It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Thurmont. And, the evening sky around Thurmont will be a little brighter starting Saturday, November 25, as the town of Thurmont holds its annual tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at Mechanicstown Park on the square in Thurmont.

Cozy Restaurant, Inn and Village of Shoppes will also be helping brighten the evening with their festive light display that will also light up on the evening of Saturday, November 25. Their annual tree lighting ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m.

The Thurmont Economic Development Committee will kick off the holiday shopping season with the 4th Annual Christmas in Thurmont Celebration on Saturday, December 2, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This annual event is sponsored by the Thurmont Economic Development Council and Thurmont First.

Begin your day by picking up a Holiday Shopping Map at the gazebo in Mechanicstown Park on the square in Thurmont. Visit local businesses to have it validated. Once you’ve filled your map with stamps from area merchants, drop it off as your official entry into a free prize drawing held at 5:00 p.m. in the Hobbs Hardware parking lot. Last year over 150 prizes were awarded thanks to donated by local merchants. There will be numerous prizes, toys for kids and gift certificates to be presented.

Stop by the gazebo at Mechanicstown Park between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for free photos with Santa!

Around 1:00 p.m. keep your eyes open for Santa and his friends as they drive around the town of Thurmont at 1:00 p.m. The parade is courtesy of Mountain Gate Family Restaurant.

Bring the kids to Thurmont Senior Center for an afternoon of holiday fun watching old-fashioned Christmas shows and movies and enjoying refreshments at the Thurmont Senior Center, 806 E. Main Street in Thurmont.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the free 2-hour parking on Main Street during the holidays. Free 2-hour parking begins November 24 and will continue through January 1, 2007.

Thurmont’s annual Holiday Lights Decoration Contest will be held again this year. This annual event encourages local residents and businesses to show their holiday spirit by decorating the exterior of their homes. A panel of judges will be driving around Thurmont looking for the best holiday decorations on December 11, 12, and 13, 2006. Prizes will be awarded to five residents and one business for the best holiday display.