The Severna Park Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting always draws a crowd. A favorite tradition is the sleigh ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Local Holiday Entertainment, Activities And Events

By Dylan Roche

Just as there was in that “ol’ silk hat” that brought Frosty to life, there must be some magic in holiday entertainment. Year after year, radio stations play carols, television networks run annual specials, and families everywhere bake cookies and deck their halls with boughs of holly.

But outside your own home, the local community is full of festive events, activities, and performance entertainment, which will undoubtedly fill you with good cheer and seasonal spirit.

Performances

Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia presents “White Christmas”

Through Jan. 8

Times/Ticket Info: www.tobysdinnertheatre.com

Adapted from the classic 1954 musical with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, this production promises to become a holiday tradition. Tickets include a buffet dinner and professional show in Toby’s intimate in-the-round theatre.

Pasadena Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Carol”

Nov. 25-Dec. 4

Times/Ticket Info: www.ptcshows.com

This original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic sees writer and director Chuck Dick in the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Tiffany Shannon Productions presents “The Gingergread Pirates”

Nov. 26

Times/Ticket Info: www.tiffanyshannonproductions.com

This children’s show follows the adventures of Captain Cookie and his crew of gingerbread pirates, and their encounter with Santa Claus. The event also gives children the chance to meet Santa after the show and for parents take pictures (which make for great Christmas cards!)

Mount Zion United Methodist Church presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

Nov. 26

Times/Ticket Info: www.marylandhall.org

This performance of the seasonal favorite is presented with an all-adult cast, and will benefit the Community Outreach and Winter Relief programs sponsored by Mount Zion United Methodist Church.

Chesapeake High School presents “Miracle On Thirty-Fourth Street”

Dec. 2-3

Info: 410-255-9600

The classic holiday story about a department store Santa who claims to be the real one comes to life on stage at Chesapeake High School the first weekend in December.

Ballet Theatre of Maryland presents “The Nutcracker”

Dec. 10-18

Times/Ticket Info: www.balletmaryland.org

What Christmas season would be complete without catching a performance of “The Nutcracker.”

Hack and Slash Christmas Special, in Color!

Dec. 16-18

www.spencerhumm.com

The renowned comedy duo Hack and Slash host a Christmas performance featuring comedy and music.

Talent Machine Company presents annual Holiday Show

Dec. 16-23

Times/Ticket Info: www.talentmachine.com

This annual production by the Talent Machine has claimed its place as tradition among many local families. Filled with dance, spectacle, and joy, this is a production you don’t want to miss.

Other Holiday Concerts And Performances…

Home For The Holidays: A WW2 Broadcast Concert

Dec. 4

www.marylandhall.org

Winnie The Pooh’s Winter Tale (at CAC)

Dec. 5

Info: www.chesapeakearts.org

Holiday Cirque de la Symphonie (BSO)

Dec. 7-11

Times/Ticket Info: www.bsomusic.org

Live Arts Maryland presents “A Christmas Celebration”

Dec. 8-9

Time/Ticket Info: www.liveartsmaryland.org

ASO presents A Simply Sinatra Christmas

Dec. 8-9

Times/Tickets: www.liveartsmaryland.org

Archbishop Spalding’s Christmas Concert

Dec. 9

Info: www.archbishopspalding.org

BSO presents “A Christmas Carol – In Concert”

Dec. 16-17

Times/Ticket Info: www.bsomusic.org

Live Arts Maryland presents “A Celebration of the Nativity”

Dec. 17

Ticket Info: www.liveartsmaryland.org

Events and Activities

Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park

Nov. 19 – Jan. 1: 5:00-10:00pm.

Info: 410-481-3161.

A favorite tradition, this yuletide light show sponsored by the Anne Arundel Medical Center includes over 60 displays along the Chesapeake.

SPY Pool Hosts First Annual Turkey Burn-Off

Nov. 25 9:00am-12:00pm

www.spyaquatics.org

Be a part of the first year of this new post-Thanksgiving annual event! Join friends and community members at the SPY pool to work off dinner from the night before.

Holiday Happenings at The Ice Shack in Pasadena

443-871-1560

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During the entire month of December, Candy Cane snowballs will be available at The Ice Shack. Dec. 3 will be The Ice Shack’s Wreath Decorating event; while on Dec. 10 there will be an Ornament Making event. Dec. 17 will be pictures with Santa.

Gingerbread Parade Competition

Dec. 1 – Jan. 1, take a stroll around historic Annapolis and enjoy the artistry of these gingerbread houses baked and decorated by an Anne Arundel County chef—and be sure to cast your ballot for your favorite! The People’s Choice award will be presented at a reception on December 19.

All Things County Holiday Trimming And Centerpiece Demonstration

Dec. 1, 6:00pm

www.allthingscountryonline.com

You will learn great holiday decorating tips, and will get to make a winter centerpiece. Visit the website to make your reservation.

Historic Annapolis Holiday Open House

Dec. 2 6:00pm-9:00pm

Ever wonder what it would be like to attend a Christmas party hosted by a colonial-era household? Enjoy a festive gathering at the home of Mr. William Paca and his wife, where costumed performers will play the esteemed couple and their servants.

Jingle Bell Hayride at Kinder Farm Park

Dec. 3, 10:00am-12:00pm

410-222-6115

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus on a tractor-driven hayride through Kinder Farm Park, and then enjoy some festive refreshments—hot chocolate, coffee, hot cider, and cookies—around a roaring bonfire.

Severna Park Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec. 2 5:00pm

This annual event hosted by the Severna Park Chamber of Commerce will include performances bagpiper Michael Binnie, the Severna Park Elementary School chorus, the dancers of Maryland Performing Arts Center, as well as holiday tunes by Gino Mezzapelle.

www.severnaparkchamber.com

Big Vanilla Holiday Bazaar

Dec. 7

www.bigvanilla.com

You can shop while getting fit this season at Big Vanilla. The event is open to the entire community.

Pasadena Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec. 7, 7:00pm

The second annual event, hosted by the Pasadena Business Association, will take place at Brumwell’s Flea Market, and will include a visit from Santa, holiday carols performed by local vocal ensemble groups, complimentary hot chocolate, and even a fire truck!

Midnight Madness in Downtown Annapolis

Dec. 8, 15 6:00pm-12:00am

Enjoy a festive shopping outing these two nights in December, when the shops of Annapolis’ historic downtown district stay open late for a free block party, including musical performances, food, and lots of Christmas spirit.

SPHS Music Department Cookie Sale at Giant and Safeway

Dec. 10, 10:00am

www.sphsmusic.org

What better way to stock up on cookies for the holiday season than by supporting students in the arts? Severna Park band and orchestra kids will be selling cookies outside Giant and Safeway. Just make sure you get enough to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve!