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The holiday season is a time to create memories with the people you care about most—and Montgomery County, Maryland offers plenty of ways to do just that. Ready to plan your next road trip adventure?
When you visit Montgomery County, there is no shortage of ways to safely discover new places—and even check a few things off your bucket list along the way. Whether you’re looking to take a scenic drive during the holiday season, or traverse a beautiful national park in the spring, these local adventures are sure to inspire you to visit when the time is right for you.
Holiday Themed Weekend Getaways
Holiday Lights Spectacular
Turn up the holiday music and take a scenic drive through the City of Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park. Celebrating its 26th season, this holiday light spectacular boasts a 3.5-mile drive through an enchanted woodland setting, including more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully strung trees that light your way. Afterward, keep the festivities going with dinner, shopping, and strolling along the lakefront.
Returning this year is Montgomery Park’s popular Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton. Walk through the outdoor twinkling lights and glimmering displays that dot the paths and flowerbeds throughout the 50 acres. More than one million dazzling and colorful LED lights are handwoven into original works depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements.
Practice Your Perfect Pirouette
When the weather dips below freezing, outdoor ice skating is a fun winter activity for the whole family in Montgomery County. Show off your best moves at Veteran’s Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring or Rockville Town Square. For indoor skating enthusiasts, spend the day at Cabin John Ice Rink or Wheaton Ice Arena. Then, head to Clarksburg Premium Outlets for an afternoon of bargain hunting, followed by a visit to The Comus Inn for Chef Sammy D’s massive bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado sandwich.
Shop Small. Shop Local.
There is no shortage of shopping options, including a vast array of locally owned boutiques. Stop by The Family Room in Laytonsville to browse its selection of Maryland-made products. Then venture to Takoma Park’s Historic Main Street and check out Tabletop, followed by a sumptuous lunch at The Republic. Nearby is Kensington Antique Row, where you will find individual antiques and specialty shops, a multi-dealer antiques market, a design center, art gallery, and several cafes and restaurants.
Springtime Weekend Getaways
The Ultimate Topgolf Getaway
Hone your technique and experience the thrills of golf in Montgomery County, Maryland. The county features two unique Topgolf experiences, including a full-service facility in Germantown and a Swing Suite in North Bethesda. Be sure to add a visit to Downtown Silver Spring, Bethesda Row, or Westfield Montgomery for a bit of shopping between golf sessions.
A Place for Beer Lovers
No visit to Montgomery County is complete without stopping by its many breweries along the Tastemakers Trail. Locals love drinking a pint on a working horse farm at Waredaca Brewing Company, sitting in a pine grove at Elder Pine Brewing, lounging at Lone Oak Farm Brewery, or taking the Red Line Metro to Silver Branch Brewing Company. Swing by the new Rock East District to enjoy Rockville’s thriving makers scene with a visit to True Respite Brewing Company and more.
C&O Canal Experience
Celebrating its 50th anniversary of becoming a National Park, the C&O Canal National Historical Park offers a variety of historic and outdoor experiences. Visit the Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center, view the Great Falls Rapids on the Potomac River, and hike the Billy Goat Trail. Recharge with a glass of wine at Old Angler’s Inn. Make your trip an overnight experience by staying in a Canal Quarters Lockhouse.
Looking for holiday weekend getaway ideas in Montgomery County, Maryland? Visit our popular holiday hub to plan your next visit on VisitMontgomery.com.
Featured Photo Credit: Adam Brockett