Winter break is the perfect time to explore and enjoy some festive sights and activities. Whether one is looking for fun local events, dazzling light displays or fun winter attractions, the DMV is home to many activities in which to partake.
Here is a list of must-see places and experiences to make the winter holiday season memorable.
Candlelights on the Creek
Candlelights on the Creek in Frederick is an annual event. Along Carroll Creek, in downtown Frederick, every year during the wintertime, many small toy boats made out of light decorations are placed along the creek. On the creek, there are many boats that people vote for to win. According to Color On The Creek, All proceeds of the voting goes to each boat’s local charity and raises money for “Sailing Through The Winter Solstice. This event raises awareness and money for amazing causes local to the Frederick Community”.
Many people were in attendance, and the lively atmosphere was accompanied by live music, fun family friendly activities. Some activities included ring toss, and wheel spins to win prizes, such as sunglasses or a lanyard.
Cole Moe, Linganore class of 2027, shared his thoughts on the event.
“I think this was my second time coming to see these lights,” Moe said. “It’s cool to see all the boats on the creek with the lights.”
This tradition of boats on the creek has been going on for around 10 years, first starting in 2016. However, this event added games and live music in 2021. It is a great place to go with friends and family over winter break. I recommend coming here next year over winter break.
Freedom 250 light show
The brand new ¨Freedom 250¨ display for America’s 250th Birthday in Washington DC is another option for families this holiday season. The Freedom 250 displayed a light show, with cool designs being shown to show American history. It was amazing to see the light show, especially during the time. Many images of historical figures were displayed on the monument, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
Many people gathered for this beautiful event, including James Wilson, who shared his perspective on the light show.
“I just think it’s really cool that they are doing this,” Wilson said. “It’s important to celebrate our country. Wilson shared that his “favorite part was when they showed the Statue of Liberty.”
All of the different displays on the monument really captured the history of the United States of America. My personal favorite display was an American flag, with the letters “250” pictured in the middle. Another great part of the show was when they showed many important people in American history.
Overall, seeing the Freedom 250 light show was an amazing experience. It was very easy to attend this event by simply driving up to the Washington D.C. area, but I recommend getting there early to beat the traffic. We definitely recommend this to everyone.
Mount Airy Christmas Decorating Contest
Every year in Mount Airy, Maryland, there is a decorating contest that features many beautiful homes. Participants fully decorate their house with lights, blow ups and fake snow.
My personal favorite aspect was that you could tune the radio to listen to music corresponding to the light display.
One house in particular has won this competition numerous times in the past. The winner of the contest gets their electric bill paid for that month, second and third place receive a $100 Amazon gift card.
Overall, I really enjoyed watching the lights, and it is definitely worth stopping by to see the amount of effort that house put into the lights.
LHS junior Westlee Petrie, is a neighbor of one of the houses that participates.
¨I have been to this house every year since they started to put up lights,¨ Petrie said. “We never go all out like this house, but it is cool how much they are able to decorate.”
Many families, including Petrie’s family, seemingly make a tradition out of this.
“Me and my family get in the car, turn on the radio, and just stare at the dancing lights” said Petrie “It is a tradition I guess.”
In conclusion, the Christmas decorating competition provides a great way to bring the community together.
Ocean City Winterfest Of Lights
The wintertime in Ocean City is very festive. Many lights are placed throughout the whole city, but the star of the show is the Winterfest Of Lights. It is a walk through a park, over concrete sidewalks with many different Christmas decorations.
It was very chilly when I visited, but lucky enough for me, they were serving hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was the perfect addition to keep guests warm. Holiday music was playing throughout the area as well, creating a jolly Christmas atmosphere.
It was heartwarming to see all of the families posing to take selfies with the decorations, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Linda Matthews is an Ocean City resident, and has made it a tradition to attend every year.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” said Matthews. “I’ve been coming to see the lights since my kids were little, and now I bring my grandkids.”
Matthews explained that this event marks the beginning of the holiday season for her family. “We bundle up, grab hot chocolate and walk the entire park,” Matthews said.
This event is clearly a tradition for many families, and it is evidently a great place to kick off the holiday season for those who live nearby or don’t mind a drive to the beach in the off-season.
All of these events were a blast and a great way to spend the holiday season. For anyone whose family is bored over the holidays and looking for something to do, we definitely recommend checking out at least one of these places.
