From tree lightings to Santa visits, here’s holiday fun in Carroll County – Baltimore Sun

As the days get shorter and temperatures get colder, Carroll County communities host tree lightings and visits from Santa, among other things.

Westminster

Westminster’s annual Miracle on Main Street event begins at noon Saturday with vendors on Paide Way and crafts, games, face painting and balloon art at the fitness center, 11 Longwell Ave. Two new additions this year are a free electric train ride called The Polar Express, which takes people from Locust Lane to Santa’s Treat, and free ice skating on Locust Lane, from noon to 4 p.m

The holiday parade is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. The parade route begins on Pennsylvania Avenue at Monroe Street. The parade continues south to West Main Street, crosses Route 27 and continues on East Main Street, turning left onto Longwell Avenue and ending at the Key Street parking lot. A tree lighting on Locust Lane follows the parade.

Enjoy cocoa, s’mores, and holiday lights as you stroll through downtown Westminster until 9 p.m

Santa will be visiting downtown Westminster on December 7th, 14th and 21st from 12pm to 4pm. Children and families are invited to visit him at his home on the front lawn of Westminster Library, 43 E. Main St. Free horse-drawn carriage rides around the city will also be available at these times, with rides departing from an area adjacent to 7 Locust Lane.

Taneytown

Taneytown aims to attract small business customers on Saturday by offering live music and crafts for children, including designing ornaments, making wreaths and decorating gingerbread men. The Taneytown Police Station offers “Cocoa with the Bottom.”

The Taneytown Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. will kick off a candy cane hunt at Memorial Park on Taneytown Pike and Park Road, followed by hayrides, musical performances and a visit from Santa Claus.

Manchester

Manchester will host a tree lighting at City Hall, 3337 Victory St., on Friday at 6 p.m.

Santa’s House and Workshop will be open Dec. 6, 7, 12 and 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at War Memorial Park, 1215 N. Main St., Manchester. This event is free, with all donations benefiting the Northeast Social Action Program. NESAP is a Christian nonprofit organization based in Hampstead that provides crisis assistance to residents of Manchester, Hampstead, Finksburg and Upperco.

The city will also host its annual Candy Cane Lane Decoration Contest, inviting community members to contribute candy cane sign decorations for Main Street. Anyone interested in participating can call 410-239-7408. Decorations must be up by December 11th. Select the first and second place winners and follow the participants’ pictures on the city’s Facebook page. The winners will be announced on December 30th.

Other areas

Mount Airy‘s Christmas Village Express invites locals to take holiday photos with a festive backdrop every day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through December 14th. It is family friendly and pet friendly. Santa’s visit is scheduled for December 7th.

New WindsorThe annual Christmas Tree Lighting features hot cocoa, treats, live music, games and a visit from a special surprise guest. The event will be held at Fountain Park (201 Main Street, New Windsor) on December 8th at 6 p.m.

SykesvilleThe popular 12-hour Christmas event takes place on December 6th from 10am to 10pm. During this time, for every $5 spent at a Main Street store, shoppers will receive a raffle ticket with prizes such as wines, guitars and sweet treats, and gift cards. Many participating stores also offer special offers and festive attractions to shoppers.

Passes downtown Carroll County can be picked up at participating dealers representing each of the county’s eight communities. Shoppers can complete a passport by making a purchase at eight participating stores and then dropping it off at a Carroll County public library or town hall by Dec. 13. Twenty randomly selected winners will each win a $50 gift card, redeemable at any passport store.

Do you have a news tip? Contact Thomas Goodwin Smith at [email protected].

Originally published: November 29, 2024 at 3:05 pm EST