Dempsey and Markakis light up the season

Two Orioles will be helping Charm City usher in the holiday season this week when Nick and Christina Markakis and former Oriole Rick Dempsey participate in holiday events around Baltimore. Nick and Christina will participate in "A Monumental Occasion," the 38th annual lighting of the Washington Monument, this Thursday, December 3. Nick and Christina will "flip the switch" to light up the Monument in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood and officially kick off the holiday season. Pre-event festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the lighting ceremony scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The evening will also feature refreshments, roving entertainers and fireworks. Following the Markakis' holiday helping, Rick Dempsey will participate in the Fells Point Old Tyme Christmas celebration this Saturday, December 5. Like Nick and Christina, Rick will have the honor of lighting the Great Tree in Broadway Square. The event in Fells Point lasts all day, with a visit from Santa, horse drawn sleigh rides, a parade of lighted boats and live music; Dempsey will light up the tree around 5:15 p.m. So if you're missing the O's and ready to start celebrating the holiday season, head out to one or both of these local lighting festivals with a few of your favorite Orioles. Go O's and Happy Holidays, O's fans!