La Plata, MD – La Plata Business Association (LPBA) announces that it will host the second annual Shop La Plata celebration on Small Business Saturday® to be held on Nov. 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the town of La Plata, Maryland. 

All Aboard!  The La Plata Polar Express at the La Plata Train Station Museum for the big celebration.  The conductor will welcome visitors aboard to visit Santa and enjoy sing-along caroling; complimentary hot chocolate and cookies; a Santa letter writing station, Chick-fil-A food for purchase, and pop-up vendors.  Please bring a stamped letter to Santa and drop it in the magical Santa Mailbox. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas.   

Schedule of FREE events:

  • 10:00 a.m. Santa Claus will arrive in grand style to board the Polar Express and give the first 300 children a gift of Christmas, a bell that rings for all those that BELIEVE!  A professional photographer will be available or you can take your own family photos with jolly ole St. Nick until 3:00 p.m.
  • 1:00 p.m. The ‘Balloon Nerd’ makes uniquely creative Christmas characters until 3 p.m.
  • 1:00 p.m. Santa takes a 15 minute break to feed the reindeer.
  • 1:15 p.m. Children with differing abilities and their families are invited to a handicap accessible photo session with Santa.

The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

NO TICKET is needed to board the stationary historic red caboose at the La Plata Train Station Museum.     

PARKING: Park at the Charles County Gov’t Bldg. 200 Baltimore St. and take the free shuttle services to the La Plata Polar Express at the La Plata Train Station Museum and to the downtown district shops and restaurants.  There are handicap parking spaces located throughout town.

Donate bagged canned goods for the “Scouting for Food’ program at participating small merchants and neighborhood champions beginning Nov. 7 through Small Business Saturday.  LPBA has partnered with Zekiah District of the National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America to collect the donations and deliver them to local food pantries to feed the hungry. 

La Plata’s holiday charm dates back to 1949 when a big star twinkled above the small-town until it was blown down by the Tornado of 2002.  The historic town shines brilliantly once again with strings of white street lights and the warm glow of window candles that serve as a traditional welcome sign to travelers.  The theme of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, travels beyond the stage of the Port Tobacco Players and extends throughout the town this holiday season.