Holiday Parade Week + Santa Tracker is LIVE! 🎅

Happy Tuesday, Laurel! 🥶❄️

It's the most wonderful time of the year—and THIS is the week we've been waiting for! The Holiday Parade is just days away, Santa is getting ready to roll through our neighborhoods and there's no shortage of festive fun happening all around town.

In today's edition, we're getting you ready for Saturday's Holiday Parade & Armory Illumination, sharing exciting news about the LVFD Santa Tracker going live and spotlighting a Laurel resident bringing La Posada and a Salsa Contest to our community. Plus, we've got 10 events happening THIS WEEK including multiple chances to meet Santa, bridge lighting at neighboring Savage Mill and more!

And if you're planning ahead? We've got 20 more events through the holidays, from cookie decorating to Kwanzaa celebrations!

Let's dive in! 👇

THIS IS IT, LAUREL! The moment we've been waiting for all year is finally here. This Saturday, December 6th, the City of Laurel's Holiday Parade returns and preparations are in full swing!

The parade kicks off at 3:45 PM, featuring community groups and of course—the guest of honor himself, Santa Claus! The route begins at the Laurel Municipal Center and finishes at the Laurel Armory, where the magic continues with the Armory Illumination at approximately 5:15 PM.

After the parade, stick around for photo opportunities, music, games and holiday fun as the Armory lights up in spectacular fashion. It's a celebration of community, tradition and the joy of the season.

Bundle up, grab your hot cocoa and claim your spot along the parade route. This is Laurel's biggest holiday tradition and you won't want to miss it!

See you there, Laurel! 🎅

He's making a list, checking it twice and cruising through Laurel neighborhoods—and now you can track him in real time!

The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department's beloved Santa Tracker is officially LIVE for the 2025 holiday season. This annual tradition brings Santa (escorted by LVFD fire trucks, of course) directly to Laurel neighborhoods, spreading holiday cheer, waving to kids and making the season magical for families across our community.

The Santa Tracker lets you follow Santa's route in real time so you know exactly when he's headed your way. No more guessing, no more missing him—just pure holiday excitement as you watch Santa get closer and closer to your street!

Keep your eyes on the tracker, bundle up the kids and get ready to wave when you hear those sirens and see those flashing lights. It's one of the most special Laurel traditions, and LVFD makes it happen every year.

🎅 CLICK HERE TO TRACK SANTA!

Passionate Laurel resident, Danielle Delgado, is bringing a beautiful cultural celebration to our community! La Posada Laurel, a traditional Latin American celebration commemorating Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, is coming to Laurel on December 13th—complete with a Salsa Contest!

This event fills an important gap in our community's cultural calendar. As highlighted in recent coverage about the lack of city-sponsored Hispanic heritage celebrations, community members are stepping up to create the events they want to see. This grassroots effort embodies what makes Laurel special—neighbors taking initiative to celebrate our diverse heritage together.

La Posada combines religious tradition, cultural celebration, music, food and community connection. The addition of a Salsa Contest adds festive fun and friendly competition to an already joyful evening.

Whether you're familiar with La Posada traditions or experiencing them for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, learn and connect with neighbors.

📅 Saturday, December 13th from 4 PM to 7 PM
🎉 Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1110422911168044/

Mark your calendars and join the celebration! This is community-driven culture at its best.

The turkey has been trotted! Last Thursday, hundreds of Laurel residents laced up their running shoes and hit the pavement for the annual LARS Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.

Runners and walkers of all ages came together to support LARS (Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services) and their hunger relief efforts. The crisp morning air, festive costumes and community spirit made for another memorable event.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered and donated. Events like this remind us that Laurel shows up for each other—especially during the holidays. Already looking forward to next year's trot!

The holiday magic continues at Savage Mill! Their annual Yuletide celebration transforms this historic destination into a winter wonderland of shopping, dining and seasonal charm.

Stroll through the beautifully decorated mill, discover unique gifts from local artisans and soak in the festive atmosphere. With the next three weeks being filled with all kinds of events from bridge lighting to live music to the arts, it's the perfect time to explore everything that neighboring Savage Mill has to offer.

Whether you're hunting for one-of-a-kind gifts or just want to enjoy the holiday ambiance, Savage Mill delivers that special seasonal feeling.

Show Us Your Laurel celebrates the everyday photographers among us—capturing the beauty, spirit and character of our town through their own lens.

Every week, we feature one winning photo submitted by a community member. No professional equipment required—just your eye for what makes Laurel special.

This edition's winner: Kathie Peterson!

Kathie's serene photograph captures the quiet magic of a fresh snowfall in her backyard. There's something peaceful about that untouched blanket of white transforming familiar surroundings into a winter wonderland. It's a reminder that beauty is often right outside our own back door.

📸 Congratulations, Kathie! Thank you for showing us your Laurel.

Want to be featured? Email your photos to [email protected] with the subject line "Show Us Your Laurel" and you might appear in an upcoming edition!

Holiday Parade week is here! From Santa breakfasts to bridge lightings, here's what's happening around Laurel THIS WEEK (December 2-8):

21st District Delegation Virtual Townhall 📅 6 PM to 7:45 PM 📍 | Join Maryland’s Legislative District 21 representatives as they share about valuable resources and programs—from aging services and utility assistance to health insurance coverage, upcoming job fairs and more. Click here to register!

West Laurel Annual Party 📅 7 PM to 9 PM 📍 West Laurel Community Building, 16601 Supplee Ln, Laurel, MD | Laurel neighbors, it's party time! The annual community gathering brings residents together for holiday fun, food and fellowship. It's a wonderful way to connect with neighbors and celebrate the season in your own backyard.

City of Laurel Holiday Parade & Illumination 📅 3:45 PM (parade kick-off) & 5:15 PM (Armory Illumination) 📍 Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Rd (Parade) & Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St, Laurel, MD (Illumination) | Get ready for Santa, music, tree-lighting and holiday magic. Laurel's most beloved winter tradition returns.

Breakfast with Santa 📅 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. 📧

4th Annual CAFE & PONCHE Holiday Pop-Up 📅 11 AM to 3 PM 📍 Centrado Café Shop, 15530-B Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD | Get into the holiday spirit at this festive pop-up celebration! Enjoy live music (12-2 PM), sip seasonal holiday drinks including traditional Salvadoran ponche and treat yourself to delicious cake pops.

Milk & Cookies with Santa 📅 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

Jingle & Jazz: An Exclusive Holiday Social 📅 5 PM 📍 DC Homme, 317 Main Street, Laurel, MD | A festive evening featuring live jazz, curated hors d’oeuvres and handcrafted spirits—all in support of Peace on Patuxent Inc.

Bridge Lighting at Savage Mill 📅 6 PM (plan to arrive early) 📍 Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Experience the magic as the historic bridge at Savage Mill lights up for the holidays! This stunning display transforms the mill area into a winter wonderland.

LVFD Auxiliary Breakfast 📅 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.

Holiday Walking Tour at Savage Mill 📅 2 PM to 3 PM📍 Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Take a guided walking tour of historic Savage Mill decked out in holiday splendor! Learn about the area's rich history while enjoying seasonal decorations and festive atmosphere. It's history and holidays combined!

Planning ahead? Here are 20 upcoming events through the holidays—from cookie decorating to Kwanzaa celebrations!

Savor & Share Toy Drive and Dinner Fundraiser 📅 5 PM to 8 PM 📍 La Casita Pupuseria & Comedor, 14311 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD | Enjoy a delicious dinner while supporting a great cause! This fundraiser combines good food with toy collection for children in need. Bring an unwrapped toy, share a meal and help make the holidays brighter for local kids. 15% of dinner sales will go to support LARS services.

Teen Trip: Symphony of Lights 📅 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 📅 5 PM 📍 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]

Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus 📅 8 AM to 11 AM 📍 Savage Volunteer Fire Company, 8521 Corridor Rd, Savage, MD | Double the holiday magic! Meet both Santa AND Mrs. Claus over a delicious breakfast! This special event brings the whole Claus family to neighboring Savage for photos, pancakes and precious memories.

Merry Christmas Laurel at First Baptist Church 📅 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM 📍 First Baptist Church of Laurel, 15000 First Baptist Ln, Laurel, MD | A community-wide Christmas celebration! Join neighbors for music, fellowship and the true spirit of the season at this special gathering hosted by First Baptist Church of Laurel. 🎄

Laurel Historical Society’s Holiday House Tour 📅 1 PM to 5 PM 📍 Location TBD | This year’s event will highlight four stunning historic homes, a historic church aglow with newly-restored stained glass windows and a certury-old school. Light refreshments and craft activities for kids will be available at the school stop. 🎟️ Advance tickets are $25 for LHS members and $30 for general admission.

LARS Holiday Cookie Decorating Class 📅 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! Perfect for kids, adults or anyone who loves frosting and sprinkles. 🍪 Must register in advance!

La Posada Laurel & Salsa Contest 📅 4 PM to 7 PM 📍 House of Restoration Church, 321 Prince George St, Laurel, MD | Come enjoy this beloved tradition with food, Ponche Navideño, a festive piñata and plenty of holiday cheer. Bring your family and friends for a night full of culture, community and celebration. And if you think your salsa is the best in Laurel, enter the Salsa Contest and let our judges decide!

Modern Calligraphy for Beginners 📅 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. Enjoy coffee and creativity in a cozy setting. ✍️ Click here to register!

Breakfast with Santa at Laurel Park 📅 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM 📍 Laurel Park, Route 198 & Racetrack Rd, Laurel, MD | A special morning of holiday fun, delicious food and photo opportunities with the big guy himself. 🎅

Wine and Wreaths 📅 3 PM📍 Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard, 24 C St, Laurel, MD | Combine creativity and relaxation! This workshop lets you create your own custom holiday wreath while enjoying wine and festive company. 🎟️ Get tickets here!

Holiday Open House 📅 1 PM to 3 PM📍 Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Visit exhibitions in three galleries and enjoy receptions for photographer Berchel Douglas and resident artist David Brosch. Groove to live music, make a holiday craft and celebrate the season with your family and friends!

Adult Trip: Miracle on 34th Street 📅 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 📅 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

A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Eric Byrd Trio 📅 2 PM📍 Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Experience the timeless music of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" performed live by the Eric Byrd Trio! The beloved Vince Guaraldi jazz score comes to life in this special holiday performance. Perfect for jazz lovers and Charlie Brown fans alike! 🎵 Get tickets here!

Flash Mob Swing Dance 📅 12 PM to 1 PM📍 Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Surprise! A flash mob swing dance is happening! Whether you join in or just watch the fun, this spontaneous dance celebration is sure to bring smiles. Keep your eyes open—you never know where it might pop up!

2nd Annual Laurel Lights Walk 📅 6:30 PM 📍 LARS, 309 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD | Join the LARS staff as they lead a 2 mile walk around Historic Laurel to view their favorite holiday lights. Followed by hot chocolate and cookies with the staff.

Photos with Santa 📅 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 📅 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!

Inaugural Kwanzaa Showcase 📅 5 PM to 7 PM📍 Carroll Baldwin Hall, 9035 Baltimore St, Savage, MD | Celebrate Kwanzaa at this inaugural community showcase! This event honors African American culture, heritage and the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Join the celebration with performances, vendors, food and community connection. 🎟️ Get tickets here!

Thanks for reading! This is THE week, Laurel! Holiday Parade, Santa sightings, holiday lightings and more. The holiday season is in full swing and our community knows how to celebrate.

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

P.S. - Don't forget to track Santa with the LVFD Santa Tracker! And move this email to your primary inbox so you never miss an edition!

P.P.S. - Follow us on Instagram: @ilovelaurelmd (Coming Soon!) 📱