Bowie Insider Issue #335

A Bowie Tradition: Santa Claus Rides Through Town on a Fire Truck

Each holiday season Bowie streets light up with flashing lights and fire engine sirens coming down the street as Bowie families eagerly await one of the city’s most cherished traditions—Santa Claus riding through local neighborhoods on a Bowie Volunteer Fire Department fire truck. Long before Christmas morning arrives, residents can hear the joyful sirens and see the flashing lights signaling Santa’s arrival. Children rush to windows and doorsteps, waving excitedly as Santa and his helpers spread cheer along their route. For many Bowie families, this festive drive-through marks the true start of the season, creating memories that last for years. The tradition brings neighbors together, adds sparkle to quiet winter evenings, and reinforces the spirit of community that makes Bowie special. As the fire truck rolls by, decorated with lights and filled with holiday magic, it reminds everyone—young and old—of the joy, generosity, and wonder that define the Christmas season.

Stay Safe This Season: Holiday Safety Tips for Live Trees, Lights & Stockings in Bowie

The holidays in Bowie sparkle with live Christmas trees, glowing lights, and festive stockings—but a little caution can keep the season joyful and safe. If you’re bringing home a live Christmas tree, choose one that’s fresh and green, then water it daily to prevent drying. Keep trees away from fireplaces, heaters, and heat vents.

When decorating with Christmas lights, inspect each strand for frayed wires or broken bulbs, and use lights rated for indoor use. Always unplug them before going to bed or leaving home. And while stockings over the fireplace create the perfect holiday look, be sure to remove them before lighting a fire—fabric can ignite quickly. With these simple steps, Bowie families can enjoy a warm, festive, and hazard-free holiday season. Stay safe and shine bright!

Spread Holiday Joy: Donate to Toys for Tots in Bowie by December 12

The season of giving is here, and Bowie residents have a wonderful opportunity to brighten a child’s holiday. The local Toys for Tots campaign is collecting new, unwrapped toys now through December 12, helping ensure that children in our community experience the magic of Christmas. Donation boxes are located at participating Bowie businesses, community centers, and city facilities, making it easy to drop off a gift while out and about. Every toy—big or small—brings hope, joy, and excitement to families who need it most. Join your neighbors in supporting this beloved tradition and make a meaningful impact this holiday season. Bowie’s generosity truly makes a difference.

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Holiday Jingle Skate at Bowie Ice Arena

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Pictures with The Grinch

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Countdown to Christmas by Kayla Rene’

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December 11

• Monarch Waystations: Discoveries and Maintenance, Kenhill Center 2614 Kenhill Dr Bowie 9:00am - 10:30am

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0-2, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 10:15am - 10:45am

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 2–3, South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 11:00am - 11:30am

• Teen Zone, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 5:30pm

• Computer Basics: Open Lab, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd, Bowie 3:00pm - 4:00pm

• Technology Help, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 4:00pm - 5:30pm

December 12

• Toys for Tots Donation Deadline, Bowie Police Department 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie 8:30am - 5:00pm

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 3–5 - Held in the Storytime Room, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 10:15am - 10:45am

• Petals & Glass Holiday Ornament Workshop, Patuxent Nursery 2410 Crain Highway, Bowie 11:00am - 3:00pm

• Magic Elf Hunt Dec 12, 13, Belair Mansion, 12207 Tulip Grove Dr Bowie 12:00pm - 4:00pm

• Teen Zone, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 5:30pm

• Lakita Wilson in conversation with Hannah Sawyerr, Barnes & Noble Bowie Town Center 15455 Emerald Way Bowie 6:00pm

December 13

• Kids Kaboose, Old Town Bowie Welcome Center 8614 Chestnut Avenue Bowie 10:00am - 11:30am

• Saturday Fun with Santa, City of Bowie Gymnasium 4100 Northview Dr Bowie 10:00am - 1:00pm

• Santa & Mrs. Claus Meet & Greet, Patuxent Nursery 2410 Crain Highway, Bowie 10:00am - 2:00pm

• Homeowners Event- Safeguard Your Biggest Investment, Samson Properties, 16701 Melford Blvd, Suite 100, Bowie 10:00am

• Game On: Learn Carcassonne, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 10:30am - 12:00pm

• Ready 2 Read Art: Ages 3-5 Winter Hoopla, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 11:00am - 12:30pm

• Storytime for Kids, Barnes & Noble Bowie Town Center 15455 Emerald Way Bowie 11:30am

• Holiday Jingle Skate with Santa, Bowie Ice Arena 3330 Northview Dr. Bowie 1:00pm - 2:45pm

• Bowie Senior Chorale Presents: Come and Dance – Music to Unite, Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Dr. 2:00pm

• Brencore Entertainment Presents: A Motown Christmas, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie 6:00pm

December 14

• The Grinch, M Lounge Studio 15619 Emerald Way, Bowie [see times]

• Holiday Centerpiece Workshop, Patuxent Nursery 2410 Crain Highway, Bowie 1:00pm - 3:00pm

• Kayla René Presents: Countdown to Christmas, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Rd 5:00pm

December 15

• Santa's Mailbox Closes, Old Town Bowie Welcome Center 8606 Chestnut Ave Bowie 9:00am - 8:00pm

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0-2, South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 11:00am - 11:30am

• Teen Zone, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 5:30pm

December 16

• Teen Zone, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 5:30pm

• Georgia Peach Truck: Winter Road Trip, Patuxent Nursery 2410 Crain Highway, Bowie 2:30pm - 3:30pm

• Pins and Needles: Crochet, South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 4:00pm

• Kids Create: Sparkling Snowflakes, South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 6:30pm - 7:30pm

December 17

• Positively Moving - Presented by ArtStream, South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 1:30pm - 3:00pm

• Teen Zone, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 5:30pm

• Teen Action Group (TAG), Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 3:00pm - 5:00pm

• Teen Action Group (TAG), South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 4:30pm - 5:30pm

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