PRINCE FREDERICK, MD — Calvert County invites residents and visitors to embrace the holiday spirit with the annual “Home for the Holidays” celebration, spanning two weekends of free, family-friendly activities. With festive markets, tree lightings, parades, and seasonal entertainment, downtown Prince Frederick transforms into a vibrant holiday destination.
Organized by Calvert County Parks & Recreation, the Department of Economic Development, the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce, the Calvert County Historical Society, The Optimist Club of Calvert County, the Calvert County Fair Board, and the Arts Council of Calvert County, the event offers an array of activities to delight attendees of all ages.
Event Highlights
Friday, Dec. 6 – Holiday Market and Tree Lighting
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Location: Circuit Courthouse, 175 Main St., Prince Frederick
Kick off the festivities with a Holiday Market featuring local vendors, food trucks, and live music. At 6 p.m., the community will gather for the annual tree lighting ceremony on the courthouse lawn, adorned with greenery and decorations by the Calvert Garden Club.
Attendees can continue shopping with market vendors until 8 p.m. and follow luminaries along Duke Street to the CalvART Gallery for the Gallery After Hours social and art show from 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Arts Council of Calvert County.
Saturday, Dec. 7 – Old-fashioned Christmas at Linden House
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Linden House, 70 Church St., Prince Frederick
Step into a nostalgic celebration at the historic Linden House, hosted by the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce and the Calvert County Historical Society. Guests can enjoy activities for all ages, shop with vendors, and savor food truck offerings. Santa will make a special appearance for a reading session, culminating with a tree lighting at Linden.
Saturday, Dec. 14 – Home for the Holidays Parade & Celebration
Parade: 10 a.m. to noon
Location: Downtown Prince Frederick
The annual Home for the Holidays Parade, hosted by the Calvert County Fair Board and The Optimist Club of Calvert County, promises a lively morning for attendees. The parade begins at the intersection of Church and Main Street, winding through Main Street, Duke Street, and the Prince Frederick Shopping Center, before concluding back at Church Street.
Public parking will be available at multiple locations:
- Calvert County District Courthouse lot (200 Duke St.)
- Calvert County Circuit Courthouse lower lot (175 Main St.)
- Courthouse Square lot (205 Main St.)
- Calvert County Sheriff’s Office lots (30 Church St.)
- Prince Frederick Ford (15 Duke St.)
- Accessible Parking: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (25 Church St.)
Groups interested in joining the parade must register by completing the 2024 Holiday Parade Registration Form and submitting it to calvertoptimists@gmail.com by Nov. 29.
Celebration: Noon to 3 p.m.
Location: King Memorial Park, 65 Church St., Prince Frederick
After the parade, continue the holiday cheer at King Memorial Park with games, activities, and photos with Santa. Hosted by Calvert County Parks & Recreation and sponsored by Entertainment Avenue, this celebration offers fun for the whole family.
Plan Your Visit
For detailed schedules, parade routes, parking maps, and additional information, visit CalvertCountyMd.gov/SpecialEvents or call 410-535-1600, ext. 2649.
Explore other seasonal activities and attractions at VisitCalvert.com/WinterFun.
