Celebrate Frederick – Festival of Lights

Don’t miss one of the holiday season’s most inspiring events.
Each year the Festival of Lights brings the true spirit of the season to young and old alike. Holiday greetings, carols and an inspirational message are all part of this community tradition-based event that highlights the true meaning of the holiday season.  Attendees join in the program with a moving candle lighting ceremony, filling the courtyard with magnificent light.

Festival History

Over 30 years ago, Julia Hanna was concerned that the world was losing sight of the real meaning of holiday season.  She encouraged area residents to display single white candles in their windows to bring back the feeling of an old-fashioned holiday, and to focus on the warmth and fellowship of the season.  She encouraged community togetherness… and the candlelight festival was begun.  Since that time, the tradition has evolved into this ecumenical gathering.

Festival Program

The 2018 Festival of Lights will once again include a special musical performance by The Frederick Children’s Chorus.  The Chorus was founded in 1985 by Judith L. DuBose, and is dedicated to encouraging every child to be the best singer that they can be.  In addition to the Chorus’ performance at the Festival of Lights, the group will also host a Winter Concert at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, December 9 at 2:00 PM and the 24th Annual Messiah Sing-Along at the Weinberg Center on Tuesday, December 18 at 8:00 PM.
Festival organizers are also excited to welcome Mr. Ed Hinde as this year’s inspirational speaker.  Mr. Hinde is the the co-founder and Executive Director of S.H.I.P., the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership of Frederick County.  Founded in early 2014, S.H.I.P. was created to provide urgently needed services and resources to the hundreds of Frederick County students experiencing homelessness each year.
This year’s program will also include remarks from Alderman Pro Tem Kelly Russell, an audience sing-along of favorite carols and a moving candle lighting ceremony.