So, we decided to put together a list of FREE Christmas Events for you to choose from during this holiday season!
Free Christmas Events in Frederick, Md
As we all know, Downtown Frederick is a great place to start enjoying some amazing free Christmas events in Frederick County.
However, there are so many opportunities all throughout Frederick County to get your festivities on!
Therefore, we had to organize all of the free Christmas events in one place for you to use as a resource.
Frederick County’s free Christmas events include:
- Parades
- Christmas tree lightings
- Shopping
- Santa visits
- Crafts
- Caroling
- Live Holiday music
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Trolley rides
- Holiday lights
- Food
- Performances
- Prizes
- Christmas Tree Auctions
- Wreaths
- Art
- Gingerbread Houses
- Plants
- Handcrafted goods
- Hot Cocoa
- S’mores
- Tours
- Scavenger Hunts
- Children’s Activities
- Candle lighting ceremony
Whew! That’s a lot of things to do and a lot of Frederick County towns to visit in a matter of 30 days.
Of course you don’t have to participate in all of them but hey, you’ve got options for sure!
Free Christmas events information
We’ve listed out the Christmas events in date order so you can pick and choose which ones you can attend.
Also, we’ve included the locations, times, contact information, and the details of each event.
So, find your favorite Christmas events and mark your calendar.
It’s going to be a festive month, thanks to Frederick!
1. Frosty Friday – Christmas events
Date: 11/29/19
Place: Historic Downtown Frederick
Times: All day until 9:00 pm
Contact Info: Downtown Frederick Partnership, (301) 698-8118
Details:
- Extended shopping hours
- Free parking
- Carolers
- Holiday music
- Horse-drawn carriage rides (Sold out for 2019)
- Free trolley rides 3:00 to 9:00 pm
2. Frederick’s Holiday Circus – Christmas Events
Date: 11/29/19
Place: Everedy Square/Shab Row
Corner of East & Church Streets
Downtown Frederick
Times: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Contact Info: Everedy Square & Shab Row, (301) 662-4140
Details:
- Introducing the 1st annual Frederick’s Holiday Circus!
- Watch in awe as Luna Aerial Dance & Performing Arts performs several feet above the ground.
- Also performing, a professional clown and juggler.
- Usher in the holidays with the wonder of the circus! This is a free event.
- Santa’s Arrival begins immediately following this at 7pm.
3. Annual Tree Lighting at westview Promenade
Date: 11/23/19
Place: Westview Promenade
Buckeystown Pike (Rt 85) & Crestwood Blvd
Frederick, MD
Times: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Contact Info: Westview Promenade, (410) 561-1300
Details:
- Live holiday music
- Dance performers
- Costumed characters
- Games with prizes for the kids
- Free ice skating
4. Valley Craft Network Tour
Date: 11/23-11/24/19
Place: Middletown & Pleasant Valley Area
20834 Townsend Rd, Gapland
Times: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Contact Info: Valley Craft Network, (301) 432-0281
Details:
- Art
- Fine Crafts
- Visit website or stop by Frederick Visitor Center for brochure & map of all of the locations
5. Festival of Trees – Christmas events
Date: 11/29-11/30/19
Place: Museum of Frederick County History
24 E. Church St, Frederick
Times: Wed-Sat 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sun 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Contact Info: Heritage Frederick, (301) 663-1188
Details:
- This historic 1820 residence will be transformed for the season with twinkling lights, wreaths, and trees decorated by local individuals, businesses, and nonprofits.
- Vote for your favorite!
6. Tuba Christmas events
Date: 11/30/19
Place: Weinberg Center for the Arts
20 W. Patrick St, Frederick
Times: 12:00 pm
Contact Info: Tuba Christmas, (301) 602-5041
Details:
- Tuba comrades of Frederick.
- They’ll perform a variety of brassy Christmas hits.
- Free admission with canned food donation.
7. live nativity
Date: 12/1/19
Place: Urbana Fire Hall
3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick
Times: 12:00 pm
Contact Info: Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, (301) 663-4956
Details:
- More than a dozen costumed characters perform under the night sky.
8. holiday art competition
Date: 12/4/19
Place: The Delaplaine Arts Center
40 S. Carroll St, Frederick
Times: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Contact Info: Celebrate Frederick, (301) 600-2489
Details:
- Exhibit of original holiday artwork created by local Frederick artists.
- Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.
9. scents & sweets competition & auction
Date: 12/5/19
Place: William R. Talley Recreation Center
121 N. Bentz St, Frederick
Times: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Contact Info: Celebrate Frederick, (301) 600-2489
Details:
- Floral & gingerbread pieces will be available in the annual Scents & Sweets Auction.
- Bid throughout the night and the weekend to take home a holiday piece.
10. holiday gifts & greens sale – christmas events
Date: 12/5 to 12/7/19
Place: All Saints Episcopal Church
106 W. Church St, Frederick
Times: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Contact Info: All Saints’ Episcopal Church, (301) 663-5625
Details:
- Fresh greens
- Wreaths
- Swags
- Handmade items
- Decorated tabletop trees
- Potted amaryllis
- Paperwhites
11. holiday arts & crafts artist market
Date: 12/7/19
Place: The Delaplaine Arts Center
40 S. Carroll St, Frederick
Times: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Contact Info: The Delaplaine Arts Center, (301) 698-0656
Details:
- Unique art
- Handmade jewelry
- Photography
- Wood work
- Metal work
- Textiles
- Design accessories
- Super Secret Elf Workshop for the kids 3:00 to 5:00 pm
12. silver bells & the silver screen
Date: 12/7/19
Place: Jack B. Kussmaul Theater
7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick
Times: 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Contact Info: Facebook event, (301) 846-2513
Details:
- Join us as we celebrate favorite holiday movies through images and tunes spanning almost 80 years of entertainment history!
- Songs from Babes in Toyland, Elf, Home Alone, Mame, The Polar Express, White Christmas, and more!
- Presented by the FCC Handbell Choir with guest performers!
13. traditional village christmas events
Date: 12/7/19
Place: Colliers Log House & Forgeman’s House at Catoctin Furnace
12607 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont
Times: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Contact Info: Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, (443) 463-6437
Details:
- Decorate a fresh wreath ($35) with bows, bells, pine cones, holly, icicles, and ornaments!
- Make the custom wreath yourself or let our volunteers do it for you.
- The Forgeman’s House will be filled with unique, handmade items, perfect for holiday gift-giving.
- Silver Oak Academy culinary students will be serving delicious hot, homemade collard greens with smoked turkey, hot apple cider, and heirloom-recipe baked goods.
- Children can make a punched tin holiday ornament and visit with Belsnickel.
- Crafter’s and artisans will be displaying their works in the Forgeman’s House and unique Christmas Gifts will be available to purchase.
- Visitors will also enjoy wonderful living history programs throughout the day.
- The log house will feature wreath making and a bake table featuring heirloom-recipe baked goods.
14. christmas events in thurmont
Dates: 12/7/19
Place: Guardian Hose Co. Fire Hall
East Main St, Thurmont
Times: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Contact Info: Downtown Frederick Partnership, (301) 698-8118
Details:
- Live Holiday music
- Santa & Mrs. Claus
- Pictures with Santa
- Make & Take Holiday Crafts
- Frederick County Society of Model Engineers Holiday Train Display
- Prizes
- Crafts & Food for sale
- Horse & Carriage Rides
15. christmas events in myersville
Dates: 12/7/19
Place: Myersville Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Station 8
301 Main St, Myersville
Times: 7:00 am to 10:30 am Breakfast, 5:00 pm Parade & Santa
Contact Info: Facebook Event, (301) 401-2746
Details:
- Lions Breakfast (7 to 10:30)
- Holiday Indoor Farmers Market (7 to 10:30)
- Parade (5pm)
- Santa, Cocoa, Gifts for the kids (after the parade in the Firehall)
16. christmas events in new market
Dates: 12/7/19
Place: New Market Main Street
39 W. Main St, New Market
Times: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Contact Info: The Town of New Market Maryland, (301) 865-5544
Details:
- Parade in the morning
- Visit shops & restaurants
- Visit with Santa Claus
- Bid on a fully decorated Christmas tree
17. christmas events in the valley
Dates: 12/7/19
Place: Middletown Main Street
31 W. Main St, Middletown
Times: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Contact Info: Middletown Maryland, (301) 371-6171
Details:
- Visit Santa at the Town Hall
- Enjoy a tree lighting ceremony
- Holiday musical program
18. december saturdays in historic downtown frederick
Dates: 12/7, 12/14, & 12/21/19
Place: Historic Downtown Frederick
Times: All Day Until 9:00 pm
Contact Info: Downtown Frederick Partnership, (301) 698-8118
Details:
- Late night shopping hours
- First Saturday Scavenger Hunt, First Saturday Art Show on 12/7
- Shop n’ Stroll – Beer, wine & non-alcoholic tastings at participating locations on 12/14.
- Last Stop + Shop – Window displays, holiday lights, carolers, & Santa visits on 12/21
- Free hot chocolate & s’mores roasting stations around Downtown Frederick
- Live entertainment
- Free trolley rides every 15 minutes from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
19. Christmas events with the frederick chorale
Dates: 12/8 & 12/9/19
Place: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
118 E. 2nd St, Frederick
Times: Sun 4:00 pm, Mon 7:00 pm
Contact Info: The Frederick Chorale, (301) 371-4668
Details:
- Festive performance of choral works celebrating Christmas and the joy of the holiday season.
- Timeless classics and new favorites
20. kris kringle procession
Dates: 12/13/19
Place: Downtown Frederick
121 N. Bentz St, Frederick
Times: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Contact Info: Celebrate Frederick, (301) 600-2489
Details:
- Celebrate Old World Holiday magic.
- Walking procession featuring German/English characters of yesteryear.
- Parade begins at corner of S. Carroll St and E. Patrick St.
- Program to follow at Baker Park Bandshell
21. museums by candlelight
Dates: 12/14/19
Place: Various locations in Frederick County
Times: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Contact Info: Visit Frederick, (301) 600-4047
Details:
- Special programming
- Hands-on fun
- Special children’s activities
- Self-guided tours
- Go to website above for participating museums
22. holiday santa visit & Toys for tots
Dates: 12/14/19
Place: Westview Promenade
5243 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick
Times: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Contact Info: Westview Promenade, (410) 561-1300
Details:
- Live Holiday music
- Visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, & Friends
- Costumed characters
- Golden Gears Car Club Show
- Toys for Tots Collection
23. festival of lights
Dates: 12/20/19
Place: City Hall Courtyard
101 N. Court St, Frederick
Times: 7:00 pm
Contact Info: Celebrate Frederick, (301) 600-2489
Details:
- Caroling
- Candle lighting ceremony
- Musical performance by The Frederick Children’s Chorus
- Inspirational speaker
How lucky are we to have so many free opportunities to get out in our community and enjoy the holiday season?
We hope that you take time to really embrace the present and soak in the holiday spirit!
Merry Christmas everyone!
For more awesome Christmas related posts, click on over to:
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Holiday Cocktail: Cranberry Orange Gin Fizz Recipe with Thyme
- 35+ Crab Festivals in Maryland - June 7, 2022
- Wineries in Frederick Md (2022) - May 13, 2022
- Best Breakfast in Frederick Md: 25 Great Spots - April 25, 2022
Merry Christmas, Ladies.
Thanks for posting the event ‘Museums by Candlelight’ and a link to ‘Visit Frederick’. The C. Burr Artz Library will be having some wonderful events going on Saturday, December 14. I will be there as a guest author signing a series of novel titles, including ‘The Victorian Christmas Brides’ a collection of 9 Christmas novellas in one volume.
Fondly,
Rita Gerlach
Merry Christmas Rita!
Thank you for letting us know about the December 14th event.
We will add that to our list!
Best!
Pam
thank you, it helps a lot
You’re welcome 🙂