Celebrate the magic of the holidays in Baltimore, MD, where the city comes alive with festive cheer and enchanting experiences. Marvel at the dazzling Miracle on 34th Street light display in Hampden, where every house is adorned with creative decorations. Discover the charm of a traditional German Christmas market at the Baltimore Christmas Village in Inner Harbor, complete with handcrafted gifts and delectable treats. Stroll through cobblestone streets during Fells Point Olde Tyme Christmas, where history and holiday traditions blend seamlessly.
Whether you're a local or visiting, Baltimore's holiday events offer something for everyone. Join guided tours, enjoy live performances, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit that radiates throughout the city. This season, make memories that will last a lifetime in Baltimore's vibrant holiday setting. Enjoy the twinkling lights, historical backdrops, and the warm, communal atmosphere that makes the city special during Christmas.
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The Top Christmas Events in Baltimore
- Miracle on 34th Street light display
- Baltimore Christmas Village
- Fells Point Olde Tyme Christmas
- Mount Vernon Place Holiday Lights
- A Christmas Carol at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
- Holiday Express at the B&O Railroad Museum
- The Holly Jolly Trolley
- Santa & Friends Train Ride
Baltimore Holiday Light Displays
Miracle on 34th Street light display
What to Expect:
Entire neighborhood block participates in elaborate light display
Description:
Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood transforms into a dazzling spectacle each December. Residents of the 700 block of 34th Street collaborate to create an awe-inspiring light display that has captivated visitors since 1947. Stroll down the sidewalk and marvel at the creative decorations adorning every house, from rooftop to sidewalk. This grassroots tradition began as a friendly competition between neighbors and has evolved into a beloved Baltimore institution. You can admire everything from traditional string lights to quirky, handmade decorations that reflect the eclectic spirit of Hampden.
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Miracle on 34th Street light display
Mount Vernon Place Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Illumination of Washington Monument and surrounding park
Description:
The heart of Baltimore's cultural district shines bright during the holiday season. Mount Vernon Place, anchored by the iconic Washington Monument, glows with thousands of twinkling lights. The illumination of this urban park dates back to 1866, making it one of the city's longest-running holiday traditions. Visitors can climb the 227 steps to the top of the Washington Monument for a breathtaking view of the illuminated cityscape. The four parks surrounding the monument feature themed light displays that highlight Baltimore's rich history and diverse communities.
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Mount Vernon Place Holiday Lights
Baltimore Holiday Markets and Shopping
Baltimore Christmas Village
What to Expect:
German-inspired outdoor and indoor holiday market
Description:
Inner Harbor comes alive with the sights and sounds of a traditional German Christmas market. The Baltimore Christmas Village recreates the atmosphere of European holiday bazaars, complete with wooden stalls and an iconic wooden pyramid. Browse handcrafted gifts from local artisans and international vendors alike. The air is filled with the aroma of mulled wine and German delicacies. This cultural exchange began in 2013, inspired by Baltimore's sister city of Bremen, Germany. Visitors can warm up in the heated tent while enjoying live performances by local musicians and dance troupes.
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Baltimore Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
What to Expect:
Dickens' classic adapted with Baltimore-specific elements
Description:
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company breathes new life into Charles Dickens' timeless tale with a distinctly Baltimore twist. Set in 19th-century Charm City, this adaptation incorporates local history and landmarks into the familiar story. The theater itself, housed in a renovated 19th-century bank building, provides an atmospheric backdrop for the performance. Dickens himself visited Baltimore in 1842, adding a layer of authenticity to this localized production. Audience members can participate in a pre-show discussion about Victorian-era Baltimore and its connections to the story.
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A Christmas Carol at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
Baltimore Other Holiday Activities
Fells Point Olde Tyme Christmas
What to Expect:
Historic maritime district celebrates with 19th-century flair
Description:
Fells Point, Baltimore's historic waterfront neighborhood, embraces its maritime heritage during the holiday season. Cobblestone streets lined with 18th and 19th-century buildings provide a picturesque backdrop for seasonal celebrations. Carolers in period costumes serenade visitors, while shopkeepers decorate their storefronts with evergreen garlands and candlelit windows. This event harkens back to the area's heyday as a shipbuilding center in the 1800s. You can join a guided lantern tour to learn about Fells Point's fascinating history and holiday traditions of yesteryear.
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Fells Point Olde Tyme Christmas
Holiday Express at the B&O Railroad Museum
What to Expect:
Holiday train rides in historic railroad roundhouse
Description:
The B&O Railroad Museum, housed in America's oldest railroad roundhouse, celebrates the season with a unique blend of history and holiday cheer. Visitors can ride the Holiday Express train, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive, around the museum's mile-long track. The roundhouse itself is adorned with model train layouts depicting miniature winter scenes. This event pays homage to the golden age of rail travel when holiday train journeys were a cherished tradition. Children can meet Santa in his train-themed workshop and learn about the important role railroads played in shaping American holiday customs.
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Holiday Express at the B&O Railroad Museum
The Holly Jolly Trolley
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed tour of Baltimore on a vintage trolley
Description:
Explore Baltimore's festive sights aboard a restored vintage trolley decked out in holiday finery. The Holly Jolly Trolley winds its way through the city's most picturesque neighborhoods, offering passengers a unique perspective on Baltimore's holiday decorations. Knowledgeable guides share stories of local holiday traditions and point out historic landmarks along the route. This tour revives the spirit of Baltimore's old streetcar system, which operated from 1859 to 1963. Passengers can join in singing classic carols as the trolley jingles through the streets.
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Santa & Friends Train Ride
What to Expect:
Interactive train ride with costumed characters
Description:
All aboard for a whimsical journey with Santa and his friends on the Walkersville Southern Railroad. This hour-long excursion through the Maryland countryside features interactions with beloved holiday characters. Passengers travel in vintage train cars decorated for the season, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The railroad itself has a rich history dating back to 1872, when it served as a vital link between Frederick County and Baltimore. Children can participate in holiday-themed activities and games led by Santa's elves during the ride.
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Nearby Events
Christmas Lights on the Boardwalk (Ocean City)
What to Expect:
Beachfront holiday light display
Description:
Ocean City's famous boardwalk transforms into a coastal winter wonderland. Miles of twinkling lights illuminate the shoreline, creating a unique blend of seaside charm and holiday spirit. Visitors can stroll along the wooden planks, enjoying animated light displays that pay homage to the area's maritime heritage. This event began in the 1980s as a way to attract off-season visitors to the popular beach town. You can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate while watching the waves crash beneath the glowing Ferris wheel at Trimper's Rides, a boardwalk institution since 1893.
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Christmas Lights on the Boardwalk
Lights on the Bay (Annapolis)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display along Chesapeake Bay
Description:
Sandy Point State Park hosts a dazzling drive-through light show along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors meander through a two-mile route featuring more than 70 animated and stationary displays. The backdrop of the Bay Bridge adds a dramatic element to the illuminated scenes. This event, which began in 1995, supports the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Tune your car radio to a special frequency to enjoy holiday music synchronized with certain light displays. The route includes vignettes celebrating Maryland's history and wildlife, from blue crabs to the state bird, the Baltimore oriole.
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Midnight Madness (Annapolis)
What to Expect:
Late-night holiday shopping and entertainment in historic Annapolis
Description:
Annapolis' charming downtown district stays up late for this beloved holiday tradition. Shops along Main Street and the surrounding area keep their doors open until midnight, offering special promotions and festive cheer. The event harkens back to a time when holiday shopping was a communal celebration rather than a rushed errand. Stroll down streets lined with buildings dating back to the 18th century, many adorned with period-appropriate decorations. You can enjoy impromptu performances by local musicians and carolers on street corners and in historic squares.
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Polar Express Train Ride (Ellicott City)
What to Expect:
Immersive recreation of the popular children's book and movie
Description:
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad brings the beloved story of The Polar Express to life with an immersive train ride experience. Passengers board a real steam locomotive, just like in the book, for a journey to the "North Pole." The train travels through the scenic Allegheny Mountains, which are transformed into a winter landscape. This event combines the magic of a classic children's tale with the rich railroad heritage of Western Maryland. Children receive a silver sleigh bell, listen to a reading of the story, and can sip hot chocolate served by dancing chefs.
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Symphony of Lights (Columbia)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display synchronized to holiday music
Description:
Merriweather Post Pavilion, typically known for outdoor concerts, becomes a symphony of light and sound during the holiday season. This drive-through experience features more than 300,000 LED lights synchronized to festive music. Visitors tune their car radios to a dedicated station to hear the soundtrack as they wind through the 1.4-mile route. The event began in 1994 as a fundraiser for Howard County General Hospital and has since become a cherished community tradition. You can spot intricate light sculptures depicting everything from fairy tale characters to local landmarks.