In an era of increasing online shopping, it’s important to remember that shopping small makes a big difference. An impressive 99% percent of our downtown retailers are independently owned — which means you can enjoy a guilt-free shopping experience, knowing that 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local economy.

So before you turn to the internet or head to the mall, take a spin through Downtown Frederick and visit the amazing independent retailers that you won’t find anywhere else.

Don’t forget, Downtown Frederick has free weekend parking at meters and in city parking garages through New Year’s Day!

Many of our shops even stay open 7 days a week during the holiday season!

Keep reading for a list of those shopping locations, which will be open every day through Christmas Eve. Many shops even extend their hours over the weekends, staying open late ’til 8pm on Fridays & Saturdays (these businesses are marked with an * in the list below). Find a complete list of shopping and dining in Downtown Frederick here!

Holiday Gift Guide

Whether you’re hunting for handcrafted treasures, treating someone to a memorable meal, or supporting the small businesses that make our downtown shine, you’ll find endless ways to make this holiday season special and – best of all – LOCAL.

Shopping (open 7 days a week!)

Food + Drink (open 7 days a week!)

Entertainment (open 7 days a week!)

Fitness (open 7 days a week!)

Open for Business (may have reduced hours)

The post Downtown Frederick is Open for the Holidays! appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

There’s a new spot to make your holiday season shine! Downtown Frederick Partnership is thrilled to announce the opening of Holiday HQ, a festive pop-up info center and selfie paradise located at 22 S Market St, inside the historic Federated Charities building.

Follow the wall of colorful lights and step into the magic – Holiday HQ is decked out with fabulous, photo-worthy installations perfect for sharing (and showing off) your Downtown Frederick adventures.

Pose in front of our glimmering disco wall, snap a postcard-perfect shot inside our life-sized Polaroid frame, or get cozy in our retro 70’s-inspired holiday nook – it’s all here waiting to make your season brighter. Get a sneak preview of the space at downtownfrederick.org/holidayhq.

The space will serve as the weekend winter headquarters for the Downtown Frederick Ambassador team, who will be on hand to help visitors discover shopping, dining and holiday happenings all season long.

Holiday HQ Hours: November 8 – December 21

• Saturdays | 3-6PM
• Sundays | 1-4PM

Whether you’re downtown for shopping, dining or dazzling holiday lights, make Holiday HQ your first stop for festive fun and a quick photo op that’s guaranteed to sleigh.

The post Holiday HQ… Your Holiday Headquarters! appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

With FREE PARKING in all of the City’s garages and meters all day on Monday, September 1, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t make a weekend of it in Downtown Frederick!

Don’t see your favorite place on our list? This is only a start! Be sure to check with individual businesses for their most up-to-date hours. For more great things to see and do in Downtown Frederick, visit downtownfrederick.org/events

Spend your Labor Day weekend with us!

The post Labor Day in Downtown Frederick appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Don’t see your favorite place on our list? This is only a start! Be sure to check with individual businesses for their most up-to-date hours*. For more great things to see and do in Downtown Frederick, visit downtownfrederick.org/events.

The post Presidents’ Day Hours – Feb. 17, 2025 appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

The festivities begin on Friday evening, January 31, with an exciting lineup of activities to kick off the winter fun. Visitors can enjoy a live ice carving demonstration at Everedy Square & Shab Row, sponsored by Brothers Services Company, from 6PM – 9PM. The evening also features thrilling fire performances by Pyrophoric at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater at 7PM and 8PM, sponsored by Renewal by Andersen. For those looking to join in the excitement, the Ice Games Center at 331 N Market Street will be open from 6 PM – 9 PM, offering interactive games for all ages. Guests can also head to the Polar Lounge at 15 E 6th Street, between 6PM – 9PM, sponsored by Precision for Medicine, to enjoy a cozy winter atmosphere complete with two fire towers, which are sure to impress.

On Saturday, February 1, the festivities continue all day with even more winter magic. From 11 AM – 9 PM, visitors can embark on the Ice Walk, featuring over 120 intricately carved ice sculptures displayed throughout Downtown Frederick. The Polar Lounge and Ice Games Center will also be open during these hours, providing warm spaces and engaging activities for guests of all ages. Food lovers can head to the Food Truck Court at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater from 11 AM – 7 PM to enjoy a variety of delicious offerings along with all our downtown restaurants. For those looking for a bit of adventure, a Scavenger Hunt will run from 12 PM – 6 PM, with clue sheets available for pick-up at 5 N Market Street. As the evening winds down, families can enjoy Marshmallow Roasting Stations, open from 4PM – 9PM, at both the Ice Games Center and the Polar Lounge.

To make the event more accessible, free shuttles, including one ADA-compliant shuttle, will run on Saturday from 11AM – 10PM, providing rides every 15 minutes to and from the three remote parking locations listed below. Visitors can take advantage of free parking at the shuttle locations and enjoy convenient transportation downtown, courtesy of Visit Frederick.

Parking will be a $10 flat rate in all five downtown parking garages from 11AM – 9PM on Saturday, February 1.

“Fire In Ice is a magical weekend that celebrates the vibrant Downtown Frederick community while offering visitors an unforgettable experience,” said Kara Norman, Executive Director of Downtown Frederick Partnership. “From stunning ice sculptures to breathtaking fire performances to cozy marshmallow roasting stations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

For more details about Fire In Ice, including shuttle routes, parking and traffic updates, visit downtownfrederick.org/fireinice.

Weather Note: We are closely monitoring the forecast for this weekend and will announce any schedule changes by 10 AM Friday morning.

Contact:
Feby Emelio
Communications Manager, Downtown Frederick Partnership
301.698.8118
feby@downtownfrederick.org

The post Downtown Frederick Partnership Gears Up for Fire In Ice appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

In an era of increasing online shopping, it’s important to remember that shopping small makes a big difference. An impressive 99% percent of our downtown retailers are independently owned — which means you can enjoy a guilt-free shopping experience, knowing that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local economy.

So before you turn to the internet or head to the mall, take a spin through Downtown Frederick and visit the amazing independent retailers that you won’t find anywhere else.

Many of our shops are open through Christmas Eve!

Keep reading for a list of those shopping locations and their Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day plans. *Many businesses have reduced hours, please check before shopping!

Find a complete list of shopping and dining in Downtown Frederick here!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day

The post Downtown Frederick is Open for the Holidays! appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

With FREE PARKING in all of the City’s garages and meters all day on Monday, September 1, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t make a weekend of it in Downtown Frederick!

Don’t see your favorite place on our list? This is only a start! Be sure to check with individual businesses for their most up-to-date hours*. For more great things to see and do in Downtown Frederick, visit downtownfrederick.org/events

Spend your Labor Day weekend with us!

The post Labor Day in Downtown Frederick appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Here are five events you should check out:

1️⃣ Enjoy improv hilarity with the Holi-Improv show at the MET on Friday night.

2️⃣ If the holidays aren’t your thing, you can celebrate Humbug Weekend at the Crash & Catharsis Rage Factory

3️⃣ Celebrate Festivus on Saturday at Tenth Ward Distilling.

4️⃣ Catch a Charlie Brown Christmas live with the Eric Byrd Trio at the Weinberg Center on Saturday night.

5️⃣ The improv fun continues with Bah Humbug! from ESP Theatre, a fully improvised spoof of A Christmas Carol.

Get all of the details right here!

Hallmark Holi-Improv at MET’s Comedy Night

Friday, December 22, 10:30pm – 11:30pm

Maryland Ensemble Theatre – 31 W Patrick St

Our show begins with our hero arriving home for the holiday ready to enjoy some good holiday fun. But an unexpected face changes everything. What will happen? No one knows, not even our performers. 

Humbug Weekend

Saturday, December 23, 11am – 9pm

Crash & Catharsis Rage Factory – 14 W Patrick St Suite LL

Are the Holidays not your thing, that’s cool. This weekend we will be smashing ornaments. We also will be having a special Anti-Holiday Group Event Special where with the code BAHHUMBUG your group Event will be 15% off. Get that final Pre-Holiday Rage out!

Festivus!

Saturday, December 23, 12pm – 10pm

Tenth Ward Distilling Co. – 55 E Patrick St

We’ve got a lot of problems with you people! Come out for Tenth Ward’s favorite holiday, air your grievances and test your feats of strength. Enjoy Seinfeld-inspired cocktail specials and…the infamous Festivus pole.

Eric Byrd Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas

Saturday, December 23, 8pm – 10pm

Weinberg Center for the Arts – 20 W. Patrick St

What has become an annual tradition in the DMV returns to the Weinberg Center again this holiday season. The show begins with a screening of the Peanuts holiday classic followed by a live performance of the Vince Guaraldi masterpiece score. Enjoy a wonderful evening with a holiday classic and the extremely talented, and accomplished jazz musicians that make up the Eric Byrd Trio.

ESP Theatre Company present Bah Humbug

Saturday, December 23, 4pm – 6pm

New Spire Arts – 15 W. Patrick St

Michael Harris & Friends bring the fully improvised version of A Christmas Carol to Frederick! Yes, you get to Choose Your Own Scrooge as four brilliant improvisers turn your suggestions into a never seen before, never to be seen again reboot of the Dickens’ classic. 

The post Fourth Weekend in Downtown Frederick, December 22 – 24 appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Here are 5 great events you need to check out:

1️⃣ The MET is presenting the beloved holiday story, a Christmas Carol, on Friday at the Weinberg Center.

2️⃣ Third Saturday means special events and activities all day long throughout downtown.

3️⃣ Grab a clue sheet for the final Scavenger Hunt of the year this Saturday – the best way to explore downtown while shopping!

4️⃣ Grab s’mores and hot chocolate and meet Santa at United Steam Fire Engine Co #3 starting at 4PM on Saturday.

5️⃣ Take the self-guided Sunday Artwalk tour and visit our amazing galleries with special events and activities.

Get all of the details right here!

A Christmas Carol by MET’s Fun Company

Friday, December 15, 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Weinberg Center – 20 W Patrick St.

A live theatrical play for both the young and young-at-heart, experience the beloved holiday story with a message that never grows old. Produced by Maryland Ensemble Theatre and presented at the Weinberg Center for the Arts.

Third Saturday

Saturday, December 16, All Day

Downtown Frederick

Support local businesses by shopping with an independent retailer, eating at a local restaurant, supporting local artists and exploring Downtown Frederick. Where you spend your money matters.

Downtown Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, December 16, 12pm – 5pm

Pick up clue sheet at 100 N Market St.

Pick up your Clue Sheet at the bright green Ambassador Info Kiosk (100 N Market St) and compete for prizes. Visit our local businesses and follow the clues – you might even find some gifts you can use! Adventures and holiday shopping wrapped up in one, you’re welcome.

Santa, S’Mores & Hot Chocolate

Saturday, December 16, 4pm – 7:30pm

United Steam Fire Engine Co #3 – 79 S Market St.

Grab hot chocolate and s’mores while you check out the fire equipment in the bays and be ready for a special visit from Santa!

Sunday Artwalk

Sunday, December 17, 12pm – 4pm

Downtown Frederick

For the holidays, the art galleries have exciting new things to see and do every Sunday in December. Talk to the artists behind the work, and give the gift of beautiful art this year!

The post Third Saturday Weekend in Downtown Frederick, December 15 – 17 appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Here are 5 great events you need to check out:

1️⃣ The annual Kris Kringle Procession is back on Friday ending in Baker Park with the lighting of the City Tree – a must see!

2️⃣ Have our volunteer elves help you with your gift wrapping for free on Saturday with cute, festive paper for gifts purchased in Downtown Frederick.

3️⃣ Frederick MADE is hosting their 2nd annual Holiday Market on Saturday featuring an amazing lineup of local vendors

4️⃣ Sip & Shop on Saturday evening at various locations downtown with some great drink options.

5️⃣ Stop by Carroll Creek Park on Sunday for the Frederick Holiday Market featuring a wide variety of local vendors and artisans.

Get all of the details right here!

Kris Kringle Procession

Friday, December 8, 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Downtown Frederick ending in Baker Park

Join Celebrate Frederick for the annual Kris Kringle Procession sponsored by Wawa and presented in partnership with Key 103 through the streets of Downtown Frederick! The parade begins at the corner of South Carroll and East Patrick Streets and ends in Baker Park with the lighting of the City Tree.

Free Gift Wrapping

Saturday, December 9, 12pm – 5pm

30 N Market Street

Free gift wrapping is available for gifts purchased in Downtown Frederick! Come by 30 N Market St between 12-5pm and chat with our volunteer elves while they help you prepare for the holidays with cute, festive paper.

Frederick MADE Holiday Market

Saturday, December 9, 12pm – 5pm

Frederick MADE – 31 W Patrick Street

Frederick MADE is hosting their second annual Holiday Market series. Join them every Saturday in December to shop from their line-up of local vendors. Feel good about where you shop. At Frederick MADE, not only are you supporting an all-women artist’s-owned small business, you also support the 40+ small business maker’s that sell their products their of our shop.

Downtown Sip ‘n’ Shop

Saturday, December 9, 5pm – 8pm

Various businesses

If you need a little something to get you through the end of the day, visit one of our Sip ‘n’ Shop locations Saturday evening, December 9th, from 5pm-8pm. Many of our generous downtown businesses are offering free* tastings of local libations, hot cocoa, and hot cider. *Some locations must charge a nominal fee due to liquor licensing

Frederick Holiday Market at Carroll Creek Park

Sunday, December 10, 10am – 4pm

Carroll Creek Park

Join us for a festive and fun-filled event at Carroll Creek Park! The Frederick Holiday Market is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. With a wide variety of vendors and artisans, you’ll find unique gifts, delicious treats, and so much more!

The post Second Saturday Weekend in Downtown Frederick, December 8 – 10 appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.