Celebrate the Holidays in Baltimore
There’s nothing more magical than Charm City during the holiday season. We have plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve and more. Whether you’re looking for festive light displays, winter activities or special events, there is something in Baltimore for you to enjoy.
Miracle on 34th Street
The holiday cheer in Baltimore spreads throughout neighborhoods like Hampden where you can experience the “Miracle on 34th Street” lights and decorations that pop up starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving and stay on until New Year’s Eve. The displays are so bright they get national attention from outlets such as NBC News and Business Insider year after year! Learn more about the history of the display here, which was started by a local couple over 70 years ago. During your visit, try to spot the crowd favorites such as the hubcap tree or the bicycle wheel snowman.
German Christmas Village
Enjoy an authentic German Christmas market right here in Charm City! From Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve each year, the Christmas Village returns to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to transform West Shore Park into European wonderland. A huge heated festival tent and outdoor wooden booths harbor dozens of vendors and their high quality arts and crafts from all over the world. Don’t miss famous German vendor Kathe Wohlfahrt which offers genuine handmade German Schwibbbogen, pyramids and glass ornaments. Once you’re done with Christmas shopping, have a seat in the Bavarian Beergarden and enjoy German delicacies such as brautwurst, pretzels, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), mulled wine or a good German beer. Daily performances of local choirs, bands and performers and special themed weekend events will sweeten your visit at the Christmas Village in Baltimore, open Nov. 19-Dec. 24.
Inner Harbor Ice Rink
Grab your ice skates (or a rental) and practice your triple axel at the outdoor ice rink in the Inner Harbor. Throughout the season check the calendar for special appearances and celebrations. The ice rink is located at the top of the Amphitheater in between the Harborplace Pavilions, overlooking the water. This year, the Inner Harbor ice rink runs from Nov. 11 to Jan. 16, and is open day and night with special hours around the holidays.
In addition to the ice rink, be on the look out for other waterfront winter activities like karaoke, a maker’s market, performances and more.
B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains
As the home to the first mile and a half stretch of train track laid in America, the B&O Railroad Museum knows a thing or two about tradition. For the month of December, the B&O transforms into the winter wonderland of your sugarplum dreams. During the Holiday Festival of Trains, view splendid train displays, snap a picture with Santa, ride the Reindeer Railway or embark on a magical journey to the North Pole with the Polar Express Train Ride. Along the way, sip on spiced cider, indulge in some sugar cookies and prepare to present your wish list to Mr. Claus.
Zoo Lights
Walk through a festival of lights shaped like wildlife, plus, get that warm glowing feeling inside knowing you are supporting the zoo’s animal care and conservation work. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is bringing back a beloved holiday tradition that turns the zoo into a festive wonderland with opportunities to walk or drive through the grounds to see the displays. Purchase tickets in advance for Zoo Lights and know that every dollar goes towards supporting the animals.
Candy Lane in Center Plaza
Craving something sweet this holiday season? Stroll past 30-foot-tall ice cream cones and candy forests while feasting your eyes on a delectable light display at Center Plaza’s Candy Lane. During 12 Days of Candy Lane, enjoy a fleet of festive activities like trivia, live music, family-friendly art activities and karaoke, as well as delicious food and hot drinks from local vendors. The installation is open to the public December 3-16.
Enjoy sweet holiday displays and even sweeter snacks at Center Plaza’s Candy Lane, which is open Dec. 3-16.
Four Seasons Winter Village
The Four Seasons Hotel’s exclusive fifth floor terrace will transform back into a 1,800 square foot “Winter Village” featuring a synthetic skating rink boasting expansive views of the harbor. The outdoor rooftop experience will be filled with holiday sights, private cabanas with a fire pit for rent, festive holiday decor and lively music. You can also warm up with holiday food and beverage favorites, including rich, decadent European-style hot chocolate topped with house-made flavored marshmallows, hot apple cider, handcrafted cocktails, sweet and savory crepes station, and so much more.
Miracle Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Step into a Hallmark movie at Lennie’s Lodge & Beer Garden in Power Plant Live!, which from Nov. 25 to Dec. 11 will be transformed into a glittering holiday wonderland complete with floor-to-ceiling decorations and seasonal cocktails. Miracle also presents many opportunities to check items off your holiday bucket list, from gingerbread making classes and “carol-oke” nights to tableside s’mores and dance parties led by Santa. The pop-up is open Wednesday-Saturday and reservations are recommended.
