Who knew Grinches could be charming? The notoriously grumpy green character is set to make a surprisingly friendly appearance at the inaugural Antrim Winter Wonderland, promising festive fun that even the Scrooges will enjoy. Hosted by the Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce and Antrim Township, the new Heritage Christmas activity takes place on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Antrim Township Park. The free event will feature seasonal treats, a Snyder’s Attraction kids ride, a G-A Band performance, and two Tesla Light Shows (at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.). For those seeking a photo backdrop, a shuttle will take visitors to the decorated Martin’s Mill Bridge.
The holiday season is about to get a little brighter in Blue Ridge Summit. The Blue Ridge Summit Free Library is hosting its annual Yuletide Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the library, 13676 Monterey Lane. The festive evening will feature fire truck rides from the BRS Volunteer Fire Co., an annual quilt raffle by the BRS Stitchers, a visit from Santa Claus and live music by Rich Fehle. The celebration is geared toward a magical evening for the whole family, with free books and crafts for children, cookies and cider. A memorial tree lighting will also be held in honor of Tom Garner, Paul Gingrich and Roy Sanders.
Get ready to jingle all the way! Mainstreet is bringing back one of Waynesboro’s favorite events with a seasonal twist, hosting the Holiday Sip-N-Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the downtown area. The event is designed to showcase local breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries by featuring their libations inside various downtown businesses, giving attendees a chance to enjoy drinks, food, and music while supporting local commerce and hopefully getting some Christmas shopping done. Participants can purchase tickets for $25 online or $30 at the door and will begin their stroll by picking up their passports at 66 W. Main St. The ugly Christmas sweater contest will also be returning this year, and completed passports must be returned to 66 W. Main by 4 p.m. for a chance to win prizes.
If you can’t fly to Nuremberg for a traditional German Christmas market, perhaps Hagerstown will do. The annual Christkindl Markt Hagerstown returns to University Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., on Friday, Dec. 12, from 3 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In keeping with a tradition that dates back to the 12th century, the two-day event will feature 45 artisan vendors selling Christmas wares, imported German goods and traditional food, including the spicy warm wine known as Glühwein. The market, which debuted in 2016, is expected to bring hundreds of shoppers to the heart of Hagerstown at the onset of the Christmas season. Santa Claus is scheduled to visit both afternoons, and a Kids Zone with crafts will be open inside the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown lobby.
20 downtown businesses in Hagerstown are serving up holiday cheer. On Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., sweet-toothed locals can embark on the popular 2nd Saturday: Holiday Cookie Crawl. For $15 a ticket, attendees will receive a box to fill with festive treats while navigating shops and restaurants such as 96 Royal Beans & Cream, Atomic Comics and Next Chapter Cafe and Book Shop. The event, organized to get the community in the holiday spirit, promises an afternoon of edible adventure across Hagerstown’s central business district.
