Nov 30, 2021
11 Festive Holiday Events in Baltimore
Baltimore really turns on the charm during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to lace up your ice skates, take in a gorgeous light display, or do some holiday shopping, the city has a holiday event for you! We’ve rounded up 11 of the best holiday events Baltimore has to offer!
Due to COVID-19, events and attractions may not be operating as normal. Make sure to double check hours and operating procedures before you attend an event!
Light Up the Night - Chanukah Downtown
B’nai Israel is launching Light Up the Night Chanukah menorah lightings this year to help bring Chanukah to downtown Baltimore. Stops on the Light Up the Night Chanukah menorah trail are to include lightings December 1st through 3rd!
YJP Drinks & Dreidels
Chabad of Downtown’s Young Jewish Professionals group will host a Chanukah party at Bond Street Social December 2nd from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. The event will include a menorah lighting, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet latkes and donuts, a premium open car, and a cash bar.
50th Annual Monument Lighting
2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the Baltimore tradition of illuminating the historic Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Place! This year’s lighting will take place December 2nd from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The night will include caroling, food and good cheer. Fireworks cap the evening marking the official start of the holiday season.
Make sure to stop by WPM Real Estate Management’s table at the Holiday Makers Market to warm up and enter to win exciting prizes!
The 48th Annual Mayor's Christmas Parade
Photo: Gerard Buckleman
The 48th Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade will be held on Sunday, December 5th, 2021, at 1:00pm. The parade will feature giant balloons, marching bands, Santa, local media celebrities and elected officials, Miss Yuletide and more!
Miracle on 34th Street
Photo: @Miracleon34thSt
No list of Baltimore holiday events would be complete without Hampden’s “Miracle on 34th Street.” Every year starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving and ending New Year’s Day, residents of the 700 block of 24th Street between Chestnut Avenue and Keswick Road put on a vibrant display of holiday lights and decorations for all to enjoy.
Visit between 6:00pm and 10:00pm for your best chance to see all the lights on at the same time. Check out these FAQs before you go!
Christmas Village
Christmas Village in Baltimore is an indoor/outdoor holiday market at West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor, modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Visit the market through Christmas Eve to enjoy traditional European refreshments while you shop for a large variety of international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and more!
Plus, make sure to take a ride on the Christmas Village carousel and Ferris wheel while you’re there!
Inner Harbor Ice Rink
Located at the top of the Amphitheater – 201 E Pratt Street - The Inner Harbor Ice Rink season runs until January 17, 2022. Enjoy some beautiful harbor views while you skate, then grab a seasonal treat from Harborplace!
The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Photo: @BandORailroadMuseum
Don your pajamas and climb aboard The B&O Railroad Museum’s Polar Express select dates December 2 - 12! During this immersive live performance, the conductor will punch your golden tickets, the chefs will dance and sing, the hobo will offer his special brand of wisdom, and The Polar Express will be read aloud for all passengers. When the train arrives at the North Pole, you’ll enjoy Santa’s Winter Village with crafts for kids, an array of model railroad layouts, opportunities for photos with Santa, and more!
Zoo Lights
Photo: @MarylandZoo
Visit The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore through January 2nd to enjoy this festival of lights shaped like wildlife! Visit the Zoo after hours to enjoy the lighting installation from the warmth & comfort of your own car. While on the lookout for your favorite animal shapes, you’ll be dazzled by over 100k LED lights that highlight some favorites from the Zoo. If you prefer to hoof it, you can also travel the course by foot and visit Zoo Central for snacks, hot chocolate, and free train & carousel rides.
Candy Lane
Candy Lane is a larger-than-life candy-themed experience with installations, thousands of lights, and seasonal entertainment. Be awed by the 24-foot-tall ice cream cones and candy forests while strolling the paths of Center Plaza and experiencing Downtown in a sweet, new way. Plus, enjoy vendors such as Deddle’s Mini Donuts, Flash Crabcakes Co., Lattimore’s Funnel Cakes and more! Candy Lane is open each Wednesday through Sunday through December 23rd.
In addition, a Not So Silent Night soirée will take place at Candy Lane on December 16 from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. This 21+ holiday party will include an open bar, sugary treats, and a dance party in the middle of Candy Lane. Themed outfits are encouraged!
Winter Village by Four Seasons
Four Season Hotel Baltimore's seasonal Winter Village has returned to the hotel's outdoor terrace! Visit the rooftop terrace Fridays through Sundays until January 30th to enjoy a winter wonderland complete with an 1,800 sq. foot synthetic skating rink, all new cabanas with sleek fire pits for rent, festive food, and beverage, and so much more.