CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN FREDERICK

The month of December brings a series of holiday-themed events in downtown historic Frederick, Maryland. These events will fill your heart with the true spirit of the season while capturing the small town charm that makes Frederick so special. Designed to appeal to all ages, following is a listing of the events:

Scents and Sweets Competition & Exhibit
Wednesday, December 1 - free
Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Bakers and florists, both amateurs and professionals, create magnificent gingerbread structures and floral centerpieces depicting the holidays. These centerpieces will be displayed at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, 40 South Carroll Street, at a reception from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Winners are determined by a panel of judges and receive cash prizes. For those interested in competing, deadline for entry is Friday, November 12.

Holiday Art Competition & Exhibit
Wednesday, December 1 - free
Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Local and regional artists submit their designs depicting the Holidays in Frederick for this juried competition. The winning illustration is reproduced for the next year’s holiday ad campaign featuring posters, ornaments and more. Reception held at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, 40 South Carroll Street, where the winner earns a cash award. You can also meet the artist of the 2004 artwork and have a poster signed. For those interested in competing, deadline for entry is Friday, October 29.

Kris Kringle Procession
Friday, December 3 - free
6:30 p.m. beginning on East Street at the corner of Patrick Street
Celebrate Old World Holiday magic with this parade that welcomes the beginning of the holiday season. Popular with the children are Kris Kringle, Frosty, the Snow Queen and Rudolph! Characters representing Frederick’s German/ English heritage include Weinacht Man, Krist Kindle, Pelsnickle and other regional favorites! The visual spectacle of holiday characters marching through downtown rings in the holiday season. The parade concludes at the Baker Park Bandshell, 121 North Bentz Street, for a closing ceremony and the Mayor’s lighting of the City tree.

Candlelight House Tour
Saturday, December 4, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 5, Noon- 4 p.m.
$15
This self-guided tour allows visitors an inside glimpse of various private homes in historic Frederick elaborately adorned with holiday décor. Visitors tour these magnificent show places particularly to partake of the architectural nuances, holiday decorations, and historic significance. Proceeds assist in funding the other holiday events as well as a beautification project in The City of Frederick. Tickets are available at a number of downtown locations, including the Tourism Council of Frederick County, 19 East Church St., Frederick, 301-228-2888. For ticket information, call 301-228-2844.

Children’s Weekend
Saturday, December 11 & Sunday, December 12
The joy of the holidays is embodied in the children who partake in a weekend full of activities just for them! From storytelling, to belsnickeling and breakfast with Santa, there are a variety of activities hosted by Frederick City businesses that work together to create this magical weekend. (Some activities charge a small fee.)

Festival of Lights
Friday, December 17- free
This event begins as carolers throughout downtown Frederick proceed toward the courtyard of City Hall. Once at City Hall, attendees are given a candle to hold throughout the ceremony. After holiday greetings and an inspirational message, there is more caroling as each person’s candle is lit, one by one, neighbor to neighbor, together until the entire courtyard is filled with magnificent light.

“Home for the Holidays” Dance
Saturday, December 18 - $
William Talley Recreation Center
The Talley Recreation Center provides the backdrop for this dance featuring the live swing band ‘Tuxedo Park Orchestra’. Great hits, lots of dancing and plenty of fun will be had! Step back in time by dressing in the 30’s and 40’s for this semi-formal to formal event! Cash bar and light refreshments available. Tickets are available at the Office of Special Events, 121 North Bentz Street, Frederick, 301-228-2844.

These events would not be possible without the hard work of the volunteers of the Holiday Committee, and the following community-minded businesses: Gold Sponsors - BB&T, Bechtel Foundation, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, Drees Homes, Farmers & Mechanics Bank and Sandy Spring Bank; Silver Sponsors - Bank One, CitiMortgage and The Frederick News Post; Bronze Sponsors - Cellular One, Chessie Federal Credit Union and the Frederick Arts Council.

For more information on holiday activities in Frederick, Maryland, please call 301-600-CITY, 301-228-2844, or visit the website at www.HolidaysinFrederick.com