves features favorite holiday classics with a jazz twist. Sponsored by New Beginnings Psych.
Special Events & Activities
Winter Lights Festival (in-person, drive through)
New ticket procedures – advance purchase required!
November 26 –December 31 (closed December 25)
Sunday – Thursday, 6 – 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 6 – 10 p.m.
Monday – Thursday, $15 per car, Friday – Sunday, $25 per car
The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully strung trees that light up the night. Advance online ticket purchase is required; tickets will not be available at the admission booth. Purchase tickets online here.
Walk Under the Lights
November 19 and 21, 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Seneca Creek State Park
$10 per person; children ages 3 and under are free
Enjoy Winter Lights on foot. Opt for a robust 3.5-mile trek or a more leisurely 1-mile loop, all while sipping on a complimentary hot chocolate. Food will be available for purchase. Leashed dogs are welcome. Advance online purchase is required; tickets will not be available onsite.
Arts Barn Holiday Artisan Bazaar
November 26 – 28, Hours Vary
Arts Barn
Shop for unique, artisan made gifts at the Holiday Bazaar at the Arts Barn. More than a dozen artists will be showcasing their handmade, one-of-a-kind items just in time for the holiday shopping season. The Holiday Bazaar is hosted by the Arts Barn City Shop, which provides retail opportunities for local artists.
Tasty Books: Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas
December 4, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Casey Community Center
In "Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas" by Pamela Ehrenberg, a multi-cultural family celebrates Hanukkah while incorporating traditional Indian food. Register online here.
Jingle Jubilee & Tree Lighting
Celebrating Diverse Winter Traditions
Saturday, December 4, 3:30 – 6 p.m.
Free
City Hall Concert Pavilion
Jingle Jubilee celebrates the winter season with multicultural holiday performances, a visit with Santa, letters to those in the military, costumed characters, and more. The grand finale is the 95th Lighting of the City's Holiday Tree.
Santa's Holiday Tour of Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg becomes the North Pole when Santa welcomes your visit at five unique locations. Bring your own camera to capture the memories. There are limited time slots at each location. Registration is required at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/
Kentlands Mansion (indoors)
Saturday December 4
9 a.m. – Noon
$15 per household (Maximum of 6)
Santa Claus is coming to Gaithersburg! Join us at the beautifully decorated Kentlands Mansion to write Santa a letter, chat briefly with him while he helps deck our halls, and then grab a craft to take home. Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing must be practiced. Purchase tickets here.
Gaithersburg Aquatic Center (indoors)
Saturday, December 4
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
$15 per household
Grab your wish list for a unique chance to see the big man himself. Each group will have the chance for a poolside photo with Lifeguard Santa, socially distanced of course! Santa's elves will be making a special trip from the North Pole to hand out a treat and craft to each participant. Masks are required except while in the pool. Purchase tickets here.
See special events for Santa's visit at Jingle Jubilee on December 4.
Community Museum (outdoors)
Sunday, December 5
3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
$15 per household
All Aboard! Enjoy a railroad-themed visit with Santa. He'll be inside the cab of our 1918 steam locomotive. Give him a wave, chat, and take socially-distanced family photo. A treat and craft project goes home with each child. Photo location requires stepping up onto a platform. Call the Museum at 301-258-6160 about accommodations before making an online reservation. Purchase tickets here.
Casey Community Center (indoors)
Saturday, December 11
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sensory friendly timeslots available
$20 per household (Maximum of 6)
Santa is coming to Casey! Visit with him and Mrs. Claus, drink hot cocoa, make crafts by the fireplace, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to take some great pictures of your little ones with the big man himself. Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing must be practiced. Purchase tickets here.
