Winter Festivals Worth the Drive

The National Arboretum Winter Festival is on December 2 and offers plenty of family-friendly activities!

To the North, South, East, and West…holiday festivals abound!

A hometown holiday is a very special thing. But with the weather of a Mid-Atlantic Christmas being less than frightful, there’s no reason not to fire up the four-wheeled sleigh and visit some of the fun winter festivals around the area.

DC
Driving toward DC, the Friends of the National Arboretum brings to town their Winter Festival and Christmas Tree Sale on Dec. 2, 2023. Local vendors fill the holiday market with artisan goods such as jewelry, home goods, and gardening accessories, and much more. For kids, there will be nature-based crafts, face painting, book giveaways, and lots of winter activities. Snacks and hot cocoa will be sold throughout the market, and make sure to pick up a tree, wreath, or garland from the Christmas tree sale. All proceeds benefit the National Arboretum and registration is free but not required.

merriweather christmas holiday market — HHC, Tree Lighting, Color Burst, Christmas, Ice Rink, Howard Hughes, The Merriweather District welcomes visitors to the Ice Rink all season long and the Holiday Market from December 1-3, 2023. Image courtesy of Merriweather District Facebook page.

Baltimore
In Timonium, Kennedy Krieger’s three-day Festival of Trees brings hundreds of designer-decorated trees to the Maryland State Fairground the weekend after Thanksgiving (Nov. 24-26, 2023). Wreaths and gingerbread houses will also be on sale, along with a huge artist’s village with vendors selling every type of personal holiday gift possible. Santa will be on hand to hear what your kids want for Christmas, and you can feel good knowing that the 27,000 patients who turn to Kennedy Krieger each year will benefit from your financial support.

Eastern Shore
In Easton, the Friends of the Hospice of Talbot County bring their lovely Festival of Trees to the Tidewater Inn from Nov. 25-28. Area businesses sponsor and decorate trees for the festival, while smaller, table-sized stunners will be available for purchase. On Saturday evening, stick around for candlelight caroling with singers and bell ringers. Keep yourself warm with hot cocoa and fun treats from food and craft vendors.

Kennedy Krieger’s Festival of Trees showcases many unique trees and offers lots of rides, games, crafts, and of course– Santa! Image courtesy of Kennedy Krieger Facebook

Columbia

At Merriweather District, the annual Merri & Bright Holiday Market will be open Dec. 1-3, 2023 at Color Burst Park in Columbia. Adults will enjoy the live holiday performers, shopping, and wine chalet, while kids can write letters to Santa, check out the hot cocoa bar, and test out their ice skates for the first time this season. This event is free, but reservations are recommended. To skate, a separate ticket is necessary.