Updated November 21, 2023
After Thanksgiving, the real fun starts. If you’re in Baltimore during the holidays there are plenty of ways to fill up on holiday cheer. My favorite event is the Annual German Christmas Village, but there’s a lot more to do. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of how to celebrate Christmas in Baltimore, Maryland.
German Christmas Village in Baltimore
Since living in Baltimore, it’s become a tradition for me to visit the German Christmas Village at the Inner Harbor. The Christmas Village includes all kinds of product vendors, live music, special events, and all the German Christmas market traditions.
The village is open November 18-December 24 from 12 pm-7 or 8 pm depending on the day. Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets, it includes vendors selling traditional German foods and drinks like glühwein (mulled wine), beer, pretzels, bratwurst, potato pancakes, and schnitzel, as well as clothing, handmade body products, and holiday decorations. An enclosed tent contains more vendors, a beer garden, music stage, and the main attraction, the Käthe Wohlfahrt store.
Käthe Wohlfahrt is a family-owned business selling traditional German Christmas decorations hand crafted from wood, including nutcrackers, schwiboggen (decorative candle holders), incense smokers, and nativity scenes. These pieces can be very pricey, but are beautiful and detailed works of art that are meant to stay in the family for generations.
The Christmas Village also hosts events throughout the season. Wine and spirits tastings, a tree lighting ceremony, and an appearance from the Christkind during the opening ceremony are a few of the events taking place this year. Every year, the Christkind visits from Nuremberg for Christmas Village opening ceremonies.
Where to Celebrate the Holidays in Baltimore (2023)
Note: I update this list every year, so bookmark it/save it to Pinterest for the future!
Holiday Pop-Up Markets
German Christmas Village: November 18-December 24 at West Shore Park/Inner Harbor
Bazaart Annual Holiday Craft Marketplace: November 24 from 12-5 pm & November 25 from 10-5 pm at the American Visionary Art Museum. Free entry.
Holiday Market with Chuck’s Trading Post: November 24 from 5-9 pm at Pariah Brewing Company
Greater Goods Fall Market: November 26 from 12-5 at R. House
Highlandtown Holiday Night Market: December 1 from 4-9 pm at the Creative Alliance
Holiday Shopping in Waverly: December 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 7 am-12 pm at the 32nd Street Farmers Market
Holiday Market: December 9 from 12-4 pm at Checkerspot Brewing Company
Pints & Panic – A Holiday Shopping Event: December 9 from 12-5 pm at Heavy Seas Beer
Station North Holiday Market: December 9 from 12:30-5:30 pm at the North Avenue Market
Union Collective Holiday Bazaar: December 16, 12 pm at Union Collective
Light Displays
Merriweather Symphony of Lights: November 23-January 1 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. $12-$50 admission.
Hampden Miracle on 34th Street: November 26-January 1 on 34th Street. Free.
North Pole Lights Walk: November 24-December 30 at Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm in Severn. $5-$10 admission.
Outdoor & Indoor Festivals
Fells Point Krampuslauf: December 2 from 6-10 pm at The Square in Fells Point
Fells Point Krampuslauf Afterparty: December 2 at 10 pm at Alexander’s Tavern
Winter Wonderland: December 2 from 9 am-12 pm in Cockeysville, MD
53rd Annual East Baltimore Christmas Caroling in Fells Point: December 23 starting at 6 pm at the Polish Home Club
Performances
Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas One and All: December 15, 7:30 pm at CFG Bank Arena
Tuba Christmas Baltimore Concert: December 16, 3:30 pm at Baltimore Inner Harbor Ampitheatre. Free.
Tree Lighting Events
Holiday Tree Lighting at Sagamore Spirit: December 1 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Free.
Winter Lights at the Observatory: December 3 from 4-6:30 pm at Patterson Park Pagoda. Free.
Monument Lighting: December 7 from 5-8 pm at Mt. Vernon Place. Free.
Ice Skating Rinks
Inner Harbor Ice Rink: November 11-January 15 at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. $15 adult admission + skate rental.
Holiday Events for History Lovers
Some Enchanted Evergreen: December 9 from 11-2. $5.
Homewood for the Holidays: December 10 from 11-2. $5.
Holiday Parties & Networking
Kruel Winter Vol. 2: December 9 from 7-11 pm at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia. $75.
Annual Children’s Christmas Party: December 17 from 12-4 pm at Polish Home Club. $3-$5.
Do you know of an event not listed here or another way to celebrate Christmas in Baltimore? Leave a comment below and I’ll add it to the list!
If you liked this, check these out:
15 Amazing Holiday Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers
A Complete Guide to Christmas in Washington DC
Christmas in Germany: 3 Christmas Markets Not to Miss
How to Spend a Self-Care Day in Baltimore
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