 This week, the County Executive highlights an announcement by Samsung Biologics to retain hundreds of jobs in Montgomery County and expand its manufacturing capacity. Additionally, he thanks DARCARS Automotive Group for helping to erase school lunch debt; he signs the HERO Act to provide timely assistance to the families of fallen firefighters, and he recognizes the ongoing work in our community to honor the life of Melanie Diaz and better protect tenants. The County Executive also updates you on two separate federal developments that threaten how we address homelessness and how the nation vaccinates and protects children from disease.
Montgomery County Government offices and many programs and services that impact County residents will observe schedule and program changes for Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. County officials encourage residents to check individual department schedules in advance, as some services may be closed, operate on a modified schedule or offer limited availability on those holidays. The Montgomery County Government and programs and services impacting County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is encouraging residents to participate in the Montgomery Gives Local campaign as the holiday season begins. The campaign highlights local nonprofit organizations that continue to face increased demand for services.
Looking for festive ways to enjoy the week ahead? Montgomery County is full of holiday activities, from light displays and classic theater to family-friendly bike rides and free library events. Highlights include the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens, winter shows at Olney Theatre and Glen Echo Park, and seasonal activities for all ages across the County.
 Montgomery County’s amended Bring Your Own Bag law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The amended law changes the County’s current rules on plastic and paper carryout bags.
 Looking for a classic winter activity? Montgomery County offers several options for ice skating, with both outdoor rinks in lively town centers and indoor facilities open year-round. Outdoor skating is available at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring and at the Square in downtown Rockville, which features the largest outdoor ice rink in the County. For indoor skating, Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena offer year-round public skating, lessons, and programs for all ages and skill levels.
During the holiday season, household waste increases by about 25%, with wrapping paper, packaging, decorations, and food waste among the top contributors. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection encourages residents to reduce their environmental impact by adopting simple, sustainable habits, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling. Celebrate responsibly and carry these eco-friendly practices into the new year.
Montgomery County marks 10 years since joining the World Health Organization and AARP’s Age-Friendly Communities Network and County officials are seeking to better understand the needs of older residents now and in the future.
Maryland Youth Ballet will present its full-length production of The Nutcracker during the holiday season at Montgomery College’s Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center in Rockville. The family-friendly ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s score, features elaborate costumes and choreography that bring the classic story to life.
Tickets range from $32 to $52, with performances scheduled throughout the holiday season.
The Washington Region Alcohol Program (WARP) will release its second 2025 Holiday SoberRide code at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. The code is valid for one ride per user until 4 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1, with limited quantities available. Riders can enter the code in the Lyft app under the “Payment” tab, using the “Add Lyft Pass” option, to receive up to $15 off a ride home within the Washington D.C. coverage area.
Winter in Montgomery County is full of simple pleasures, from outdoor ice skating in town centers to scenic walks along the C&O Canal. Add cozy dining spots, live theater and music, seasonal brews, and local shopping, and the colder months become one of the best times to explore the County.
Do you want to build a snowman? How about watching him spring to life in front of you for one day of adventures before he melts away? In this merry wintertime romp, chock-full of chuckles and comic antics, Frosty gallops into the hearts of kids and adults alike- even the heart of one skeptical cop– through his uproarious antics. The William Francis play is directed by Danny Tippett, with musical arrangements and original songs by Kenny Neal. General admission tickets are $28 and can be purchased here. The show runs 40 minutes. Note that strobe lighting effects are used in this production.
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will begin offering free daily printing at all branches starting Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, with the exception of Noyes Library for Young Children. Customers will be able to print up to 15 black-and-white pages or two color pages per day at no cost.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging residents to snap a picture of a Flash Lights bus when they see one running along US 29/Colesville Road and post it on their X, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, or Facebook account, and follow and tag @MCDOTNow for a chance to win a $35 Amazon gift card in a weekly, random draw. The contest will run until Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
The “Holly Trolleyfest” returns to the National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville until Dec. 28, offering a family-friendly holiday tradition featuring festive rides with Santa aboard historic streetcars. Visitors can also enjoy model train displays, crafts, photo opportunities, and seasonal treats throughout the museum.
The event includes a holiday food drive benefiting Olney Help. Guests who bring a nonperishable food item or grocery gift card will receive a voucher for free museum admission through March 2026. Admission is $12 per person, with tickets available online.
Montgomery County Recreation is now accepting applications for its financial assistance program, Rec Assist. The program offers County residents receiving eligible public assistance the opportunity to receive a scholarship of $400 per eligible family member that can be used toward the cost of most recreation classes, activities, and memberships. Rec Assist funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available for use from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, or until the funds are depleted.
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will modify Sunday service at some branches, beginning Jan. 11, 2026. MCPL will reduce the number of libraries open on Sunday to ensure consistent staffing, sustainable operations, and enhance Sunday programming that benefits the community.
The Montgomery County Commission for Women will host the 2026 Women’s Legislative Briefing on Saturday, Jan. 31, at The Universities at Shady Grove. Maryland’s longest-running women’s policy event will bring together advocates, elected officials, policy experts and community leaders for a day of dialogue, learning and action on issues impacting women and girls across the state.
Learn more about the event on the Women’s Legislative Briefing website or checkout the sponsorship opportunities.
The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) encourages County residents to subscribe to Alert Montgomery this winter season. The free notification system delivers accurate, timely emergency information directly from Montgomery County to residents by text message, email, or voice call to cell, work, or home phones. Subscribers can receive alerts about government and public-school closures or delays, weather-related emergencies, infrastructure issues such as water or power outages, and severe traffic incidents, including major accidents and prolonged road closures that may affect their home, workplace, or child’s school.
 Families are invited to join Montgomery County Recreation at its free Summer Camp Fairs in January 2026. These events offer an opportunity to explore a diverse range of camp programs being offered. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet with recreation staff and instructors, ask questions, enjoy games, arts and crafts, and more!
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