The chillier weather doesn’t mean you have to hole up inside. Whether you’re looking for a fun indoor event or a way to enjoy the outdoors, there’s plenty to do in Southern Maryland this winter. Here are some of the best options to enjoy this season:

Annmarie Garden In Lights

The Annmarie Sculpture Garden makes for a great place to visit year-round, and it’s extra special in the early winter when they transform the garden into a light-filled wonderland. From now through January 1st, you can catch their Garden in Lights show, an enchanting display of glowing light sculptures and installations. They’ve decorated with musical holiday scenes, heroes and villains, wild animals, and other winter wonderlands. They even have a woodland disco ball and a glow-in-the-dark chalk wall. This evening activity is a great event for the whole family. After you’ve wandered through the gardens, you can enjoy some live entertainment in their festive Main Gallery where they’ll have hot cocoa and treats. You can also check out the Ornament Show & Sale and the Annmarie Gift Shop.

Winter Hiking / First Day Hikes

For the adventurous, the state parks in Southern Maryland have a lot to offer in the winter months. In fact, many hikers prefer a chilly winter’s day to a sweltering summer hike. A bonus is that you’re guaranteed to have less traffic on the trails, giving you a better sense of solitude in the woods. One great Southern Maryland spot to hike in the winter months is the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary in Upper Marlboro, where about 5,000 Canada geese make their homes in winter. Maryland also has First Day Hikes planned in several parks on New Year’s Day this year. Catch the “New Year’s Fossil Hike” at 10AM at Calvert Cliffs State Park or the “Winter Hike in the Forest” at Cedarville State Forest starting at 1PM and including post-hike hot cocoa or coffee inside by the fireplace.

Polar Bear Plunge

For the truly adventurous souls, the Polar Bear Plunge may be the perfect way to spend the first day of 2019. Happening at North Beach, this event is for a great cause, with proceeds donated to a charity chosen by the Town of North Beach. Starting at 1PM, the brave participants will plunge into the freezing waters of the Chesapeake Bay. You can choose to make the plunge yourself or simply be a spectator at this fun event. All plungers can enjoy hot cocoa and roasted marshmallows around a bonfire, and paying participants also receive a certificate and t-shirt.

 

FeBREWary

Craft-beer lovers won’t want to miss this winter event in Maryland. This year marks the 3rd annual celebration of craft beer and the brewmasters who make them. Governor Larry Hogan officially proclaimed February as Maryland’s craft beer month, with special events and activities happening all month long. One such event is Cupid’s Curse, where each participating brewery is challenged to craft a unique beer to be called “Cupid’s Curse”. One participating Southern Maryland brewery to check out is Scorpion Brewing Company in Owings, or you can venture out into Maryland to make a tour of it.

 

Artists in Action 2019

Another event at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is the Artists in Action 2019 event. From January 11 to February 26, 2019, Annmarie’s beautiful Main Gallery will become artist studios where visitors can both observe and meet the artists. Talented participating artists will be working as you visit, giving you an up-close look at their process. Some will even have interactive activities to give you a sense of their medium. Artists’ work is also available for purchase.

 

 

Some prefer to spend the winter months indoors, while others are looking for fun ways to get outside. No matter how you like to spend the colder winter days, Southern Maryland makes it easy to enjoy this season. Do you have any favorite winter activities in Southern Maryland? Share them in the comments.