Goodbye Halloween, Hello Holidays! 🎃🎄

Happy Tuesday, Laurel! 👋

November is in full swing, and the holiday season is just around the corner! From festive home tours to art exhibitions and community celebrations, there's so much happening in our town.

In today's edition, we're recapping the success of the Main Street Trick-or-Treat, sharing exciting news about the return of the Laurel Historical Society's Holiday House Tour, and highlighting a prestigious art exhibition featuring local talent. Plus, we've got 10 events happening THIS WEEK including three craft fairs, a Turkey Waddle and a trip to the Guinness Brewery!

And if you're a planner? We've got 16 more events through the holidays, including tree lightings, the LARS Turkey Trot, and plenty of Santa visits!

Let's dive in! 👇

Halloween came alive on Main Street this year, and what a night it was! Families, kids in costumes, and local businesses came together for an evening of candy, community spirit and pure Halloween fun.

From adorable toddler costumes to creative family themes, Main Street was packed with trick-or-treaters enjoying a safe, festive celebration right in the heart of downtown Laurel. Local businesses opened their doors, handed out candy, and welcomed neighbors with smiles and seasonal cheer.

Events like this remind us what makes Laurel special—a tight-knit community that shows up for each other and creates memories together. Thanks to the Laurel Board of Trade plus everyone who participated, volunteered, and made this year's Main Street Trick-or-Treat another success!

Already looking forward to next year! 🎃

Mark your calendars—the beloved Holiday House Tour is back! The Laurel Historical Society is bringing back this cherished tradition, giving residents a chance to step inside beautifully decorated historic homes and experience the magic of the season.

This annual tour showcases Laurel's architectural heritage while celebrating the holidays in style. Each home tells a story of our community's rich history, and seeing them adorned with festive decorations is truly special.

Whether you're a longtime Laurel resident, a history buff, or just someone who loves beautiful homes and holiday cheer, this tour is not to be missed. It's a wonderful way to support the Laurel Historical Society while enjoying a unique seasonal experience.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Gather your friends and family, and get ready to tour some of Laurel's most stunning homes! 🏠

Art lovers, this one's for you! The 37th Annual Prince George's County Juried Art Exhibition is now open, and it's a stunning showcase of local artistic talent.

This prestigious exhibition features works from artists across Prince George's County, selected by a panel of jurors for their creativity, skill, and artistic vision. From paintings and photography to sculpture and mixed media, the exhibition celebrates the incredible diversity of talent in our region.

If you appreciate art or just want to support local artists, this exhibition is a must-see. It's free to attend, and it's a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant arts community right here in our area.

Whether you're an art enthusiast or just curious, stop by and see what our local artists have created. You might even find your next favorite piece!

Get ready for a new dining option in town! Hangry Joe's is opening its doors in Laurel on Friday, November 15th, and they're ready to serve up delicious food to our community.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or something to satisfy that midday hunger, Hangry Joe's is bringing fresh flavors to Laurel. Stop by for their grand opening and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Support local businesses and check out what they have to offer. We love seeing new restaurants choose Laurel as their home!

The Laurel Boys & Girls Club is gearing up for Winter Cheer, and registration is now open! This program gives young athletes a chance to learn cheerleading skills, build teamwork and have fun during the winter season.

If your child loves cheer, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in a structured, supportive program. The LBGC has been a pillar of youth development in Laurel for years, and their Winter Cheer program is always a hit.

Space is limited, so don't wait—sign up today! 🎀

From native gardening to craft fairs to brewery tours, here's what's happening around Laurel THIS WEEK (November 11-17):

Native Gardening Hangout 📅 Wednesday, November 12th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM | BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, 14714 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD | Learn about native plants and connect with local gardening enthusiasts! Perfect for anyone interested in sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscaping.

Basketball Skills Clinic 📅 Friday, November 14th from 7 PM to 9 PM | Laurel High School, 8000 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD | Young athletes can sharpen their basketball skills at this clinic hosted by WNBA Coach Dale. Great coaching, fun drills and skill-building for middle and high school players. 🏀 Click here to register!

The Lao Tizer Band 📅 Thursday, November 14th @ 8 PM 📍 Montpelier Arts Center, 9562 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Don’t miss the electrifying return of “Jazz Group of the Year” nominee The Lao Tizer Band celebrating their new album and video release, AMPLIFY. Recorded live at Hollywood’s legendary EastWest Studios, AMPLIFY features five original vocals and four instrumentals performed by an all-star lineup. Tickets are $25/person. 🎟️ Get tickets here!

Cat Adoption Day at Whole Health Veterinary Care 📅 Saturday, November 15th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM 📍 Whole Health Veterinary Care, 8693 Cherry Lane, Laurel, MD | Come meet your new best friend! Laurel Cats is bringing adorable, adoptable cats and kittens to Whole Health Veterinary Care to help them find their forever homes. Want to get a head start? You can submit an adoption application before the event to expedite the process. That way, if you fall in love with a furry friend, you'll be ready to bring them home! 🐾

WLCA Craft Faire 📅 Saturday, November 15th from 9 AM - 2 PM 📍 T. Howard Duckett Bldg, 16601 Supplee Ln, Laurel, MD | Shop local for the holidays! Handmade goods, gifts and treats from local artisans. Free admission. Kids can even write letters to Santa!

Maryland City VFD Craft Fair 📅 Saturday, November 15th from 9 AM - 1 PM 📍 Maryland City VFD, 3498 Laurel Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD | Another great craft fair option! Support local vendors and the fire department. Vendor spaces still available. 📝 Click here for vendor sign-up!

Laurel 4th of July Committee Craft Fair 📅 Saturday, November 15th @ 9 AM | Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD | The 4th of July Committee is hosting a craft fair to benefit the BEST FIREWORKS in the area!

Cleanup at Riverfront Park 📅 Saturday, November 15th @ 9 AM 📍 Riverfront Park, 24 Avondale St, Laurel, MD | Give back to our beautiful green spaces! Join volunteers for a morning of community service. Gloves, bags and good vibes provided.

Turkey Waddle 📅 Saturday, November 15th from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM | North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD | Stations consist of fitness challenges, arts and crafts, and children’s activities. Light refreshments are provided.
For children 2-10 years old. 🏃 Click here to register!

Adult Trip: Guinness Brewery Tour 📅 Sunday, November 16th from 3 PM to 8 PM 📍 Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, MD | Laurel Parks & Rec is taking adults on a field trip! Enjoy brewery tours, tastings and fun with fellow residents. All trips depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center.

Laurel Board of Trade Annual General Membership Meeting 📅 Monday, November 17th from 5:30 PM to 8 PM | Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | The Laurel Board of Trade invites members and interested business owners to attend their annual general membership meeting. Network, learn and get involved in supporting Laurel's business community.

Planning ahead? Here are 16 upcoming events through the holidays—from Thanksgiving traditions to Santa visits!

Laurel Blessing Baskets 📅 Wednesday, November 19th from 4 PM to 9 PM 📍 Karnival Hall, 555 Main St, Laurel, MD | Help ensure local families have a meaningful Thanksgiving! Volunteer, donate or spread the word about this beautiful community initiative. 🔗 Learn more: laurelblessingbaskets.com

Annual Tree Lighting with Santa Claus 📅 Thursday, November 20th from 6 PM to 8 PM 📍 Towne Centre at Laurel, 14828 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, MD | The most magical night of the season is coming to Laurel Town Centre! Bring the family for an enchanting evening as we light up the holidays together. Admission is free but please register each member of your group so they can prepare good tidings! Please also be sure to bring a donation for the LARS holiday food baskets of cake or brownie mix along with a can of frosting.

LARS Turkey Trot 📅 Thursday, November 27th from 8 AM to 9:30 AM 📍 Alice B. McCullough Field, Montgomery St & 8th St, Laurel, MD | The big day! Thanksgiving morning 5K supporting hunger relief. (See Top Stories for details) 🏃 Click here to register!

Annual Cellar Sale at Jailbreak Brewing 📅 Sunday, December 1st from 5 PM to 7 PM 📍 Jailbreak Brewing Company, 9445 Washington Blvd, Laurel MD | To help make room in the cellar, they’ve decided to hold their first annual cellar sale. This unique event will not only provide ridiculous discounts on many amazing wines from around the world, it will give you the opportunity to try each wine before purchasing. Arrive early—these sell out fast! 🎟️ Get tickets here! Bonus: Purchase a bottle and they’ll credit your $25 ticket toward that bottle purchase!

Holiday Parade 📅 Saturday, December 6th | 3:45 PM (parade kick-off) & 5:15 PM (Armory Illumination) 📍 Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St, Laurel, MD | Mark your calendars! Santa, floats, music, tree-lighting and holiday magic. Laurel's most beloved winter tradition returns.

Breakfast with Santa 📅 Saturday, December 6th from 9 AM to 11 AM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Little ones can meet Santa over a delicious hot breakfast! A magical morning for families. RSVP required via email. 📧

Milk & Cookies with Santa 📅 Friday, December 6th from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM 📍 Womans Club of Laurel, 384 Main Street, Laurel, MD | Let the children visit with Santa in a cozy setting. Enjoy a snack of delicious home-baked cookies with choice of beverage. Crafts, raffles and goody bags! $5/person; under 1 year is free. RSVP required via email 📧

LVFD Auxiliary Breakfast 📅 Sunday, December 7th from 8:30 AM to 11 AM 📍 Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, 7411 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD | Start your Sunday with a hearty home-cooked breakfast and support the LVFD Auxiliary. Bring the family and fuel up for the day. Cost: $15/adults; $5/kids.

Teen Trip: Symphony of Lights 📅 Thursday, December 12th from 4:45 PM to 9:30 PM 📍 Merriweather Post Pavillion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD | Laurel's teens are in for a treat! Parks & Rec is taking young people to experience the dazzling Symphony of Lights display. Think thousands of twinkling lights, holiday magic and memories with friends. All trips depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center.

Snow Hill Manor Holiday Open House 📅 Thursday, December 12th 📍 Snow Hill Manor, 13301 Laurel Bowie Service Road, Laurel, MD | Step into holiday elegance at Snow Hill Manor's annual Holiday Open House! Tour this historic property decked out in festive décor, enjoy light refreshments and soak in the charm of the season. Reservations required by calling (301) 249-2004 or email @ [email protected]

LARS Holiday Cookie Decorating Class 📅 Saturday, December 13th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM 📍 Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, 309 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD | Get your hands (and aprons) messy at this festive cookie decorating class! Only 20 tickets are available and tickets cost $60. Perfect for kids, adults or anyone who loves frosting and sprinkles. 🍪 Click here to register!

Modern Calligraphy for Beginners 📅 Friday, December 13th from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM📍 Ragamuffins Coffee House, 305 Main Street, Laurel, MD | Learn a beautiful new skill! This beginner-friendly calligraphy class teaches the basics of modern hand lettering. Perfect for creating holiday cards, gift tags or just exploring a creative hobby. Enjoy coffee and creativity in a cozy setting. ✍️ Click here to register!

Adult Trip: Miracle on 34th Street 📅 Sunday, December 15th from 4 PM to 9 PM 📍 34th Street, Baltimore, MD | Join Laurel Parks & Rec for a festive visit to Miracle on 34th Street in Baltimore to see the famous holiday lights! They will stop for dinner in Hampden before enjoying the cheerful display. All trips depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center. Resident - $10, Non-Resident - $15.

Krampus Nightmare at Laurel Haunt 📅 Friday, December 20th from 7 PM to 10 PM 📍 Laurel’s House of Horrors, 904 Fairlawn Ave, Laurel, MD | Think the holidays are all sugar plums and candy canes? Think again. The Laurel Haunt is bringing back Krampus Nightmare for those who prefer their December with a little more... darkness. This holiday horror experience isn't for the faint of heart! 🎟️ Click here for more info

Photos with Santa 📅 Monday, December 22nd from 4 PM to 5:30 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Get those last-minute holiday card photos! Santa returns right before Christmas for one more photo session. Bring your own camera/phone. Free event!

Holiday Movie: Elf 📅 Monday, December 22nd @ 6 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Cozy up for a free screening of "Elf"! Bring blankets, pillows and your holiday spirit. The perfect way to wind down before Christmas!

Thanks for reading! From trick-or-treat memories to holiday house tours to craft fairs galore—there's always something special happening in Laurel. Get out there and enjoy everything our community has to offer!

Got an event, story tip or business we should feature? Just hit reply—I read every response.

See you next week!

— Mike Mondy
Founder, I❤️LAUREL

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