FESTIVE PARADES AND CONCERTS RING IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The holiday season in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, Maryland, is an amazing time. The area is filled with festivities from Thanksgiving through the New Year. There are so many wonderful events to choose from, but the following events are some of the best ways to celebrate the holidays.
THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Silver Spring Civic Building, Silver Spring
This famous parade is a sight to be seen — one that might even rival the more famous New York City parade on the same day. The Thanksgiving Day Parade in Silver Spring features 12-foot-tall balloons, amazing marching bands, dance performances, fire engines, antique cars, and performing dogs. The annual parade officially marks the beginning of the Christmas season, making it a must-see event. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, the route starts at the Silver Spring Civic Building, moves to Georgia Avenue, and then south to Silver Spring Avenue.
WINTER WONDERLAND
Veterans Park, Bethesda
Ring in the holiday season at the annual Winter Wonderland celebration in Downtown Bethesda. One of the best parts of this fun event is the live ice-sculpting presentation, which gives visitors the opportunity to watch blocks of ice be transformed into amazing pieces of winter art. The event wraps up with a student concert showcasing the amazing talents of students from the area’s schools. This year’s Winter Wonderland celebration will be held on December 1.
CIRQUE NUTCRACKER
The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda
Enjoy a unique take on a classic Christmas tale performed by Troupe Vertigo. This fun holiday event will feature a group of talented contortionists, jugglers, strongmen, acrobats, and aerialists putting on a spectacular show. Cirque Nutcracker will be held December 13 at the Music Center at Strathmore.
TEA WITH MRS. CLAUS
The Mansion at Strathmore, North Bethesda
This annual event is one your kids will never forget. In addition to spending the afternoon with Mrs. Claus herself, there’s no better place to celebrate the holiday season than the beautiful Strathmore Mansion. Enjoy fun seasonal music, a kid-friendly menu, and story time with Mrs. Claus. And you can be sure Santa himself will make a visit sometime during the Mrs. Claus Tea as well. Catch this year’s event on December 15.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
National Philharmonic at the Stratmore, North Bethesda
Celebrate the Christmas season with the National Philharmonic performing the classic masterpiece Handel’s Messiah. The holiday favorite features the familiar “Hallelujah Chorus,” to be sung by the National Philharmonic Chorale. This year’s concert will take place December 23.
