Memorable ways to celebrate Christmas in Baltimore

If you’re looking for a charming holiday getaway this year, come spend part of your Christmas in Baltimore this winter. With the variety of events and scenery offered during the holiday season, Baltimore is one of the top Christmas destinations on the east coast. (Tip: many of our favorite destinations in our free area vacation guide have holiday festivities.)

On December 4th, you can catch the 43rd Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade  at 1 pm. And don’t miss the Fell’s Point Olde Tyme Christmas on December 3rd and The Christmas Story in Art Walk-in tour at The Walters Art Museum on December 18th from 1-2pm.

Christmas in Baltimore has something to offer for everyone, including beautiful light exhibits, great shopping and fun festivals.

It’s a Waterfront Life

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Baltimore, as the city is brimming with fun-filled seasonal events & holiday cheer. From downtown holiday spectaculars to beloved neighborhood traditions, there’s a sleighful of ways to have amazing holiday adventures all along the waterfront. Here are some highlights…

PANDORA Ice Rink at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

Harborplace Amphitheater
November 11 – January 16

Gobble Cobble Turkey Trot

MAC Harbor East
November 24, 8am
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Downtown Baltimore’s only Turkey Trot! Join MAC Harbor East and Falls Road Running for a 5k run thru the Baltimore Inner Harbor on Thanksgiving morning.

Merriment & Melodies in Harbor East

Wednesdays: November 30, December 7, December 14
5:30pm – 9:00pm

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This holiday season, join Harbor East Wednesday evenings for a Holiday Music series featuring live music under the stars, complimentary sweets, wine & spirits sold street-side, shopping events & more!

Merriment & Melodies Kick-Off – Shop Harbor East & Get a Free Tree!

Get a jump start on your holiday list by shopping Harbor East on November 30, from 5:30-9pm— spend $200 at neighborhood retailers the first night of Merriment & Melodies and walk away with a free, full-sized Christmas Tree, compliments of Harbor East! Simply show your combined same-day receipts to a representative at the Harbor East tent. Limited quantities are available – shop early to claim your tree – stay late to enjoy live music & good cheer.

Milk & Cookies Social at MAC Harbor East

Families don’t miss the 5th Annual Milk & Cookies Social on December 7 from 5:30-7:30pm, a special event just for kids. There will be milk & cookies, refreshments & lite fare for parents. Don’t forget to catch the sweet sounds of the Children’s Chorus of Maryland for a starlight performance of favorite holiday songs. RSVP in advance for this FREE kids crafts and activity fair.

Merriment & Melodies Finale & Harbor East Cookie Tour

The final night of Merriment & Melodies, December 14, concludes with a Cookie Tour throughout Harbor East from 5:30-9pm! Each neighborhood shop will feature a unique bite-sized holiday confection – so grab a sweet and get your Cookie Passport stamped! Return completed passports in for a festive seasonal giveaway.

32nd Annual Merry Tuba Christmas

Over 100 festively dressed tuba players will capture the spirit of the holiday as they blend their unique styles, rhythms, and progressions for all to enjoy in the Harborplace Amphitheater on December 17, from 3:30-5pm.

Symphony of Lights

Every year in our own Howard County, the Symphony of Lights makes the region sparkle. A must-see annual event, the Symphony of Lights in Columbia, MD, has been recognized by the Baltimore Sun as a family-oriented spectacular.

Baltimore Christmas Village

Starting on Thanksgiving Day, the Baltimore Christmas Village will open for business! Since 2013, this German Christmas market offers indoor and outdoor vendors in the style of the traditional Christkindl Market in Nuremberg. (For more recommendations for places to visit while you’re in Baltimore, download our free area vacation guide!)

The market will be open all the way through Christmas Eve, with more than 50 booths selling European food, sweets, drinks, holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry, and arts & crafts.

 

THE WAYSIDE INN

While your experiencing Christmas in Baltimore let the historic Wayside inn bed and breakfast cater to you. Just a short drive from Baltimore, you can come to relax after a long day of winter fun. A stay at The Wayside Inn would make for a perfect romantic winter getaway, even offering a special romantic getaway luxury package. This package includes a day full of pampering and bliss, with the option of personalizing the experience with amenities like rose petals or massages. A weekend away at The Wayside Inn will be unforgettable, including fresh made to order breakfast, relaxing accommodations and friendly service. Our free area vacation guide can help you plan your stay!