There is no shortage of festive and family-friendly events this month. And our staff has put together this list of local favorites that are sure to put you and your family in the spirit. Before you go, be sure to check websites for weather or event updates. Here’s to a great month of fun. Happy Holidays from all of us at Baltimore’s Child!
Light Up the Season
BALTIMORE CITY
Monument Lighting
Enjoy festive seasonal performances, music, refreshments and special winter-inspired kids’
art activities. The Walters Art Museum, Dec. 5, 5-7:30 p.m. thewalters.org
A Monumental Occasion
The official lighting of the Washington Monument features music, refreshments and entertainment, plus children’s activities and a visit from Santa. Mount Vernon Place, Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m., with lighting ceremony and fireworks. promotionandarts.com
Little Italy Christmas Tree Lighting
Help decorate the enormous tree and enjoy a visit from Santa, plus caroling and treats. Parking lot at High and Stiles streets, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. littleitalymd.com
Parade of Lighted Boats
Watch the festively decorated boats float by. Dec. 1, 6 p.m. in Fells Point and 6:30 p.m. at the Inner Harbor. fellspointyachtclub.com
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Lights on the Bay
Drive through a 2-mile holiday lights display that benefits the Anne Arundel Medical Center. Sandy Point State Park and Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Through Jan. 1, 5-10 p.m., weather permitting. lightsonthebay.org
Holiday Candlelight Stroll
Glowing lanterns light the way around Maryland’s historic state capital, trimmed in holiday greenery.
Annapolis City Dock, 7-8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Check exact dates at watermarkjourney.com
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
Settle into a good viewing spot for this yearly Annapolis tradition. Annapolis Harbor, Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m. eastportyc.org
CARROLL COUNTY
A Main Street Christmas
This event features carolers, live music, a tree-lighting ceremony and a Santa parade. Main Street in Mount Airy, Dec. 7, 5:30-9 p.m. mountairymainstreet.org
Miracle on Main Street
Enjoy a holiday electric parade followed by Santa’s arrival and plenty of small-town charm. Main Street in Westminster, Nov. 30, 5 p.m. westminstermd.gov
HARFORD COUNTY
Light Up Night!
Santa arrives after the annual parade, and there will be tree lighting, caroling and merchant specials.
Downtown Havre de Grace, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. explorehavredegrace.com
Bel Air Christmas Celebration
Enjoy a parade, music, carols, hot chocolate, performers and a tree lighting. Main Street in Bel Air, Dec. 1, 2:30-5 p.m. belairmd.org
Candlelight Tour
Tour selected Havre de Grace historic homes and buildings amid illuminated streets and festive decorations. Dec. 14, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. thelockhousemuseum.org
Holiday Potpourri
BALTIMORE CITY
Kwanzaa at Enoch Pratt
Throughout the month, the library will celebrate Kwanzaa with a variety of activities. Dates, times and branches vary. prattlibrary.org
Kwanzaa Family Day
This event features storytelling, drumming, dance, kids’ art activities and a libation ceremony for all ages. Creative Alliance, Dec. 7, noon-3 p.m. creativealliance.org
Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade
Enjoy Harley Davidson motorcycles, marching bands, Philadelphia Mummers, floats, a steam calliope and, of course, Santa. Begins at Poly/Western and continues down Falls Road, Dec. 8, 1 p.m. mayorschristmasparade.com
Homewood by Candlelight
Seasonal music and decorations with refreshments are featured at Homewood House. 3400 N. Charles St. Dec. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m. museums.jhu.edu
An Evergreen Evening
Enjoy festive fare and seasonal decorations, plus a decorated period sleigh to serve as a backdrop for holiday photos. Evergreen Museum & Library at Johns Hopkins University, Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m. museums.jhu.edu.
The Christmas Story in Art
Enjoy this walk-in tour that celebrates the season through art. The Walters Art Museum. Dec. 22, 1-2 p.m. thewalters.org
Kwanzaa Celebration
Enjoy storytelling, dance and music performances, craft activities, a candlelight Kwanzaa ceremony and an African Market Place. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Dec. 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. lewismuseum.org
BALTIMORE COUNTY
Holiday Open House at the Sherwood House
Crafts, cookie decorating, refreshments, music and Santa are featured. Cromwell Valley Park in Parkville, Dec. 7. cromwellvalleypark.org.
Holiday Drop and Shop
Drop off your kids (under 12) for crafts, a holiday movie, and snacks while you shop at Hunt Valley Town Centre. Baltimore County Agricultural Center in Cockeysville, Dec. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m. marylandagriculture.org
Holiday Centerpieces
Use fresh greens to create a candle centerpiece for your holiday table. Willow Grove Nature Education Center at Cromwell Valley Park, Dec. 14, 1-2:30 p.m. Ages 13 and up. cromwellvalleypark.org
Wreath Making
Make a holiday wreath from natural materials. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to some
festive tunes. Lake Roland, Dec. 7-8, times vary. lakeroland.org
CARROLL COUNTY
‘Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice’
Step back in time with holiday teas, visits from Santa and more. Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster, through Dec. 22. Times vary. carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org
Children’s Holiday Craft Hunt
Search the fields and forests for materials that can be used to create holiday-themed crafts and decorations. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while piecing together what’s been found into a beautiful holiday masterpiece. Bear Branch Nature Center in Westminster, Dec. 9, 10-11:30 a.m. Ages 3-10. ccrecpark.org
Merry Main Street
Celebrate the season on Sykesville’s Main Street. Main Street in Sykesville, Dec. 8, noon-4 p.m. sykesville.net
HARFORD COUNTY
Holiday Open House
Peruse the museum at its holiday best. Hays House Museum in Bel Air, Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m. harfordhistory.org
HOWARD COUNTY
Gingerbread House
Decorate a beautiful — and delicious — gingerbread house this festive season. The Other Barn at Oakland Mills in Columbia Dec. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. oaklandmills.org
Lisbon Horse Parade
Hundreds of costumed horses, mules, ponies, riders and decorated wagons take to the streets to celebrate the holidays. Main Street in LisbonDec. 14, noon. lisbonhorseparade.com
Merry Markets, Bazaars and Malls
BALTIMORE CITY
Christmas Village in Baltimore
A traditional German-style holiday market, featuring craft, gift and food vendors as well as performances, events and workshops. See website for schedule. Free admission on weekdays.
West Shore Park at Inner Harbor, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, through Dec. 24. baltimore-christmas.com
Merry Mart
A diverse mix of indie crafters from around Baltimore and elsewhere. Free drop-in children’s art activities. Creative Alliance, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. creativealliance.org
MICA Art Market
Features a variety of fine art pieces and handmade objects by MICA students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Brown Center at Maryland Institute College of Art, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 5-8. mica.edu.
Holiday Heap
Juried indie/alternative craft fair. St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St., Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. charmcitycraftmafia.com
BALTIMORE COUNTY
Holiday Parade at The Avenue at White Marsh
Local high school marching bands, mascots, street performers and dance troupes. The Avenue at White Marsh, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. heavenueatwhitemarsh.com
CARROLL COUNTY
Festival of Wreaths
Silent auction of more than 150 uniquely decorated wreaths. Vote or bid on your favorite. The Carroll Arts Center in Westminster, Nov. 29-Dec. 8, times vary. carrollcountyartscouncil.org
Christmas Farmers’ Market
Features fresh holiday greens and arrangements, and Santa visits on Dec. 2. 700 Ag Center Drive in Westminster, Saturdays through Dec. 14, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. carrollcountyfarmersmarket.com
HARFORD COUNTY
Christmas Open House and Greens Sale
Seasonal music, hot cider and cookies at the 1747 Manor House. Holiday arrangements, greens and gifts for sale. Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, Dec. 6-7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ladewgardens.com
Holiday Boutique at the Susquehanna Museum
Gifts, baked goods and more. Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House in Havre de Grace, Dec. 14-15, check times. thelockhousemuseum.org
HOWARD COUNTY
Midnight Madness
Shops and restaurants open late. Visit with Santa, sip hot treats and enjoy strolling carolers and period actors. Historic Ellicott City, Dec. 6, 4 p.m. to midnight. visitellicottcity.com
Natural Holiday Sale
Soaps, candles, jewelry, nature and gardening books, kids’ books and puppets and birdseed ornaments.
Howard County Conservancy in Woodstock, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. hcconservancy.org
Eat, Drink And Be Merry
BALTIMORE CITY
B&O Railroad Museum
Enjoy a pancake breakfast inside the historic Roundhouse. Children can visit with Santa, view the holiday model train layouts and ride aboard the Train Carousel. Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, check website for times and to get tickets. Prices start at $25. borail.org
BALTIMORE COUNTY
Breakfast with the Grinch & Buddy The Elf
Part of Towson’s Winterfest. Charles Village Pub in Towson, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. towsonchamber.com/winterfest
CARROLL COUNTY
Big Country Breakfast with Santa
Eat a big breakfast, visit with Santa and benefit your local volunteer fire company. Mount Airy Volunteer
Fire Company, Dec. 15, 7:30-11 a.m. mavfc.org
HARFORD COUNTY
Teddy Bear Children’s Tea
Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal for a holiday story time. Ages 5 and up. Steppingstone Farm Museum in Havre de Grace. Dec. 15, noon and 3 p.m. steppingstonemuseum.org.
Breakfast with Santa
Advanced ticket sales only for this annual event. Slayton House at Wilde Lake Village in Columbia, Dec. 7, 9 a.m to 1:30 p.m. wildelake.org
Cookies with Santa
Enjoy delicious treats sponsored by the Owen Brown Community Association. Owen Brown Community Center in Columbia Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration required. owenbrownvillage.org
Holidays in Harmony
BALTIMORE CITY
Christmas with Choral Arts
Celebrate the Christmas classics with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society. Baltimore Basilica, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. baltimorechoralarts.org
Handel’s ‘Messiah’
Don’t miss out on the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s annual performance of the holiday classic.
Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Dec. 7-8, 3 p.m. bsomusic.org
Peabody Children’s Chorus
Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles St., Dec. 15, 3:30 p.m. peabody.jhu.edu
Festival of Light
Holiday musical performances by the middle school orchestra, the festival choir and student soloists.
The Waldorf School of Baltimore, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. waldorfschoolofbaltimore.org
Catholic Charities’ Christmas Festival
Celebrate the season at the beautiful Basilica and benefit those served by Catholic Charities. Baltimore Basilica, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. catholiccharities-md.org
Handel’s ‘Messiah’
Enjoy this classic as it was performed during Handel’s lifetime. Grace United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Dec. 14; St. Mark Church in Catonsville, Dec. 16. Check website for more info. handelchoir.org
Candlelight Choral Service
Join First and Franklin Presbyterian Church for this Christmas tradition. First and Franklin Presbyterian Church, Dec. 15, 4 p.m. firstfranklin.org
Morgan State University Choir Christmas Concert
Gilliam Concert Hall Center at Morgan State University, Dec 15, 4 p.m. msuchoir.org
Traditional Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Enjoy this popular yearly event. Maryland State Boychoir Center for the Arts, Dec. 15, 21, 22, check times on website. marylandstateboychoir.org
Merry Tuba Christmas
Hundreds of tubas and euphoniums perform a concert of holiday favorites. Harborplace Amphitheatre, Dec. 21, 3:30 p.m. itsawaterfrontlife.org
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
CAC Winter Dance Concert and Tree Lighting
Performance by Chesapeake Art Center’s dance students followed by the CAC annual tree lighting.
Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park, Dec. 14, 6 p.m. chesapeakearts.org
Handel’s ‘Messiah’
Selections performed by the USNA Glee Club. Naval Academy Main Chapel, Dec. 7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 3 p.m. usna.edu
A Celebration of Christmas
Enjoy the Annapolis Chorale’s holiday concert.
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, Dec. 6, 8 p.m. annapolischorale.org
Holiday Cheer, 2018!
Talent Machine’s youth perform traditional holiday music as well as some new energetic numbers.
Key Auditorium at St. John’s College in Annapolis, dates throughout the month. talentmachine.com
BALTIMORE COUNTY
Rejoice! Children’s Chorus of Maryland Winter Concert
Enjoy the 44th annual holiday concert from the Children’s Chorus of Maryland. Rejoice in the sound of young voices in vibrant song, featuring a full performance of John Rutter’s Dancing Day for choir and harp. Gordon Center for Performing Arts, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. ccmsings.org
Winter Solstice Concert
Baltimore-based trio Helicon performs lively, traditional folk music in celebration of winter’s arrival.
Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College, Dec. 21, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. kenkolodner.com
CARROLL COUNTY
A Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas
The beloved holiday classic with a live performance of the film’s jazz score. Carroll Arts Center in Westminster, Dec. 20, 8 p.m.; Dec. 21, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. carrollcountyartscouncil.org
HARFORD COUNTY
Bel Air Community Band’s Winter Concert
Hear all your favorites played by your talented neighbors. Bel Air High School
Dec. 8, 3 p.m. 4belaircommunityband.org
Merry Tuba Christmas
Enjoy the sounds of this annual holiday gathering of tubas, euphoniums and baritone horns. Bring your own and join in. Registration for performers begins at 2:30 p.m. Bel Air High School, Dec. 15, 5-6:30 p.m. belairartsandentertainment.org
HOWARD COUNTY
Handel’s ‘Messiah’
The Columbia Pro Cantare Chamber Singers take on this seasonal classic. Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts in Columbia, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. procantare.org
A Christmas Noel
Choral concert with orchestra and soloists from the Columbia Pro Cantare Chamber Singers.
Christ Episcopal Church in Columbia, Dec. 15, 3 p.m. procantare.org
Mostly ‘Nutcrackers’
BALTIMORE CITY
‘The Nutcracker’
The talented youth of the Baltimore School for the Arts perform this beloved holiday classic.
Baltimore School for the Arts, Dec. 12-14, check website for times. bsfa.org
The Moscow Ballet’s ‘Great Russian Nutcracker’
This annual show is a Baltimore tradition. The Hippodrome Theatre, Dec. 13-14, check website for times.
france-merrickpac.com
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
‘The Nutcracker’
Enjoy this classic presented by the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, including the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party one hour before show times on Sundays. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, Dec. 7-8, 14-15, check website for times. marylandhall.org
BALTIMORE COUNTY
‘The Nutcracker’
Enjoy this performance by the Baltimore Ballet Company and School. Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College. Dec. 14-15, check website for details. baltimoreballet.com
CARROLL COUNTY
‘The Nutcracker’
Enjoy the Carroll County Dance Center’s annual production of this holiday classic. Eichelberger Performing Arts Center in Hanover, Dec. 15, 4:30 p.m. carrollcountydancecenter.com
HARFORD COUNTY
‘The Nutcracker’
Enjoy a photo opportunity with characters from “The Nutcracker” 45 minutes before each performance.
Amoss Center at Harford Community College, Dec. 8, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. harford.edu
‘The Nutcracker’
Enjoy this performance by Ballet Chesapeake (formerly the Harford Ballet Company). Stephens Hall Theatre, Towson University Dec. 14-15, check website for times. balletchesapeake.org
HOWARD COUNTY
‘Nutcracker’
Enjoy this performance by Ballet with Cindee Velle. Howard County Arts Council, Dec. 17 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. The Great Room at Historic Mill, Howard County Arts Council. cindeevelleballet.com
‘The Nutcracker on Ice”
Presented by the Columbia Figure Skating Club. Columbia Ice Rink, Dec. 14-15, 4:30 p.m. columbiafsc.com
The Season on Stage
BALTIMORE CITY
‘A Christmas Carol’
An adaptation of the holiday classic set in Baltimore’s 19th-century business district. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Dec. 6-24. See website for dates and times. chesapeakeshakespeare.com
Charm City Ballet: A Christmas Carol’
A full-length ballet production of Dickens’ classic holiday tale. Gordon Center for Performing Arts, Dec. 14-15, check website for times. charmcityballet.com
BALTIMORE COUNTY
‘Babes in Toyland’
See the Mother Goose Village, Toyland, dancing dolls, the Parade of Wooden Soldiers and a three-headed dragon. Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College, Dec. 7-8, 2 p.m. baltimoreactorstheatre.org
‘Frosty’
This musical comedy is a perfect holiday treat for young audiences. Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College, Dec. 12-13, 10:15 a.m. artsonstage.org
‘A Christmas Carol’
Child-friendly adaption of the Dickens’ holiday classic. Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College,
Dec. 17-18, 10:15 a.m. and noon. artsonstage.org
CARROLL COUNTY
‘A Christmas Carol’
The Maryland Ensemble Theatre performs a heartwarming adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale.
The Carroll Arts Center in Westminster, Dec. 13-14, check website for times. carrollcountyartscouncil.org
Worlds in Miniature
BALTIMORE CITY
The B&O Railroad Museum’s Magical Holiday Express
Toy trains and model railroading layouts, weekend train rides with Santa and Frosty the Snowman are featured — plus holiday activities and crafts. Discount admission with donation to select charities.
See website for complete schedule. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday;
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, through Dec. 31. borail.org
Highlandtown Train Garden
See the city (and trains!) in miniature. Firehouse No. 41 in Baltimore, through Jan. 5,
11 a.m.-5 p.m. See website for exact dates. highlandtowntraingarden.com
Santa’s Streetcar
Ride a streetcar with Santa. Also, a decorated Christmas tree, a train and streetcar layout, holiday stories, music and refreshments. Baltimore Streetcar Museum, Call museum for exact dates and times. baltimorestreetcarmuseum.org
BALTIMORE COUNTY
Fire Museum of Maryland Holiday Train Garden
The Fire Museum of Maryland in Lutherville Nov. 25-Dec. 30. firemuseummd.org
HOWARD COUNTY
Holiday Train Garden
The layout features four continuously operating trains. Visitors of all ages delight in pressing the buttons
to activate accessories and sounds. Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Cooksville 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, through Jan. 11. howardcountymd.gov/rap
Holiday Train Garden and Open House
Antique displays, live music and refreshments are featured. Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum in West Friendship, check website for dates and times. farmheritage.org
Welcome the New Year!
BALTIMORE CITY
Baltimore’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular
Live music and midnight fireworks. Inner Harbor, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. promotionandarts.com
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Annapolis New Year’s Eve Celebration
Children’s activities from 3 p.m. to midnight. The first round of fireworks begins at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 31. The evening culminates with fireworks at midnight. Susan Campbell Park at the City Dock in Annapolis. visitannapolis.org
BALTIMORE COUNTY
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Baltimore County Public Library is celebrating New Year’s Eve early for the little ones. All branches of Baltimore County Public Library, 11:30 a.m.
HARFORD COUNTY
New Year’s Eve Bash
Havre de Grace’s annual New Year’s Eve event includes live entertainment and activities as well as the traditional duck drop and midnight fireworks. Concord Point Park, begins at 8 p.m. explorehavredegrace.com
HOWARD COUNTY
Midnight at 7 Symphony of Lights
Ring in 2020 the family-friendly way with early New Year’s celebrations. Fireworks at 7 p.m.
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Columbia, hopkinsmedicine.org/howard_county_general_hospital