Tree-Lighting In Catonsville Draws Largest Crowd Ever: County

CATONSVILLE, MD — Catonsville hosted what has been declared its largest tree-lighting crowd ever on Saturday night. Families gathered near the fire station on Frederick Road at 6:30 p.m. for the annual event.

With pedestrians packing the street and children perched on shoulders, Santa arrived on a fire truck and the towering tree was illuminated with the flip of a switch. The evergreen is next to the "Holiday House" where Santa is meeting from now until Christmas with children who want to share their wishes.

"Catonsville had its largest crowd in the 24-year history of the tree lighting and Santa’s arrival," Baltimore County officials said in a statement afterward. "It is just one of many great holiday activities taking place all over the county."

The Holiday House will be open at the Catonsville Fire Department, 754 Frederick Road, from 6-8 p.m. on Fridays (Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22); and from 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays (Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16). It is run by volunteers.

What is your favorite part of the holidays in Catonsville and beyond? Tell us in the comments!

Main photos courtesy of Baltimore County government. Holiday House photos by Elizabeth Janney.