Around Town
Christmas Club & “True North Christmas”
Join the First Baptist Church for its Christmas Club on Sunday, November 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There will be snacks, crafts, and a puppet show. On Sunday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m., enjoy a live musical performance of “True North Christmas.” Admission is free, and all ages are welcome! View the advertisement on page 24 for more information.
Tom’s Creek UMC Events
Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church in Emmitsburg will hold several special events this month. December 16: Sunday Drive – Smoky Mountain Christmas at 7:00 p.m.; December 21: Christmas Cantata Breath of Heaven at 9:00 a.m.; and December 24: Candlelight Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 56 for more information.
Winter Recreater Now Open
Winter registration for Frederick County Parks & Recreation is now open. Visit the website and browse a variety of events and classes for all ages. For more information, visit the advertisement on page 60.
Weller UMC Special Events
Weller United Methodist Church in Thurmont will host a Musical Celebration on December 15, at 9:30 a.m. (There will be combined services that morning). On December 24, join them for Christmas Eve Services. The 7:00 p.m. service will include the puppet ministry and the 9:00 p.m. service will include the Hilltop Ringers Handbells. View the advertisement on page 51 for more information.
CHS Safe & Sane Events
Support the Catoctin High School Class of 2026 at one of their upcoming fundraisers. On December 3, grab a bite to eat at the Thurmont Kountry Kitchen. A portion of the proceeds will be donated back. Grab a raffle ticket for $10.00 for your chance to win a weekend getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Parent and Students of the Class of 2026, don’t forget to purchase your t-shirt for Safe & Sane Night for $20.00. For more information, visit the advertisement on page 23.
AMVETS Post 7 Ladies Auxiliary Monthly Bingo
Bingo is back at the Thurmont AMVETS Post 7! The Ladies Auxiliary will host Bingo on the third Wednesday of each month, starting at 5:00 p.m. Upcoming dates are December 17, and January 21, and February 18. For more information, view the advertisement on page 44.
Harriet Chapel Christmas Events
Come celebrate Christmas with Harriet Chapel. On December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be a Traditional Christmas in Catoctin Furnace Village. On December 13, enjoy the Museums by Candlelight Tour from Noon to 5:00 p.m. The Christmas Eve Service will be on December 24 at 7:00 p.m. Carols begin at 6:30 p.m., with the Service starting at 7:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 45 for more information.
Christmas Cookie Contest
Bring six of your finest cookies on Friday, December 5, for the Thurmont Lions Club Christmas Cookie Contest. Cookies can be dropped off at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 15 N. Church Street in Thurmont, from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. Cookies will be judged based on taste, appearance, texture, creativity, and Christmas spirit. A $10.00 entry donation is required, and all proceeds go directly to local charities. Cash prizes will be awarded for both adult and young adult (ages 18 & under) categories. View the advertisement on page 53 for more information.
St. Anthony’s Bingo
Come out for good old-fashioned Bingo on December 6 at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in Emmitsburg. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. There will be an ugly sweater contest!
. Food and Baked Goods available for purchase.
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 up to $1,500! Proceeds benefit Thurmont Community Ambulance. View the advertisement on page 31.
Graceham Moravian Served with Grace Dinner & Christmas Eve Service
Graceham Moravian Church will hold its monthly Served with Grace Free Dinner on Monday, December 1, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Join them for their Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on December 24 from 5 & 7 p.m. View the advertisement on page 16.
Mt. Moriah and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Events
Visit Mt. Moriah Church and the Foxville School House as part of the Frederick County Tour of Country Churches on December 13, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The churches will host Christmas Eve Services on December 24, with Mt. Moriah’s service at 7:00 p.m. and St. Paul’s service at 9:00 p.m. The churches are located at 15116 Foxville Church Road in Sabillasville and 13025 Greenburg Road in Smithsburg. For more information, view the advertisement on page 30.
TUMC Parents Night Out & Christmas Eve Service
Need a night out? Want to get some holiday shopping done without the kids? TUMC is offering a Parent Night Out on December 6, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. All ages are welcome, and the event includes crafts, food, games, and lots of fun! On December 24, the church will hold two Christmas Eve Services. A Contemporary Service with the Praise Band will be at 5:30 p.m. and the Traditional Candlelight Service, with special pianist Wes Hamrick, will be at 7:00 p.m. For more information, view the advertisement on page 28.
Emmtsburg Council of Churches Christmas Tour
Ever wondered what local churches’ look like inside during the Christmas Season? Join the Emmitsburg Council of Churches on Sunday, December 28. Each church will have persons available to provide information about their church. They hope you will take the opportunity to visit these houses of worship during their celebration of Christ’s birth. The tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church at 10926 Simmons Road in Emmitsburg. After the first stop, participants will receive guidance about all the churches on the tour. View the advertisement on page 16 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 13. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with games starting at 7:00 p.m. Come hungry! Food is available for purchase. View the advertisement on page 27 for more details.
Santa and Donuts in Your PJs
Wear your pajamas and join Elias Lutheran Church on December 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for Santa and Donuts. The event will include crafts, food, fun, and Santa. This is a free event. View the advertisement on page 25 for more information.
Emmitsburg Holiday House & Business Decorating Contest
Show your holiday spirit by participating in the Emmitsburg Holiday House & Business Decorating Contest. Participants must decorate their home or business by December 7. Judging will be held December 8-15, with cash prizes for the most creative, the most traditional, and the best business. View the advertisement on page 23 for more information.
Lions Club Children’s Christmas Party
Join the Lions Club for its annual Children’s Christmas Party for fun, crafts, musical performance, a storytime with Mrs. Claus, and pictures with Santa on Saturday, December 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the VHC Activities Building at 17701 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg! This event is free for families. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, and snacks will be available. View the advertisement on page 17 for details.
Holiday Assistance Drive
The Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company is looking to bring joy to local children this holiday season. They are now accepting donations of new unwrapped toys, holiday meal items, and blankets through December 14. Donations may be dropped off at the Fire Company at 13527 Motters Station Road in Rocky Ridge. For more information, visit the advertisement on page 16.
St. Paul’s Service of Lesson & Carols
Come home for the holidays! Join St. John’s Lutheran Church in Thurmont for its Service of Lessons and Carols on December 24. Special music begins at 6:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 6:30 p.m. The guest pastor will be Rev Cynthia Baxter. View the advertisement on page 15 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 prizes! The 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. The ticket includes a dinner platter. For more information, view the advertisement on page 15.
Christmas Concerts at St. John’s Union Church
Enjoy the holidays through a series of concerts at St. John’s Union Church Building in Creagerstown. All concerts will begin at 3:00 p.m. and are free to the public. Light refreshments will be served following the concerts. December 7: Emmitsburg Community Chorus Christmas Concert, December 14: Frederick Chorale Christmas Concert, Christmas Harp Concert featuring Anita Smith and Brynn Olden. On December 24, the church will hold its Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 4:00 p.m. View the advertisement on page 12 for more information.
New Year’s Eve Bingo
The Vigilant Hose Company in Emmitsburg will hold its annual New Year’s Eve Bingo on Wednesday, December 31. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and games start at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $50.00 in advance and $60.00 after December 12. Tickets include an all-inclusive 9 pack, 22 games at $300, 6 games at $500, and 2 games at $2,000, plus a dinner platter. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase. View the advertisement on page 13 for information on how to purchase your tickets!
22nd Annual Christmas in Thurmont
Celebrate the holidays during the 22nd Annual Christmas in Thurmont at the Guardian Hose Fire Hall at 21 North Church Street on Saturday, December 6. Events and activities will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to include free photos with Santa, make-and-take crafts, performances by ESP Dance, and prize drawings. Take a carriage ride through the streets of Thurmont ($10.00 per person, no matter the age). Call 301-271-7313 and press ‘0’ to reserve your ride. View the advertisement on page 8 for more information and a detailed schedule of events.
12 Days of Christmas
Grab a ticket for the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company’s 12 Days of Christmas Raffle. Tickets are a $10.00 donation, and prizes include guns and cash. Winners are determined by the evening MD “Pick 3.” Guns are provided by Bollinger Gunsmithing and Sales. View the advertisement on page 5 for more ticket information.
Dirty Dawgs Howliday Pawty
Bring the pups and celebrate the holidays at the Dirty Dawgs Howliday Pawty on Saturday, December 6, at 224 N. Church Street in Thurmont. Follow their Facebook page or website to sign up for pictures with Santa. The Wandering Gift will be onsite, making laser pet ornaments. Don’t forget to warm up with a delicious cup of joe from the Husky Hut Coffee Truck or lunch from Pretzel & Pizza Creations. View the advertisement on page 5 for more information.
Thurmont Main Street Mingle N’ Jingle
Shop local during Thurmont Main Streets’s Mingle n’ Jingle event on Friday, December 12, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A variety of vendors will be set up throughout the event. Don’t miss the Ugly Sweater Contest at 10Tavern in Thurmont at 8:30 p.m. Reserve your carriage rides by calling 301-271-7313 and press ‘0’. Cooking with Greece and Husky Coffee Hut will be serving up delicious food and drinks. Enjoy music by Patty and Brent Progecene. For more information on this event, view the advertisement on page 3.
