Updated in 2024
‘Tis the season to drive north of Washington, D.C., and experience the magic of Frederick MD Christmas! From dazzling Christmas lights to local shopping, Santa train rides, and a variety of special events, this charming town is bursting with festive holiday activities. Celebrate the holiday season with a blend of historic traditions, modern lights, cocktails, and unforgettable holiday events that bring Christmas cheer to all.
Frederick MD Christmas Events
Head up for holiday events in Frederick on the weekends, whether you’re staying in Washington, D.C, live in Maryland, or just need a break from your everyday life in the District. It’s the perfect destination for Christmas shopping enjoyment, supporting local businesses and restaurants during the holiday season, and experiencing an amazing light show right on the canal.
No more need to search “Christmas events near me” or “Christmas lights near me.” Your guide to the most wonderful time of the year is right here!
Frosty Friday
- Address: Throughout Historic Downtown Frederick
- Date: Friday after Thanksgiving
- Website
With extended store hours, complimentary wrapping and shipping services, and free public parking and restrooms, Frederick makes it easy for shoppers and sightseers to kick off the holiday season right.
Start with a Frosty Friday breakfast. Then spend the day strolling through the historic district, enjoying special deals and events from various vendors plus live music in several locations. Holiday shoppers can take part in a scavenger hunt for prizes and pick up a gift at the Snowflake Tree. Don’t miss the chance to roast marshmallows at the fire pits!
As the sun starts setting, the Holiday Lights Project turns the town into a sparkling wonderland, made even sweeter by a cocktail competition where everyone can taste (21+, of course).
Snowflake Tree
- Address: 30 N. Market St., Frederick, MD 21701
- Dates: Friday after Thanksgiving, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Stop by the Frederick Snowflake Tree with receipts from at least two downtown businesses totaling $100 or more, and you get to pick out a gift donated by many of those same shops you just visited. Personally, it gives us even more reason to shop locally in Maryland this year.
Holiday Cocktail Competition
- Address: Throughout Historic Downtown Frederick
- Date: Frosty Friday
- Website
Who says Christmas is just for kids? We love when holiday events take on a unique twist just for grown-ups and the Frederick MD Christmas Holiday Cocktail Competition is one of our all-time favorites.
Local bars and Frederick restaurants will be offering up their signature Christmas cocktails on Frosty Friday from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Check the site for a list of participants each season.) You can then vote for your favorite in the Holiday Cocktail Competition photo album posted on the Downtown Frederick Facebook page. The photograph of the cocktail with the most “likes” wins!
Maryland Christmas Show
- Address: Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick, MD
- Date: Two weekends in mid-to-late November (Fri./Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday until 4 p.m.)
- Website
Beloved by many Marylanders, this downtown Frederick Christmas show is an elaborate event combining a craft fair, farmer’s market, and antique shop. It’s the go-to destination for holiday shopping, premium Christmas decorations, and unique gifts during the holiday season.
For a nominal entrance fee, visitors can enjoy access to independent local artisans, stunning Christmas tableaus, delicious holiday treats, and the unparalleled Christmas spirit that fills the air. This Maryland Christmas tradition truly makes downtown Frederick the perfect place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Santa’s Farm Fest
- Address: Green Meadows Petting Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Rd., Ijamsville, MD
- Date: First two weekends of December, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Website
Come meet the nearly 300 animals of Green Meadows Petting Farm, located just 10 miles outside of Fredrick. Get up close to horses, goats, pigs, llamas and more. Enjoy holiday fun like free photos with Santa or the Grinch and his sleigh. (Snap your own!) Take a holiday hay ride, and keep warm around the fire pits or inside the heated stables. Food available.
Get out in nature this winter at Cunningham Falls State Park
Santa Train
- Address: Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville, VA
- Date: Weekends, late November to late December, multiple departures (Child tickets start at $20.)
- Website
In this truly unique event for families in Frederick County, take a ride in a beautiful historic train with Santa Claus! For over an hour, your Christmas train will chug through the scenic countryside while Santa makes a visit to each family with a special holiday surprise.
But if a meeting with the “Big Guy” is too daunting for your littlest revelers, give the Winter Express tour a try. The ride features kid-friendly musical acts, holiday crafts and delicious sweets. Pajamas are always welcome!
Did you miss the Santa Trains? Worry not! You can still catch the Winter Express and Holiday Spectacular Trains!
Holiday Art Competition
- Address: Delaplaine Visual Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll Street, Frederick, MD
- Date: First weekend in December through the weekend of Christmas
- Website
Be sure to stop by the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center in Frederick, MD, this season to see a beautiful collection of original fine art on display by talented local artists of all ages and backgrounds. Celebrate Frederick hosts this cheery cultural event, with many paintings and other visual art pieces featuring a wintery theme and some local flavor.
Exhibitors participate in showcasing their works, and at the end of the show, a panel of judges will pick a winner to be featured throughout the coming year. Try to guess which artist will take home the prize during this festive Maryland Christmas celebration!
Frederick by Candlelight Tours
- Address: Throughout the City of Frederick
- Date: Several dates in late November through December. Check sites for updated details.
- Website
Enjoy the area’s festive traditions via flickering light, including a candle-lit journey back to 1818 at Seton Shrine. Learn from junior interpreters about the female students who celebrated Christmas away from home at Mother Seton’s boarding school. Visitors can also experience the history and culture of Frederick County on candlelight tours of local museums or places of worship.
Revelers can also peek inside historic private homes on a self-guided, candlelight walking tour in Frederick, MD. Marvel at the elaborately adorned homes covered in holiday decor, some with soaring Christmas trees. Along the way, learn about the architectural features and historic significance of some of the area’s most magnificent homes. (A list of five-10 homes is released each year, so check HERE around Christmas season to find which homes you’ll get to explore.)
Holiday Bash!
- Address: Chartreuse & co., 4005 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD
- Date: First weekend in November, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Website
Set on a 100-year-old farm, its barn festooned in holiday cheer, this event offers tons of festive fun! From vintage shopping to a Holiday Makers’ market, food trucks, wine tastings, local coffee, greenery, flowers and plants, you’ll have plenty of opportunity for gift buying and photo snapping.
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice in Frederick
- Address: Carroll Creek Park, Frederick, MD
- Date: Late November through March
- Website
Don’t miss this uniquely Maryland Christmas experience during the holiday season! Each year, lighted and decorated sailboats line Carroll Creek Park, creating a stunning floating light installation that sets sail in November and continues through March. Visitors can vote for their favorite boats, with each vote contributing $1 to the featured boats, which donate that money to selected charities.
The best time to head down to the park is at dusk, allowing you to enjoy the intricately decked-out boats both in daylight and in the dark. This special event is the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in Maryland!
Festival of Lights
- Address: City Hall Courtyard, 101 N. Court St., Frederick, MD
- Date: One Saturday evening in mid-December
- Website
This moving and heart-warming ceremony is one of the standout Maryland Christmas show events of the holiday season. It aims to remind attendees of the real meaning of the holiday season through group carols and a candle lighting that illuminates the courtyard in a beautiful glow. The Frederick Children’s Chorus headlines a special musical show, followed by short, inspiring speeches from the mayor and other community leaders.
This is the perfect way to experience the most wonderful time of the year, with special events that capture the spirit of Maryland Christmas and bring the community together in celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas in Frederick, MD (FAQ)
What are the best things to do in Frederick, MD during Christmas?
Frederick offers a range of festive activities during the holiday season, perfect for Christmas shopping enjoyment. Some popular options include visiting the “Miracle on Market” Christmas market, where exhibitors participate in showcasing unique gifts, enjoying the Festival of Lights at the City Hall Courtyard, and exploring the Historic District’s beautifully decorated streets. These holiday shopping experiences and events capture the most wonderful time of the year, making Frederick the perfect destination for holiday fun.
Are there any Christmas parades in Frederick, MD?
Yes, Sailing Through the Winter Solstice in Carroll Creek Park is one of the best light parades in Maryland.
Can I go ice skating in Frederick during Christmas?
Yes, but please do NOT ice skate on the canals at Carroll Creek Park. The best spot to ice skate in Frederick is at Ice Frederick (1288 Riverbend Way, Frederick, MD 21701), an indoor rink that offers open skating times and lessons.
Where can I find the best Christmas lights and decorations in Frederick, MD?
To experience the magic of Maryland Christmas, head to the Festival of Lights at the City Hall Courtyard, Sailing Through the Winter Solstice in Carroll Creek Park, and explore the beautifully adorned houses in the Historic District. These holiday events are perfect for getting into the spirit of the holiday season. Additionally, Rose Hill Manor Park hosts a festive holiday light display, adding even more sparkle to your seasonal adventures.
Are there any Christmas markets or craft fairs in Frederick?
Yes, the “Miracle on Market” Christmas market is a must-visit for unique gifts and holiday treats. Additionally, many local shops and artisans participate in holiday craft fairs throughout the season.
Are there any special Christmas events or performances in Frederick?
Frederick often hosts special Christmas events, including Christmas concerts, theatrical performances, and holiday-themed activities. Keep an eye on local event calendars for specific details and schedules.
Can I visit Santa Claus in Frederick, MD during Christmas?
Yes, Santa Claus often makes appearances at various locations in Frederick, such as the Christmas market or local malls. Be sure to check the schedule and locations for Santa visits.
Are there any opportunities for outdoor winter sports or activities in Frederick during Christmas?
While Frederick may not have ski resorts, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or taking a scenic drive in nearby parks like Cunningham Falls State Park or Catoctin Mountain Park, both of which can be charming during the winter season.
Find Skiing near DC and snowtubing near DC
What are the best dining options for a Christmas meal in Frederick, MD?
Frederick offers a variety of restaurants and eateries for a special Christmas meal. Some popular choices include Dutch’s Daughter, The Tasting Room, and Brewer’s Alley.
Make reservations in advance, as it’s a busy time for dining out.
When does the Christmas season typically begin and end in Frederick, MD?
The Christmas season in Frederick usually starts in late November (the weekend after Thanksgiving) or early December and extends through New Year’s. The specific dates of events and activities may vary, so check local event listings for up-to-date information.
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