Last Christmas at Barnes & Noble in Bethesda (Photos)

This is the last time you'll see the holiday decorations outside of Barnes & Noble. By this time next year, the bookstore will have been replaced by Anthropologie. Still unknown is what changes to the configuration of the plaza outside Barnes & Noble that will entail. Anthropologie will have outdoor dining at its Terrain Cafe, which Barnes & Noble has never needed space to accommodate.

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.

BETHESDA ROW CHRISTMAS AND CHANUKAH DECORATIONS PHOTO GALLERY - SUPER COLOSSAL LIGHTS AND DISPLAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

The holidays are in full swing around Bethesda Row.  Pick up a special holiday flavor coffee at Dunkin' Donuts on Bethesda Avenue, and take a walk around the Row to take in the spectacle.  But if you're chained to your desk at work, or home in bed sick, here is a photo gallery to give you a virtual tour.  Oh, and if you really are chained to your desk, call a locksmith first...