Are you looking for some fun-filled, family fun sprinkled with holiday cheer?
Consider moving into an apartment or townhouse in Frederick County and Harford County, Maryland, where community events are always happening no matter what time of the year it is—but more so during this joyous season.
From life-sized gingerbread houses to European-style holiday markets, you’re just a short walk or quick car ride away from family-themed activities that prove, in Frederick and Aberdeen, Maryland, there is no place like home for the holidays.
Here are a few favorites below.
All Aboard! Enjoy an Exclusive Frederick County Train Ride with Santa
Every year, Frederick County’s railroads get decked out in their holiday best to offer special Christmas trains in Maryland for the whole family.
Though these train rides won’t take you to the North Pole, they will take the North Pole—and Santa—to you every weekend.
Starting Thanksgiving Weekend, enjoy treats and caroling, plus exclusive photos, with Santa. Three timeslots are available on each weekend day. Reservations are required, and roundtrips continue through December 19.
But act now: Tickets sell out fast!
Experience an Outdoor, European-Style Holiday Market at Catoctin Furnace
Catoctin Furnace in Frederick County was built in 1774 by four brothers to produce iron from the rich deposits of hematite found in the nearby mountains.’
The facility later played a pivotal role during the Industrial Revolution. The cannonballs fired at the Battle of Yorktown, for instance, were made here.
The furnace played a vital role in a thriving community then—just as it does every holiday season in Frederick, Maryland.
On Dec. 4, join fellow Frederick County residents for the facility’s Annual Traditional Village Christmas.
An outdoor, European-style holiday market, you can decorate a fresh wreath, make crafts with Belsnickel, select unique handmade gifts, enjoy hot apple cider and heirloom-recipe baked goods, even watch a blacksmith at work.
The event starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m. EST. The best part: Admission is free.
Share Your Love for Local This Holiday Season
Shop local, eat local, support local—just by visiting and strolling downtown Frederick, Maryland, this holiday season.
When? Every Saturday, starting Thanksgiving Weekend through New Year’s Day.
When you live in an apartment or townhouse resident in Frederick County, Maryland, there’s always something new to explore, from in-store tastings and gallery openings to artist and vendor exhibitions in downtown Frederick, Maryland
Plus, a bonus: free parking at each of the city’s five public parking garages from 8 a.m. EST Saturday through 6 a.m. EST Monday.
Watch Aberdeen Transform Itself Into Whoville
This season, Aberdeen, Maryland, will magically transform its city streets and put an A-town spin on Dr. Seuss’ iconic fictional backdrop.
The fun seasonal experience will begin transporting kids and adults to the life-size whimsical holiday city starting Friday, Dec. 3, beginning at 7 p.m. EST.
First up, come view beautifully decorated trees donated by local businesses and community members at the Aberdeen Activity Center located on Howard St. Gingerbread Whoville-themed houses will also be on display.
Then, stay for the event’s feature motion presentation, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” plus refreshments and popcorn.
The next day, city officials will turn the Harford County, Maryland, city into a life-size replica of Whoville with a parade and storybook-decorated window displays along storefronts.
Pay a Festive Tribute to the Legendary Men of Motown
If you’re a longtime fan of Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and the Spinners, you’ll love this.
Relive the greatest in rhythm and blues with a special holiday concert, “A Holiday Tribute to the Men of Motown,” at The State Theater of Havre de Grace on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST.
The event will bring to Harford County, Maryland, the distinctive pop music style—the tambourines, driving bass lines and gospel-influenced vocal harmonies—that became synonymous with the famed Detroit studio that recorded the songs and the stars who sang them.
Learn more.
Captivate Audiences of All Ages With a Little Irish Flavor
Enrapt yourself with the magic of Christmas with an awe-inspiring show that encompasses vocal and instrumental seasonal favorites and Irish, contemporary and original Christmas themes—all packed with a Celtic twist.
"Celtic Angels Christmas" is an awe-inspiring family show that features vocal and instrumental favorites along with spectacular world-class Irish dancing.
Each talented vocalist hails from Ireland and will perform traditional Celtic Christmas songs such as “Once Upon a Time in Ireland.” Classics including “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,” “O Holy Night,” and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” are also on tap.
The two-hour spectacular on Sunday, Dec. 12, begins at 3 p.m. EST. The show will be at the Amoss Center at Harford Community College in Harford County, Maryland.