All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.
Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks
December
Through 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/
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
Through 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
Through 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/
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/
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
5-30
Holiday Light Spectacular. See what all the excitement is about at the 2nd annual Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular! Over 40,000 people came last year to enjoy this new favorite family holiday tradition. Immerse yourself in a half-mile magical holiday experience of over 1 million twinkling lights, music and mystical snow globes. The trail is complete with 25+ interactive scenes, a winter carnival with Ferris Wheel and more rides, and so much more. $10-$39 depending on day, time and ticket options; additional fees for some activities. 5:30PM-10PM nightly; 5:30PM-7:30PM Christmas Eve; Closed Christmas Day. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://mdholidaylights.com/
19-23
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-3/
20
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-4/2025-12-20/
Helicon’s 40th Annual Winter Solstice Concert. A “not-to-be-missed” seasonal celebration! Joining Helicon once again will be The Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet and Charm City Junction! Ken has performed with his son Brad since 2011 along with bandmates Alex Lacquement and Rachel Eddy as a quartet. Acoustic roots powerhouse Charm City Junction, featuring their unique blend of Irish, Bluegrass and Old Time music, bring their youthful, fiery energy to the stage. Prepare to be dazzled by the astounding North American Step-dance Champion Jonathon Srour (who grew up attending the concerts) and his wife and champion step-dancer/fiddler Claire Shirey. Also joining in the fun, Scottish fiddler Elke Baker and Chris Norman's daughter, vocalist Evangeline Norman. The show is dynamic and unlike any other seasonal show. It’s a tradition that is not to be missed! Doors open roughly 45 minutes prior to show times; all seating is general admission. $45 Adults; $25 Children. 3:30PM & 7:30PM. Kraushaar Auditorium, Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson. https://www.wintersolsticeconcert.com/
21
Hands on Holiday with the Waldorf School: Winter Solstice. Bundle up and join the Waldorf School of Baltimore on the covered patio for a safe, fun and special seasonal evening celebration. This special program is best for children up to age 9 and will include songs, story time, a holiday craft and a very special candlelit walk. Families are welcome to sit on a blanket brought from home. Each year as the Winter Solstice approaches, Waldorf Schools hold the quiet festival of the Winter Spiral. The spiral is ancient and symbolizes the inward-turning we tend to experience as the night grows longer and cold drives us indoors. This is a simple yet profound experience and a wonderful way to celebrate the season. $10 for Children; FREE for accompanying adults. 4:30PM-5:30PM. The Ivy Bookshop, Back Patio, 5928 Falls Rd., Baltimore. https://www.theivybookshop.com/event/hands-on-holiday-with-the-waldorf-school-winter-solstice/
23-30
Snow Days. School’s out—science is in! Celebrate the wonders of winter this winter break with a flurry of science exploration! You will find frosty fun around every corner of the museum each day between December 23 and December 30. All activities are free with paid admission and completely free to members, unless otherwise noted. Explore the concept of friction as you glide around on an indoor ice rink, pick up a few new engineering skills while building snow forts and towers, partake in a daily snowball fight, warm up with a fiery science demonstration or cozy story time, stop by the SciLab to investigate the chemistry of holiday baking. No matter the forecast, there's a 100% chance of an indoor snowstorm, twice each day! FREE with admission. 10AM-4PM Tuesday through Friday; 10AM-5PM Saturday & Sunday. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/snow-days/
26
Kwanzaa Candle Lighting. Kwanzaa has become an integral part of the American culture. Join in lighting the first candle of the holiday in celebration of Umoja, or Unity. A candle will be lit every day of the week and will include a discussion of each day's purpose. FREE. 3:30PM. Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum, 300 Oella Ave., Catonsville. https://discoverbaltimorecounty.com/events/kwanzaa-candle-lighting/
31
Noon Year's Eve. Celebrate the New Year with the whole family! Ring in the New Year at the B&O! Create your celebratory party hat and mirror ball, then head over to our Resolution Station and set your goals for the new year. No New Year’s Celebration would be complete without the chance to see the ball drop, make a toast (with apple juice), and celebrate with confetti poppers. Don’t forget to commemorate this great day out with family with photos topped off with balloons and props. You can also ring in the New Year with a ride on the Reindeer Railway! Departing at 11 am and 1 pm, this special New Year’s edition offers festive fun for the whole family. Every rider will receive a celebration necklace and a delicious treat—the perfect way to welcome 2026! Train ride tickets may be purchased on site. $28 Adult Admission; $24 Seniors; $18 Children; FREE for B&O Members. 10AM-1PM. The B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.borail.org/events/noon-years-eve/