All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.
Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks
November
Through January 19
Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Skate at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink for a memorable experience under the stars with beautiful views of the waterfront and the downtown skyline. Perfect for a date night or family outing. Check out the special events on Thursday evenings including HBCU Night, Glide with Pride, Date Skate and more. Other special events happening throughout the season such as Grinch Steals Christmas on 11/25, Santa Visit on 12/6 and 12/20, Army Navy Celebration & Veteran's Discount on 12/11 and more. Skate rentals are included in pricing. Prices vary depending on age and options chosen. Season passes available. Open 10AM-11PM Saturday, 10AM-8PM Sunday, 12PM-10PM Monday through Thursday and 12PM-11PM Friday; Holiday hours differ. Inner Harbor Ice Rink, 201 E Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/inner-harbor-ice-rink
21-December 24
Photos with Santa. Visit Santa this holiday season at The Shops at Kenilworth! Get your photos with Santa from November 21st-December 24th. Reservations are encouraged; walk-ups will be available as space allows throughout the day. Prices vary depending on package chosen. Hours vary, see link for current schedule. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Ave., Towson. https://www.theshopsatkenilworth.com/events/photos-with-santa/
22-December 24
Christmas Village. Since its inception in 2013, Christmas Village has captured the hearts of Baltimore as a cherished holiday tradition. Inspired by Nuremberg's historic 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt, our market is renowned for its exceptional vendors offering high-quality gifts and food. It's the perfect setting for everyone to create lasting holiday memories amidst festive cheer. Named one of the best Christmas markets in the US by Timeout in 2024, this market features over 60 vendors in charming wooden booths. Illuminated by thousands of lights, including the stunning Glühwein Pyramid, a traditional German mulled wine tower, Christmas Village in Baltimore offers both indoor and outdoor holiday markets, a Carousel and Ferris Wheel, a heated tent, and a beer garden. Warm up with a mug of Glühwein and freshly grilled Bratwurst, or enjoy a stein of German beer from Hofbrau. FREE admission. 12PM-8PM Sunday through Thursday; 12PM-9PM Friday & Saturday; 12PM-5PM Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve; closed Mondays & Tuesdays except for 12/22 & 12/23; closed Wednesday 11/26. West Shore Park, Inner Habor, 401 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.baltimore-christmas.com/index.html
22-January 4
Holiday Train Garden. Holiday cheer is pulling in! The Kenilworth Train Garden arrives Saturday, November 22. This is the holiday event you can’t miss! FREE admission. 10AM-8PM Monday through Saturday; 10AM-5PM Sunday. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Ave., Towson. https://www.theshopsatkenilworth.com/events/holiday-train-garden/
22
Cheers to 30 Years - AVAM's Birthday Bash. AVAM is celebrating 30 years of visionary art, bright ideas, and unforgettable moments. From the Pet Parade to the Kinetic Sculpture Race to our unique exhibitions, they want you to be part of the ongoing AVAM story, honoring the past and toasting the future! Join the fun for a full day of shiny happy visionary fun: guided tours, art-making, birthday cake, artist meet-and-greets and other quirky surprises, offering amusement for all ages. See link for full schedule including a scavenger hynt and Fifi photo ops all day, Blinged Out Birthday Hat Workshop and face painting, a pop-up kitchen cafe, screen painting demo and more. All featured programs are free with museum admission—purchase your tickets now or become a member to get in for free! RSVP requested. FREE with admission. 10AM-5PM. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore. https://www.avam.org/event-details/cheers-to-30-years-avams-birthday-bash
Holiday Makers Market. Belvedere Square’s Holiday Makers Market offers a fun-filled afternoon at the Square for the whole family to shop for the upcoming holidays! Belvedere Square will be filled with local artists, crafters and makers showcasing their incredible holiday items fit for the perfect gift. Guests can enjoy great food and drinks from the Belvedere Square merchants, and live music! It’s time to get in the Holiday giving spirit! FREE admission. 11AM-2PM. Belvedere Square, 529 E Belvedere Ave., Baltimore. https://belvederesquare.com/event/holiday-makers-market/
Fused Glass Ornaments with Viki Keating. Learn the art of fused glass with artist Viki Keating. Place and layer glass scraps to create unique holiday ornaments. Glass creations will be fired in a kiln and will be ready for pickup one week after the workshop. Ages 7+; under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. $25; $21 Members. 12PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/fused-glass-ornaments-w-viki-keating-2025/
Kerplunk! Family Art Drop-In. Kerplunk! is great for younger kids and families! Join us in the Creativity Center every Saturday to create fun seasonal crafts and art projects based on current exhibitions! FREE. 12PM-3PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/kerplunk-free-family-art-drop-in-4/2025-11-22/
Magic of Merryland. A new tradition is taking over Harbor East. The Magic of Merryland begins on November 22nd with an iconic celebration filled with live music, holiday treats, and festive fun for the entire family. From enchanting train rides to memorable pet photos with Santa, the neighborhood will be bursting with cheer. And don’t miss the 2nd Annual Merryland Tree lighting! See link for schedule of events. RSVP for FREE parking! FREE admission. 12PM-6PM. https://harboreast.com/events/the-magic-of-merryland/
26-30
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theatre-goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.” Magnificent sets (John Lee Beatty) and costumes (Robert Morgan) inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the Music and Book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas. The 2025 production is directed by Matt August and co-directed and choreographed by Bob Richard, based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by 4-time Tony Award® winning director, Jack O’Brien. Ticket prices and show times vary, see link for details. The Hippodrome, 12 N Eutaw St., Baltimore. https://baltimore.broadway.com/shows/dr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-the-musical/
26-January 4
Santa Clause is Comin': A Motown Revue. Deck the halls and jingle all the bells! This holiday season, join Center Stage for an upbeat, heartwarming evening of Motown magic! Santa Claus Is Comin’ is a dazzling, family-friendly musical concert celebration by Nygel D. Robinson, the powerhouse performer and co-creator of our breakout hit Mexodus. Packed with heart and groove, this spirited show features classic holiday favorites, reimagined with the unmistakable sound of Motown legends—from Smokey Robinson to The Supremes. Whether you’re bringing kids, coworkers, grandparents, or that one cousin who lives for a dance break—this is the holiday party you don’t want to miss. Ticket prices and show times vary, see link for details. Center Stage, 700 N Calvert St., Baltimore. https://www.centerstage.org/events/santa-claus-is-comin/
28-29
The Polar Express Train Ride. Whether you’re starting a family tradition, planning a festive date night, or celebrating with friends, climb aboard for a magical, two-hour experience inspired by the beloved holiday classic! Slip into your coziest pajamas and climb aboard this enchanted train bound for the North Pole. Your adventure begins with a joyful live performance of “Hot Chocolate,” followed by a special moment with Santa himself—who presents each guest with the First Gift of Christmas: a silver sleigh bell. When you arrive at the B&O Railroad Museum's winter wonderland, the magic continues with holiday crafts, cozy s’mores, festive shopping, and a keepsake photo with Santa. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride brings the spirit of Christmas to life—for all who believe. Ticket prices and times vary; see link for more information. The B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.borail.org/events/polar-express-1/
28-30
Festival of Trees. Since 1990, Festival of Trees has kicked off the holiday season with an unforgettable celebration for an extraordinary cause. Organized by Kennedy Krieger Institute, this three-day celebration brings Baltimore together to raise critical funds for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, disorders and injuries impacting the nervous system. The event features hundreds of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses, a massive vendor marketplace, rides, games, crafts, live entertainment and holiday magic galore. Whether you’re shopping for a cause, meeting Santa for the first time or dancing the night away at the new Tinsel on Tap (21+ event), you’re helping create a brighter future for thousands of children and families. Tinsel on Tap is a 21+ event on Saturday evening; ticket includes 3 cocktails/mocktails, trivia, a DJ and dancing, photo booth, holiday shopping and giveaways. Reindeer Rise and Shine is a family friendly event on Sunday morning. Enjoy a family event for all ages with reduced crowds, unlimited amusement rides for the kids, visits with Santa, holiday dance party, special giveaways and all-day admission to Festival of Trees! A limited number of tickets are available while supplies last. All ages must have a ticket.$20 Adults; $15 Seniors; $10 Children ages 2-12; FREE for children under 2; discount of $2 on advance ticket sales; $40 Tinsel on Tap (Saturday evening); $30 Reindeer Rise & Shine. 10AM-7PM Friday; 10AM-4PM Saturday & Sunday; 7PM-9PM Tinsel on Tap on Saturday; 8-10AM Sunday Reindeer Rise & Shine. The Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://www.kennedykrieger.org/festivaloftrees
28-December 31
Miracle on 34th Street. The unofficial start of the holiday season happens in Hampden, hon! Stroll the neighborhood, enjoy the lights, shop with local merchants and get in the spirit! FREE admission. 6PM-10PM Sunday - Thursday; 6PM-12PM Friday & Saturday. 700 Block of W 34th St., Baltimore. https://www.facebook.com/Miracleon34thSt
28
Holly-Days: Santa & Friends Kick Off. Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo! Santa and Friends join Zoo staff to kick off the holiday season with a parade along Buffalo Yard Road to Zoo Central that will include some of your favorite holiday characters and staff decorated golf carts. Plus, guests are encouraged to wear their holiday pajamas or other festive attire. Don’t miss out on the merry memories waiting to be made! FREE with Zoo Admission. 10AM-4PM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/holly-days/kickoff-to-holly-days/
29-30
Holly-Days: Santa & Friends. Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo! Join for fun craft making, a scavenger hunt, and holiday storytime. Plus, guests are encouraged to wear their holiday pajamas or other festive attire. Don’t miss out on the merry memories waiting to be made! FREE with Zoo Admission. 10AM-4PM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/holly-days/santa-friends-2/
29
Kerplunk! Family Art Drop-In. Kerplunk! is great for younger kids and families! Join us in the Creativity Center every Saturday to create fun seasonal crafts and art projects based on current exhibitions! FREE. 12PM-3PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/kerplunk-free-family-art-drop-in-4/2025-11-29/
December
6
Sock Creature Saturday. There's festive fun afoot: make your own sole-mate at the AVAM! Sock Creatures don’t only make for cuddly companions of your own, but are great last-minute gifts for loved ones of all ages too. Many materials including stuffing, sewing needles, thread, visionary baubles will be provided. Bring a pair of fun, clean, colorful socks if you’d like, they will also have some available for you! FREE; donations accepted. 9AM-1PM. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore. https://www.avam.org/event-details/sock-creature-saturday-2025
Fells Point Old Tyme Christmas. Catch the arrival of jolly old St. Nick in Fells Point during this full day of family fun events. Breakfast with Santa, photo opportunities, festive Family Fun Zone and carolers are just part of the fun. Take in the tree lighting and the parade of boats through the harbor. See link for full schedule of events. FREE admission; some activities require purchase. 9AM-6PM. Broadway Square, Thames St. & Broadway, Baltimore. https://fellspoint.com/events/old-tyme-christmas/
Lighted Boat Parade. Enjoy festive lighted boats as the parade through the Harbor. There are many places to view this beloved Baltimore holiday tradition. Boats originate from the Anchorage Marina in Canton and slowly make their way along the waterfront toward the Inner Harbor. FREE. 5:45PM-8PM. Baltimore Harbor, Baltimore. https://baltimore.org/event/baltimore-lighted-boat-parade/
7
Winter Lights at the Observatory. Live music, food vendors and trucks, local gift vendors, Santa & holiday characters, toy drive and more...FREE! Come early to shop local for wreaths, handmade jewelry and crafts, macarons and decor! Entertainment leading up to the 6pm lighting will feature fabulous entertainers The Ukulalas, Bahía Vieja, Juventud Latina, Ukulalas, Charm City Sings, and Too Much Talent, along with some special guests and carolers! FREE. 4PM-7PM. Patterson Park Observatory, S Patterson Park Ave. at E Pratt St., Baltimore. https://pattersonpark.com/winterlights