Calendar of Events - Family Friendly Events

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 18

Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Put on your skates and glide under the stars with waterfront views of Baltimore's skyline at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Open daily until January 18. Skate rentals are included in pricing; bring your own skates for $3 off. Tickets are valid for the entire day of purchase. Check link for full schedule as holiday hours may apply. Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. $15; $12 Seniors & Military, and groups of 12+ (call to book groups of more than 20 people); $48 Weekday Cheap Skate Package (4 admission tickets); $100 Season Pass. 12PM-10PM Monday through Thursday; 12PM-11PM Friday; 9AM-11PM Saturday; 9AM-8PM Sunday. Harborplace Pavillions, corner of Light St. & Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/inner-harbor-ice-rink-2026

13-15

Maryland Irish Festival. This annual celebration of Irish culture features local, regional and international Irish music, Irish Dancers, traditional cuisine, cultural exhibits and workshops, and a wide variety of quality vendors of Irish/Celtic goods. Join all weekend to celebrate Irish culture with great music, food, beer, and do some early Christmas shopping with our fantastic vendors! The festival includes many Cultural and Historical displays and performances, and a dedicated kid’s play area with activities, and games. $20 General Admission Friday or Sunday; $25 General Admission Saturday; $55 Three Day Pass; Senior (age 65+) Discount Available; Whiskey Tasting Tickets available for additional cost. 6PM-11PM Friday; 12PM-11PM Saturday; 10:30AM Mass Sunday; 12PM-6PM Festival Sunday. The Maryland Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://irishfestival.com/

Holiday Night Market at The Valley. ’Tis the season to shop, sip, eat, and celebrate! Join The Valley for three festive Friday nights filled with local makers, delicious food & drinks, and holiday hits to get you in the spirit. Come browse unique finds from local makers, grab a bite and a festive drink, and enjoy the holiday vibes with your favorite seasonal hits at this outdoor Holiday Night Market. Bring your friends and family, and make this a new Friday night holiday tradition. FREE admission. 4PM-8PM. Hunt Valley Towne Centre, 118 Shawan Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.shophuntvalley.com/events/holiday-night-market-at-the-valley/

Breakfast with the Chimps: Thanksgiving. Join the zoo for this special Thanksgiving edition of their famous breakfast series! Guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet inside Chimpanzee Forest while the chimp troop receives some fun Thanksgiving enrichment treats. After breakfast, guests will be treated to a special keeper chat. Don’t forget to bring your camera to this unique dining event! Tickets include same day zoo admission. $75; $70 Members; FREE for children under 2 (ticket required). 9AM-10:30AM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/breakfast-with-the-animals/thanksgiving/

Cottage-Core Holiday Market. Step into a storybook holiday market filled with twinkling charm, handcrafted treasures, and the magic of a simpler season. The Cottage Core Holiday Market is a thoughtfully curated shopping experience featuring talented artisans, vintage collectors, makers, bakers, florists, and small businesses offering beautifully crafted goods you won’t find in big box stores. Whether you’re searching for meaningful gifts, one-of-a-kind holiday décor, cozy winter accessories, handmade jewelry, artisan foods, or vintage finds, this is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting independent makers and small businesses. Unlike larger markets packed with mass-produced merchandise, every vendor has been carefully selected to create an experience centered around quality, craftsmanship, creativity, and community. Expect festive photo opportunities, seasonal treats, cozy holiday vibes, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes shopping feel like an event rather than an errand.
Bring your friends, bundle up, and spend the day discovering extraordinary gifts while celebrating the magic of the holiday season. FREE admission. 10AM-4PM. Washington St., Havre de Grace. https://www.facebook.com/events/1574706777493489

20-December 24

Photos with Santa. Santa's coming to The Shops at Kenilworth! Grab your holiday photos with Santa at The North Pole (between Meg Fox Aesthetics & Comfort One Shoes). Reservations are encouraged; walk-ups will be available as space allows throughout the day. See link for registration. $19 to reserve your space (credited toward your photo package purchase); photo packages start at $44.99. 11AM-7PM Monday through Friday; 9AM-8PM Saturday; 11AM-6PM Sunday. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson. https://www.theshopsatkenilworth.com/events/photos-with-santa/

21-December 27

Christmas Village in Baltimore. Named one of the best Christmas markets in the US, Christmas Village features over 70 vendors in charming wooden booths. Thousands of lights illuminate the market, including our iconic Glühwein Pyramid, a traditional German mulled wine tower. Explore the indoor and outdoor holiday market, take a ride on the Carousel or Ferris Wheel, warm up inside the heated festival tent, and enjoy festive food and drinks in the beer garden. Warm up with a mug of Glühwein and freshly grilled Bratwurst, or enjoy a stein of German Hofbräu beer. FREE admission during Preview Weekend and weekdays; $5 Season Pass admission for heated tent on select weekends (ages 18+). 12PM-8PM Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday; 12PM-9PM Friday & Saturday. 12PM-5PM Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve.; Closed Mondays & Tuesdays except 12/21-22; Closed on Wednesday 11/25 & Christmas Day. West Shore Park at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, 501 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.baltimore-christmas.com/index.html

21-January 3

Holiday Train Garden. Holiday cheer is pulling in! The Kenilworth Train Garden arrives Saturday, November 21. Celebrate the season with delightful train displays, scavenger hunt fun, and plenty of holiday cheer. This is the holiday event you can’t miss! FREE admission. 9AM-8PM Monday through Saturday; 9AM-5PM Sunday. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson. https://www.theshopsatkenilworth.com/events/holiday-train-garden/

Magic of Merryland Holiday Tree Lighting Festival. The Magic of Merryland Festival returns to Harbor East for the third annual festival and tree lighting! The Magic of Merryland Festival is an iconic celebration filled with music, holiday treats, and festive fun for the entire family! From enchanting carnival rides to memorable pet photos with Santa, the neighborhood will be bursting with cheer. And don’t miss the 3rd Annual Merryland Tree Lighting at 5:30PM! The Magic of Merryland Festival is FREE and open to the public! Santa arrives at 12PM for pet photos in front of the Merryland Tree. From 2PM–5PM, enjoy the holiday carnival on Aliceanna Street with carnival games, rides, balloon animals, and more! At 5:30PM, head over to International Drive outside of the Four Seasons to watch the lighting of the 40-foot Harbor East Holiday Tree! A festive light show will kick off the holiday season in Harbor East! FREE admission. 12PM-6PM. Harbor East, 800 Aliceanna St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/magic-of-merryland-holiday-tree-lighting-festival-tickets-2003736100616

27-28

Bazaart: Holiday Craft Marketplace. Come to the best art market in Baltimore to kickoff or conclude your holiday shopping! Explore AVAM’s annual holiday marketplace of original creations by 50 regional artists and craftspeople! With works ranging from painting and sculpture to jewelry and handmade clothing, Bazaart has become a Baltimore tradition that attracts hordes of holiday shoppers each year for a truly one-of-a-kind show. After your shopping excursion, enjoy the AVAM galleries (regular admission applies) or stop by the amazing Sideshow gift shop in AVAM's Main Building to find additional unique gifts for your loved ones. FREE admission. 12PM-5PM Friday; 10AM-5PM Saturday. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore. https://www.avam.org/event-details/bazaart-holiday-craft-marketplace-friday-1

27-29

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 Tinsel on Tap, you’re helping create a brighter future for thousands of children and families. $22 General Admission (Advance Discount); $17 Seniors General Admission (Advance Discount), $10 Children 5-12 General Admission (Advance Discount), FREE for Children 4 and under; $40 Tinsel on Tap Advance Discount; $35 Sunday Morning Tunes Concert (Early Bird Pricing); FREE Sunday Morning Tunes admission for Children 2 & under; $120 Family Pack Sunday Morning Concert (Early Bird Pricing); $20 Activity Ticket Discount Pack. 10AM-7PM Friday; 10AM-6PM Saturday; 7PM-10PM Tinsel on Tap (21+) Saturday; 10AM-4PM Sunday. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://www.kennedykrieger.org/festivaloftrees

28-December 19

The Bell Aire Holiday Market. An open-air, holiday-themed artisan market that is an extension of the Belle Aire Market series! The Belle Aire Holiday Market is held on the 4 Saturdays from after Thanksgiving to before Christmas. Featured at the market are dozens of unique artisan vendors selling everything from home decor to jewelry and body care products and more! After you’ve shopped, make sure to check out the rest of downtown’s shops and restaurants – Shop Small this holiday season (and all year round!). FREE admission. 9AM-12PM. Harford County Courthouse, 121 S Main St., Bel Air. https://downtownbelair.com/holiday-market/

28-December 27

Charm City Lights 2026. Charm City Lights is back, and they’re bringing even more holiday magic your way! Grab your, family, gather your friends, and get ready to stroll through the festive wonderland filled with sparkling lights, holiday cheer, and unforgettable memories. This year, organizers bring you a walking-only experience that lets you slow down, take it all in, and enjoy the magic at your own pace. Purchase tickets for the day that you want to join. The lights will run Thursday-Sunday each week. Cozy igloo rentals for a unique holiday experience. Local food vendors serving up delicious food. Tons of picture-perfect moments And of course,plenty of holiday lights! Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, Charm City Lights is the perfect place to make this holiday season shine a little brighter. Bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, and come make magical memories! $10 Adults (ages 19+); $5 Children (ages 3-18); FREE for children 2 & under; $266 Igloo Rental. 5PM-9PM Thursday - Sunday.
Mansion House Lawn, 1876 Mansion House Dr., Baltimore. https://www.eventeny.com/events/charmcitylights2026-35601/

28-January 1

Miracle on 34th Street. Hampden has the Shops, the Food, the Drinks, the Shopping and, last but not least, the Lights. Residents will light the street on November 28 at 6 p.m. and will run until New Years Day. Lights go on at dark and go off around 10 p.m. except Friday and Saturday when they stay on until midnight. So many people come every year they have to block the street off to car traffic just about every night. The merchants are ready; the residents are ready – let’s make this the best holiday season ever! FREE admission. 6PM-10PM Daily. Hampden, 736 W 34th St., Baltimore. https://www.facebook.com/Miracleon34thSt/

28-January 3

Winter Wonderland. Enjoy the spirit of the holiday season along Main Street in Bel Air with light displays, including the Bel Air Armory, Harford County Courthouse, and Bel Air Town Hall. Downtown Bel Air will be lit with thousands of warm lights for the community to enjoy each night. Immerse yourself in the glow of holiday lights while enjoying live musical performances, carolers, carriage rides, visits with Santa and much more on Saturdays, November 28, December 5, and December 12 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Plus, you can check items off your gift-giving list with extended hours in many of our shops. FREE admission. 5PM-11PM Nightly. Downtown Bel Air, Main St., Bel Air. https://christmasinbelair.com/winterwonderland-2/

The Hampden Karmpus Yule Market & Toys for Tots Collection. Something wickedly festive is coming to Hampden... get ready for the New Krampus Yule Market! The Baltimore Krampus Group is teaming up with the Hampden Village Merchants Association to bring you a holiday experience like no other. Whether you've been naughty or nice, this ALL-AGES event has something for everyone! With 30+ local vendors, shop the best creepy holiday decor, oddities, crafts and cosplay gear. Dust off your favorite costumes - cosplay is encouraged! Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. FREE admission. 10AM-5PM. Roosevelt Park, 1221 W 36th St., Baltimore. https://www.hampdenmerchants.com/events/yulemarket

December

Monument Lightingat Mount Vernon Place. The Monument Lighting is the unofficial opening of the holiday season in Baltimore. Taking place the first Thursday in December, Monument Lighting is a joyous event culminating with a spectacular fireworks display. Guests enjoy musical performances on stage, while having a tasty bite of food from a holiday vendor village. The Washington Monument is decked out with thousands of LED lights strings which are illuminated as the fireworks begin. It’s an exciting time to be in Mount Vernon Place! FREE admission. 5PM. Mount Vernon Place, 699 Washington Pl., Baltimore. https://mountvernonplace.org/monument-lighting/

Bel Air Christkindl Markt. Come out for the holiday magic in Bel Air. Held in conjunction with Winter Wonderland in Bel Air, this amazing Holiday Market has everything you need for gift shopping, local favorites, unique and one-of-a-kind treasures. Not to mention local food, drinks and entertainment. Festive FUN for the whole family, including your four-legged furry friends. FREE admission. 12PM-6PM. Downtown Bel Air, 2 S Bond St., Bel Air. https://www.belairchristkindlmarkt.com/

Winter Wonderland Craft Fair. Come to the Bel Air Armory to shop the Winter Wonderland Craft Fair, featuring dozens of artisans offering unique gift items for everyone on your list. FREE admission. 3PM-8M. The Bel Air Armory, 37 N Main St., Bel Air. https://christmasinbelair.com/winterwonderland-2/

6

Sensory Photos with Santa. Sensory Friendly Santa is an opportunity for children with special needs and their families to enjoy a photo session with Santa. Extra care has been taken to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children so they can enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition. The mall lights will be dim, the music off and the many shops are not yet open for business. Our holiday train garden will be running on the first level. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged; walk-ins welcome and are subject to time allotment. FREE registration; photos available for purchase at visit. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson. https://www.theshopsatkenilworth.com/events/sensory-photos-with-santa/

Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks

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December

November