Thursday
Homeschool Workshop: Path to Freedom: Heritage and 19th Century Life in Maryland
In collaboration with the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, participants will explore the lives of free and enslaved citizens in Maryland’s history through tours, reenactors and activities. Registration required. Ages 7-9 or 10-12. The Walters Art Museum, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $12 (members), $15 (nonmembers), thewalters.org
Moms Understand — Parents of Adult Children Support Group
Every third Thursday of the month, mothers of adult children with developmental disabilities come together for encouragement, support and discussion about challenges faced as their children grow older. The Arc Baltimore Community Resource Center, 12:30-2:30 p.m., free, thearcbaltimore.org
Teen Art Workshop
Sharpen your drawing skills through practice, instruction and observation in the museum’s galleries. Designed for homeschooled students ages 13-17. Registration required. The Walters Art Museum, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $5 (members), $9 (nonmembers), thewalters.org
Friday
Shen Yun
Formed over 10 years ago by a group of Chinese artists dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage, Shen Yun has evolved into a global phenomenon as a premier dance company. Audience members are treated to a spectacle of color, costume and artistry as the performers share the story of their people and country through their movement. Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 22 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. Hippodrome Theatre, $80+, france-merrickpac.com
Fun Fridays
Celebrate the beginning of winter break by creating an edible gingerbread house. Make a beautiful creation to share with your family … unless you eat it first. Enoch Pratt Library, Waverly Branch, 3:30-4:30 p.m., free, prattlibrary.org
Holiday Candlelight Stroll
Glowing lanterns light the way around Maryland’s historic state capital, trimmed in holiday greenery. Departs from information booth at Annapolis City Dock, 7-8:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 410-268-7601, watermarkjourney.com.
$2 Family Fun Night at Port Discovery
All the fun, play and programs for only $2 per person. The third Friday of each month provides the opportunity for family fun at a fraction of the regular price. Port Discovery, 4-8 p.m., $2, portdiscovery.org
Saturday
Fiestas and Siestas
Bring your little one for stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish. Up to age 2 with adult. Baltimore County Public Library, Woodlawn Branch, 10:30 a.m-11:30 a.m., free, bcpl.info
Winter Break Fun
No need to stay cooped up at home when school is closed. Enjoy special guests and activities including Eric Energy, the Kindersinger and Wildlife Adventures. Dec. 22-Jan 1 (closed 12/24 and 12/25), Port Discovery, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.) and 12 p.m.-5 p.m. (Sun.), $15.95/ages 2 and up, portdiscovery.org
Holiday Cheer Double Feature: Christmas Vacation and Elf
The funniest films of the holiday season are packed into one afternoon at the library. Join the Griswolds and Buddy the Elf for Christmas adventures that will have you giggling in your seat. Rated PG (Elf) and PG-13 (Christmas Vacation). Enoch Pratt Southeast Anchor Library, 1 p.m., free, prattlibrary.org
Family Fun with Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality is all the rage. See for yourself what all the talk is about by trying out different games and experiences. Ages 8-12 with adult. Enoch Pratt Central Library, 1:30 p.m., free, prattlibrary.org
Holiday Cookie Creations
Tis the season for sweet treats. Bring your family and customize your own delicious desserts. Enoch Pratt Library, Washington Village Branch, 3:30 p.m., free, prattlibrary.org
Sunday
Holiday Pops
The tap dancing Santas return for this program from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore Choral Arts Society and led by Broadway musical director Andy. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 3 and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $13. bsomusic.org
Dolphin Explorer
Partner with the marine mammal staff and work through interactive research stations leading to a unique session with the amazing animals themselves. National Aquarium, 8:30-10 a.m., $55, aqua.org
Plants and People
The fourth Sunday of the month is all about science demonstrations. Enjoy plant related experiential education great for all ages. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1:30-3:30 p.m., free (donations welcome), rawlingsconservatory.org