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

December

Through December 3

'Twas the Night Before...by Cirque du Soleil. A thrilling interpretation of the well-known holiday classic, ‘Twas the Night Before…, as only Cirque du Soleil could conjure it. This joyful show about the virtues of generosity and friendship promises to leave a lasting impression on families this holiday season. ‘Twas the Night Before…, Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever holiday production, is a whirlwind of love, holiday cheer, riotous fun, and adorably endearing characters that will establish a new tradition for families to treasure. Ticket prices and show times vary. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N Eutaw St., Baltimore. https://baltimore.broadway.com/shows/twas-the-night-before-by-cirque-du-soleil/

Through December 24

Christmas Village in Baltimore. Christmas Village in Baltimore is a combination of an outdoor and indoor holiday festival at West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor. The event is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany, like the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg. From November 18th through Christmas Eve 2023, vendors in wooden booths will offer traditional European food, sweets and drinks. Need to start your Christmas shopping? Keep an eye out for our unique selection of international and local vendors. Expect handmade holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry as well as high-quality arts and crafts. Warm yourself with a hot glass of Glühwein while enjoying festive Christmas lights at the Inner Harbor. The outdoor area around the Walter Sondheim Fountain and along the Inner Harbor Promenade will bring the original Christmas Village charm with its traditional German style wooden huts to Baltimore. Additionally, a heated festival tent will further enhances the festive ambiance, providing more shopping atmosphere with more vendors, a food court and an event space. The unique atmosphere with thousands of holiday lights, the big Gluhwine Pyramid, the delicious smell of waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst and mulled wine gets you and your family into the perfect Christmas spirit! FREE admission. 12PM-8PM Sundays through Thursdays; 12PM-9PM Fridays & Saturdays. West Shore Park, 501 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.baltimore-christmas.com/index.html

Through January 15

Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Put on your skates and glide under the stars with waterfront views of Baltimore's neon-lit skyline at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Open daily through January 15th. Ticket prices vary. 12PM-10PM Monday through Thursday, 12PM-11PM Friday, 10AM-11PM Saturday, 10AM-8PM Sunday. Baltimore Inner Harbor, 201 E Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/inner-harbor-ice-rink

1-3

Polar Express Train Ride. Climb aboard The Polar Express to create a Christmas memory that you and your family will cherish forever! Come in your pajamas as a family to watch the live performance of The Polar Express. Once on the train, the classic Christmas tale will be performed and little ones will have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive their first gift of Christmas! Santa’s helpers will greet you upon arrival to the North Pole, where you can take pictures with Santa and have lots of holiday fun. Ticket prices and times vary; see website for details. The B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.borail.org/polar-express/

2023 Highlandtown Holiday Night Market. Made In Baltimore is partnering with the Highlandtown Arts District to host a holiday night market. The market will take place at Creative Alliance in The Patterson and the new Creativity Center, directly across the street. The Holiday Night Market is taking place during the Highlandtown First Friday Art Walk, which draws hundreds of attendees monthly! This evening will also feature Highlandtown’s annual tree lighting and holiday celebration. FREE admission. 4PM-9PM. Creative Alliance, 3134 and 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/2024-highlandtown-holiday-night-market/

First Friday Highlandtown Art Walk and Annual Tree Lighting. It’s December and Highlandtown has a night of celebration and holiday shopping planned! Start your night early at 4pm with the Highlandtown Holiday Night Market at Creative Alliance featuring 20+ artists and makers! Enjoy family fun from 4:30-6:30pm outside the Southeast Anchor Library with FREE photos with Santa, tunes by DJ Eddible, performances by Jovenes en Accion, hula hoop fun with Mystic HouseFlows, FREE cocoa from High Ground Cafe, FREE snacks from HOHM Apartments and the annual tree lighting (approx 5:45pm)! Plus, the Train Garden is open, too! There’s no better way to start December than with friends, family & neighbors during a full night of fun and festivities in Highlandtown! FREE. 4PM-9PM. Highlandtown Neighborhood, Eastern Ave. from S East Ave. to S Conkling St., Baltimore. https://www.ihearthighlandtown.com/2023/11/01/first-friday-art-walks-2023/

Mount Vernon's Washington Monument Lighting. Illuminating the historic Washington Monument is a Baltimore holiday tradition that has been around for decades. The night includes caroling, food and good cheer. Fireworks cap the evening marking the official start of the holiday season. FREE. 5PM-9PM. Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore. https://godowntownbaltimore.com/monument-lighting-2/

2-3

East Coast Indoor Nationals Car Show. This car, truck and bike show will feature a variety of makes, models and years on display, 50+ vendors, live entertainment, Pin Striping Expo and more! More than 100 awards from Weekend Drivers to Professional Show Vehicles with over $10,000 in Cash, Awards and Prizes. $20 Adult; $10 Children ages 11-15; FREE for Children 10 and under. 9AM-7PM Saturday, 9AM-4PM Sunday. Maryland Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://motoramaproductions.com/

Holly-Days - The Grinch of Zooville. Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo! In early December, the Grinch of Zooville will be paying a visit. Join all weekend for a jolly good time filled with holiday crafts and so much more. Enjoy train rides with the Grinch, photo ops, story time, animal ambassadors, crafts, Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, S'mores station, hot cocoa and spiked cocoa, and more. Plus, guests are encouraged to wear ugly holiday sweaters. Don’t miss out on the merry memories waiting to be made! FREE with zoo admission, some activities come with an additional fee, see link for details. 10AM-4PM Saturday & Sunday. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/holly-days/the-grinch-of-zooville/

Baltimore Holiday Makers Market. Organizers will deck the halls of Harborplace’s Light St Pavilion with the spectacular THE BLINKATORIUM light sculptures by Scott Pennington and capture your fabulous and furry friends with Family and Pet Portraits by Side A Photography. Grab a Coffee and Dessert while you shop your heart out supporting local creatives on the waterfront like you’ve always wanted to! Don’t miss dozens of models wrapped in Baltimore’s latest trends as they catwalk down the center of the pavilion for this holiday’s Winter Looks show produced by Tightfisted Fashion. Sit back and enjoy some Southern Cuisine by Taste This in the old Johnny Rockets, or vibe on vegan delights by Ma’at Kitchen and Irie Watas. Brandon Woody’s UPENDO plays on Sunday, music sure to make the Fudgery proud! Either way, the sights, sounds, and tastes in this retro building will set your friends and family up for the perfect Holiday kickoff! Discover 60+ homegrown brands and entrepreneurs making their way to the top of your wish list. Even though you shoulda been shopping for your loved ones instead! We know it’s hard not to fall in love with our city’s creatives toting modern streetwear, self-care products, jewelry, and original artworks, plus a very merry Vintage Marketplace, curated by The Charmers Club at this TWO-DAY Take-Over! FREE admission. 3PM-8PM Saturday, 12PM-5PM Sunday. Inside Harborplace Light Street Pavilion, 201 E Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/holiday-makers-market

Olde Tyme Christmas. Fell's Point Main Street’s annual family-friendly Christmas celebration! They kick off the day with Santa arriving on a tugboat and end with the lighting of the neighborhood tree and a whole lot of fun in between. FREE admission. 9AM-6PM. Fells Point, Baltimore. https://www.fellspointmainstreet.org/calendar-of-events/olde-tyme-christmas

Ending the Silence: Free Mental Wellness Workshop. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) brings their Ending the Silence wellness workshop to Creative Alliance for children and guardians. This 90-minute program provides families and caregivers with resources to navigate supporting a friend, family member, or student experiencing a mental health condition. Students’ mental and emotional health has been severely affected by the pandemic and societal factors. NAMI offers this program as a support so that families have access to tools to help their students grow and flourish in their social, academic, and home contexts. The Ending the Silence presentation has been shown to be effective in changing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions and toward help seeking, and helps parents and school faculty learn how they can begin to have conversations about mental health with youth. FREE, registration required. 10AM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/ending-the-silence-free-mental-wellness-workshop/

2023 Holiday Parade. Celebrate the season with local high school marching bands, street performers, mascots, dance troops and so much more – all leading up to the big guy in the red suit! Plus, Santa will be sticking around for “Skate with Santa” at the ice rink! Tickets for skating will be available prior to the parade. FREE admission (fee for skating). 10AM. The Avenue at White Marsh, 8125 Honeygo Blvd., White Marsh. https://theavenueatwhitemarsh.com/2023/07/24/2023-holiday-parade/

Kerplunk! Family Art Drop-In. Kerplunk! Family Art Drop-in class is great for younger kids and families! Join in the Creativity Center every Saturday to create fun seasonal crafts and art projects based on current exhibitions! This week's theme is Geometric Jungle - create a playful geometric composition using fabric to add color to any space. FREE. 12PM-3PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/kerplunk-free-family-art-drop-in-fall-2023/2023-12-02/

Fused Glass Ornament Workshop. Learn the art of fused glass with artist Viki Keating. Place and layer glass scraps to create a unique holiday ornament of your own fabulous design. Ornaments will be fired in a kiln and will be ready for pickup one week after the workshop. Ages 5 and up. Under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. $20, $18 Members. 1PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/fused-glass-ornaments/

Public Menorah Lighting. Celebrate the Chanukah season with Chabad of Park Heights. FREE Admission. 2:30PM. McKeldin Square, 100 E Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.chabadofparkheights.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/4198624/jewish/Chanukah-Schedule.htm

Fed Hill Frosty Fest. Bring the family to meet Santa, mail your letters to the North Pole, and enjoy Frosty’s hot cocoa bar while listening to live music — including a special performance from the Digital Harbor Marching Band! This event is FREE to the community thanks to South Baltimore Gateway Partnership and all are welcome! FREE. 4PM-8PM. Federal Hill Main Street, 42 E Cross St., Baltimore. https://fedhill.org/event/2nd-annual-fedhill-frostyfest/

Baltimore Lighted Boat Parade. One of Baltimore’s favorite Christmas traditions, a spectacular parade of over 50 boats decorated with sparkling lights, can be admired as they pass the shores of Inner Harbor and Fells Point. Share this magical Charm City moment with family and friends after a day of holiday shopping and festivities at the Old Tyme Christmas Festival in Fells Point. FREE. 5:45PM-8PM. Various locations between Canton, Fells Point and the Inner Harbor, Baltimore. https://baltimore.org/event/baltimore-lighted-boat-parade/

50th Annual Mayor's Christmas Parade. Sponsored by community associations and businesses in North Baltimore's Hampden and Medfield neighborhoods. The parade will feature floats, local TV and Radio personalities, over 100 Harley Davidson motorcycles, a steam calliope, great bands, Mummers of Philadelphia, Miss Yuletide and Jr. Miss Yuletide and of course Santa! FREE. 1PM. North Baltimore's Hampden and Medfield Neighborhoods, parade begins at Falls Rd. at Cold Spring Ln., through Hampden along 36th St., Baltimore. https://baltimore.org/event/mayors-christmas-parade/

33rd Annual Town of Bel Air Christmas Celebration. The Downtown Bel Air Christmas Parade is a tradition that has been going on for over 30 years! Enjoy the annual parade down Main Street followed by holiday music, a bonfire, hot chocolate and food trucks in Shamrock Park. Come together as a community to celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Bel Air! FREE admission. 3:30PM-5:30PM. Main St, to end of Lee St, and Shamrock Park, 39 N Hickory Ave., Bel Air. https://downtownbelair.com/events/bel-air-christmas-parade-tree-lighting-celebration/

Winter Lights at the Observatory. Kick off the holiday season at Patterson Park's 8th Annual Winter Lights. Lights, music, food and local gift vendors, crafts, hoola hoops and so much more! FREE admission. 4PM-6:30PM. Patterson Park Observatory, S Patterson Park Ave. at E Pratt St., Baltimore. https://pattersonpark.com/winterlights

8-9

Wild Workshop. Head on down to the Penguin Education Center for an evening of merriment creating a holiday-themed DIY craft (that you can take home). Guests will paint a mandala design on a tealight holder while learning about African penguin conservation during a special keeper chat. Plus, there will be charcuterie and a flight of holiday libations (21+) and themed drinks! Drinking tickets include two drinks. This event is for guests ages 12 and over. $60 Non-Drinking Ticket, $55 Non-Drinking Ticket Members; $80 Drinking Ticket; $70 Drinking Ticket Members. 6PM-8PM Friday & Saturday. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/wild-workshop/holiday-craft/

8-10

9-10

Holly-Days - Hanukkah Happenings. Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo! In December, head to the zoo for Hanukkah fun with crafts, a scavenger hunt, story time, and so much more. Enjoy train rides with zoo mascots, story time, crafts, "Mensch on a Bench" scavenger hunt, S'mores station, hot cocoa and spiked cocoa, and more. Don’t miss out on the merry memories waiting to be made! FREE with zoo admission, some activities come with an additional fee, see link for details. 10AM-4PM Saturday & Sunday. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/holly-days/hanukkah-happenings/

Kerplunk! Family Art Drop-In. Kerplunk! Family Art Drop-in class is great for younger kids and families! Join in the Creativity Center every Saturday to create fun seasonal crafts and art projects based on current exhibitions! This week's theme is Plushie Ornament - design a friendly character and bring it to life as a 3-D felt plushie ornament. FREE. 12PM-3PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/kerplunk-free-family-art-drop-in-fall-2023/2023-12-09/

Did Somebody Say Cookies? Get your bake on just in time for the holidays! In this most oven-y of classes, learn to bake an assortment of classic and new holiday cookies from a range of cultural traditions. Storytelling, sugar, and just a hint of salt in a magical workshop for the whole family! All supplies and ingredients provided. $30 standard, $27 members, $45 for Adult + Child. 1PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave. Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/did-somebody-say-cookies/

38th Annual Union Square Cookie Tour of Historic Homes. Welcome to the 38th Annual Union Square Cookie Tour of Historic Homes - a delightful afternoon in Union Square. This year's event promises to be a sweet treat for all cookie lovers and history enthusiasts! Indulge in the enchanting aroma of freshly baked cookies as you embark on a self-guided tour of charming historic homes. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Union Square, a neighborhood brimming with fascinating stories and architectural marvels. Be sure to bring your appetite, as you'll have the opportunity to sample a mouthwatering variety of homemade cookies at each stop along the tour. Whether you're a cookie connoisseur, a history buff, or simply seeking a fun-filled day out, the 38th Annual Union Square Cookie Tour of Historic Homes is an event not to be missed. Grab your friends and family, and enjoy a delightful adventure through Baltimore's past and present. $25. Two Group Times: 12PM-2PM and 2:30PM-4:30PM (check in begins 30 mins before tour start time). Union Square Park, corner of Hollins & Sticker Sts., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/38th-annual-union-square-cookie-tour-of-historic-homes-tickets-675269999747

2023 Menorah Lighting. Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem. This 8-day celebration begins this year at sunset on Thursday, December 7th. Gather at The Avenue to celebrate as a community and light the 12 foot menorah on the fourth night – Sunday, December 10th, after sunset. FREE. 4PM. The Avenue at White Marsh, 8125 Honeygo Blvd., White Marsh. https://theavenueatwhitemarsh.com/2023/07/24/2023-menorah-lighting/

15-19

Toymaker Pajama Party. Bring your holiday spirit and coziest pajamas to Maryland Science Center’s Toymaker PJ Party. Make a toy for yourself or as a gift for a friend as you engineer bouncy balls, design paper walkers and create shrinking ornaments. End the night by gazing up at the winter sky in a live planetarium show. PJ parties are all the fun of a sleepover without the overnight stay! This event is designed for children ages 8 and under, but older siblings can join in on the fun as well. All children must have a paid adult in their party. $35. 5:30PM-8:30PM. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/toy-maker-pajama-party/

16-17

Holly-Days - Frozen Wild. Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo! In December, join for an appearance from Elsa and Anna and learn about animals who live in frozen environments. Enjoy train rides with Elsa & Anna, photo ops, story time, animal ambassadors, crafts, Snowflake & Seek scavenger hunt, S'mores station, hot cocoa and spiked cocoa, and more. Don’t miss out on the merry memories waiting to be made! FREE with zoo admission, some activities come with an additional fee, see link for details. 10AM-4PM Saturday & Sunday. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/holly-days/frozen-wild/

Kerplunk! Family Art Drop-In. Kerplunk! Family Art Drop-in class is great for younger kids and families! Join in the Creativity Center every Saturday to create fun seasonal crafts and art projects based on current exhibitions! This week's theme is Season’s Greetings Card Workshop - use a variety of collage and printmaking techniques to create one-of-a-kind seasonal greeting cards. FREE. 12PM-3PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/kerplunk-free-family-art-drop-in-fall-2023/2023-12-16/

Midnight Noon. Count down to New Year at noon! Everyone’s favorite ball drop before bedtime is back again. Make memories and party, Science Center style, at MSC’S 16th annual Midnight Noon celebration! Enjoy loads of festive activities and games, explore all three floors of hands-on science exhibits, and help ring in the New Year with a noontime ball drop! FREE with paid admission. 10AM-2PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/midnight-noon/

Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks

​​​​​​

December