Around Town
12 Days of Christmas Gun Raffle
Want a chance to win a gun this holiday season? The Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company is holding its 12 Days of Christmas Gun Raffle, starting December 14. The cost is a $10.00 donation per ticket. View the advertisement on page 18 for more information.
Graceham Moravian Church Events
Graceham Moravian Church, located at 8231-A Rocky Ridge Road in Thurmont, will hold its Served With Grace Free Dinner on Monday, December 2, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services will be held on December 24 at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 8 for more information.
First Baptist Church’s Christmas Club & Live Musical
Join the First Baptist Church in Thurmont for its Christmas Club on Saturday, December 7, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Enjoy snacks, a Puppet Show, and crafts! On Sunday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m., you won’t want to miss “The Greatest Story” Live Musical Theatre at Thurmont Elementary. All ages are invited and admission is free! View the advertisement on page 9 for more information.
Weller UMC Special Events
Join Weller UMC in Thurmont for its Musical Celebration on Sunday, December 15, at 9:30 a.m. Celebrate Christmas Eve by attending one of the Christmas Eve Services: Puppet Ministry at 7:00 p.m.; Traditional Service at 9:00 p.m. The church is also holding a Movie Night for Youth on Tuesday, December 31, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. Popcorn, snacks, and drinks are provided. Bring your comfy blanket, pillow, and PJs for a cozy night. View the advertisement on page 49.
Harriet Chapel’s Events
Come celebrate the birth of Christ at Harriet Chapel in Thurmont. The Traditional Christmas in Catoctin Furnace Village will be held on Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Museums by Candlelight is on Saturday, December 14, from noon-5:00 p.m. During these two events, enjoy free tours, refreshments, and children’s activities. The Candlelight Christmas Eve Service is December 24 at 7:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 11 for more information.
Vigilant Hose Company New Year’s Eve Bingo
Celebrate the new year at Vigilant Hose Company’s New Year’s Eve Bingo on Tuesday, December 31, at the Vigilant Hose Activity Building on Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and games begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets include all-inclusive 9 pack, with 23 games at $300, 5 games at $500, and 2 games at $2,000. Tickets are $50.00 in advance and $60.00 after December 13. A dinner platter is included. Call Mary Lou at 240-285-3184 or Pam at 240-472-3484. View the advertisement on page 5 for more information.
Lions Club’s Christmas Cookie Contest
Calling all bakers! The Thurmont Lions Club will host a Christmas Cookie Contest on Friday, December 13, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Thurmont. Cookies can be dropped off between 6:00-7:30 p.m. A $10.00 entry fee is required, with all proceeds going to local charities. View the advertisement on page 12 for more information.
New Year’s Eve Bingo
The Thurmont Ambulance Company will once again hold its New Year’s Eve Bingo on December 31, featuring over $17,000 in cash payouts! Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and games begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $50.00 each if purchased in advance or $60.00 at the door. Tickets include a dinner platter. Cash bar available. View the advertisement on page 10 for more details and information on how to purchase your tickets today!
Bingo — Every Friday Night
The Thurmont Community Ambulance hosts its Friday Night Bingo every Friday! Come out to the Thurmont Event Complex every Friday night to play bingo! Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Bingo starts at 7:00 p.m. Bingo also features tip jars, food, and a jackpot of up to $1,500! Proceeds benefit Thurmont Community Ambulance. View the advertisement on page 26.
Thurmont UMC Programs & Events
Thurmont UMC is holding self-defense classes every Thursday: 5:00 p.m.—grades 3-5; 7:00 p.m.—grades 6-12 and adult. Work on both your mental and physical health, and learn practical self-defense techniques. Mark your calendar for Parents Night Out on December 7, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. All ages welcome; by donation. The Thurmont UMC Clothes Closet provides free clothing to the community on the first and fourth Monday and third Tuesday of each month. Join Thurmont UMC for its Christmas Eve Services on December 24: Contemporary at 5:30 p.m. and Candlelight Traditional at 7:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 26 for more information, as well as the Sunday Services schedule.
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Creagerstown Holiday Events
Join St. John’s Lutheran Church of Creagerstown for its Frederick Chorale Concert on Sunday, December 1, at 3:00 p.m. The concert will be held in St. John’s Union Church Building. Light refreshments will follow concert. Don’t miss the Emmitsburg Community Chorus Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 15, at 4:00 p.m., followed by dinner in the Parish Hall. Candlelight Christmas Eve Service will be held on December 24 at 7:00 p.m., held in the Main 1908 Sanctuary. Light refreshments and hot chocolate will follow the service in the Parish Hall. View the advertisement on page 22 for more information.
Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company Bingo
Mark your calendar for the next Bingo at the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company in Rocky Ridge on Saturday, December 14. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with games starting at 7:00 p.m. Make sure you come hungry! Food is available for purchase. View the advertisement on page 45 for more details.
Holiday Happenings in the Town of Thurmont
The Town of Thurmont is holding a variety of not-to-be-missed holiday events! The Holiday Train Display is back once again on December 1, 7, 8, 14,15, 21, and 22, from noon-4:00 p.m., at 22 N. Church Street, next to The Dirty Dawg. The Annual Stamp Mapping will continue through December 7. Pick up your maps today at participating businesses! The 21st Annual Christmas in Thurmont will be December 7, including carriage rides. Christmas on Main Street will be on December 13, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Wear your ugly sweater and shop unique specials and gifts, including local wine, beer, and hot chocolate. View the advertisement on page 23 for more information.
Tom’s Creek UMC Events
Tom’s Creek UMC is holding their Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on December 24 at 7 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. In addition, they will also be ringing in the New Year with a New Year’s Eve Party on December 31 from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 39 for more information.
Legacy Livestock Horse Christmas Palooza
Legacy Livestock Auction LLC in Thurmont will hold its annual Christmas Palooza on December 15, from noon-4:00 p.m. Stop by for pictures with Santa, carriage and pony rides, food trucks, and vendors. View the advertisement on page 42 for more information.
Brook Hill UMC Christmas Bazaar
Stop by the 1st Annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 7, from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., at Brook Hill UMC on Indian Springs Road in Frederick. Shop over 27 vendors, including a kid’s shopping room. Enjoy live music all day, train display, silent auction, and a gift wrapping station. Food will be sold at the event. View the advertisement on page 3.
Frederick County Parks & Rec Winter Programs
Looking for winter activities for the kids? Registration is now open for winter Recreator programs and sports leagues. Visit www.recreator.com to learn more and register now. View the advertisement on page 5.
Lions Annual Children’s Christmas Party
Join the Emmitsburg Lions Club for its annual Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, December 14, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., at the VHC Activities Building in Emmitsburg. Enjoy crafts, a musical performance, a storytime with Mrs. Claus, and pictures with Santa! This is a FREE event for families—hotdogs, hot chocolate, and snacks will be available. View the advertisement on page 9 for more information.
St. John’s Lutheran Church Creagerstown Events
Join St. John’s Lutheran Church in Creagerstown for a variety of holiday events! Get in the holiday spirit with the Frederick Chorale Concert at 3:00 p.m. On December 15, the Emmitsburg Community Choir will perform at 4:00 p.m., with dinner following in the Parish Hall. Christmas Eve Service will be held on December 24 at 7:00 p.m., with light refreshments following. View the advertisement on page 22 for details.
YMCA Early Head Start Open House/Job Fair
The YMCA will be opening program two new locations, Emmitsburg and Frederick, for its Early Head Start Program. Join them at their upcoming Open House/Job Fair on December 5, from 3:00-6:00 p.m., at 300 South Seton Avenue. The organization is hiring for multiple positions. Visit their advertisement on page 30 for more information.
Reagan Years Coming to Thurmont Event Complex
The Reagan Years, an 80’s tribute band, will be at the Thurmont Event Complex on December 31. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Food and cash bar will be available. All proceeds benefit the Thurmont Ambulance Company. See the advertisement on page 32.
Catoctin Church of Christ Ladies Day
Save the Date for a two-part lesson as part of Catoctin Church of Christ’s Ladies Day on April 26 and Ladies Day Bible Study on April 27. View the advertisement on page 32 for more information.
Christmas in Rocky Ridge
Join the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company for its annual Christmas in Rocky Ridge on December 6, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Bring the family for the tree lighting at 6:45 p.m., in addition to food trucks, games, campfires with s’mores, crafts, and Santa. View the advertisement on page 37 for more information.
Emmitsburg Community Chorus
Join the Emmitsburg Community Chorus for its holiday concerts. December 1—St. Elizabeth Seton Shrine at 4:00 p.m.; December 7—Lewistown United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m.; December 8—Crumland Farms Lodges at 7:00 p.m.; December 10—Catoctin View Seventh-day Adventist Church at 7:00 p.m.; and December 15—St. John’s Church Creagerstown at 4:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 24.
Seton Center Christmas Countdown
Beginning December 6, the Seton Center in Emmitsburg will start the Christmas Countdown with new Christmas items on the shelves each week. Stop by to enter your chance to win a raffle basket and don’t forget to mail letters to Santa by December 13! View the advertisement on page 42
Apples Church Christmas Story & Carols / Christmas Sunday School Program
On Sunday, December 22, join Apples UCC in Thurmont for its Christmas Story & Carols with Diane Flicklinger. Then, on Monday, December 23, at 7:00 p.m., join them for their annual Christmas Sunday School Program. View the advertisement on page 38 for more information.
Wolfsville Ruritan Club Sub Sale
Order a sub and support the Wolfsville Ruritan Club. The 12-inch subs are $7.00 each. Place orders by December 1 by calling Billy at 301-293-2426 or emailing [email protected]. For details, view the advertisement on page 49.
Thurmont Ambulance Company Free Breakfast with Santa
Bring the kids for a free breakfast with Santa! The Thurmont Ambulance Company will serve pancakes, eggs, sausage, and drinks on December 14, from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., at the Thurmont Event Complex. Visit their advertisement on page 53 for more information.
Mt. Moriah and St. Paul’s Church Events
Join Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church in Sabillasville and St. Pau’s Lutheran Church for their Christmas events. On December 14, Mt. Moriah will be part of the Myersville-Wolfsville Country Church Tour, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. On December 21, join them at the Foxville School House for their Labyrinth Walk at 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Services will be held on December 24, with Mt. Moriah’s service at 7:00 p.m. and St. Paul’s service at 9:00 p.m. For details, view their advertisement on page 53.
CHS Safe & Sane Bingo
Support the Catoctin High School’s Class of 2025 by attending the Bingo on January 26 at 1:30 p.m. at the Guardian Hose Company Activities Building in Thurmont. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Contact [email protected] for tickets. Visit their advertisement on page 44.
35th Annual An Evening of Christmas Spirit
Come celebrate the meaning of Christmas Spirit at the 35th Annual An Evening of Christmas Spirit on Monday, December 2, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., sponsored by The Carriage House Inn and the Town of Emmitsburg. The Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Santa Claus arrives at The Carriage House Inn at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy complimentary hot dogs, cookies, live Nativity, hot chocolate, hayrides, and live entertainment! View the advertisement on page 12.
