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.

Recently, Kevin Bacon and his band, The Bacon Brothers, enjoyed some of Old Town Alexandria’s charms. While in town for their show at the Birchmere, they stopped off at the Sugar Shack and the Port City Brewing Company. Even a musician/actor such as Kevin Bacon couldn’t pass up performing for a free Sugar Shack Pastry. That same day, the inspiring band also performed a surprise concert for the Volunteers at City Blossoms, a neighborhood organization dedicated to creative green spaces. You can view more pics and video here.

Bethesda’s best shopping spot has recently been transformed into a vibrant destination offering a brand new sense of place. Westfield Montgomery Mall has been reinvented and you’ll definitely want to linger longer.

Looking for the largest selection of boutique merchandise under one roof? The Old Town Alexandria Boutique District is holding their 10th Annual Warehouse Sale Saturday, February 7th.

There's no better place to do your holiday shopping than the vibrant retail district at Downtown Silver Spring. From fashionable to athletic to gourmet, the shops at Downtown Silver Spring offer something for everyone on your list. Stop by this Saturday, December 13th and enjoy holiday music from 2 PM - 4 PM on the plaza and snap a unique holiday photo in front of the 35'-holiday tree. Downtown Silver Spring is just steps from EYA's new townhomes in Silver Spring at Chelsea Heights.

Photo by @Cliff1066 Flickr. This holiday season, venture off King Street to nearby Carlyle District for Alexandria’s acclaimed Holiday Market. Located just three blocks from King Street Metro station in John Carlyle Square, the event is a lively European-inspired Holiday Market, complete with arts, crafts, gifts, European fare, sweet treats, specialty beverages, Santa appearances, kids’ activities and live entertainment.