Deck the Halls with Cheer

Calvert County is the Place to be This December

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- November 28, 2005 - The weather may have been slow to change this year, but days on the calendar are flying by as we speed toward the magic of the holiday season. As usual, Calvert County offers a bevy of activities, events and special treats to provide a refreshing break from the whirlwind of shopping, cooking and hall-decking chores that take place each December.

DECEMBER 3
Christmas on the Beach, North Beach Waterfront Boardwalk. 1-3pm. Tree decorating and lighting, caroling, Yule logs, refreshments and a visit by Santa Claus for the children! (301-855-6681 or 410-286-3799)

Holiday Open House, Main Street Gallery, Prince Frederick. 11am-4pm. Enjoy a celebration of fine contemporary art and crafts on display in a festive holiday setting. (410-535-3334)

DECEMBER 3-4
Antique Christmas Festival Open House, Countywide. 10am-5pm. Visit various antique centers in the County for a unique Christmas festival featuring antiques, unique gifts and refreshments. (410-867-3277 or 410-257-3153)

"The Nutcracker" Presented by Abigail Francisco School of Classical Ballet, Mary Harrison Center, Owings. December 3rd: 7:30pm; December 4th: 2pm. Dancers ranging from 8 years to adult perform in the school’s annual production. Entertaining evening for the whole family! Fee. (301-855-0282)

DECEMBER 4
32nd Annual Christmas Parade, Fox Run Shopping Center, Prince Frederick. (Rain Date-Dec. 11) 2pm. Christmas Parade featuring local school bands, floats, custom and antique cars/trucks, plus a visit by Santa Claus. (410-535-0026)

Holiday Open House, Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, Chesapeake Beach. 1-4pm. Join volunteers and friends of the Museum to celebrate the holiday season in the historic Chesapeake Beach Railway Station. (410-257-3892 or 301-855-6472)

DECEMBER 9-10
21st Annual Solomons Christmas Walk, Island-wide, Solomons. December 9th: 6-9pm; December 10th: 10am-9pm. Stroll Solomons’ candlelit streets, browse in unique shops, enjoy art, music, entertainment, a puppet show and boat light parade. Free shuttle. www.solomonsbusiness.com. (410-326-1950 or 410-326-2549)

DECEMBER 9 - JANUARY 2
Garden In Lights, Annmarie Garden, Solomons. 6-9pm nightly, weather permitting. Experience the wonderment of this magnificently lit holiday drive-through. The serene setting adds its artistic flare to the magic of the season. www.annmariegarden.org. Fee. (410-326-4640)

DECEMBER 10
Greens Sale And Hayride, American Chestnut Land Trust, Warrior's Rest located at the end of Scientist Cliffs Road, Port Republic. 11:00am-1:00pm. Purchase freshly cut evergreens, wreaths and garland for holiday decorations, drink hot cider and take a hayride to the beach. This is a wonderful chance to meet and reconnect with people right before the holiday season. www.acltweb.org (410-586-1570)

DECEMBER 17
Holiday Celebrations, Calvert Country Market, Prince Frederick. 10am-4pm. Get ready for the holidays with treats, gifts and specials. www.calvertcountrymarket.com (410-414-9669)

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com