Museums by Candlelight

Museums by Candlelight is a free, self-guided holiday event held each December at more than 20 historic sites and museums across Frederick County, Maryland. Hosted by the Frederick Historic Sites Consortium, this local tradition has welcomed visitors for more than 30 years. Programs begin at noon, and several sites stay open into the evening.

Participating sites stretch from Downtown Frederick to Thurmont, Emmitsburg, Walkersville, Brunswick, Burkittsville, Middletown, and Urbana. Explore Frederick County’s historic sites and museums dressed for the season. Expect period demonstrations, living history, hands-on crafts, guided tours, holiday music, and refreshments. Most locations also offer special activities for children.

Visit as many sites as you like, in any order. Spend the day with Civil War history at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and Monocacy National Battlefield. Or head north to the historic ironmaking village at Catoctin Furnace. As night falls, the historic settings glow by candlelight.