Join the BlackRock Center for the Arts and the Germantown Town Center for a festive holiday weekend on December 13 and 14. This free event will feature live performances, an artisan market, family-friendly activities, and a special Chanukah celebration with a community “can-orah” lighting.
These activities are part of BlackRock’s Season of Giving initiative, which encourages attendees to contribute items or funds to support local organizations while enjoying creative community art and pay-what-you-can experiences.
According to the press release: “This holiday season, the BlackRock Center for the Arts and the Germantown Town Center invite everyone to come together in joy, creativity, and generosity. From festive performances and unique artisan shopping to meaningful opportunities to give back, BlackRock is the perfect place to celebrate the magic and warmth of the season.
Celebrate the Season Holiday Weekend
Join us on Saturday, December 13, from 12 PM to 4 PM for our cherished Celebrate the Season event — a free, family-friendly gathering featuring live performances, a vibrant artisan market, and festive activities for all ages.
Experience performances from local schools, community choirs, and dance groups showcasing the best talent from UpCounty. Explore our artisan market filled with unique handmade gifts and treats — perfect for holiday shopping.
Guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) and the Germantown Town Center, along with games and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Plus, don’t miss a special visit from Santa, a friend of the Germantown Volunteer Fire Department.
Chanukah Celebration & Community “CAN-ORAH” Lighting
Sunday, December 14 | 4:15–5:30 PM | Menorah Lighting at 4:45 PM
Join us at BlackRock for a delightful Chanukah Celebration and Community Menorah Lighting, organized in collaboration with Chabad of North Moco and supported by the Germantown Town Center Initiative.
Enjoy festive music, activities for children, hot cider and coffee, along with delicious complimentary kosher donuts and latkes.
At 4:45 PM, a unique menorah or “can-orah” made entirely from donated canned goods — collected through our Season of Giving drive — will be lit, symbolizing the spirit of kindness and generosity. After Chanukah, all cans will be donated to our partners at the CORE Foundation and other local organizations to assist individuals and families facing homelessness and financial hardship in Montgomery County and beyond.
Season of Giving: One Donation, Many Ways to Give Back
This year, BlackRock invites everyone to participate in our Season of Giving — a simple way to spread kindness that opens up a variety of meaningful opportunities throughout the festival.
During the Celebrate the Season weekend, guests can bring monetary donations, nonperishable food items, new toiletries, or art supplies to support local families and individuals through our community partners — The CORE Foundation and Scrap Happy Creative Reuse Center.
Your generosity not only supports vital community programs but also allows you to engage in several creative giving experiences, including:
• Shine Bright Together Star Arch — with any donation, you can paint a star to contribute to a community art installation and take another star home.
• Community Chanukah “Can-Orah” Lighting — celebrating with a menorah built entirely from donated canned goods.
• BlackRock Pay What You Can – Give What You Can performances — your contribution aids neighbors in need and provides access to pay-what-you-can tickets.
“Art is for everyone — and during this season of giving, no one should be left out,” stated Katie Heckinger, CEO of BlackRock Center for the Arts. “Our Pay What You Can – Give What You Can campaign ensures that everyone can experience the joy of the arts, regardless of their budget, while also giving back to those in need.”
Celebrate the Season 2025 | BlackRock Center
Every donation — no matter the size — helps our community shine brighter this season.
Tickets available while supplies last.
Community Star Arch Activation
The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce and the Germantown Town Center Initiative proudly present the “Shine Together Star Arch” — a stunning community art installation and photo opportunity celebrating the diverse cultural and spiritual traditions of our area.
Visitors who contribute through our Season of Giving initiative can paint two ceramic stars — one to keep and one to add to the arch. As the evening progresses, the Star Arch will illuminate as a symbol of unity and compassion. After the festival, the garland of stars will be displayed in BlackRock’s lobby for the remainder of the season.
“The Star Arch is more than just an art installation — it’s a symbol of unity,” remarked Zeina Davis, Program Director for GGCC’s Germantown Town Center Initiative. “Each star reflects the light of our diverse community and the generosity that brings us together.”
Guests are encouraged to RSVP at the link below to stay updated on new details for the event:
Celebrate the Season Holiday Market and Community Can Menorah Lighting — Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-the-season-holiday-market-and-community-can-menorah-lighting-tickets-1859491451989
BlackRock event page:
https://www.blackrockcenter.org/celebratetheseason
