What event(s) are you most excited for this season?
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Christmas on Carroll (Holiday Pop Up Bar) at True Standard Distilling
True Standard presents Christmas on Carroll from Nov 19th to January 11th. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be wrapped in twinkling lights, holiday magic, and the cozy spirit of the season. Our cocktail bar is serving up festive creations that will have you toasting, laughing, and singing Rum-pa-pum-pum all night long.
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice (Boats on Carroll Creek)
Annually, Sailing Through The Winter Solstice begins in November, when a number of boats, transformed through the creative minds of many Frederick friends, set sail on the Creek. Our fleet has grown from one boat the first year to 26 sailing boats and 1 land-locked boats in the 2024-25 season. The boats are anchored in Carroll Creek, between Market Street and Carroll Street.
The fleet includes gaff-rigged ketches, yawls, three-masted schooners, and pirate ships, moored with their sail outlines, rigging and decks lit up from dusk till dawn. If you can’t imagine it make sure to come by and take a look at the amazing flotilla!
It’s not just fun, it’s for a purpose. In addition to voting for your favorite boat ($5 per vote), many organizations are raising awareness and money for amazing causes. Visit this year’s fundraising site to learn more about the 27 boats in this years fleet. All proceeds raised during STTWS go to each boat’s designated charity and Color On The Creek. The event runs from mid-November through the 2nd Saturday in March.
Launch day: Nov 22 ( Boats stay on the creek until March)
Kris Kringle Procession
The parade begins at the corner of South Carroll and East Patrick streets in Frederick and ends in Baker Park with the lighting of the City Tree.
The procession mirrors the small town charm that makes Frederick so special during the holidays. Local organizations, youth clubs, and musical groups accompany costumed characters (some modern, some traditional) through Frederick’s downtown streets.
Dec 12 @ 6:30PM
Holiday Art Reception at The Delaplaine Art Center
In collaboration with Celebrate Frederick, join us for the reception for “Frederick During the Holidays”, a delightful display of original artwork created by local Frederick artists. Judge’s and People’s Choice awards will be announced during the reception. The exhibit will be on display in Gardiner Hall and a limited number of pieces will remain on display throughout the month of December in the Community Engagement Gallery. FREE
Dec 3 @ 5:30PM – 7:30PM
The Nutcracker
Celebrate the season with the magic and wonder of The Nutcracker, brought to life by the Maryland Regional Ballet and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Under the direction of Joyce Morrison, this enchanting production features elegant performances by students from the Frederick School of Classical Ballet with guest artists from the New York City Ballet.
A cherished Frederick tradition, The Nutcracker whisks audiences away to the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets in a performance filled with beauty, grace, and holiday spirit.
This show is part of the Weinberg Center’s LIVE! Series, celebrating exceptional choreography and live dance. The Weinberg Center, located in the heart of Downtown Frederick, MD, offers a historic backdrop and timeless atmosphere for an unforgettable performance experience.
Plan Your Visit and find information on parking, accessibility, and other amenities. For exclusive perks and early access to programming, consider becoming a member! You can also make a donation to help us ensure that the arts remain accessible and affordable to local and regional audiences alike.
12/5, 12/6, 12/7 @ times vary
S’mores with Santa
Santa is coming to town, and he’s making a special stop in Frederick to warm up by the fire and enjoy some delicious s’mores! Grab your coat and hat and coat, make your way to the park to say hello, share your wish list with Santa, and relax by your very own campfire.
The event will feature s’mores and a hot cocoa bar to make your evening extra sweet.
Advanced registration is required. Space is limited
Registration is per family. By signing up, you are reserving a fire pit for a maximum of 10 people.
12/5, 12/11, 12/12, 12/18, 12/19, 12/20 @ times vary
Carols by Candlelight
Join us at City Hall Park for an evening of festive holiday sing-alongs led by The Frederick Chorale and The Oakdale High School Choir, featuring several Frederick-area choirs! Caroling choirs include: Voices of Unity Jackson Chapel UMC, Frederick Catoctones, Lincoln Elementary School Chorus, Frederick Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir, and The Frederick Children’s Chorus!
Stroll around downtown Frederick at 6 PM to hear some caroling and then make your way to City Hall at 6:30 PM for a choral performance, featuring a massive choral collaboration of Carol of the Bells, and a festive community sing-along! Sing-alongs include: Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, Silent Night (by candlelight), and We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
Hot chocolate and coffee will be available for purchase onsite provided by Gravel & Grind!
Dec 10 @ 6PM – 7:30PM
📍Frederick City Hall Park
Small Business Saturday
Shop Small in Downtown Frederick, MD! With 200+ locally owned and operated businesses, Downtown Frederick is the perfect destination for your holiday shopping.
Looking for more ways to Shop Small? The Friday before Small Business Saturday is Frosty Friday in Downtown Frederick — featuring all-day shopping, free parking, live music and gifts from the Snowflake Tree – just for shopping local!
Nov 29 @ 10AM – 9PM
Frederick City Media 