Last updated: November 11, 2024
Enjoy the magic of the holidays in Severn with our comprehensive guide. For Severn experts and novices alike, our guide is your key to unlocking seasonal wonders.
This season, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the DowntownDC Holiday Market, where local artisans and delicious food vendors create a charming shopping experience. Featuring holiday treats and unique gifts, Christmas at Gaylord National dazzles with its stunning decorations and activities for the family. And the beloved Miracle on 34th Street is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing festive displays and community spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Severn Holiday Light Displays
Miracle on 34th Street
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday light display with unique resident-created decorations.
- Description
- The Miracle on 34th Street is a holiday light display in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood, featuring colorfully decorated homes, Christmas trees, trains, animated figures, and various holiday symbols. This epic celebration is in its 76th year and is a free display meant for all to enjoy.
- Where
- Baltimore | More Info : Miracle on 34th Street
Winter Glow at Mount Vernon
- What to Expect
- 18th-century holiday experience with illuminated historic spaces.
- Description
- Explore Mount Vernon's historic estate illuminated with brilliant lights and holiday patterns, featuring an 18th-century winter encampment, costumed carolers, and Aladdin the Camel. Enjoy warm fires, s'mores, and holiday shopping amidst the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Mount Vernon | More Info : Winter Glow at Mount Vernon
ZooLights
- What to Expect
- Immersive light displays with live music and seasonal treats.
- Description
- This annual holiday light spectacular at the Smithsonian's National Zoo features glowing lantern animals, live musical performances, and festive pathways to explore throughout the zoo.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : ZooLights
CityCenterDC's Holiday Tree
- What to Expect
- Dazzling 75-foot tree with live music and festive activities.
- Description
- CityCenterDC's 75-foot tree is a central attraction, adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments. The event features a joyful music performance by The Revels, balloon artists, face painters, and holiday treats. NBC4's Eun Yang hosts the official tree lighting ceremony and countdown. Visitors can also enjoy the Palmer Alley Dream Closet art installation and meet the two resident 25-foot reindeer.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : CityCenterDC's Holiday Tree
Lights On The Bay
- What to Expect
- Scenic drive with more than 70 animated and stationary light displays.
- Description
- A two-mile illuminated drive along the Chesapeake Bay featuring over 70 animated and stationary light displays, sponsored by the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Lights On The Bay
Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree
- What to Expect
- Annual tree lighting ceremony with local performances and Santa's visit.
- Description
- The Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree is a festive event featuring local dancers, musical performances, and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Elfie as they arrive to light the tree, surrounded by carolers and general merriment.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
- What to Expect
- Boats decorated with thousands of colored lights cruise through Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek.
- Description
- The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is an annual holiday event where boats adorned with thousands of colored lights cruise through Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek, creating a spectacular display of light and joy.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
National Harbor Tree Light Show
- What to Expect
- Spectacular RGB tree lighting display with holiday music.
- Description
- 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
Severn Holiday Markets and Shopping
German Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- Authentic German Christmas Market with a wide selection of mulled wine and European food.
- Description
- German Christmas Village in Baltimore features over 60 local and international vendors offering high-quality gifts and European cuisine. The event includes a magnificent Glühwein pyramid, a heated festival tent, and various rides like a historic carousel and Ferris wheel.
- Where
- Baltimore | More Info : German Christmas Village
DowntownDC Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Revitalized holiday market with upgraded vendor kiosks and diverse local vendors.
- Description
- The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday marketplace in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, featuring local vendors, artisans, and community activations. Expect upgraded vendor kiosks, a diverse array of artisans, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : DowntownDC Holiday Market
Dupont Circle Holiday Pop-Up
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday shopping experience with local artisans and seasonal treats.
- Description
- The Dupont Circle Holiday Pop-Up features a diverse array of handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, home decor, and seasonal treats, showcasing local artisans and boutique brands.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Dupont Circle Holiday Pop-Up
Heurich House Museum's Christkindlmarkt
- What to Expect
- Local artisans selling handmade goods in a historic setting.
- Description
- Heurich House Museum's Christkindlmarkt is a German-style holiday market featuring local artisans, historic home tours, and festive activities.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Heurich House Museum's Christkindlmarkt
Midnight Madness
- What to Expect
- Holiday shopping event with live entertainment and decorated streets.
- Description
- Downtown Annapolis transforms into a holiday shopping paradise with Midnight Madness, featuring decorated streets, holiday markets, and live entertainment.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Midnight Madness
Chocolate Binge Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique chocolate tour with diverse vendors.
- Description
- The Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival is a family-friendly event featuring chocolate vendors, holiday shopping, live music, and a festive holiday light canopy. Enjoy a chocolate tour along West Street with various chocolate specialties and complete your holiday shopping at the local artisan market.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Chocolate Binge Festival
Annapolis Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique, handmade gifts and specialty foods.
- Description
- The Annapolis Holiday Market is an outdoor holiday market featuring local artisans selling unique, handmade gifts and specialty foods. Visitors can explore the market along City Dock, enjoy live entertainment, and find the perfect presents for loved ones.
- Where
- Annapolis | More Info : Annapolis Holiday Market
Severn Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Gaylord National
- What to Expect
- Interactive ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
- Description
- At Gaylord National, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring ICE with Charlie Brown Christmas, stunning ice sculptures, and festive activities like ice tubing and gingerbread decorating.
- Where
- National Harbor | More Info : Christmas at Gaylord National
A Christmas Carol
- What to Expect
- 19th-century Baltimore setting with a fresh adaptation.
- Description
- In 19th-century Baltimore, Ebenezer Scrooge embarks on a transformative journey from miserliness to redemption, guided by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. This adaptation by Laura Rocklyn, directed by Sèamus Miller, brings a fresh and vibrant update to the classic tale.
- Where
- Baltimore | More Info : A Christmas Carol
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday show blending stepping with festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a vibrant celebration of African American stepping traditions, featuring fabulous furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom and DJ Nutcracker, ensuring a fun and exciting experience for the entire family.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
Gaylord National Hotel Show
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday attractions with elaborate ice sculptures.
- Description
- At Gaylord National, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring larger-than-life sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Enjoy activities like gingerbread decorating, ice skating, and bumper cars amidst extraordinary Christmas decorations.
- Where
- National Harbor | More Info : Gaylord National Hotel Show
Severn Other Holiday Activities
Inner Harbor Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Ice skating with waterfront views of Baltimore's neon-lit skyline.
- Description
- The Inner Harbor Ice Rink offers a unique winter experience with waterfront views of Baltimore's neon-lit skyline. Skate under the stars and enjoy the city's festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Baltimore | More Info : Inner Harbor Ice Rink
Zoo Lights at The Maryland Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at The Maryland Zoo with festive crafts, photo ops, special appearances, and more. Enjoy a jolly good time filled with holiday activities and beloved animals.
- Where
- Baltimore | More Info : Zoo Lights at The Maryland Zoo
Lighting of the National Menorah
- What to Expect
- International symbol of religious freedom with prominent public figures.
- Description
- The National Menorah Lighting Ceremony is a prominent public Chanukah event featuring a musical performance by the Military Bands of the Military District of Washington, accompanied by a celebrity Jewish artist. Special guests include the President, Vice President, and other high-ranking officials. The event celebrates Chanukah with music, food, and entertainment, highlighting the National Essay Winners.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Lighting of the National Menorah
Tudor Place Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Historic house decorated with disco balls for a 1970s holiday twist.
- Description
- Tudor Place transforms into a vibrant 1970s setting with dazzling disco balls, blending historical elegance with pop culture for a unique holiday celebration.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Tudor Place Holiday Events
District Holiday Boat Parade
- What to Expect
- Spectacular fireworks finale over the Washington Channel.
- Description
- The District's Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf features 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel, accompanied by landside activities like hot toddies, live music, ornament decorating, and visits with Santa.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : District Holiday Boat Parade