Laurel Celebrates World Holiday Traditions + Lucky $50K Winner! 🎉

Happy Tuesday, Laurel! 👋

The holidays are in full swing, and our community calendar is absolutely packed! From milestone anniversaries to holiday traditions to lucky lottery winners, there's so much to celebrate this week.

In today's edition, we're honoring Laurel Parks & Recreation's incredible 60-year legacy, exploring holiday traditions from around the world at Montpelier House Museum, and celebrating a local man's $50K lottery win. Plus, we've got a whopping 22 events happening THIS WEEK including the Holiday House Tour, La Posada Laurel, and so much more!

And if you're planning ahead? We've got 11 more events through the holidays, from blood drives to Kwanzaa celebrations!

Let's dive in! 👇

Residents of Laurel recently enjoyed a cultural journey at the Montpelier House Museum, where a special exhibition highlighted holiday traditions from around the world. The display offered visitors a vivid look at how different cultures celebrate the winter season, transforming the historic museum into a showcase of global customs and symbols.

The exhibition featured traditions ranging from Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa to Diwali and other seasonal celebrations observed across various cultures. Through décor, artifacts, and educational displays, guests were reminded that while customs vary, themes such as light, family, generosity, and hope resonate universally.

Families, students, and longtime Laurel residents explored the exhibits throughout the week, many noting how the experience deepened their appreciation for the diversity within the community. Parents described it as both educational and engaging for children, while adults enjoyed discovering unfamiliar traditions and the stories behind them.

The event further solidified the Montpelier House Museum’s role as a cultural anchor in Laurel—preserving local history while also fostering understanding and connection among neighbors.

Talk about a lucky break! A Laurel man is $50,000 richer after purchasing a scratch-off lottery ticket he almost passed on. His story is every lottery player's dream—and a reminder that sometimes, following that impulse pays off big time!

The winner shared that he nearly didn't buy the ticket but decided to go for it at the last second. Good thing he did! That split-second decision turned into a life-changing $50,000 prize.

Scratch-off games remain popular because of moments like this—instant gratification, instant excitement, and occasionally, instant winnings. While most tickets won't hit the jackpot, this Laurel resident's story gives hope to players everywhere.

Congratulations to our lucky neighbor! May your good fortune inspire the rest of us to grab that occasional ticket—you never know!

Six decades of fun, community, and memories! Laurel Parks & Recreation is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, marking 60 years of serving our community with programs, events, and recreational opportunities that bring us together.

Since 1965, Laurel Parks & Recreation has been the beating heart of community life in our city. From youth sports leagues and summer camps to senior programs and holiday celebrations, Parks & Rec has shaped childhood memories, built friendships, and created traditions that span generations.

Think about it—how many of us learned to swim at a Parks & Rec pool? Played in youth sports leagues? Attended summer camp? Celebrated holidays at Parks & Rec events? For 60 years, this department has been there, creating spaces where community happens.

The dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners who have made this possible deserve our gratitude. Here's to 60 years of serving Laurel—and to many more decades of community connection ahead!

Read the full story online via Voices of Laurel here! Happy 60th, Laurel Parks & Recreation! Thank you for six decades of making Laurel a better place to live, play, and grow!

Art is everywhere—even on trash cans! A creative initiative is bringing color and beauty to Laurel Lake by transforming ordinary trash cans into works of art.

Public art projects like this do more than just beautify our spaces—they create conversation, engage the community, and remind us that beauty can exist anywhere, even in the most utilitarian objects. When trash cans become canvases, our parks and public spaces feel more vibrant, more cared for, and more uniquely ours.

Kudos to the artists and organizers making this happen. Keep an eye out for these colorful additions on your next visit to Laurel Lake!

’Tis the season for giving, and three Laurel schools are hosting holiday toy drives to support local students. Each initiative helps ensure children in our community experience the joy of receiving a gift this season.

Laurel Elementary School is collecting new, unwrapped toys for 20 Pre-K to 5th-grade classrooms. Donations are accepted through Friday, December 12 at 516 Montgomery Street. To donate or adopt a classroom, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Oaklands Elementary School is accepting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 4–11 now through December 16 at 13710 Laurel Bowie Road. Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For details or specific needs, call the Community School Coordinator at 301-497-3110.

Scotchtown Hills Elementary is running its “Adopt a Scotty Dog” program, allowing donors to sponsor a specific child. To receive a child’s wishlist and drop-off instructions, email [email protected]. The final day to donate is December 12.

Together, we can help make the holidays brighter for children across Laurel.

Our community photo spotlight continues! Each edition, we feature a photo from a Laurel resident that captures the beauty and spirit of our town.

Kristin's stunning photograph captures Main Street on a snowy winter night. The glow of streetlights reflecting off fresh snow, the quiet stillness of a winter evening, the timeless charm of our historic downtown blanketed in white—it's Laurel at its most enchanting.

📸 Congratulations, Kristin! Thanks 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!

This is THE busiest week yet! From toy drives to cookie decorating to holiday concerts, here's what's happening around Laurel THIS WEEK (December 9-15):

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.

Beginner Line Dancing Fun 📅 6 PM to 7 PM 📍 Maryland City at Russett Library, 3501 Russett Common, Laurel, MD | Get moving and have fun! This beginner-friendly line dancing session is perfect for anyone who wants to try something new, get some exercise, and laugh along the way. No experience necessary!

Coffee & Conversation 📅 10 AM to 11 AM 📍 Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD | Connect with neighbors over coffee and good conversation! This casual gathering is perfect for meeting new people, discussing books, current events, or just enjoying friendly company. Drop in and stay as long as you'd like.

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]

Wreath Day at Ivy Hill Cemetery 📅 11 AM 📍 Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Rd, Laurel, MD | Honor our veterans by placing wreaths at their gravestones. This moving tribute is organized by dedicated volunteers including veterans groups, scouts, and community members. Join in this act of remembrance and gratitude.

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!

Science Saturdays: Hibernation 📅 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM 📍 Maryland City at Russett Library, 3501 Russett Common, Laurel, MD | Kids, let's explore hibernation! This hands-on science program teaches children about how animals survive the winter. Educational, interactive, and fun for curious young minds.

Laurel Art Guild Holidays Luncheon 📅 12 PM 📍 14600 Laurel Pl, Laurel, MD | Local artists, gather 'round! The Laurel Art Guild hosts its annual holiday luncheon celebrating creativity, community, and another year of artistic achievement. A wonderful way for local artists to connect and celebrate together.

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.

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.

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!

Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Lutheran 📅 7 PM 📍 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 7607 Old Sandy Spring Rd, Laurel, MD | Experience the beauty of live Christmas music! This concert brings together vocalists and instrumentalists for an evening of beloved carols, classical pieces, and seasonal favorites. Let the music fill your heart with holiday spirit.

Berchel Douglas: Portraits of a City - Public Reception 📅 2 PM to 4 PM 📍 Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Celebrate the work of artist Berchel Douglas! This public reception showcases powerful portraits capturing the essence of urban life. Meet the artist, view the exhibition, and enjoy an evening of art and conversation.

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.

Planning ahead? Here are 11 upcoming events through the holidays—from menorah lighting to Kwanzaa celebrations!

Teen Trip: National Christmas Tree & Hard Rock Cafe 📅 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM 📍 Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center Laurel Parks & Rec takes teens to see the National Christmas Tree in DC, followed by dinner at Hard Rock Cafe! A festive evening of holiday lights and good food with friends.

LVFD Blood Drive 📅 1:30 PM to 6 PM 📍 Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, 7411 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD | Give the gift of life this holiday season! LVFD hosts a blood drive to help ensure hospitals have the blood supply they need. Donating blood takes about an hour and can save up to three lives. Roll up your sleeves and be a hero!

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!

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!

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!

Menorah Lighting & "The Great Chanukah Gelt Drop!" 📅 5 PM 📍 Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD | Celebrate Hanukkah with community! Join for the menorah lighting ceremony followed by "The Great Chanukah Gelt Drop"—a fun tradition where chocolate coins rain down for children to collect. Music, latkes, and holiday joy for all!

Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance and Hope 📅 5 PM 📍 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 7607 Old Sandy Spring Rd, Laurel, MD | A service of remembrance and hope for those experiencing grief during the holidays. The holiday season isn't joyful for everyone—this gentle, contemplative service offers comfort and community for those who need it most.

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.

Thanks for reading this week’s edition. What a week we have ahead! From celebrating 60 years of Parks & Rec to exploring global holiday traditions to 22 (yes, TWENTY-TWO!) events happening around town, there's no shortage of ways to connect with our community this week.

Here's to lucky lottery winners, beautiful snowy nights on Main Street, and a community that knows how to celebrate together!

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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