December 1-7
HSP 10th Annual Gingerbread Festival
Carroll County Public Library, Westminster Branch
Human Services Programs of Carroll County will present its 10th annual signature fundraising event, the Gingerbread Festival. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite gingerbread house. Last year’s event raised more than $30,000 to help provide much-needed services to families and individuals through several programs: shelter program and housing services, home energy program, family support program, economic mobility and financial education services. HSPinc.org
December 1-8
27th Annual Festival of Wreaths
Carroll Arts Center, Westminster
12PM-7PM
A holiday wonderland of creativity and generosity, this event features more than 100 unique themed wreaths and holiday art pieces that range from whimsical to wacky and wonderful. The wreaths are sold through an online auction that benefits the Carroll County Arts Council. While all the bidding is done online, Carroll Arts Center hosts a cheery display of all the entries for patrons to visit. CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
December 1-14
Holiday of Trees, Wreaths & Centerpieces
ACNB, Taneytown Branch
Weekdays 9AM-5PM
Saturday 9AM-12PM
Taneytown Heritage & Museum Association presents this annual holiday event. Enjoy a large selection of silent auction items. Admission is free. TaneytownHH.org
December 1-21
16th Annual Gallery of Gifts
Carroll Arts Center, Westminister
Shop small and buy local this holiday season. Get something for everyone on your list at this dazzling indoor art market. Featuring dozens of artists, the Tevis Gallery will be filled with handmade products like jewelry, pottery, tree ornaments, baskets, candles, woodwork, soaps and more. Visit CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org for times.
December 1-22
Farm Museum Holiday Tours
Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster
Weekdays 9AM-4PM
Weekends 12PM-4PM
This year, the Farm Museum’s holiday tour – A Choo Choo Christmas – will highlight all things trains. Each room will feature different train aspects and features. Visit the chaos of the train station and see freight that was carried and foods that were served in the dining car. Lanterns, toy trains and train destinations will also be highlighted. Ride the rails this holiday season! CarrollCountyFarmMuseum.org
December 2 & 3
Carroll Singers Concert “Home for the Holidays”
Westminster High School
7:30PM
Kick off the holidays with this concert featuring songs that highlight the cozy, warm feelings of the season. Home can be a place, but it can also be a feeling or a person brought to mind through sights, sounds and food. Home can also be a manger in Bethlehem. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door for adults, $7 in advance and $9 at the door for students. Children 6 and younger are free.
December 5
Jazz Night at McDaniel College
McDaniel College, Westminster
7PM-9PM
Senior Adjunct Lecturer Tim Jenkins directs the concert featuring diverse styles of jazz, including classic big band swing, bebop, Latin, funk, jazz-rock and classic blues. McDaniel.edu
December 6
Starry Night Gala Fundraiser to Benefit Carroll Community College
Carroll Community College, Westminster
5:30PM
Don’t miss this black-tie optional gala with a formal cocktail reception, silent and live auction, and exclusive entertainment followed by a dessert reception. Proceeds from this “Kickoff to the Holiday Season in Carroll County” will benefit the students and programs at Carroll Community College through the Carroll Community College Foundation. CarrollCC.edu
December 6-15
“A Christmas Carol: The Musical”
Coppermine Panther Plex, Hampstead
The musical beautifully intertwines humor, heartbreak and hope, capturing the spirit of redemption and the true meaning of Christmas. With lively choreography, memorable tunes, and a talented ensemble, “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” is a festive celebration that reminds us all of the power of kindness and generosity. Tickets: $25-$30. Check GoCoppermine.com for dates and times.
December 7
Tails at Twilight Fundraiser for the Humane Society
Piney Branch Golf Club, Upper
7PM-10PM
The night features food, an open wine and beer bar, DJ, games, live auction, raffles, photo booth, chance auction and more. The fundraiser helps give shelter animals life-saving vet care. Information: HSCarroll.org
December 7
Westminster Symphony Orchestra Concert
McDaniel College, Westminster
3PM-5PM
Senior Lecturer Linda Kirkpatrick directs the orchestra, composed of McDaniel and Carroll Community College students, as well as music faculty and community musicians. Selections include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” and the premiere of cellist Collin David’s “Hours:24.” The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call 410-857-2552.
December 7
A Visit With Santa
Old Main Line Park, Sykesville
3PM-6PM
Enjoy holiday entertainment in downtown Sykesville, including Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, the Grinch and more. Tree lighting will follow at the S&P Caboose. TownofSykesville.org
December 7
Taneytown Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Memorial Park, Taneytown
4:30PM-7PM
Discover a candy cane hunt, musical performances and Christmas hayrides. Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m. Food trucks will be on-site for refreshments. TaneytownMd.gov
December 7
A Main Street Christmas
Downtown Mount Airy
5:30PM-7:30PM
Mount Airy will officially ring in the holiday season with this beloved annual event. Enjoy the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. and parade at 6:30 p.m. The mayor and town council, along with several specially selected local students, will light the town Christmas tree in the railyard. Then get ready as the annual holiday parade makes its way down Main Street with a very special appearance by Santa Claus. MountAiryMd.gov
December 8
Children’s Chorus of Carroll County “Winter Celebration” Concert
St. Joseph’s Catholic Comunity Church, Eldersburg
2PM-3PM
All four groups of the internationally recognized chorus will perform songs of the season with energy and beauty that only children can provide. Admission is free and open to the public. CCCCNotes.com
Carroll County Arts Center
Receive 10% discount with code CARMAG Get tickets online at CarrollArtsCenter.org Downtown Westminster 410.848.7272
16th Annual Gallery of Gifts
November 22 – December 21
Shop Small and Buy Local.
A One-Man Christmas Carol
December 19
$18-20 An energetic, emotional, one-man show.
FLICC
January Documentary Series Fridays in January $6-8 Screenings at 1PM (captioned) & 7:30PM Four docs exploring fascinating subjects.
December 12
Bob Cratchit and the Bookkeepers
Carroll Arts Council, Westminster
7:30PM
With a desire to embody the spirit of everyone’s favorite holiday protagonist, Monte Leister of The Monte Leister Quartet joins forces with the joyful sax man Jay Fenner, the yuletide bass man Johnathan Davis and Jingling Connor LeFevre on the drums to get you singing and dancing to a Holly Jolly mix of swinging and sleighing holiday favorites. Tickets $10-$18. CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
December 14
Winter Market
Carroll Community College, Westminster
9AM-1PM
Enjoy fun family activities and shop for various gifts and services from local small businesses in this magical indoor winter market. For a complete list of vendors and activities, visit CarrollCC.edu/WinterMarket.
December 14
Wreaths Across America
Various Locations
12PM-1PM
Join us on National Wreaths Across America Day by placing a wreath on the final resting place of hometown veterans at more than 40 approved cemeteries throughout Carroll County. Volunteers are needed. Visit BabylonVaultCompany.com.
December 14 & 15
The Maryland Nutcracker
Carroll Community College Scott Theatre, Westminster
Ballet Embody, Carroll County’s professional ballet company, returns to the stage with their original holiday classic, The Maryland Nutcracker. Enjoy this holiday tradition, Maryland-style. Set to the timeless melodies of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” The Maryland Nutcracker weaves the captivating tale of Clara, a Baltimore child embarking on magical adventures from her Hampden home, across the Chesapeake Bay, and “Downy Oshun.” Tickets $20-$45. Learn more and buy tickets at BalletEmbody.com.
December 14
Storytellers
Carroll Arts Center, Westminster
3PM & 6PM
Experience the live Christmas event that explores the stories behind some of the most famous Christmas songs with music, storytelling, multimedia and local performers. All ticket sales benefit multiple local charities. Visit Storytellers2024.com.
December 17
Box Lunch Talk: History of Christmas Celebrations and Stories
Grace Lutheran Church, Westminster
12PM-1PM
Hosted by the Carroll County Historical Society, Andrea Berstler, executive director of Carroll County Public Library, will give a history of Christmas customs, share favorite Christmas books and stories, and explore the traditions that inspired the tales. The fee is $3 for HSCC members and $7 for nonmembers. HSCCmd.org
December 20
Walt Michael & Co. Holiday Concert
Carroll Arts Center, Westminster
7:30PM
Join Walt Michael and Company and special guests in their annual holiday concert, featuring seasonal string band music from Scotland, Ireland, New England and Southern Appalachia. Fiddles, guitars, mandolins, banjos, hammered dulcimer and four-part harmonies ring in your holidays. Tickets $25-$28. CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
January 10
“Runner” (A Documentary Movie)
Carroll Arts Center, Westminster
1PM & 7:30PM
“Runner” depicts Maker’s difficult and triumphant journey from refugee to a world-renowned athlete, told in intimate interviews with gorgeously animated flashbacks of Guor’s upbringing, and culminating in a heart-wrenching reunion with his parents after a 20-year separation. Tickets $6-$8. CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
January 14
State of the Country
Carroll Arts Center, Westminster
8AM-9:30AM
The State of the County is an annual meeting with the Carroll County Commissioners. Free and open to the community.
January 15
Ask a Master Gardener
Carroll County Public Library, Mount Airy Branch
10AM-12PM
Have questions about keeping your garden green? Bring your questions to a Carroll County Master Gardener and pick up tips, handouts and more. The Ask a Master Gardener table will be set up in the Mount Airy Branch lobby. Library.Carr.org
January 17
The “Last” Shorts (A Documentary Movie Series)
Carroll Arts Center, Westminster
1PM & 7:30PM
“The Last Repair Shop” tells the story of four unassuming heroes who ensure no student is deprived of the joy of music. The second film, “The Last Song From Kabul,” is a riveting, heroic story of young orphaned girls whose music school was closed after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. The girls escape to Portugal to rebuild their fractured lives and begin to play music again. Tickets $6-$8. CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
January 23
Carroll 250 Speaker Series “The Dark Winter of 1776-1777, Presented by John Laycock”
Exploration Commons, Westminster
6:30PM-7:30PM
The Historical Society of Carroll County presents this program set in Christmas 1776. All is not well for George Washington and his Continental Army. They have suffered a string of defeats and have retreated into New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Fighting through a blizzard and smallpox, Maryland Militia reinforcements start filling the New Jersey countryside. The story of Pvt. Jacob Zoll and his company led by Capt. John Ross Key is an under looked part of the Revolutionary War. This talk will share Zoll’s struggle as he begins his journey to fight for his liberty. HSCCMd.org
North Carroll Community School
Fall Open House Dates
410 Stone Road Westminster, MD, 21158
Friday, January 31 8AM-11AM
Saturday, February 1 9AM-12PM
For more information call 410-386-0655 or visit our website at www.NCCS.school.
