Baltimore County Tree Lighting To Honor Front-Line Workers

TOWSON, MD — The Baltimore County Christmas tree will be lit Friday in Towson. This is the 47th year for the tree lighting, and due to the coronavirus pandemic, the annual event will differ from the usual affair. It will be a drive-thru rather than walk-up display.

Also, instead of elected officials lighting the tree, the Towson Chamber of Commerce has selected front-line workers to do the honors this year. A coronavirus nurse from St. Joseph Medical Center, a Baltimore County policewoman, an Army National Guard member, Baltimore County firefighters and the Elks Lodge chaplain will help light the tree.

"No dignitaries, no speeches — this is all about being thankful for the people helping us through this," said Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, which is organizing the event. "We will be honoring our first responders for all of their service to the community during these difficult times."

Organizers have also planned a drive-thru Winter Wonderland.

Along the route, passersby will see lit-up trees and inflatables as well as tents with holiday characters such as Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Frosty the snowman, Olaf and others. A juggler will be on hand, and local restaurants will be giving away free treats.

"People will just drive by, and they will hand them sealed bags with gloves on and masks on," Hafford told Patch.

"We wanted to do something," Hafford said. "People need a little normal."

The tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, and visitors can watch from inside their cars. The drive-thru Winter Wonderland will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cars will begin on Washington Avenue, pass through Allegheny Avenue and conclude on York Road.

Sponsors include Baltimore County Government, the Towson Chamber of Commerce, Rosedale Federal Savings and Loans, Towson Town Center and Zerodraft.

After the drive-thru, people are encouraged to patronize local businesses around Towson.

"We can use all the support we can get," Hafford said. "These businesses ... are so limited, not being able to have holiday parties and cater events. I don't want to be left with vacant storefronts."

Parking is free in downtown Towson for the season, making it easier to shop in the area.

"There has been no time greater than now to support our local businesses," Hafford said. "People really need to think before they push that Amazon button and [ask themselves], 'Where can I go and get that locally?'"

The tree lighting and drive-thru Winter Wonderland is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4.