SOUTHERN MARYLAND — One of the most exciting parts of the holiday season is visiting the events around the Southern Maryland counties. Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties each have plenty of events to keep you busy during the season. Tree lightings are a traditional way to ring in the holidays and celebrate with your community.
We’ve compiled a list here of some of the tree lightings in each county. In addition to the official tree lightings at the courthouses, you’ll also find ceremonies at businesses and organizations. Local event boards are a great resource for finding tree lightings to attend.
Here’s our list so far:
Tree Lighting Events In Calvert County
Annual North Beach Christmas Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony
This event will take place on Friday, Nov. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Bay Ave. in North Beach, to see the waterfront reveal of the season’s twinkling light display and holiday market. The market will feature food and beverage vendors, pop-up shops, cottage treats and artisan crafts. Mayor Mike Benton will begin the countdown at 6 p.m. to light the Christmas tree.
Community Tree Lighting: Crab Pot & Buoy Christmas Tree
The ceremony for this popular and unique tree by the Calvert County Waterman’s Association will take place on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 6:30 p.m. next to J.C. Lore Oyster House. This tree lighting is also a fundraiser that invites community members to create their own buoys to hang on the tree. You can still participate by giving your buoy to an Association member or delivering it to the Calvert Marine Museum no later than Friday, Nov. 28. Buoys can be artistic, advertise a business or serve to remember a loved one.
“Light Up the Town” Town Hall Tree Lighting in Chesapeake Beach
The town of Chesapeake Beach invites locals to join in on Sunday, Nov. 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Chesapeake Beach Town Hall. In addition to the tree lighting, the event will include visits and photos with Santa, a local Christmas market, a performance by the Beach Elementary String Orchestra and more. Mayor Bruce Wahl will light the tree at sunset.
Tree Lighting and Main Street Christmas at the Calvert County Courthouse
This event takes place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Calvert County Courthouse Lawn at 175 Main St. in Prince Frederick. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with live music, arts and crafts and visits with Santa. At 5 p.m., the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on the courthouse lawn, creating a magical holiday atmosphere for the community, with greenery and decorations created by the Calvert County Garden Club.
Source: Calvert County Government website
Tree Lighting Events In Charles County
Light Up the Season at the Shops at Waldorf Center
This holiday celebration is on Nov. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. The shops will host their annual tree lighting plus a new menorah lighting to celebrate Hanukkah, along with more holiday fun. The event organizers request that attendees bring a toy for the toy drive.
University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center’s Christmas Tree of Life
The University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center’s Christmas Tree of Life is the hospital’s annual tree lighting ceremony and an opportunity to recognize someone who has touched your life. Lights are purchased for the tree in honor of loved ones, and proceeds benefit the hospital. This year, the recipient is the Interventional Radiology Lab. The event takes place on Friday, Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m. in UM Charles Regional Medical Center’s main lobby.
Kris Kringle Market at the Charles County Fairgrounds
Modeled after Germany’s famous markets, this annual event offers fireworks, light displays, food, handmade crafts from more than 180 local artisans, children’s activities, shopping, live music and more. The market will be held this year from Dec. 12–14. Entry is $5 for those 10 and older. The official tree lighting and arrival of Santa Claus will be held on Friday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m.
Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering and Tree Lighting in La Plata
Celebrate the season in the heart of La Plata on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. The Christmas tree will be displayed in the circle at Town Hall and will be officially lit during the event. You can also experience horse-drawn carriage rides, trolley rides, live music, a visit from Santa and more.
Tree Lighting Events In St. Mary’s County
Leonardtown Christmas on the Square
Santa’s arrival will kick off Leonardtown’s Christmas on the Square and the annual tree lighting on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in the Town Square. The festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with holiday music, entertainment, sleigh rides, train rides, hayrides, live nativity, balloon art, face painting, children’s crafts, hot drinks, food, holiday treats and other fun activities. This event is free and open to the public.
Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting
Old St. Nick will be arriving at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department for the community tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 29. Santa has been stopping by this fire department since 1956. Guests can take photos with Santa, enjoy light refreshments, fire truck rides, make magical reindeer dust, write letters to Santa and take home a festive goodie bag. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Holly Days Extravaganza at the Lexington Park Library
The Lexington Park Business Association, Inc. will host its annual event starting Dec. 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event will feature a community Christmas tree and menorah lighting, caroling sing-along, free hot chocolate provided by the Lexington Park Rotary Club, plus a “possible” visit from a familiar figure. The event will move indoors on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. for selfies with Santa, arts and crafts for kids of all ages and a holiday shopping village featuring local vendors.
Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Fourth Annual Tree Lighting
The Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Company will host its fourth annual Christmas tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will feature twinkle lights, holiday music, fire truck rides, kids’ activities, raffles, a fire truck parade and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire truck.
Source: Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Facebook
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