Museums by Candlelight
A Free Holiday Program For All Ages
Once a year, Frederick County’s numerous historic sites and museums provide visitors with a living reminder of this area's remarkable past. During Museums by Candlelight, special programming and hands-on fun will delight visitors of all ages, and special children's activities are featured at most locations.
This is a FREE self-guided event. Visit many locations, or just a few, in any order. Enjoy period demonstrations, living history vignettes, hands-on crafts, refreshments, tours, music, holiday decorations and historic settings by candlelight as night falls.
December 13, 2025 | Programs begin at 12pm (unless otherwise noted)
Participating Sites and Museums
See Below Virtual Map for Site Locations and Program Descriptions
Northern Frederick County
Catoctin Furnace Historical Society
National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Snook Family Farm Agricultural Center at Utica Park
Western Frederick County
South Mountain Heritage Society
William F. Moran, Jr. Museum & Foundation
Southern Frederick County
Zion Church and Cemetery | Frederick County Landmarks Foundation
Museums by Candlelight Virtual Map
Museums by Candlelight Program Descriptions
City of Frederick
AARCH Society Heritage Center
125 E. All Saints St., Frederick • 12pm–5pm
Step into history and make history at the AARCH Society Heritage Center’s inaugural Museums by Candlelight celebration. Experience an inspiring tribute to Frederick County’s African American heritage through the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season. The day begins with voices of praise, followed by the heartbeat of drums in a vibrant Kwanzaa celebration. Join us for special programs at 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM, and enjoy a warm, illuminating day of learning, connection, and celebration honoring the stories that shape our shared history.
C. Burr Artz Public Library
110 E. Patrick St., Frederick • 11am–5pm
Explore miniatures by Kunie Stabley, waterfowl busts, classic children’s books, and a local author showcase. Enjoy Walkersville High School’s String Quartet in the afternoon, with model trains running throughout the day for all ages to enjoy during visit.
Delaplaine Arts Center
40 S. Carroll St., Frederick • 9am–5pm
Visit the historic building that was originally a steam-powered flour mill. The mill building was then used for paper storage for the newspaper company in town. It was converted in the 1990s to become a vibrant community arts center exhibiting art, hosting art classes and events! After touring the galleries, stop by our craft table in the lobby and create a colorful candle holder. Open 9am - 5pm.
Heritage Frederick | Museum of Frederick County History
24 E. Church St., Frederick • 12pm–7pm
Explore seven exhibits filled with artifacts, photographs, and stories from across Frederick County. This will be the last chance to see our "Melodic Memories," "Two of a Kind," and "From Bartering to Banking" exhibits. Enjoy festive trimmings throughout the historic museum building and refreshments.
Historic Steiner House
368 W. Patrick St., Frederick • 12pm–5pm
Make a visit to this 1807 home that now serves as the headquarters of the Frederick Women’s Civic Club.
Hood College Archives and Special Collections
Beneficial-Hodson Library, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick • 12pm–5pm
Come visit our annual winter holiday exhibit highlighting over 60 nativity scenes. Also on exhibit will be photos and items that highlight the celebration of “Little Christmas” at Hood from the 1930s-1970s. For our young guests there will be crafts highlighting our mascots on campus – the official Blazer and the unofficial squirrel. Snacks and drinks will be available while supplies last.
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
48 E. Patrick St., Frederick • 12pm–4pm
Join us for a special living history event at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine featuring the Blue and Gray Hospital Association. Members of the Blue and Gray Hospital Association will be in the Delaplaine Randall Conference Room at the museum describing the medical history of America’s bloodiest conflict. Dressed as members of the Confederate medical department and armed with period medical equipment, the unit brings a unique perspective to understanding the conflict.
Rose Hill Manor Park and Museums
1611 N. Market St., Frederick • 12pm–7pm
Explore our holiday themed exhibits throughout the property as well as special exhibits on the 250th anniversary of the year 1775! Self guided tours, crafts, and demonstrations occurring throughout the day.
Frederick Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution
At Rose Hill Manor Park and Museums • 12pm–7pm
Members of the Frederick Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be on-site at Rose Hill Manor Park sharing stories from our nation’s founding era.
Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick • 12pm–7pm
Oranges, cloves, and crafts; cookies and hot cider; Hessians and open-hearth cooking; gifts and glühwein — ’tis the season for Museums by Candlelight at the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum!
Northern Frederick County
Catoctin Furnace Historical Society
12610 Catoctin Furnace Rd., Thurmont • 12pm–5pm
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. welcomes visitors to an old fashioned Christmas in the historic ironmaking village of Catoctin Furnace. Famous for its cannon and cannonballs supplied for the American Revolution, visitors will learn about the architecture, cultural landscapes, lifeways, and foodways of the diverse workers. Free make it take it traditional village crafts for visitors of all ages will be featured. Design and purchase the perfect holiday wreath with fresh greenery, holly, pine cones, ribbon and bows and all sorts of adornments ($). Enjoy free hot cider and cookies from traditional village recipes while volunteers make your one-of-a-kind wreath.
Catoctin Mountain Park
14707 Park Central Rd., Thurmont • 12pm–5pm
Take part in Ranger-led ornament and craft making at the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitors Center replicating local flora and fauna. Visitors can also explore the exhibits housed within the Works Progress Administration wing of the building.
Emmitsburg Branch Library
300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg • 12pm–5pm
Be transported back in time to the beginnings of library service in Frederick County in a 100-year-old school, now serving as home to the Emmitsburg Library. Along the walls, you will take in "History of the Emmitsburg Library" through words and pictures. A scavenger hunt and craft will be available all day.
Historic Harriet Chapel
12625 Catoctin Furnace Rd., Thurmont • 12pm–5pm
A warm welcome is in store for visitors to historic Harriet Chapel, where tours and hands-on crafts will engage visitors who step back in time in the Catoctin Furnace Historic District. Celebrating 192 years as an Episcopal church, and 197 years as a house of worship, docents here love sharing the beautiful setting and the stories of this place that continues as an active faith community serving neighbors both far and near. Refreshments will provide a taste of Harriet Chapel in the holiday season.
National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
339 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg • 12pm–7pm
Visit the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton to learn how our first American Saint celebrated Christmas with those she loved. Visit our Basilica and Museum for quiet moments of reflection and special seasonal programming. Step back into the past by strolling the beautiful grounds and tastefully decorated historic homes where she lived during our nation's early years. Talk with some of our first person interpreters to hear about life with Mother Seton in St. Joseph's valley from the perspective of those who lived there.
Daughters of Charity Archives
At Seton Shrine • 12pm–5pm
Join local Civil War collector Eric Himes to discuss and view some of his local finds from Emmitsburg and Frederick County! Eric will be generously loaning some of his finds to the Archives next year for their exhibit on the history of the town of Emmitsburg. Enjoy this up close and personal preview!
Snook Family Farm Agricultural Center
Utica Park, 10200-B Old Frederick Rd., Frederick • 12pm–7pm
Stop by to learn the history of holiday treats and candies while exploring the history of the Snook family and how agriculture plays a role in creating sweet treats.
Thurmont Regional Library
76 E. Moser Rd., Thurmont • 10:30am–4pm
Join us for Gingerbread Storytime at 10:30 a.m. followed by the opportunity to self- tour the library and see the collection of artifacts in the Thurmont Center for Agricultural History
Thurmont Historical Society
11 N. Church St., Thurmont • 12pm–5pm
Tour the c.1820s Creeger House and explore the two rotating exhibits featuring Thurmont High School and the holiday season in Thurmont. Enjoy homemade treats, children’s crafts, and festive fun for all ages.
Woodsboro Historical Society
6 Woodsboro Creagerstown Rd., Woodsboro • 12pm–4pm
Join us at our Woodsboro historical museum located in our restored train station.
Western Frederick County
Brunswick Branch Library
915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick • 12pm-5pm
Come join us for a relaxing afternoon sipping tea and listening to music from the British Isles. Local author and tea enthusiast Paulella Burchill will be serving tea and biscuits, and then her woodwind quartet will serenade us with music from Purcell, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, the Beatles, and more.
Brunswick Heritage Museum
40 W. Potomac St., Brunswick • 12pm-5pm
Discover the fascinating story of Brunswick, a C&O Canal town transformed by the mighty B&O Railroad. Explore our museum, which features a captivating 1,700 sq. ft. model train layout that depicts the Metropolitan Subdivision as it was in the late 1950s. Plus enjoy a free activity for kids.
Myersville Community Library
8 Harp Pl., Myersville • 12pm–4pm
Visit the Myersville Library to see the historic trolley car 150. Free make and take crafts available.
South Mountain Heritage Society
3 E. Main St., Burkittsville • 12pm–5pm
Enjoy the history and architecture of the Resurrection Reformed Church beautifully decorated for the holidays. Discover artifacts and stories from Burkittsville's past in our exhibit room and in a new special display on Revolutionary War history from the area. Refreshments will be available and children are invited to make a special craft ornament to take home.
William F. Moran, Jr. Museum & Foundation
4346 Old National Pike, Middletown • 11am-3pm
Featuring Bill Moran's Historic shop open to the public which is part of the museum. Open house and demonstrations taking place.
Southern Frederick County
Monocacy National Battlefield
5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick • 12pm–5pm
Discover how holidays were celebrated during the Civil War with the Living History Battalion at Monocacy National Battlefield.
Zion Church and Cemetery | Frederick County Landmarks Foundation
8998 Urbana Church Rd., Urbana • 12pm–5pm
Established in 1802, Zion was an early community hub in Urbana. Rebuilt after a 1967 fire, it now stands as a preservation success. Take advantage of this special opportunity to visit this Frederick County Landmarks Foundation property.