Celebrate Frederick’s Festival of Lights
Don’t miss one of the holiday season’s most inspiring events. Free to attend, and open to all. Hosted by Celebrate Frederick.
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.
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Festival Program
The 2022 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 the 27th Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along at the Weinberg Center on Tuesday, December 20 at 8:00 PM.
Festival organizers are also excited to welcome Dr. Annesa Cheek, the 11th President of Frederick Community College. President Cheek came to FCC from St. Cloud Technical & Community College in Minnesota, where she served as President for four years. Prior to that presidency, she spent 12 years at Sinclair Community College in Ohio, an institution serving over 30,000 individuals across five locations. While there, she was the Vice President of the School and Community Partnerships Division for three years. In 2016, she was chosen by the Aspen Institute for its Presidential Fellowship, a national leadership program for community college presidents.
This year’s program will also include remarks from Mayor Michael O’Connor, an audience sing-along of favorite carols and a moving candle lighting ceremony.
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.