Best Baltimore Holiday Events of 2023
‘Tis the season for some magic! Your Home Group has been on a quest to bring you the ultimate December lineup for your Baltimore holiday bucket list. After scouring the streets and sipping way too much peppermint mocha, we’ve created a very merry event lineup for you!
So, kick back, grab a gingerbread cookie (or three), and let's sleigh through the season.
Baltimore’s German Christmas Village
Location: West Shore Park, right in the center of the Inner Harbor holiday district
Date: November 18th – December 24th
Immerse yourself in the charm of a German Christmas market at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. From Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, West Shore Park transforms into a European wonderland with a heated festival tent and wooden booths featuring high-quality arts and crafts. Explore local vendor booths, indulge in authentic delicacies like bratwurst and pretzels, and sip on mulled wine or German beer while enjoying daily performances and themed weekend events.
Location: Route starts at Falls Road and Cold Spring Lane
Date: Sunday, December 3rd @ 1 PM
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hampden’s beloved street party. Watch Santa take to the pavement alongside vibrant marching bands, over 100 Harley Davidson motorcycles, and festive floats. Also, you won't want to miss the crowning of this year's Miss Yuletide and Miss Yuletide Jr. winners.
Holiday Heap in Charles Village
Location: 2640 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
Date: Saturday, December 9th @ 10 AM – 5 PM
Make your list and check it twice before heading to Charles Village for a local shopping experience. At this fan-favorite Christmas market, you can find handmade goodies, handcrafted trinkets, wall-worthy art & photography, and plenty of delectable treats from local bakers across the city. The Holiday Heap is a perfect opportunity to support the local businesses owners of Baltimore during the craziest retail time of the year.
Location: B&O Railroad Museum
Date: Most weekends through November & December | *Tickets Required
Bundle up and bring the little ones to the B&O Railroad Museum to experience the Polar Express in-person. The museum has been transformed into a holiday wonderland that features train rides, Santa's Winter Village, captivating model train layouts, and photo ops with Santa (and Mrs. Claus!). Also, keep an eye out for toddler craft classes and a festive toy drive.
Location: 201 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Dates: November 11th – January 15th
Glide into the holiday spirit at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink. This is the perfect place to lace up your skates, grab some hot chocolate, and embrace the holiday season. Located at the top of the Inner Harbor amphitheater, be sure to look for special appearances and celebrations throughout the season.
Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo
Location: Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Dates: Weekends through December | Free with admission or membership.
Embrace the enchantment of the season at Holly-Days in Druid Hill Park's Maryland Zoo. Weekends in November and December come alive with holiday crafts, charming carolers, and special appearances by Zooville's Grinch, Elsa, Anna, and more. Connect with Baltimore's wildlife and revel in the magical atmosphere created for you and your favorite animals.
Inner Harbor New Year’s Eve Firework Spectacular
Location: Inner Harbor
Date: December 31st | Starts at 9 PM
Baltimore is set to sparkle with a dazzling firework display at the Inner Harbor on New Year's Eve. The firework extravaganza will start at the stroke of midnight and ring-in the new year with a BOOM! There will also be live music from 9 until midnight to help get the party started!
Princess Anne’s Midnight Muskrat Dive
Location: Somerset Avenue, Baltimore
Date: December 31st @ 9 PM
Why drop the New Year ball when you can drop a muskrat? Perhaps one of the silliest Maryland traditions, join Princess Anne's Midnight Muskrat Dive for music, dancing, delectable food, and drinks—all leading up to the main event: Marshall Muskrat's descent to Somerset Avenue at the stroke of midnight. You won’t want to miss this exciting leap into the new year!
