It's the most wonderful time of the year! So wonderful that we have curated some of our favorite things to do as we celebrate the joy of the season! This holiday bucket list was designed to put our focus on being together, making memories and savoring experiences.
Some of these bucket list experiences may already have roots in the passing down of traditions from one generation to the next. Others may provide an opportunity to create some new family traditions as you foster meaningful connections with friends and family and tap into the holiday spirit!
These are ten of our favorites! If you and your loved ones complete all ten items on the bucket list, you will literally connect with and support hundreds of local neighbors in our community as you soak up the holiday fun and festivities!
Share your photos on social media and include: #FrederickCountyBucketList and #FrederickLifestyle
Frederick Children's Chorus: Messiah Sing-A-Long
WHERE: Weinberg Center for the Arts
WHAT: Frederick has its very own production of Handel’s Messiah. Join a professional orchestra, exquisite soloists and a magnificent stage chorus for an unforgettable performance. This Sing-Along experience is fully interactive, inviting you to raise your voice. Your singing will blend with the audience’s collective voices, accompanied by live musicians and an expansive on-stage choir.
CONTACT: FredCC.org/Messiah
The Perfect Hot Cocoa at Perfect Truffle
WHERE: 25 North Market Street
WHAT: Be sure to stop by Perfect Truffle to enjoy a cup of delicious, artisan hot cocoa with marshmallows on top. While you're there, pick up some artisan chocolate gifts from around the world. Perfect for stocking stuffers, client gifts and chocolate lovers! Shipping available for online chocolate orders.
CONTACT: PerfectTruffle.com
The Great Santascape
WHERE: Surelocked In Escape Games
WHAT: Immerse yourself in the epic experience of a lifetime! You and your team have 60 minutes to crack the codes, solve the riddles and find Santa's missing list before time runs out. Fun for the whole family! Reserve your private room online to guarantee availability.
CONTACT: SurelockedIn.com | 301.662.6356
@VR - Virtual Reality Experience
WHERE: 5 Willowdale Drive, Unit B13
WHAT: @VR has nine virtual reality stations where you can enjoy over 70 games including: sports, action, adventure, sightseeing and more! There are also attractions for those who love traditional PC gaming. @VR is the perfect location for an original group experience, i.e. birthdays, holiday parties and private or corporate team building events. Fun, festive and first-class all the way!
CONTACT: AtVirtualReality.com
World Ballet Series: Nutcracker
WHERE: Weinberg Center for the Arts
WHAT: The most favorite Christmas classic of all time is coming to Frederick with two shows only on December 22nd. A family-friendly performance, featuring over 150 radiant hand-crafted costumes, lavish hand-painted sets and the iconic Lev Ivanov choreography.
CONTACT: WeinbergCenter.org
Kris Kringle Procession
WHERE: Downtown Frederick
WHAT: Be sure to attend the annual Kris Kringle Procession on December 8th. The parade begins at the corner of South Carroll and East Patrick streets and ends in Baker Park with the lighting of the City Tree.
CONTACT: CelebrateFrederick.com
Walkersville Southern Railroad
WHERE: Walkersville
WHAT: Enjoy a ride over the river and through the woods, and into picturesque Maryland farm country. Choose to ride on the Santa Train or the Winter Express. Before returning to the Walkerville Station you will cross the beautiful Monocacy River on the recently reconstructed railroad bridge. The ride is leisurely, with speeds limited to ten miles per hour. Children encouraged to dress up!
CONTACT: WSRR.org
Winter City Lights
WHERE: Olney
WHAT: The most anticipated holiday lights festival in the DMV, Winter City Lights is open through December 31st, 2023. With one million lights, a 52-foot tree, and a 1.5 mile trail in the woods with magical displays, this one-of-a-kind experience spans 18 acres of endless holiday displays.
CONTACT: WinterCityLights.com
Warehouse Cinemas Frederick
WHERE: 1301 W Patrick Street
WHAT: The perfect place to experience a holiday movie in luxury with heated leather recliner seating and exceptional picture and sound. Make an evening of it with the full bar containing 28 self-serve taps, wine, cool cocktails and creative food. Reserve your seats for classics like "Elf" and first-run films. (And, perfect for stocking stuffers, gift cards and holiday parties.)
CONTACT: Frederick@WarehouseCinemas.com
AR Workshop Frederick
WHERE: 914 N East Street
WHAT: A boutique DIY studio that offers hands-on classes for creating custom, home decor from raw materials. Join an instructor-led workshop to make custom wood plank signs, framed signs, trays, canvas pillows, round signs, centerpiece boxes and more! Perfect for a special custom holiday gift created by you.
CONTACT: ARWorkshop.com/Frederick
Kristen Wojdan
Kristen is passionate about her faith, family, friends and all things Frederick (and the surrounding area)! Join her on Instagram as she launches Frederick County Bucket List and shares fun and festive things to do this holiday season! IG: @FrederickCountyBucketList
