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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 1 st through 3 rd ! YJP Drinks & Dreidels Chabad of Downtown’s Young Jewish Professionals group will host a Chanukah party at Bond Street Social December 2 nd 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. 50 th Annual Monument Lighting 2021 marks the 50 th anniversary of the Baltimore tradition of illuminating the historic Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Place! This year’s lighting will take place December 2 nd 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 34 th 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 24 th 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 2 nd 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 23 rd . 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 30 th 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.

Gift Wrapping Tips

u’ve done your holiday shopping and picked the perfect present for everyone on your list. Give your thoughtful gits the dressing they deserve and turn gift wrapping into an actually enjoyable event with these tips! Stick to a Theme The stack of gifts under the tree will look especially put together if you choose 2-3 rolls of coordinating wrapping paper, matching bows, and gift tags. We like this Mod & Merry collection and this Simply Stylish collection from Hallmark! Purchase Quality Supplies The right roll of paper , scissors and tape can make all the difference when wrapping professional-looking gifts that will be sure to impress. So, make sure your tools are up for the job before getting started! Gather Your Supplies Before you sit down to wrap your first gift, make sure you have your paper, ribbon, bows, tags, pens, and other accoutrements on-hand. Keep them in one place all season long so you can easily locate them and pull them out each time you sit down to do some wrapping. For the true organization fanatics, a gift wrapping station like this one from Bed, Bath and Beyond will make wrapping a breeze! Wrap in Batches Don’t wait until the last minute to wrap all your gifts. Wrap gifts in batches throughout the season to keep the act of gift wrapping from getting overwhelming. Turn on your favorite playlist, grab a cup of cocoa and turn each session into something enjoyable and relaxing. Follow a Tutorial Really up your gift-wrapping game by learning a few tips and tricks from the professionals. Follow a step-by-step guide to get the cleanest lines, prettiest bows, and cleanest edges. There are even guides for wrapping those odd-shaped gifts so you can ditch the store-bought gift bags. Do you enjoy gift wrapping? Did we miss any tips for making wrapping fun and easy? Let us know in the comments!

A Book Lover's Guide to Baltimore

Once upon a time…before Baltimore adopted the motto of “Greatest City in America”, benches across the city were etched with another maxim - “Baltimore: The City That Reads.” Packed with offbeat bookstores and storybook libraries and having been home to many famous poets and authors over the years, Baltimore surely is the perfect destination for any bookworm. Heck, we even named our NFL team after a famous poem! Whether you’re a Baltimore native or a bibliophile visiting for the weekend, here are the can’t-miss literary hot spots to discover in Charm City. The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum Photo Credit: 2021 Poe Baltimore Edgar Allan Poe once lived at this house with his aunt, grandmother and two cousins. It has been very well preserved from its original state, so you can walk on the same floors and wander within the original walls that Poe once did! Among other significant artifacts, visitors to the Poe House can see the writing desk and chair where their famous poet created some of his earliest works . The annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards is also held across the street from the Poe House. The free event, which coincides each year with Poe’s death day, features Poe-themed performances, art, vendors, and food. Westminster Hall & Burying Ground Photo Credit: AndrewHorne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Westminster Hall is an architectural landmark . The imposing brick church was built in the early 1850s. Among the historical figures buried here are famed poet Edgar Allan Poe and his wife and mother-in-law. It’s Poe’s final resting place in this cemetery which the mysterious masked figure – known only as the Poe Toaster – paid a yearly tribute to the famous writer. The tributer ( whose identity is still unknown ) would visit Poe’s grave each year on the anniversary of his death – and leave 3 roses and a bottle of cognac. Emmanuel Episcopal Church Photo Credit: @emmanueldowntown The first woman in history to receive a Pulitzer Prize for poetry , Edna St. Vincent Millay, frequently read during meetings of the Maryland Poetry Society at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon. Millay’s readings at Emmanuel Episcopal Church were no doubt riveting. Millay was known for her progressive political stances, frank portrayal of both hetero and homosexuality, and, above all, her embodiment and description of new kinds of female experience and expression. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s House Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun The last place famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived with his wife Zelda was at this Bolton Hill house . The Fitzgeralds’ time in Baltimore was a tumultuous one. Zelda spent her weekdays hospitalized at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital for mental illness. Fitzgerald himself struggled with alcoholism and debt during his time in Baltimore. Nonetheless, Fitzgerald once wrote “I love Baltimore more than I thought— it is so rich with memories— it is nice to look up the street and see the statue of my great uncle ( sic) and to know that Poe is buried here and that many ancestors have walked in the old town by the bay. I belong here, where everything is civilized and gay and rotted and polite. And I wouldn’t mind a bit if in a few years Zelda and I could snuggle up together under a stone in some old graveyard here. That is really a happy thought and not melancholy at all.” While living in the home on Park Avenue, Fitzgerald published his last novel - Tender Is the Night . Although the house is not open to the public, you can see a blue historical designation on the outside of the rowhome. The Fitzgeralds were also laid to rest not too far away – at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Md. Gertrude Stein’s House Photo Credit: Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Gertrude Stein and her brother Leo lived at this house on East Biddle Street for about six years, before moving to Massachusetts for college. Life in Mount Vernon influenced much of Stein’s later work, including Ida: A Novel and the short story “Q.E.D.” H.L. Mencken House Photo Credit: @henrymenckenhouse H.L. Mencken lived in Baltimore for more than 45 years and wrote for many city publications, including “The Baltimore Sun.” He was given the nickname the “Sage of Baltimore.” He lived in this brick rowhouse with a view of Union Square from 1883 until his death in 1956. It was recently renovated to become a museum dedicated to the author’s life and works. Walters Art Museum Photo Credit: The Walters Art Museum Books come from all over the world to live at the Walters Art Museum in Mount Vernon. The museum’s extraordinary collection of rare books and manuscripts includes more than 900 illuminated manuscripts, 1,250 of the first printed books, and an important collection of post-1500 deluxe editions. First-printed editions of ancient texts by great thinkers such as Aristotle and Euclid, diaries written by Napoleon, and intricate bindings crafted by Tiffany are also among the jewels you can enjoy at this free museum. Atomic Books Photo Credit: @atomicbooks While Baltimore is f illed with charming independent bookstores, Atomic Books, where famed Baltimore native John Waters collects his fan mail , is among the ones you absolutely can’t miss. “Literary finds for mutated minds” are the slogan of this independent Hampden bookstore, which has been curating an eclectic selection of comics, books, zines, and art for more than 20 years, and features a cozy bar in the back for hosting events. Enoch Pratt Free Library Photo Credit: @theprattlibrary The main branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library takes up nearly an entire city block near Mount Vernon. An entire room at the library is dedicated to American writer H.L. Mencken, and there is also a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s letters, poetry, and photographs—and even a lock of his hair. One of the oldest free public library systems in the United States, there are 22 additional branches throughout the city and surrounding area. George Peabody Library This expansive library in Mount Vernon near the Washington Monument has been described as a “cathedral of books” and is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Peabody Library ‘s atrium is surrounded by six tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies. The library’s 300,000 volume collection is open for perusal by the public, and it houses an impressive amount of H.L. Mencken’s writings. However, the library is currently closed due to Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 response , so make sure you check to make sure it’s open to the public before planning a visit! Baltimore Book Festival The Inner Harbor is turned into a book-lover’s paradise during this weekend-long festival . Hundreds of author appearances, readings and book signings take place, and exhibitors and booksellers set up shop in booths along the water. There are workshops, panel discussions, live music, and concessions, as well as plenty of hands-on activities for kids.

2021 Guide to Halloween in Baltimore

One of the perks of Baltimore living is that there’s always something to do! Naturally, Halloween in Baltimore offers no shortage of spooky events to enjoy. From creepy costume parties to ghoulish ghost tours, we’ve rounded up some of the best events for Residents of The Fox Building to check out! Take your pick! Sweet Spot Turn off the Light Halloween Party | October 28 th Channel all things bloody with this deadly drag show at The Manor in Mount Vernon, with guests including local legends BABY and Alastor to provide the evening’s sounds. Get tickets here ! Nocturne Halloween at Ottobar | October 29 th Featuring a costume contest with cash/book prizes, Halloween decor, candy and spooky goth/industrial music all night, this event is free! RSVP here . Halloween Karaoke at The Hon | October 30 th Get into the spirit with a round of karaoke at the much-loved Hampden haunt. Download the SongbookDB app ahead of time to queue your favorite Halloween tunes. Find out more here . Gritty in the City | October 30 th Psychic Medium Darren BuCare will take you on a spooky walking tour through the heart of Highlandtown! Get some background and history of various Highlandtown locales and shed some light on the secrets they keep. Your tour will be approximately 3/4 of a mile total and will take about 1 hour. Get tickets here ! 2021 SoBo Halloween Bash | October 30 th The Sobo Halloween Bash will feature a DJ, games, costume parade, food and drink. Led by volunteers and sponsored by local businesses, this free annual event is meant to be a day of fun for neighborhood families. Learn more here ! Nightmare Before Halloween | October 30 th Power Plant Live! is set to transform into a dark and twisted world Saturday, October 30th with a tribute to Halloween film director Tim Burton! Explore the magical and mysterious factory of an acclaimed candy maker, the holiday doors within a forest that transport you to a magical and festive world, the shop of a vengeful barber with the sharpest razors in the city, and so much more. Get tickets here ! A Nightmare on Charles St. | October 31 st Join Sporty Dog Creations for boos and brews at Nightmare on Charles Street! The event will feature a free hot dog bar, drinks, readings by a performer playing Edgar Allen Poe, giveaways and more! Get tickets here ! Witches at the Harbor | October 31 st Photo credit: Witches on the Willamette Grab your stand up paddleboard and head to Canton Waterfront Park this Halloween for a witchy paddle around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor! The event is free and open to the public, but you must be an experienced paddleboarder. Learn more here ! Hampden Halloweenfest | October 31 st Photo credit: @thefoodmarket Make sure to bring your costume A-game to Hampden’s Halloweenfest! In addition to trick-or-treating on The Avenue, there will be a costume contest with trophies for the scariest, prettiest and most original costumes. Find out more here ! Power Plant Halloween Bar Crawl | October 31 st Photo credit: @BarCrawlLive Baltimore’s official Halloween bar crawl returns this Halloween! Costumes are encouraged for this frightening downtown crawl. Enjoy live tunes and deals on bites and boo-zy sips at local haunts. Get tickets here !

End of Summer Events in Baltimore

With students returning to school and the Labor Day holiday approaching, the end of summer is upon us. If the waning of summer already has you nostalgic for the fireflies, cookouts, fireworks, carnivals, and everything else the season brings, we understand. But don’t trade in your flip flops for your flannel just yet. There’s still plenty of summer fun to be had before sweater weather sets in. We’ve rounded up some of the best end-of-summer events in and around Baltimore so you can make the most of your final weeks of fun in the sun. 92Q End of Summer Jam | Columbia, MD 92Q End of Summer Jam is playing the Merriweather Post Pavilion on September 19 th . The event will star Future, City Girls, Moneybagg Yo & 42 Dugg! Get your tickets here . Fall Back Safely: End of Summer Extravaganza | Baltimore, MD Fall Back Safely is Baltimore’s End of Summer Celebration at the Inner Harbor sponsored by the Mayor and City of Baltimore, supported by the Waterfront Partnership , and produced by The Baltimore Office of Promotion & Arts. The event will feature a live DJ, street performers and activities. The event will culminate with a spectacular 15-minute fireworks show by Pyrotecnico which will be choreographed to music. In line with the theme of the event, Mercy Hospital, will offer vaccinations and COVID tests on site. Additionally, BOPA will hand out face masks and hand sanitizer as a reminder to stay safe during the event and throughout the fall. Maryland State Fair | Timonium, MD The 140th Maryland State Fair (aka 12 Best Days of Summer) began on Thursday, August 26 and will run through Labor Day Monday, September 6 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. The Maryland State Fair recognizes the enduring appeal of Maryland’s citizens, students, and 4-H and FFA members to share their talents and compete for ribbons, prizes, and bragging rights. The Fair’s buildings, barns and stages provide space for thousands of fairgoers to appreciate the exhibits, learn from the exhibitors, and consider entering a future fair. This year’s fair will also feature the thrills and chills, sights, sounds and aromas of numerous Midway and Kidde Land rides, games, and fun fair food provided by Deggeller Attractions. For those with a more local palate, the Maryland Foods Pavilion, Dairy Bar, and Chesapeake Craft Brew & Wine Garden, will showcase fresh from the farm and Chesapeake Bay food and drinks. Triple Feature at Bengies Drive-In | Middle River, MD Head to Bengies Drive-In during Labor Day weekend to catch a Triple Feature ! See Jungle Cruise , Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Free Guy on the biggest movie screen in the US while enjoying a quintessential summertime activity. Defends Day at Fort McHenry | Baltimore, MD Known as Baltimore's oldest holiday, Defenders' Day commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of the nation's national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." Celebrated continuously each year since the Brits sailed away in 1814! This year's program will take place September 17-18 . and will include music, living history, U.S. Army, and evening luminaries. Baltimore Orioles Games | Baltimore, MD Don’t miss your chance to catch an Os game before the 2021 MLB season ends Sunday, October 3 rd . Spend a day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards enjoying ballpark fare, beautiful views of Baltimore and a ballgame. For an extra memorable gameday, head to the park on September 16 th when Grammy-nominated folk rock band The Avett Brothers will be performing a postgame show . First Responders Day | Baltimore, MD First Responders Day at the B&O Railroad Museum honors those who answer the call and aims to educate the public about their lifesaving practices. First Responders Day will feature a bomb squad display, fire extinguisher demonstration, various police, and firefighting equipment for visitors to see and learn about, safety demonstrations. In acknowledgement of the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, a special honor guard ceremony and moment of remembrance will take place. Maryland Restaurant Week Maryland Restaurant Week is returning for its second year from September 17-26. Participating Maryland restaurants celebrate the customer by offering special menus, discounts, seasonal fare for dine-in, curbside or carryout.

Questions You Should Be Asking Potential Roommates in 2021

Finding a roommate can be stressful. Cohabitation is tricky and finding a compatible roommate can be the difference between a home that’s a peaceful sanctuary and one that’s a torturous nightmare. However, living with roommates can also be an enriching experience… allowing you to live independently, but still have a community in your home when you want company. And of course, there’s the obvious benefit of having someone with which to share expenses. So, if you’ve decided to get a roommate, use these questions to ask candidates about their lifestyle, personality, and expectations when it comes to sharing a space. The answers to these questions could be deal-breakers for either party. At the very least, the answers will reveal a lot about potential roommates and help you set good rules and expectations, so you’ll hopefully avoid any grief and confrontation down the line. What are your views on COVID-19 precautions? It’s an unavoidable question when two social bubbles are becoming one during a pandemic. If your views on vaccinations, social distancing, or masking differ, it’s best to know that now than to find out after you’re living together. We think this questions should come up first, because it might be the biggest deal breaker on the list. Do you smoke? Smell, personal history, religious beliefs, fire hazards, and health concerns are just a few reasons someone could opt for a smoke-free roomie. How do you want to split the cost of rent and utilities? While having a roommate means someone to share the cost of living with, it’s not always as simple as a 50-50 split. Is one of the bedrooms larger? Or does it include an attached bathroom or walk-in closet? Should the person occupying that room pay more? Perhaps one of you will be working from home and consequently using more electricity and water. Talking about finances is usually a little awkward, but it’s an unavoidable part of adult life. If the idea makes you anxious, do some prep work ahead of time to learn how to breach the topic casually but directly . Have you ever missed a rent payment? As confrontational as this question may seem, this is a valid and relevant query to ask a potential roommate. Although you may have just decided to split the rent up a certain way, if your roommate can't hold up their end of the bargain, it could put both of your housing in jeopardy. Not to mention, it could result in added fees, hurt your credit score and negatively impact your future apartment hunts . Knowing how well your future roommate handled their financial responsibility in the past will likely give you an indication of future behavior. Have you had a roommate before? What’s your current relationship with them like? This artful question could be a sneak peek into your future. All roommates are bound to butt heads occasionally, but if this question is met with a string of nasty remarks about a nightmare ex-roomie, it could be a red flag. Are they the common denominator? Best case scenario: this question is met with glowing accounts of past cohabitants, some of which you may be able to call as a reference. Will you be bringing any pets? While we love our four-legged Residents, we realize pets in the home might not be for everyone. Additionally, it’s important to know if your potential roommate can fully cover pet rent, a pet deposit, or potential damages. Who will watch the pet when your roommate is at work or on vacation? These are points you’ll want to hit. Also, make sure you know your community’s pet policy and restricted breeds before making any decisions about pets in the home. What are your cleaning habits? Even though you’ll each have your own sleeping space, there are plenty of communal areas of the home that you’ll share. If you and your prospective roommate prioritize different aspects of the chore list, perhaps splitting up responsibilities and maintaining an adequate space will be simple and easy. What’s your ideal indoor temperature? Whatever you like to keep your space cool enough to snuggle up under a mountain of blankets or prefer it a little warmer, you’ll want to assess whether your potential roommate is in alignment. Constantly adjusting the thermostat or bringing it to an unusually high or low temperature will cost you and your roomie money. To keep electric bills low (and avoid the fight over the thermostat), it’s best to find a roommate with similar temperature preferences. What are your preferred sleeping conditions? Even if you’re not sharing a bedroom or studio space, odds are you’ll at least be sharing a wall with your roomie. Whether they need white noise, complete silence or even background noise from a television, this is something you’ll want to know before your first night together. Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important to your health as regular exercise and a healthy diet , so know whether their answer to this question will disrupt your own sleep before you seal the deal. Do you have any food restrictions/ allergies? A lifelong vegan could find sharing food prep space with a steak enthusiast to be less than ideal. Moreover, if one of you has a severe food allergy, you’ll want to know so the kitchen remains a safe space for everyone. Are you in any romantic relationships? If your roommate has a romantic partner, it will likely mean you can look forward to having a frequent guest in your shared space. This could result in a higher water bill, less privacy, and potentially feeling left out in your own home. It also means one more person joining your bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll want to explore this topic thoroughly before making any steadfast decisions with your prospective roommate. What’s your policy on overnight visitors? Whether it’s the romantic partner, family visiting from out of town, or a friend, you want to have clear standards set in place for overnight guests. How often are you both comfortable with this scenario? Your routines, sanity, and sense of security might be on the line. Do you work remotely or from an office? For many, the increase in remote work during the pandemic has been full of perks – including lack of commutes, childcare costs and more. Unfortunately for renters, there’s a flip side to the work-from-home wonderland. If you and/or your potential roommate works virtually, your shared apartment could also become a shared office. A work-from-home roomie could mean less privacy for you, a potentially stressful atmosphere, and a pricier utility bill. When asking your roommate about their career, be sure to assess how your work lives will mesh or become a source of tension. Having a roommate is a great way to lower your monthly expenses, take on fewer household chores yourself and make a live-in friend, but it’s important to find the right person with whom to share your home. Don’t let a lack of preparation in your roommate interview jeopardize what could be a perfectly nice arrangement. Asking a future roommate, the right questions will increase your chances of a great experience.