Celebrate the season in Baltimore’s most festive neighborhoods
Holiday cheer can be found in every corner of Baltimore aka Charm City, from lighting ceremonies and pop-up markets to seasonal skating rinks and over-the-top neighborhood displays.
BALTIMORE PENINSULA
Skate your way into the holiday season at the Baltimore Peninsula, which is serving up festive fun every weekend until January 28, 2024.
Practice your spins at the Roller Wave skating rink, shop local makers and artisans, and enjoy the holiday display at Sagamore Spirit, which is lighting its barrel tree on Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.
INNER HARBOR
The holiday season sees Baltimore’s majestic waterfront transformed into a winter wonderland, thanks to the return of the Inner Harbor Ice Rink and the German Christmas Village. Shop gifts from local makers at the Holiday Makers Market taking place Dec. 2-3 in Harborplace, and the Made in Baltimore pop-up store, which will be open until Dec. 23.
HIGHLANDTOWN
Take pictures with Santa, sip on hot cocoa and dance along to DJ Eddible before the tree lighting at the Highlandtown Holiday Celebration. Plus, shop locally made goods at Creative Alliance’s Holiday Night Market.
Highlandtown holiday celebrations
Stop by the Highlandtown Train Garden, which features vignettes of iconic neighborhood attractions like Creative Alliance and Patterson Park. The park’s Observatory will dazzle during the 8th Annual Winter Lights festival on Dec. 3.
MOUNT VERNON
A 52-year-old tradition, the lighting of the Washington Monument on Dec. 7 is a joyous event consisting of food and gift vendors, fun performances and a spectacular fireworks show. The Maryland Center for History and Culture and the Walters Art Museum will also have extended hours that evening, so you can warm up while taking in the latest exhibits.
HAMPDEN
All month long, experience the magic of Miracle on 34th Street, a Hampden holiday tradition more than seventy years in the making. As you wander along the blindingly bright street, keep your eyes peeled for classics like the hubcap trees and bicycle wheel snowman. Don’t miss the 50th Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade on Dec. 3, which travels down Falls Road and 36th Street, locally known as The Avenue.
DRUID HILL
A new holiday light show awaits in scenic Druid Hill Park. Open December 5 through January 1, Charm City Lights is a one-mile, drive-through adventure consisting of more than 250,000 Christmas lights. During Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo, held on weekends throughout December, enjoy holiday crafts, delightful carolers, photo ops, and special appearances from the Grinch of Zooville, Elsa and Anna.
SPEND NYE DOWNTOWN
Ring in 2024 at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor New Year’s Eve celebration, which sees local artists and musicians perform along the waterfront promenade before an exciting midnight fireworks and drone show. Get a birds-eye view of the spectacle from a rooftop party or a front-row seat on a scenic cruise.
