CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Here is a photo tour of Christmas decorations on Cordell and St. Elmo Avenues, in the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood of downtown Bethesda:

The Palisades apartments
on Cordell Avenue

The Palisades

The Palisades

Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle
on Cordell Avenue 

The Palisades

Big Planet Comics on
Cordell Avenue

Bethesda Florist on
St. Elmo Avenue

Bone Jour on
St. Elmo Avenue

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS AROUND THE WOODMONT TRIANGLE OF BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Take a stroll around the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood of downtown Bethesda, and enjoy the holiday lights and decorations without leaving your desk or couch in this photo gallery:

THE HOLIDAYS COME TO PIKE & ROSE (PHOTOS)

Given the big holiday displays every year at Bethesda Row, I've been wondering what Federal Realty would do for the season at its newest development, Pike & Rose. Those questions were answered this weekend, and I present the festive results here for your pleasure. The tree was not yet lit at this point, but there is plenty of Christmas and Chanakuh spirit in the air even so. Obviously, the scene will be more impressive once Phase 2 of the development has been built out, as the Christmas cheer is limited in distance. But if enough of the new retail stores can open in time, this could be a real sleeper spot for holiday shopping in Montgomery County - particularly for those purchasing apparel.

HOLIDAY COFFEE DRINKS AT BETHESDA ROW DUNKIN' DONUTS

The holidays are upon us earlier than ever this year, and if you enjoy the Christmas/Chanukah season, that is good news.  I even found a quart of Egg Nog at CVS!

Speaking of holiday beverages, there are Gingerbread and Peppermint holiday coffees, iced coffees and lattes available now at Dunkin Donuts on Bethesda Avenue.  Pick one up, and then walk around Bethesda Row to marvel at the colossal, spectacular holiday decorations and displays.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

IS IT TOO EARLY,

OR

NEVER TOO SOON

FOR

HOLIDAY LIGHTS?

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Busy elves were stringing lights around anything standing still at Bethesda Row into the evening last night.

The early decorating doesn't bother me, although I usually wait until my other favorite season of the year - Halloween - is over.

However, some Bethesda Row patrons expressed displeasure with early holiday trimming last year via social media.  This is just the reality of marketing today, in that seasons get stretched, and you can't please everybody.  Even McDonald's has just added Holiday Pies and beverages to their menu in Bethesda.

So, whether you're a Clark Griswold, or an Ebeneezer Scrooge, you'll have little choice but to embrace the holiday spirit around Bethesda Row.  Starting today!