All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.​​

Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks

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November

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Through November 16

Harvest on the Harbor. Introducing Harvest on the Harbor, a new seasonal series putting a signature spotlight on everything to love about autumn. Join for fall-inspired food and beverages presented by Pellegrino, live music, pool deck lounging with firepits and a pumpkin-patch inspired setting alongside the harbor. This is a seasonal experience that takes place at Pendry Baltimore's harbor front Pool Deck every Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are encouraged but not required. All food and beverage items are available à la carte. This experience is available to both hotel and non-hotel guests. FREE admission. 4PM-9PM Thursday & Friday; 12PM-5PM Saturday & Sunday. The Pendry, 1715 Thames St., Baltimore. https://www.pendry.com/baltimore/experiences/book-an-experience/#!/e/harvest-on-the-harbor-a9681da3

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7-9

Maryland Irish Festival. The Maryland Irish Festival is presented annually by Irish Charities of Maryland. 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 the festivities all weekend and celebrate Irish culture with great music, food, beer, and do some early Christmas shopping with fantastic vendors!  Buy a ticket for one of the whiskey tastings featuring the varied Tullamore Dew Whiskeys; each ticket will also include a glass. Tastings last about 45 minutes to an hour and are limited to 20 people. There will be many Cultural and Historical displays and performances, and a dedicated kid’s play area with activities, and games. It’s a family affair, so come out, have fun, and be part of this great charitable endeavor. $18 Friday or Sunday General Admission; $10 Seniors Friday or Sunday; $25 Saturday General Admission; $20 Seniors Saturday; $25 Whiskey Tasting Ticket (see link for times); FREE Admission for Children 17 and under. 6PM-11PM Friday; 12PM-11PM Saturday; 10:30AM Mass Sunday; 12PM-6PM Sunday. The Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://irishfestival.com/

7-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

7

First Fridays in Bel Air. Come visit the "Heart of Harford" on the First Friday of each month. Shop with local vendors, enjoy live music and food trucks, beer and wine, and kids' activities. This month, the last for the 2025 season, Tumblehome is bringing the tunes. FREE admission. 5PM-8PM. Downtown Bel Air, 121 S Main St., Bel Air. https://downtownbelair.com/events/first-fridays/

Urban Astronomy. Take a tour of the stars above Baltimore! City lights might make stargazing seem impossible, but with the right tools and the Science Center's expert guidance, you may be surprised to find out what is visible in the nighttime sky above our urban center. Using the Maryland Science Center’s rooftop observatory and a few smaller telescopes, you will have the chance to view planets, bright stars, and other celestial highlights that shine through urban light pollution. This is a facilitated experience intended for adults and children ages 8+. Expert guides will point out visible constellations, share tips for stargazing in the city, and explain what makes the autumn sky unique. Limited tickets available. Rain date is November 14. $25. 7:30PM-9PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/urban-astronomy/

8

Fall Fest at Eden Mill. Enjoy the beauty of Eden Mill and all it has to offer during Fall Fest. Witness pumpkins fly through the air as they are chucked from a trebuchet! Free admission along with lots of free activities. Visit the nature center, historic grist mill museum, and educational garden area, all while playing the Passport Scavenger Hunt. Other activities include educational displays by local organizations; crafts with Eden Mill’s Master Gardeners; tattoos; a gourd hunt; corn grinding; live animals: games and prizes. Bring some cash for our food trucks and pumpkin chunkin’ activity, if you wish to buy a pumpkin to catapult through the air! FREE admission. 10AM. Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Rd., Pylesville. https://edenmill.org/programs/special-events/

Shake Out Your Sillies. Shake out your sillies with song, nursery rhymes, puppet shows, instruments, and, of course, a dance party! Each class begins with a breathing exercise before transitioning into music and movement activities. Taught by Eliza Adams, a Maryland preschool teacher and musician, this class is designed for children 5 and under. Caretakers are welcome to join or watch! $20; $17 Members; $5 per additional sibling. 11AM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/shake-out-your-sillies-5/2025-11-08/

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-4/2025-11-08/

9

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Run. Your only chance to run or walk across the majestic Chesapeake Bay Bridge which is typically closed to pedestrians. You can expect a fun, well managed event open to runners and walkers alike. The 10K course will traverse the eastbound span of the bridge from Anne Arundel County to Kent Island in Queen Anne's County and finish with a huge post-race party! The celebration includes live music, great food, refreshing drinks and family friendly activities. If you are over 21 years old, you may purchase an all you can drink wristband during registration. The wristband is good for cold beer and hard seltzer during the finish-line party. All proceeds benefit the First Responders of the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department who work year round to make this event safe. Parking with shuttles to the start are available from both Anne Arundel County and  Queen Anne's County. $109.50 Registration - Adults; $87.60 Registration - Children up to age 12 or Virtual Participants; $20 All You Can Drink Wristbands; FREE for Spectators. 7AM-2PM. See link for parking locations. After party: Skipjack Pkwy at Business Pkwy, Stevensville. https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Annapolis/BayBridgeRun 

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15

Shake Out Your Sillies. Shake out your sillies with song, nursery rhymes, puppet shows, instruments, and, of course, a dance party! Each class begins with a breathing exercise before transitioning into music and movement activities. Taught by Eliza Adams, a Maryland preschool teacher and musician, this class is designed for children 5 and under. Caretakers are welcome to join or watch! $20; $17 Members; $5 per additional sibling. 11AM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/shake-out-your-sillies-5/2025-11-15/

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-4/2025-11-15/

Invent the Future. The best way to predict the future is to create it! What does the future look like to you? Bioengineered glow-in-the-dark pizza, perfect for late-night snacking? Flying cars and teleportation tubes? De-extinct dinosaur pets? Get excited about the future of STEM with an afternoon full of future-focused hands-on discovery. Engage with local scientists, inventors, and more at the Maryland Science Center. Become a space robot and follow the instructions given by Mission Control. Discover what it might be like to live on another planet or moon. Check out a robotics demonstrations lead by FIRST Robotics Competition Team 2199 “Robo-Lions”. Explore the Space Telescope Science Institute’s latest outer space research through hands-on activities and science talks on the Roman Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. FREE with admission. 12PM-4PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/invent-the-future/

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

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/