The Washington Monument Lighting 2012 is Thursday, December 6.

The event starts at 5:30pm and runs until 8:00pm. The actual ceremony starts around 7pm and the lighting itself around 7:45pm.

This year Lardarius Webb from the Baltimore Ravens is the celebrity lighter!

After it is lit, fireworks and a laser show will delight the crowd.

From 5:30-7, you can visit with Santa Claus at the Mount Vernon West Park and listen to performances. Also during that time period, retail shops on Charles St and Mount Vernon  will have caroling, free wine, hot chocolate, special discounts, plus extended shopping hours.

The weather should be cold and crisp — but it looks to be clear, so put on your layers and come on down to Mount Vernon to enjoy the sites, sounds, and shops!

December is always a wonderful month in Downtown Baltimore. Don’t miss it!

The Washington Monument is located at Mount Vernon Place by the Walters Art Museum at 600 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Photo courtesy of sidewalk flying via Flickr CC