Holiday Season Fun in Montgomery County
The holiday season is a magical time here in Montgomery County, filled with lights, community events, and opportunities to connect and celebrate together.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy this time of year, here are some of our favorite local picks.
✨ Light Shows & Outdoor Events
Garden of Lights — Brookside Gardens
Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
Wander through more than a million twinkling lights, themed displays, and holiday magic at this walk-through holiday event. Perfect for families or anyone who wants a festive outing. This event features wheelchair-accessible pathways and sensory-friendly early evening times. It is a great event for small groups. Visit the Garden of Lights website for more information.
Winter Lights Festival — Seneca Creek State Park
Nov 28 - Dec 31, 2025
Take a scenic drive through holiday light displays at this long-standing light festival. A great option if you prefer to enjoy holiday cheer from the comfort of a vehicle. This event is perfect for individuals who prefer lower sensory environments and no walking is required! Learn more by visiting the Winter Lights Festival website.
Winter City Lights
Dec 5 - Dec 29, 2025
Explore a magical, immersive Christmas lights experience of 1 million twinkling lights and 200,000 square feet of displays spanning 18 beautiful acres in a festive outdoor setting – the largest and most sophisticated Christmas lights and canopy show. Located at 4501 Olney Laytonsville Road, Olney Maryland 20832, it is one of the largest in the country. Food and holiday treats are available for purchase. Learn more on the Winter City Lights website.
Bethesda Winter Wonderland (Bethesda Row) - FREE EVENT
December 6, 2025
Live ice carving, holiday music, and a welcoming downtown atmosphere in an open outdoor space with easy drop-off and pick-up access. Learn more on the Bethesda Winter Wonderland website.
Ice Skate Outdoors in Montgomery County
All Season
If you’re looking for a fun winter outing, nothing beats ice skating under the open sky. Montgomery County is home to two outdoor skating rinks that offer the perfect mix of seasonal charm and community fun — whether you’re practicing spins, trying skating for the first time, or just enjoying the frosty air. These locations offer inexpensive skate rentals + beginner-friendly support equipment. Lessons are also available. This activity is fun for groups or one-on-one outings.
Rockville Town Square Ice Rink: Skate beside the twinkling Christmas tree and glide to festive holiday music for your very own mini–Rockefeller Center moment — no travel required. With restaurants and cafés just steps away, it’s an easy winter date night or family adventure. See rockvilleiceskating.com for more info.
Veterans Plaza Ice Rink (Silver Spring): Visit after dark to experience colorful lights glowing from the canopy overhead, giving the rink a vibrant, dance-club feel. It’s a great spot for a friends’ night out or a lively weekend activity. Learn more here.
✨ Special Shows and Holiday Events
A Christmas Carol, Olney Theater
November 28 - December 28, 2025
Playing until December 28th. Click here for more information and details about the December 17-18 accessibility services.
The Dreidel Players Present Best Hanukkah Show Ever, The Arts Bar
November 28 - December 14, 2025
The Arts Barn presents a group of (mostly) Jewish theatre makers who created "the best Hanukkah show EVER for playhouses and JCCs nationwide to produce every holiday season." It will leave all ages in stitches and spark a new holiday tradition. Playing through December 14th, performances are Friday & Saturday at 8 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM. Learn more here.
Rules for Living, Road House Theatre
December 3, 2025–January 4, 2026
Enjoy a comedy about the holidays! Learn more and get tickets here. Please note that there are accessibility showings on December 13-14.
The Nutcracker, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre
December 5 & 12 at 7:30 p.m., December 6 & 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., December 7 & 14 at 2 p.m.
Don't miss one of these 8 performances of this holiday classic. Learn more and get tickets on their website.
Takoma Cocoa Crawl
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Enjoy cocoa at area restaurants and cafes during the Takoma Cocoa Crawl! Make one stop or many. Adult versions available too. Businesses will provide single use mugs or to-go cups. Prices and sizes vary by business. Learn more here.
Sur la Table Holiday Treat Workshops
Various dates all season
Try your hand at baking and decorating some of your holiday favorites. From cookie decorating workshops to making holiday macarons or cream puff gnomes, these classes are sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Visit their website to find a participating location near you!
The Winter Jubilee at Rockville's Civic Center Park
Saturday, December 20, 1-4pm
Located at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre and Social Hall, families can enjoy games, arts and crafts, face painting and fun costumed characters! And step into a world of colorful construction with the Rockville Science Center! They will be making festive "gingerbread" houses out of bright, computer-cut cardstock pieces with an assortment of items available to decorate them for the holiday season. Learn more and get tickets here.
Music Center and Mansion at Strathmore
Enjoy a variety of Holiday performances all month at Strathmore – The Music Center & Mansion.
- Born is the King on Tuesday, Dec 2
- Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2025, Dec 4
- Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Presents: ELF in Concert, Dec 5
- Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, Dec 7
- Seán Heely's Celtic Christmas, Dec 11
- Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Presents: Cirque Nutcracker, Dec 12
- A Candlelight Christmas, Dec 13
- And much more. Check out their calendar of events here.
✨ Holiday Markets & Local Shopping
Looking for unique gifts and festive experiences? Montgomery County’s Holiday Artisan Markets feature dozens of local makers, artists, and small businesses offering handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, home décor, seasonal treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts. These markets are a great way to shop local, enjoy the holiday atmosphere, and find meaningful items you won’t see anywhere else. Learn more at Visit Montgomery’s Holiday Artisan Market guide. Check out a listing of shops here.
Tips for Planning
Many of these events require tickets or advance registration, so check dates and availability ahead of time. Consider accessibility needs from transportation, support for mobility or sensory sensitivities, or adapted experiences. And dress for the weather and plan for comfort. Winter outings can be magical, but also chilly!
At Opportunities, Inc., we believe community connection and inclusion shouldn’t stop when the weather turns cold. These holiday events and local offerings help people build friendships, experience new surroundings, and feel part of something bigger. Wishing you a safe and happy season!