Fall is settling in and winter is around the corner, but Montgomery Parks has events and activities for all seasons. The Garden of Lights opens at Brookside Gardens on Nov. 17 and there will be a “Holiday BARKet”for dog lovers on Sunday, Nov. 18, at Cabin John Regional Park.
The list of Montgomery Parks special programs in November includes:
- Garden of Lights. Nov. 17‒Dec. 31 (closed Nov. 20-23 and Dec. 24-25. 5:30‒9:30 p.m. nightly. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton. The ever-popular seasonal light display is back! The display is a one-half mile, walk-through, outdoor exhibit featuring more than a million twinkling lights formed into tunnels, flowers, animals and other natural elements. The rose garden is turned into a winter wonderland filled with white lights, more than 20 large sculptures and falling snow. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be sold. There will be unique seasonal items for sale in the Gift Shop. Tickets required for ages 5 and older. $10 per person.
- Hike to Parks Unknown: Seniors. Friday, Nov. 10. 10–11:30 a.m. Rock Creek Regional Park, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville Join a park naturalist for a 75-minute, off-site hike, followed by a social chat. Montgomery Parks mobile nature center, Nature on Wheels will provide seating, water and bathroom access (stairs). Ages 55 and older. Registration required. $10.
- Veterans Day Skate. Saturday, Nov. 11. Noon-10 p.m. (Cabin John); 12:30–6:30 p.m. (Wheaton). Cabin John Ice Rink, 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville. Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 Orebaugh Ave., Wheaton. Salute to servicemen and women. Active-duty military and veterans skate free (skate rental included). Skate times: Cabin John Ice Rink, noon-2 p.m., 4–6 p.m., 8:30–10 p.m. Wheaton Ice Arena, 12:30–2:30 p.m., 4:30–6:30 p.m.
- Socials for 55+ Wednesday, Nov. 15. 10–11:30 a.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. A program tailored for individuals aged 55-and-over. This session will include a cozy and memorable campfire gathering at Maydale Nature Classroom. Coffee, hot chocolate and tea will be provided, as well as materials to make smores. Feel free to bring snacks and a light picnic. Registration required. Free.
- Holiday BARKet. Sunday, Nov. 18. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Pick up some holiday gifts for your pup or pet-loving friends and enjoy a performance by Capital Effect. Take photos with your dog and the Grinch. Enjoy cider, gluten-free beer and good food. All ages. Free.
- Fall Wedding Vendor Showcase. Monday, Nov. 19. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Join us the Brookside Gardens Fall Wedding Vendor Showcase to taste food samples, talk to caterers, photographers, planner, musicians and other wedding professionals, get a tour of the Gardens and preview the “We Speak Weddings Workshop.” Door raffle will offer more than $3,000 in prizes, including a rental at Brookside Gardens. Registration required. Free.
- The Garden Railway Exhibit. Nov. 25-Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25). 10 a.m.–3:45 p.m. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. In partnership with the Washington, Virginia, Maryland Garden Railway Society, this beloved attraction is back this year. It will showcase G-scale trails and custom model buildings of Montgomery County landmarks. Sponsored by the Friends of Brookside Gardens. All ages. Free.
- Discover Long Branch 5K. Sunday, Nov. 19. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Long Branch-Garland Neighborhood Park
