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Holiday Happenings With Heart

Celebrate the season through local events, volunteer opportunities and traditions that give back.

NOVEMBER 20 & 22

Story Tapestries’ Maryland Gala. Join an inspiring evening supporting arts education. Celebrate creativity and community impact. Reserve your spot here: https://storytapestries.org/maryland-gala/

Holiday Giving Project
Rockville United Church | Rockville

Community Reach of Montgomery County helps make Thanksgiving brighter for local families through its annual Holiday Giving Project. Donate food baskets and grocery gift cards Nov. 20, or volunteer during distribution Nov. 22. December toy and gift card efforts continue through the holiday season.

WEBSITE: www.cmrocks.org/holidaygiving

THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER

CHARITY EVENTS

Story Tapestries’ Maryland Gala. Join an inspiring evening supporting arts education. Celebrate creativity and community impact. Reserve your spot here: https://storytapestries.org/maryland-gala/

Friday, November 20th 2026

Girls on the Run of Montgomery County Fall 5K | Bethesda

Sunday, November 22, 2026

A non-competitive, untimed 5K at Westfield Montgomery Mall celebrating the season's Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole participants, with community buddy runners welcome. girlsontherunofmoco.org/5k

Turkey Chase Charity Race | Bethesda

Thursday, November 26, 2026

A 44-year-old Thanksgiving morning tradition of running, walking, swimming, or biking to raise money for local kids' programs, with in-person and virtual options for the whole family. turkeychase.com

The Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K | Six locations across central Maryland

Thursday, November 26, 2026

A 20-plus-year Thanksgiving morning tradition benefiting Y community food pantries and financial assistance for local families, with locations across central Maryland and a virtual option. ymdturkeytrot.org

Montgomery County Holiday Giving Project
Throughout Montgomery County

Give close to home through Montgomery County's Holiday Giving Project, which connects residents experiencing financial hardship with Thanksgiving meals and December holiday assistance. Local organizations throughout the county participate, offering plenty of ways to donate and help neighbors this season.

WEBSITE: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Program.aspx?id=CYF/CYFHolidayGiving-p204.html

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

Rockville Holiday Drive
Rockville

The City of Rockville's annual Holiday Drive brings the community together to provide Thanksgiving food and December gifts to local families and seniors. Residents can contribute funds, food, toys and books or volunteer to help make the season brighter.

WEBSITE: www.rockvillemd.gov/holidaydrive

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

Holiday Volunteering & Donations
Throughout Montgomery County

Not sure where to start? The Montgomery County Volunteer Center compiles holiday giving opportunities across the county, connecting residents with food drives, gift collections, nonprofits and volunteer projects in Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring and Upcounty communities.

WEBSITE: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

Holiday Giving With Community Reach
Rockville

Looking for a hands-on way to help? Community Reach is seeking volunteers throughout November and December to collect and organize donations, communicate with participating families and assist during holiday food and toy distribution days.

WEBSITE: www.cmrocks.org/volunteer

DECEMBER 1

Cherish the Ladies: Celtic Christmas
The Music Center at Strathmore | North Bethesda

Kick off December with an evening of Irish holiday music at Strathmore. Cherish the Ladies brings traditional instrumentation, vocals and step dancing to the stage for a festive celebration perfect for welcoming the Christmas season.

WEBSITE: www.strathmore.org

DECEMBER 3

Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas
The Music Center at Strathmore | North Bethesda

Celebrate the holidays in harmony when acclaimed a cappella ensemble Voctave arrives at Strathmore. The Dec. 3 performance combines seasonal classics and contemporary favorites for an evening of festive music for the whole family.

WEBSITE: www.strathmore.org

DECEMBER 5

Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour
The Music Center at Strathmore | North Bethesda

Tony and Grammy Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. brings his Christmas Tour to North Bethesda for one night only. Expect an elegant evening of holiday favorites and signature vocals at one of Montgomery County's premier performing arts destinations.

WEBSITE: www.strathmore.org

DECEMBER 6

Silver Spring Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Fair
Veterans Plaza | Silver Spring

Shop small while celebrating the season at this festive outdoor market. From noon to 4 p.m., browse local makers, artisans and holiday vendors at Veterans Plaza while enjoying a lively afternoon in downtown Silver Spring.

WEBSITE: www.visitmontgomery.com

DECEMBER 13

Jingle Bell Jog 8K
Rockville Senior Center | Rockville

Lace up for a festive December run through Rockville. The Montgomery County Road Runners Club's Jingle Bell Jog 8K brings runners together Dec. 13 for a spirited seasonal race through the neighborhood surrounding the Rockville Senior Center.

WEBSITE: www.mcrrc.org

 

ALL SEASON LONG

Give Where You Live
Throughout Montgomery County

From stocking local food pantries to donating toys, assembling holiday gifts or volunteering your time, opportunities to help are everywhere this season. Montgomery County's holiday giving guide connects residents with organizations serving neighbors across the community.

WEBSITE: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter