Hosting for the holiday this year? This list is for you.
There are quite a lot of interesting things to do in the Garrett County area. Even though it’s cold outside, we don’t have to turn into couch potatoes. The East Coast is a real beauty when it comes to the changing seasons and winter is no exception.
Here are a few suggestions of things to do or where to go around Deep Creek Lake, MD.
Joy of Christmas Show
The “Joy of Christmas Light Show” is a nightly extravaganza of lights and music, set to captivate audiences this festive season. Starting from the Friday after Thanksgiving Day, visitors can immerse themselves in a radiant display of over 40,000 lights, synchronized to a curated selection of music each evening.
Each show begins at the top of the hour, offering a spectacular visual feast that visitors can enjoy outdoors or from the comfort of their vehicles, tuning in through their radio (on station 87.9 FM). This year, the celebration takes an exciting turn with the introduction of a new interactive outdoor dance floor, inviting guests to become part of the magic.
Dates: November 24, 2023 through January 1, 2024
Time: Nightly shows from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Venue: Oakland Community Center, 14 N 8th St, Oakland, MD 21550
Admission: Completely FREE!
Ice Skating at Grantsville Town Park
Garrett County’s only ice rink is located outdoors in the Grantsville Town Park. Advance admission purchases are encouraged, although drop-ins are welcome. The facility provides rentals for skates, helmets, and skate aids at varying prices. Afterschool Skate sessions run Monday through Friday from 4-6 PM, priced at $5 per skater with included rental skates. The rink, closed on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, is available for group rentals and parties, offering a 90-minute private ice session, a basic skating lesson, and facility use for $250. Only those actively skating need to pay for admission, and public skates are restricted to scheduled times. Dressing warmly is recommended for the outdoor rink, with caution about potential weather-related cancellations. The schedule can be checked on their Facebook page, and reservations can be made online for public skate sessions. Also, JTF will also have a concession stand on site with a selection of a hot items, chips, cookies, candy, hot chocolate, coffee, hot tea, and soda.
Dates: Through February 19, 2024 (weather-permitting)
Time: Closed Wednesdays; 2-Hour Sessions
Venue: Hershberger Ln, Grantsville, MD 21536
Admission: $5 Admission; $2 Skate Rentals; $1 Helmet Rentals; $2 Skate-Aid Rentals
Sled Riding at Herrington Manor State Park
Sled riding at Herrington Manor State Park offers a winter recreational activity set in a picturesque natural environment. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of sledding on a designated, lighted hill within the park, providing a family-friendly and outdoor adventure during the winter months. The park provides a lighted area for sled riding. Sled riders are encouraged to bring their own sleds and the activity is open to all ages.
Dates: Winter Season (weather-permitting; natural snow)
Time: Park Hours
Venue: Herrington Manor State Park
Admission: Winter Park Admission (MD residents $3/person; out-of-state residents $5/person.)
Go Carts and Arcade at Deep Creek Funzone
It’s an action-packed adventure with an all-inclusive pass that grants unlimited access to all of the activities at Deep Creek Funzone. Engage in heart-pounding Laser Tag battles, showcase your putting prowess on the Mini-Golf course, and feel the adrenaline rush on the Road Track and Slick Track. Challenge your agility on the Ninja Course and indulge in a nostalgic trip with unlimited play on the arcade games.
Dates: Open Daily (weather-permitting)
Time: Open Daily (weather-permitting)
Venue: 72 Fort Dr, McHenry, MD 21541
Admission: All Day Adventure Pass – $74.99
It’s an Adventure! with DCAB
Deep Creek Adventure Bureau (DCAB) is promoting outdoor activities to celebrate the region’s natural beauty. They organize rides, races, fundraisers, and various activities to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors through biking, hiking, running, paddling, and other adventures. The goal is to engage both residents and visitors in exploring the mountains, valleys, rivers, and trails throughout all four seasons. They emphasize inclusivity by creating opportunities for competition, athlete trials, and casual activities, aiming to build a welcoming community for everyone. Take the #DCABfun outside! Check the Facebook page for upcoming races or free community events.
Dates: January 13 & February 24, 2023
Time: Racer Meetings are at 9:30AM
Venue: McHenry Community Park (Jan 13) & Herrington Manor State Park (Feb 24); various locations
Admission: $25/each race // Other free community hiking or biking events
Dine in an Igloo at Mountain State Brew Pub
Dining in an igloo at Mountain State Brewing Co. offers a unique and cozy experience. Nestled within the snowy mountains, patrons can enjoy a warm and intimate setting inside these charming igloos. The ambiance is both festive and inviting, providing a distinctive atmosphere for sharing meals with friends or loved ones. A $25 reservation fee will be charged at the time your reservation is made. This fee holds your reservation and is not applied to your bill. A 22% gratuity will be added to your final bill for your server. Reserve online here.
Dates: Winter Season (weather-permitting)
Time: All Open Hours
Venue: Mountain State Brewing Company
Admission: $25 Reservation Fee + food and 22% Gratuity
Wine Tasting at McHenry Beverage
Established in 1983, McHenry Beverage Shoppe has been a community fixture. Evolving with the rise in popularity of “boutique” wines, liquors, and beers, their inventory has expanded, boasting 3,700 bottles housed in their own temperature-controlled wine cellar. Noteworthy additions include always-available chilled Champagne and cheeses, perfect for impromptu celebrations. Complementing their drink offerings, a curated cigar selection adds to the store’s charm within its 5,000 sq. ft. space in the McHenry Plaza. With a commitment to top-quality customer service, competitive pricing, and a smartly organized shopping environment, McHenry Beverage Shoppe offers a delightful and easily navigable experience for patrons seeking a diverse range of fine beverages and more. Wine Tastings are open to the public and held every Saturday from 1:00pn to 5:00pm.
Dates: Year-Round
Time: Saturdays 1:00pm-5:00pm
Venue: McHenry Beverage Shoppe 24465 Garrett Hwy; McHenry, MD 21541
Price: Free wine tasting events
