The holiday season is in full swing at Bethesda’s Westfield Montgomery Mall! Santa has arrived and is waiting to hear whether your little one has been naughty or nice. Bring the kids by with their Wish List for a visit with Santa now through December 24th. Photos with Santa are also available. Skip the lines with the Fast Pass by pre-ordering your photo packages and making your reservation online.

Looking for a last minute spot to enjoy a hassle-free Thanksgiving dinner in and around Bethesda, Rockville or Silver Spring? Go to Gayot's Thanksgiving dining guide and make a reservation today at your favorite restaurant. Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability and then hop over for a delectable spread of all your Thanksgiving favorites. Best of all? No dishes to do! Happy Thanksgiving!

The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade is coming to downtown Silver Spring on Saturday, November 21st! Grab the family and get ready to watch over 100 parade groups make their way through the streets. Parade groups include an inflatable turkey, portable ice skating rink, dance troupes, marching bands and the grand finale – Santa!

Kick off the holiday season on Friday, November 20th at RIO Washingtonian’s annual Tree Lighting celebration! The festivities will take place on the Lakefront Plaza beginning at 6 PM. Bring the kids to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy horse and carriage rides, taste samples from local restaurants and more.

Not your typical tree lighting ceremony, downtown Silver Spring will be unveiling its 30-foot holiday tree made of recycled glass and kitchen items on Saturday, November 14th! The public art installation will feature spatula snowflakes, take-out food containers, utensil tinsel (u-tinsel) and a beautiful blue glass bottle star. The tree lighting and street fest begins at 6 PM and also includes food tastings, live music, drink specials, an ice skating Santa and more!