Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, the end of exams, or both, Baltimore has something for everyone to enjoy this December. Take a break from studying for finals and visit one of these festive attractions — your mind will thank you later!
Washington Monument Lighting
600 block of North Charles St.
If you’re looking for something to do tonight, December 4, head over to Mount Vernon for the annual lighting of the Washington Monument from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature area choirs, fireworks and refreshments.
Waterfront Partnership Ice Rink
McKeldin Plaza
November 21, 2014 – January 19, 2015
The ice rink is open and awaiting your arrival! Conveniently located in the Inner Harbor, the rink is only $9 for adults and $3 for a skate rental. If you get a group of 10 or more friends to join you, you each pay only $9 including skates (reservation required).
This is the first time the Inner Harbor has had an ice rink for about a decade. The opening of the ice rink this year is part of the 4th annual “It’s a Waterfront Life” movement, an effort to bring more people downtown during the holiday season.
The rink will be open seven days a week, even on holidays. You can find out their hours for each day here.
If you want to shop or eat near the Harbor after skating, your ice rink wristband can get you a ton of discounts at local restaurants and stores.
National Aquarium’s Holiday Celebration
On Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m., the National Aquarium’s annual event will feature music and dance performances, a holiday village with live music and crafts, and Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays. Food and hot chocolate will be available, regular or spiked (for 21+ guests) for purchase.
Dollar Days
Maryland Science Center, National Aquarium, Top of the World, The Christmas Village
Visit these museums and exhibits on December 6th and 7th for just $1 each! What a deal! Tickets must be purchased onsite at each attraction.
For more information, please visit: godowntownbaltimore.com
The 41st Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade
December 7, 2014: 1 PM
The Mayor’s Christmas Parade is a staple of North Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood. Last year, over 25,000 people were in attendance for the festive event. This year, the parade will have floats, local TV and radio personalities, Harley Davidson motorcycles, local bands, Mummers of Philadelphia, Miss Yuletide and everyone’s favorite – Santa!
For more information and directions of the parade route, please visit: http://www.mayorschristmasparade.com
Hampden 34th Street Lights
While in Hampden, you must stay until 5 p.m. when the lights turn on along 34th Street. Known as the “Miracle on 34th Street”, (for Baltimoreans anyway) every year for the month of December, the residents of the 700 block of 34th Street all decorate their homes with a plentiful amount of lights and unique displays (nothing says festive like a hubcap Christmas tree). This year will be the 67th year of the lights, and they will be on everyday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, the lights will be on all night. Be sure to check out this classic, cheerful Baltimore event before you head home for the holidays!
Want more information? Please visit: http://www.christmasstreet.com
The Holly Jolly Trolley
Departs from Pier 5 Hotel, 711 Eastern Avenue
From now until December 21, the holiday trolley will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m. to travel around Baltimore for a tour of the most decorated neighborhoods and attractions of the season, such as Hampden and Mount Vernon.
Purchase tickets in advance: www.tickets.baltimore.org
MICA Art Market
Brown Center’s Leidy Atrium and Falvey Hall Lobby
1301 W. Mount Royal Ave
Between December 10 and 13, MICA will have its eighth annual art market with a plethora of illustrations, paintings, prints, posters, t-shirts, ceramics, jewelry, toys, wrapping paper, and more all designed and created by MICA students, alumni, faculty and staff. This is an awesome opportunity for guests to buy friends and a family a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for the season!
To find out more about the event, visit www.mica.edu
Hot Chocolate Happy Hour
Happy hour on a Tuesday, anyone? On December 9 and 16, Whole Foods Harbor East will offer complimentary hot chocolate “shots” and sweets street-side between 5 and 7 p.m. A perfect treat during holiday shopping!
For more information, visit www.harboreast.com
Moonlight Madness & Tree Lighting
Federal Hill Main Street
On Friday, December 12 from 8 p.m. to midnight, Baltimorean’s favorite holiday shopping event returns! Head down to Federal Hill to visit the local shops, galleries and businesses that will be open late and are offering specials, discounts and refreshments to get something for everyone on your list this holiday season! The shopping begins at 8 p.m., but don’t miss the evening kickoff tree lighting between 7 and 8 p.m.
For more information on participating stores and the event, visit www.historicfederalhill.org
Baltimore Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting
McKeldin Square
On December 20 at 7 p.m., head downtown to see Baltimore’s tallest Menorah! Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will be in attendance for the lighting of the Menorah and the event will include special performances, live music, latkes, jelly doughnuts, and more. Admission is free and open to the public.
Baltimore Collegetown Network 