Discover the top holiday highlights in Towson! Our guide features all the must-see events and activities for a festive season to remember.
Experience the magical Towson Winterfest, featuring dazzling lights and festive displays. From handcrafted gifts to delicious treats, the Baltimore Christmas Village brings European holiday charm to the heart of Maryland. And the Miracle on 34th Street Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its spectacular holiday light shows. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Towson
See these and even more events listed below!Towson Other Holiday Activities
Towson Winterfest
What to Expect:
Ice sculpture demonstrations
Description:
Towson Winterfest transforms the heart of downtown into a frosty celebration. Skilled artisans carve intricate ice sculptures before your eyes, demonstrating their mastery over this ephemeral medium. The event pays homage to Towson's rich artistic heritage, dating back to the early 20th century. You can try your hand at ice skating on the temporary rink, gliding alongside locals and visitors alike. The crisp winter air carries the aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts, adding a traditional touch to this modern winter gathering.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
What to Expect:
Historic church's centuries-old tradition
Description:
Towson's oldest church hosts a solemn yet uplifting Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, continuing a tradition that spans centuries. The historic sanctuary, dating back to the early 1800s, provides a reverent backdrop for this annual gathering. Soft candlelight illuminates the space, casting a warm glow on the gathered congregation. You can participate in the passing of the light, a symbolic gesture of hope and community. The harmonious voices of the choir resonate through the church, performing carols both ancient and modern in this timeless celebration of faith and unity.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Nearby Events
Baltimore Christmas Village (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
German-inspired outdoor market
Description:
Baltimore's Inner Harbor comes alive with the spirit of Old World traditions at the Christmas Village. This German-inspired outdoor market recreates the charm of European holiday bazaars. Wooden stalls line the waterfront, offering unique crafts and delicacies from around the globe. The village honors Baltimore's strong German immigrant history, which shaped the city's culture in the 19th century. Visitors can savor authentic Glühwein, a warm spiced wine, while browsing handcrafted ornaments and artisanal gifts. The gentle lapping of harbor waters provides a soothing backdrop to this cultural fusion.
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Miracle on 34th Street Lights (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Resident-driven community light display
Description:
Hampden's 34th Street ignites with a dazzling display of lights and creativity. This resident-driven spectacle has been a Baltimore tradition since 1947, showcasing the neighborhood's tight-knit community spirit. Each house contributes its own unique flair, from quirky lawn ornaments to elaborate light shows. You'll discover a hub-cap Christmas tree, a bicycle-wheel snowman, and countless other imaginative creations. The street buzzes with energy as visitors stroll past the illuminated rowhouses, their facades aglow with thousands of twinkling lights.
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Christmas Parade (Bel Air)
What to Expect:
Vintage fire truck Santa arrival
Description:
Bel Air's Christmas Parade marches through the heart of town, bringing holiday cheer to Main Street. The highlight of this annual tradition is Santa's grand entrance atop a vintage fire truck, a nod to the town's rich firefighting history dating back to 1890. Colorful floats, adorned with twinkling lights, glide past cheering crowds. Local marching bands fill the air with jubilant holiday tunes. You can join in the festivities by decorating a small float or marching with a community group, becoming part of this cherished local celebration.
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Festival of Trees (Timonium)
What to Expect:
Designer-decorated trees for charity
Description:
The Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium burst with creativity during the Festival of Trees. This event showcases hundreds of professionally decorated trees, each a unique work of art. Local designers and organizations compete to create the most stunning displays, with proceeds benefiting the Kennedy Krieger Institute. The festival originated in 1990 and has since become the largest holiday extravaganza on the East Coast. Visitors can bid on their favorite trees to take home, or simply admire the innovative designs. The air hums with excitement as families explore this forest of festive finery.
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Holiday Train Garden (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Interactive model train displays
Description:
The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore hosts a captivating Holiday Train Garden, celebrating the city's rich railroad history. Miniature landscapes come to life with intricate model trains chugging through snow-covered villages and past tiny holiday scenes. This tradition dates back to the 1930s when many Baltimore residents created similar displays in their homes. You can operate some of the trains yourself, delighting in the power to control these miniature marvels. The rhythmic clickety-clack of wheels on tracks fills the air, evoking nostalgia for rail journeys of yesteryear.
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Polar Express Train Ride (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Immersive story-based train journey
Description:
The B&O Railroad Museum brings the beloved children's book to life with its Polar Express Train Ride. Passengers embark on a journey to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate service and a reading of the classic story. The experience unfolds aboard a real train, honoring Baltimore's significant role in American railroad history. You'll receive a silver sleigh bell, just like in the tale. The train whistle pierces the night air, signaling the start of an adventure that blends literature, history, and holiday spirit into an unforgettable excursion.
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Nutcracker Ballet (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Local dance company's unique interpretation
Description:
The Lyric Opera House in Baltimore hosts a distinctive rendition of The Nutcracker, performed by a local dance company. This interpretation infuses Baltimore's personality into the classic ballet, with set designs inspired by the city's landmarks. The production honors the Lyric's 125-year history of hosting world-class performances. You can marvel at the graceful movements of the dancers as they bring Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life. The orchestra's live performance resonates through the historic theater, enveloping the audience in a symphony of holiday melodies.
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Reindeer Run (Bel Air)
What to Expect:
Costume-encouraged charity run
Description:
Bel Air's Reindeer Run dashes through the town, combining fitness with holiday spirit. This 5K race encourages participants to don their most creative holiday-themed costumes, transforming the streets into a parade of running Santas, elves, and reindeer. The event supports local charities, continuing Bel Air's long tradition of community giving. You can join the fun by running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines. The pounding of feet on pavement mingles with jingle bells, creating a rhythmic holiday soundtrack as participants make their way through the historic town center.