Holiday Tree Lighting - Bowie, MD

Spread holiday cheer and help illuminate the City of Bowie Christmas Tree. Santa arrives by Fire Truck. Caroling and seasonal fun for all. Belair Mansion, Bowie. 7 p.m.

Candlelight Tours, Tree Lighting and a Visit from Santa at Belair Mansion - Sunday, December 2

On Sunday, December 2 there will be a very special holiday celebration at Belair Mansion. It starts with candlelight tours of the mansion from 3 to 7 p.m. , and continues with caroling outdoors at 7 p.m. and the lighting of the City's holiday tree. The evening culminates with the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus on a fire truck, courtesy of the Bowie Volunteer Fire Deparment!

There's more than 250 years of Christmas history at Belair. Traditional decorations and flickering candles offer a glimpse of the past through the eyes of the many residents of this historic house. The music of “Bedlam” will fill the air. In colonial times, Belair’s residents feasted, sang and visited – but there was no decorated tree in anyone’s parlor. That holiday tradition didn’t find its way to America, or Bowie, until the mid-19th century.

The City’s holiday tree lighting has been a tradition for over 50 years. The City invites you to be part of that tradition at the Mansion, following the candlelight celebration. Bundle up for caroling outdoors. Once the tree is illuminated,
Santa and Mrs. Claus’ will arrive to join the celebration. The music of the
Christian Community Presbyterian Church (CCPC) Bell Choir will entertain visitors inside while they wait to have a chat with Mr. Claus!

Admission is free, but please bring a canned food donation for the Bowie Food Pantry to help those in need this holiday season. Belair Mansion is located at 12207 Tulip Grove Drive. For more information, contact Matt Corley, Special Events Coordinator, at 301-809-3078 or mcorley@cityofbowie.org.

Tours: 3 - 7 p.m.
Caroling and tree lighting: 7 p.m.