Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the festive magic in Essex with our ultimate holiday guide. For Essex regulars and one-time visitors, this guide is your key to unlocking festive delights.
One of the charming highlights of the season is the Miracle on 34th Street, where houses are adorned with dazzling lights and decorations, creating a picturesque holiday atmosphere. Another noteworthy event is the Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo, featuring enchanting animal encounters and festive decorations that bring the zoo to life during the holidays. And the B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains is something you definitely don’t want to miss, showcasing miniature trains and festive displays for families to enjoy. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Community-driven holiday light display with resident-created decorations.
The Miracle on 34th Street is a 76-year-old holiday light display in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood, featuring colorfully decorated homes, Christmas trees, trains, and animated figures.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Miracle on 34th Street
Spectacular RGB tree lighting show with holiday music.
The National Harbor Tree Light Show features a 60-foot RGB tree that comes to life nightly with a breathtaking light show dancing alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: National Harbor Tree Light Show
Community-driven roller skating with local pop-up markets.
Holiday Remix at the Baltimore Peninsula offers roller skating, local pop-up markets, and family-friendly activities all season long, fostering community and holiday cheer.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Holiday Remix at the Baltimore Peninsula
Diverse local vendors and community activations.
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday marketplace in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Featuring upgraded vendor kiosks, a diverse array of local artisans, captivating community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup, this event promises an immersive marketplace experience.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Seasonal artisans and delicious treats in a festive marketplace.
Join us at the Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair on December 1, 2024, from 12 PM to 4 PM. Explore a merry marketplace filled with handcrafted treasures from local artisans, offering unique gifts for everyone on your list. Savor the flavors of delightful food and desserts from carefully selected vendors, and immerse yourself in festive melodies of Christmas music.
Where: Silver Spring | More Info: Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
Local artisans and vendors showcasing unique holiday gifts and treats.
The Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square offers a day filled with local artisans, delicious food vendors, and heartwarming holiday activities. Explore handcrafted delights, indulge in culinary treats, and enjoy Christmas music and Santa's Magical Corner.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Old Town Alexandria Holiday Events
Open-air market inspired by traditional German Christmas markets
This vibrant outdoor market features traditional European stalls offering unique gifts, delicious food, and holiday cheer. Visitors are invited to stroll through a beautifully decorated plaza, discovering handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and festive decorations. Live entertainment and special events add to the lively atmosphere, creating a delightful experience for guests of all ages.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Christmas Village in Baltimore
Interactive ice sculptures and festive activities.
At Gaylord National Resort, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring larger-than-life sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Enjoy activities like ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, and photos with Santa amidst extraordinary Christmas decorations.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Celebrate the holiday season at the Maryland Zoo with Holly-Days, featuring holiday crafts, photo ops, special appearances, and more. These special weekends are free with zoo admission or membership.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo
Custom model train layouts and festive activities for all ages.
The B&O Railroad Museum transforms into a winter wonderland with the Holiday Festival of Trains, featuring custom model train layouts, Santa's Winter Village, and daytime Reindeer Railway train rides.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains
Unique holiday cocktails in festive settings.
Miracle Pop-Up Bar is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar featuring specialty holiday cocktails and kitschy holiday décor.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Miracle Pop-Up Bar
Holiday celebration with model trains and pollinator-themed displays.
The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator sculptures made from plant parts, along with thousands of poinsettias and DC landmarks crafted from plant materials.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
Family-friendly Christmas event with animal sanctuary access.
Join Hopefield Animal Sanctuary for a family-friendly Christmas event featuring letter writing to Santa, a Christmas trail, Santa's grotto with gifts, Christmas arts and crafts, access to a miniature Christmas village, and free gingerbread, warm squash, and mulled wine. The event includes both indoor and outdoor activities.
Where: Brentwood | More Info: Christmas Fair & Santa at Ho-Ho-Hopefield
