Frederick, MD December 2025

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EXTENDED TASTING ROOM HOURS

WEDNESDAY: 3–9 PM

THURSDAY: 3–10 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 1–10 PM SUNDAY: 1–7 PM

The Holidays & Giving Edition

Hello readers! 2025 is coming to a close and what a joy to have spent another year with you celebrating and appreciating life and community in Frederick County.

There is value and meaning in every season but the hit classic “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” does resonate with me.

Twinkle lights. It’s definitely the twinkle lights. What can I say, I’m a sucker for ambiance! What makes you extra giddy for the holidays? Cookie baking? Christmas caroling? One upping your neighbor’s yard display? (Gotcha! You know who you are. ;)

While I love the traditions, the shows, the energy… it’s icing on the cake. John 1:14 says that “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” For me, everything else pales in comparison to celebrating the birth of Christ.

And the beautiful thing is, no matter what my circumstances are any given year—an abundance of happy things or significant loss and grief—the constant, steadfast, unchanging love of my Savior remains. My hope is in Him and this time of year is a gift no matter what.

However you celebrate, if you choose to celebrate, I truly hope you know you are loved and created for a purpose.

This edition is special. We’ve got a marvelous custom cover from a talented artist who made “Christmas in Frederick” come to life in a way I’ve personally never seen before. Thank you, Shelby!

Hallmark lovers. Listen. We’ve got something fun for you! If you love those annual Christmas movies, then I’m thinking bingo probably brings you joy too. Check out page 51 for a custom Frederick Lifestyle Hallmark bingo board… prizes may or may not be involved!

We’ve made a point to provide inspiration for shopping, gifting, giving, memorable events throughout our state and more. If we can cheer on your holiday experience in any way, we’re thrilled!

We do what we do with YOU in mind. Megan (left) and Sierra (right) are key players at Frederick Lifestyle and I am profoundly grateful. Bless you both, truly.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Frederick. Ho Ho Ho!

AMBER SMITH, PUBLISHER @FREDERICKLIFESTYLE

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Sierra Moore | Sierra.Moore@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sierra Moore, Megan Connolly Dillon, Emily Holland, Arsine Kaloustain, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kristi Lynn Photography, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

inside the issue

Cam Berghout

Carleah Summers Looks

Andrea’s House

Find Your Community

When you join Homewood Living Frederick, you will find a warm, welcoming community where neighbors become lifelong friends. Here, connection and community are in the heart of everything we do. Whether taking an art class, enjoying a meal in the dining room, or participating in social events, each day will offer opportunities for you to enjoy.

Frederick County Chamber Applauds Two Members Named to U.S. Chamber CO-100

The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce announces that Dynamic Automotive has been named America’s Top Small Business by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, selected from more than 12,500 applicants nationwide. Rehab 2 Perform was also recognized among America’s Top 100 Small Businesses and received the Growth Accelerator Award. These national honors highlight Frederick County’s innovation, entrepreneurial strength and community impact, and reflect the Chamber’s continued commitment to supporting small business success. FrederickChamber.org

Nelson Coleman Jewelers Crowns Courage at Children’s Hospitals

Kristin's Crown, a Nelson Coleman Jewelers initiative, brings hope and smiles to young patients at Frederick Health and other area children’s hospitals by providing complimentary tiaras to children during their medical journeys. Part of the Chris Coleman Community Commitment, this heartfelt enrichment program helps transform hospital visits into moments of courage and imagination, reminding every child they deserve to feel special—especially during challenging times. NelsonColeman.com

FROM Canvas TO Cover

For as long as she can remember, Shelby Stults has had a paintbrush in hand. Encouraged by her mother and grandmother, she immersed herself in the arts—painting, drawing and even jewelry making. Though she once planned to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, life led her to a career in the energy industry, where art now serves as her creative escape.

Shelby’s work draws heavily from the natural world, particularly the striking desert landscapes of the West. “Nothing I create in my own mind can ever compare to the beauty I find in nature,” she says. Her pieces often feature vibrant, oversaturated hues and realistic details that capture the quiet magic of her surroundings.

For Frederick Lifestyle’s December cover, Shelby channeled that same spirit—depicting Santa pedaling through Downtown Frederick on a penny-farthing bicycle when his sleigh just wouldn’t do. Follow her work on Instagram at @ss_illustration_art or reach her at shelbystults@gmail.com for commissions.

Shelby Stults Transforms Her Love of Nature and Storytelling into a Joyful Tribute to Frederick’s Holiday Spirit

ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE

IMPRESSIONS OF A MAKER

WHERE THE STORY BEGINS

In a world of next-day delivery and endless choice, it’s easy to forget that most of what once filled our homes came from someone’s hands—from their time, patience and skill. Choosing to buy handmade is an act of return: to connection, to craft, to meaning. It’s a pause in the rush of convenience—a reminder that true value isn’t measured by what something costs, but by the story it carries.

In Cam Berghout’s studio, that story begins with clay. Patience and pressure shape a melody into form. The rhythm of his hands becomes meditative as the wheel spins, slowly transforming earth into vessel, and vessel into offering — something meant to be used, loved and passed along, holding the imprint of its maker and the intention behind it.

Cam first touched clay as a child during a school field trip. “I made this little self-portrait mask—spiky hair, dimples, everything,” he recalls. “It’s silly and unrefined, but it hangs above my pottery wheel today.” Years later, what began as a fleeting fascination became a defining force. “I got hooked in high school after seeing a friend’s beautiful work,” he says. “It was fun, it was messy—and I just wanted to keep learning.”

Life eventually pulled him away from pottery, until an injury years later rekindled the spark. “I couldn’t rock climb anymore, so I needed something new. When I came back to clay, it felt like reconnecting with an old friend— one that reminded me who I was.”

By mid-2020, in the quiet of pandemic isolation, Cam turned that reconnection into a business. He ordered a wheel and kiln, dove headfirst into creating and hasn’t looked back since.

Cam’s work is defined by intentional simplicity—pottery designed for the everyday. “My mugs are the first thing to graze our lips in the morning,” he says, “and my plates are the last thing to go into the dishwasher after a candlelit dinner.” Each curve is shaped for comfort and balance, meant to be held and used. “I think about the end user constantly,” he explains. “How will it feel in their hands? How does it fit into their life?”

MATTERS

Every handmade object carries the story of its maker— something mass production can’t replicate. “When someone purchases from a small local maker, a one-to-one connection is established,” Cam explains. “The maker completely backs their work and values every individual customer.”

That connection is what keeps communities vibrant. When you buy small, your dollars support creativity, craftsmanship and dreams.

And in today’s digital age, shopping small doesn’t mean sacrificing convenience. Cam’s work is available on Etsy — just as easy to order, but infinitely more personal. “Ordering from a small business means you can message the maker directly,” he says. “You can ask questions, request a custom glaze or just know whose hands shaped the thing that will soon rest in yours.”

Handmade gifts are about intention. They slow us down just long enough to remember that giving is an act of meaning, not obligation. “The memory of my hands stays in the clay,” Cam says. “Those fingerprints are locked in during firing— they’ll last longer than I will.”

This December, as you search for the perfect gift, consider the story it carries: a mug that starts someone’s morning. A bowl that will serve countless dinners. A plate that may outlast its maker.

Because when you buy handmade, you’re not just giving an object—you’re giving a piece of someone’s craft, care and courage to keep creating. From Cam’s hands to yours, this season is an invitation to shop small, gift intentionally, and rediscover the beauty of the human touch.

Give something that can’t be rushed or replicated. Find Cam’s work on Etsy — where your gift begins not in a warehouse, but in a pair of hands.

1. Hand-poured Candles

2. Knitted or Crocheted Scarves, Hats & Blankets

3. Hand-stitched Leather Goods

4. Artisan Soaps & Bath Bombs

5. Wooden Cutting Boards or Utensils

6. Handwoven Baskets

7. Embroidery or Needlework Art

8. Small-Batch Jams, Honey or Hot Sauce

9. Hand-painted Ornaments

10. Letterpress or Handcrafted Stationery

“WHEN YOU BUY SMALL, YOUR DOLLARS SUPPORT CREATIVITY, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DREAMS.”

All Things Work Together for Good

One of the most painful parts of living through a rock-bottom experience is being unable to imagine what good could possibly come of it. When a woman finds herself alone, under-resourced, facing the ravages and chaos of addiction and even responsible for a child in the midst of it all, the path forward looks murky at best and hopeless at worst. Carleah Summers, Founder and CEO of Andrea’s House, understands how this feels because she’s been there. And yet she has become an example of how life’s most heartbreaking experiences can be transformed–through time and healing–to serve others and drive purpose in ways we rarely can foresee.

“I always say it was my biggest blessing to get pregnant,” Summers says. Her sobriety journey started when her son was 10 months old, marking twenty years this coming March. Even as a new mom (and up-and-coming journalist), she found herself in a difficult season-one that tested her strength and willpower in every way. When life began to spiral and she faced the reality of losing what mattered most, her mother came to take possession of her son. That was the point when Summers made a shift that would change everything.

“Losing my son was my wake-up call,” she says. “I turned to God and prayed for His help, and was admitted to treatment the very same day.”

From then on, she poured herself into recovery without looking back. On the way, she gained the support of a few strong mentors: Carlton Hill, a graduate of and now leader at the Frederick Rescue Mission’s Changed Life Recovery Program and her own aunt, Andrea Hawley Ferguson. Summers says her aunt’s encouragement, love and practical help was invaluable, and that she simply could not have sustained sobriety without her.

Five years into her recovery, she realized she wanted to work in the field that had already given her so much. After getting her addiction counseling degree, she got a job at the Mountain Manor Treatment Center in Emmitsburg and started to notice a problem she wished she could solve.

“After people go through inpatient addiction treatment, there often isn’t enough outpatient support. We see a lot of recidivism. I saw very clearly on my own journey that it was really hard to go through the follow-up counseling and

continue the recovery process while I was also juggling my child. There especially was not enough support for single mothers and families,” she says.

As she continued her counseling work, Summers says, “God placed a dream on [her] heart.” She wanted to create a transitional housing program for women with young children to heal from addiction in mind, body and spirit.

“People thought I was crazy,” she says. “But in March 2019 we founded Andrea’s House.” The facility is named, of course, to honor her beloved aunt, who passed away from breast cancer shortly before it opened.

Today, Summers says, Andrea’s House has just celebrated serving its 100th woman – who incidentally gave birth to a baby during her recovery stay.

“It’s not lost on me that our 100th woman has literally become a symbol of new life,” she says. “It has just made that milestone all the more special.”

The transitional housing facility on Butterfly Lane continues to grow in even more exciting ways–beyond serving its core mission of housing, compassionately caring for and healing women and families. Summers is soon to open an addition to the space, the Building Bridges Childcare Center, which will allow the women attending their programs to have safe and accessible childcare while they attend counseling or go to work.

“Family is so important to us and many of our women have no other family to fall back on during recovery,” she says. “We created Andrea’s House specifically to feel like a family environment, a place of compassionate holding that women can turn to for security and continued support even after they graduate from the program.”

Summers is also celebrating the launch of her consulting business, Andrea’s House Consulting. This new outlet will allow her to take all her hard-earned knowledge launching and operating her unique transitional facility and advise others who are doing the same.

“It’s amazing, the gap that exists in recovery housing for single mothers,” she says. “There are very few other facilities like Andrea’s House in the United States. We recently helped to open Destiny’s House in Virginia and we’re working with another nonprofit in Indianapolis.”

Best of all, for Summers, she says she never could have imagined the extent to which she is “no longer living in her pain,” and that she is using what once felt like impossible challenges to show other women the power of hope and faith. It’s humbling to think “how many destinies,” she says, can be attached to persevering and transforming our worst experiences. As the Biblical hero Joseph said to the brothers who betrayed him: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good–to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” AndreasHouse.org

Get Involved with Andrea’s House

Andrea’s House is always in need of diapers, wipes, household supplies and gently used baby items (e.g. car seats, strollers, toys, etc.) Do you know a woman who is seeking recovery support? See the “Documents” tab to apply on AndreasHouse.org

Connect with us! Facebook @andreashousetransitionalliving Instagram @andreashousemd

A Very

Merry-land Holiday

Unique, Out-of-the-Box Events in the Old Line State

ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE

1. Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo, Baltimore Weekends in November & December

Enjoy festive crafts, carolers, costumed characters and photos with Santa during this family-friendly holiday tradition at the Maryland Zoo.

2. Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, Frederick November – March 2026

Brilliantly lit boats brighten Carroll Creek, combining dazzling holiday displays with a community fundraiser where every vote supports local charities.

3. Christmas Village, Baltimore November 22nd – December 24th

Traditional German-style market with wooden booths, European foods, shopping, rides and festive holiday cheer in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

4. Winter City Lights, Olney Late November – December

An immersive holiday wonderland with one million lights, snow tubing, themed displays and a glowing winter trail through the forest.

5. Christmas at the Gaylord, National Harbor December – January 4th

A dazzling resort celebration featuring lights, shows and spectacular ice sculptures that bring the holiday spirit to life.

6. Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular, Timonium

December 5th – 30th

Maryland State Fairgrounds light up with over one million twinkling displays, tunnels, holiday trees, music and carnival-style fun.

7. Midnight Madness, Historic Ellicott City

December 5th, 4:30–11 PM

Tree lighting, Santa, hot chocolate, shopping and live holiday music in the heart of historic Ellicott City.

8. Monument Lighting, Baltimore

December 5th, 5–8 PM

A beloved tradition with a lighting ceremony, live music, vendors and fireworks in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood.

9. Midnight Madness, Annapolis

First three Thursdays in December

Shops stay open late with special sales, holiday cheer, seasonal treats and entertainment along historic Main Street Annapolis.

ARTICLE BY MEGAN CONNOLLY DILLON | PHOTOGRAPHY

Find It Downtown

UNIQUE GIFTS PERFECT FOR EVERY STOCKING

Christmas in Downtown Frederick is pure magic with the holiday spirit truly alive and palpable. Imagine yourself strolling down beautifully lit, tree-lined streets, soaking up the sights and sounds of the season.

Local musicians fill the air with classic carols, cars drive by with fresh Christmas trees tied to the roof and people walk along with a warm hot chocolate from one of the many cozy cafes. It’s the quintessential setting for finding those thoughtful, little presents that truly delight.

With more than 200 retail and specialty stores, Downtown Frederick is your one-stop destination for crossing off your holiday list. There’s a special kind of joy in walking into a unique local shop and immediately spotting a gift—big or small—that you know is perfect for someone you love.

Music in a New Light

AN INTIMATE MARYLAND CONCERT SERIES AMIDST A SEA OF CANDLES

ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FEVER

Beyond the soft flicker of candlelight and the hush that falls before the first note, a familiar space transforms into a cinematic masterpiece, where classical musicians perform amidst a sea of glowing candles. The experience feels suspended in time, a convergence of sound, space and light that lingers long after the final bow.

Unlike grand orchestral productions, Candlelight Concerts are intentionally small and personal. Musicians connect with audiences close enough to catch the movement of the bow, creating a shared sense of wonder that makes every performance feel like a secret rediscovered. Each concert invites guests to experience beloved music from Vivaldi to Coldplay, in a setting that blurs the line between concert and dreamscape.

Candlelight was created with the vision of making music more accessible by bringing it to unique venues beyond traditional concert halls. The result is a visually stunning, intimate experience that illuminates both the music and the moment.

This season, give the gift of music. The official Candlelight gift card is now available for purchase, redeemable at any event across the United States. And during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, select concerts worldwide will be available at special discounted rates for the perfect opportunity to treat friends and family to a one-of-a-kind live experience that truly shines.

Frederick, MD

Dec 18: Christmas Carols on Strings | Union Mills Public House

Dec 21: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons, Christmas Carols on Strings

Union Mills Public House

Hagerstown, MD

Dec 19: Christmas Classics, Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

Cortland Mansion

Washington, DC

Dec 3: Queen vs. ABBA | National City Christian Church

Dec 5: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons | MLK Jr. Library

Dec 10: The Best of Hans Zimmer | National City Christian Church

Dec 11: Best of Bridgerton on Strings | St. Francis Hall

Dec 12: Tribute to The Beatles | MLK Jr. Library

Dec 18: Christmas Special – “The Nutcracker” & More | MLK Jr. Library

Dec 19: Christmas Carols on Strings | MLK Jr. Library

Dec 20: Jazz: Sinatra & Nat King Cole | MLK Jr. Library

Annapolis, MD

Dec 14: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons | Annapolis Waterfront Hotel

Dec 21: Christmas Carols on Strings | Annapolis Waterfront Hotel

Baltimore & Columbia

Dec 28: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons | The Collective Encore

Dec 29: Tribute to Taylor Swift, Tribute to The Beatles

Maryland Center for History & Culture

CandleLightExperience.com

Kathy Schultze, Agent 100 Tuscanney Drive Frederick, MD 21702

Bus: 301-694-6711

KathySchultze.com

Kathy@KathySchultze.com

VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent

BREAKFAST HOLIDAY

The holidays are filled with family gatherings. Enjoy these easy, make-ahead recipes to simplify your holiday breakfast; they are sure to impress your guests.

MONKEY BREAD

Ingredients:

• 18-20 Rhodes white frozen rolls

• 1 regular box of cook and serve butterscotch pudding

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

• ¾ teaspoons cinnamon

• ½ cup brown sugar

Instructions:

Grease a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle chopped pecans around the bottom of the bundt pan. Next, place frozen rolls in the pan, evenly spreading them out. Sprinkle the rolls with the dry pudding mix. Melt butter in a separate container, and add cinnamon and brown sugar and stir. Pour butter and sugar mixture over the rolls. Cover with saran wrap that is sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Place in a cool oven overnight with the light off. Bake the next morning at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and then turn the bundt pan over onto a serving plate and gently pry out of the pan, allowing time for the pecans and toppings to drip on top. Enjoy!

HEARTY BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

• 8 eggs

• 2-3 cups torn bread pieces

• 3 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 pound breakfast sausage, browned

• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 2 cups shredded cheese of choice

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon rosemary

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Spray 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Layer torn bread pieces on the bottom of the pan to cover completely. Sprinkle 1 cup cheese over the bread. Whisk eggs and heavy whipping cream and red pepper flakes salt and pepper. Pour mixture into the baking dish. Add bacon and sausage on top of egg mixture. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with rosemary and thyme. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until the center is done.

CROISSANT LEMON BERRY DELIGHT

Casserole Ingredients:

• 6 large croissants (from the bakery) sliced into cubes

• 3 cups mixed berries

• 1 package cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup  sugar

• 5 eggs at room temperature

• 2 cups half and half at room temperature

• ¾ tablespoon vanilla extract

• ¾ tablespoon lemon juice

Lemon Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and toast the cubed croissants on a baking dish for 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, half and half, lemon juice and vanilla and mix until smooth. Place the toasted croissants into a greased 9 x 13 pan and layer with 1 ½ cups berries. Pour custard mix on top and then add the remaining berries on top. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Set aside and make glaze by adding all ingredients to a bowl and mixing until smooth. Drizzle over the casserole and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

HASHBROWN BITES

Ingredients:

• 20-ounce bag refrigerated hash brown potatoes

• ¾ cup green onions, sliced

• ½ cup  grated parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup pepper jack cheese, optional

Instructions:

Spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir. Evenly add mixture to each muffin tin and lightly press down. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. These can be made in advance and reheated for convenience.

DECEMBER 2025

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 3RD

Holiday Art Reception

The Delaplaine Art Center | 5:30 PM

Celebrate the season at the reception for “Frederick During the Holidays,” showcasing original works by local artists. Enjoy festive creativity, mingle with the community and see the announcement of Judges’ and People’s Choice awards. Select pieces will remain on display through December, offering a month-long glimpse into Frederick’s holiday spirit. Free admission. CelebrateFrederick.com

DECEMBER 4TH

Scents and Sweets

Competition and Auction

New Spire Arts | 5:30 PM

Delight in the sights and scents of the season featuring imaginative gingerbread creations and festive holiday wreaths, this annual showcase brings together community creativity and holiday cheer. Join the reception, explore the exhibits and let these whimsical designs inspire your own holiday spirit. FREE admission. CelebrateFrederick.com

DECEMBER 4TH-6TH, 11TH, 13TH, 18TH-22ND

Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Experience

Frederick Social | 5:30 PM

Climb aboard a vintage London Double Decker!  Enjoy twinkling displays, a free digital Santa photo and hot cocoa from Frederick Social. This 45-minute festive ride is perfect for families and friends— creating magical holiday memories together. Limited tickets available, so book early! VisitFrederick.org

DECEMBER 5TH-7TH

Maryland Regional Ballet presents: The Nutcracker Weinberg Center for the Arts

Celebrate the season with the timeless magic of The Nutcracker, performed by the Maryland Regional Ballet to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Directed by Joyce Morrison, this Frederick tradition features dancers from the Frederick School of Classical Ballet with guest artists from the New York City Ballet. Journey to the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets in a performance of beauty and grace. WeinbergCenter.org

DECEMBER 6TH

Sensory Friendly

Visit with Santa Rock Creek Rec Center, Walkersville 10:00 AM

Enjoy a calm, welcoming visit with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment designed for all comfort levels. Experience holiday magic at your own pace with soothing lighting and quieter surroundings, creating a joyful, inclusive space for families to make memories together. VisitFrederick.org

DECEMBER 6TH

Brunswick Hometown Holidays

Brunswick Main Street | 4:00 PM

Kick off the holiday season with a day full of festive fun—enjoy breakfast with Santa, a holiday parade and the annual tree lighting. The parade begins at 4 PM, bringing holiday cheer to the heart of the community and setting the stage for a magical evening of lights and celebration. BrunswickMD.gov

- Cheryl (70+ Member)

CONTINUED

DECEMBER 6TH

Naughty & Dice Holiday Casino Event for Charity

Rak Brewing | 6:00 PM

Indulge your festive side at a glamorous, casino-themed holiday party at RAK Brewing. Enjoy a full casino floor (trade chips for raffle tickets and prizes), unlimited beer, wine & seltzers (until 11 PM), complimentary cuisine, live music and DJ, and VIP ticket options. A portion of proceeds helps bring holiday cheer to local kids. RakBrewing.com

DECEMBER 12TH

Small Town Christmas on Thurmont Main Street

Thurmont Main Street | 5:00 PM

Stroll through a festive Main Street lined with local shops and Pop-Up vendors, offering unique gifts and holiday treasures. Discover one-of-akind finds while enjoying the charm of the season and supporting local businesses—a perfect way to make your holiday shopping merry and meaningful. ThurmontMainStreet.com

DECEMBER 12TH

Kris Kringle Procession

Downtown Frederick | 6:30 PM

Experience Frederick’s beloved holiday march as costumed characters, local groups and musical ensembles parade through Downtown to Baker Park. The procession culminates in the lighting of the City Tree, celebrating small-town charm and seasonal spirit with a festive flourish. CelebrateFrederick.com

Winter Simmer

Magic

ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN

FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE COZY SCENTS OF TART CRANBERRIES, BRIGHT CITRUS, AND WARMING SPICES

Creating stovetop potpourri is a delightful way to indulge in the scents of the festive season. This Cranberry Orange Potpourri combines sparkling notes of fresh citrus and cranberries with nostalgic spices and woodsy herbs to create a welcoming atmosphere.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 orange, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

• 3 star anise

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2-3 cups water (plus more as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine cranberries, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary in a pot. Add 2-3 cups of water, ensuring the ingredients are submerged. Simmer on low heat, allowing the aromas to release. Check the water level, adding more as needed to prevent drying out. Simmer for several hours to fill your home with the scents of the season.

This potpourri is perfect for setting the holiday mood, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want your home to smell warm and inviting.

HALLMARK

CHANNEL

BINGO BINGO

ADD A FUN AND PLAYFUL TWIST TO YOUR HOLIDAY MOVIE N IGHTS

Snuggle up, grab some cocoa and enjoy the charm of Hallmark Christmas movies with this festive Bingo Challenge! Mark off each square as those fami liar holiday moments unfold on screen.

Complete all 25 by Christmas Day? Tag us on Instagr am or Facebook @FrederickLifestyle with your finished board for a chance to win a jolly hol iday prize!