Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe will help to make the season bright, but all the (cool) Baltimore family fun this weekend is where the real magic is happening!

Brighten up your weekend nights with holiday lights all aglow, let the kids take YOU out for just a buck, gather the whole family (including the furry members) for a photo op with the big guy and some BIG guys from the Ravens. Join us in making all things merry and bright at the inaugural Makers Market at Green Spring Station. Watch the lighted boat parade. Take advantage of Dollar or Less Days at your favorite Baltimore attraction. Rock the Dock. See Santa in the Mayor’s Christmas Parade. So much to do!

Here’s to tiny tots with their eyes all aglow and folks wrapped up like Eskimos! 

(cool) baltimore family fun this weekend

Makers Market @ Green Spring Station
December 3 | 10 AM – 5 PM

It’s finally here, your reason to get out, get in the holiday spirit and get making! We’re so excited to be co-hosting Green Spring Station’s holiday market place along with Baltimore STYLE Magazine and Taken.  This one-day extravaganza of creativity will feature featuring Baltimore’s most talented artists and crafters as they ‘set up shop’ around the center in this inaugural one-day Holiday Makers Market.

The Makers Market will feature the area’s very best makers, along with a special pop-up shop curated by Taken as well as a schedule of DIY events. Enjoy live holiday music, hot drinks, lip shade bar, complimentary Bun & Braid Bar and more. We’ve even got some (cool) prizes in store!  The Green Spring Station Holiday Makers Market is modeled after the Bryant Park holiday craft bazaar in New York City. Throughout the day, shoppers will enjoy mixing and mingling with local artists, the opportunity to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and experience on-site DIY events such as floral arranging, candle making, photography and cocktail making. MORE

Skate at Pandora Ice Rink 
December 3 & 4 | times vary

It’s time to dust off those ice skates — the Pandora Ice Rink at the Inner Harbor is OPEN for the season! Located between the Harborplace Pavillions, the rink is open for posted hours seven days a week with extended times on the holidays. It’s the perfect keep-em-busy activity for those days off of school, early evenings or weekend adventures. (Ice skating under the stars and city lights followed by a cup of cocoa from the Christmas Village? It’s the stuff holiday memories are made of!). Regular admission is $9-$10 plus $4 for skate rental. MORE

Baltimore Dollar Days
December 3 & 4 | times vary

In the spirit of the Holidays, Baltimore area attractions will open their doors the weekend of December 3 & 4, 2016 and offer free or $1 admission. Contact attractions directly with questions about hours or special events during Dollar Days. Here is a small sample of participating attractions; Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, National Aquarium, Port Discovery Historic Ships in Baltimore, Christmas Village, Baltimore Streetcar Museum … check out our full round-up of Dollar Days Fun! 

Christmas Lights on 34th
December 3 & 4 | 5 PM – 9 PM

It’s a Baltimore tradition, Hon. There’s nothing like a trip down 34th Street to get help get the whole family into the holiday spirit. See their faces light up as historic Hampden homes transform into an illuminated Christmas village. MORE

Christmas Village at West Shore Park
December 3 & 4 | 11 AM – 8 PM

Christmas Village in Baltimore is a combination of an outdoor and indoor Holiday Market at West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor. The event is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany like the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg. From Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, vendors in more than 50 booths will sell traditional European food, sweets, and drinks. They also offer a great shopping experience with a large variety of international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and high-quality arts and crafts. The outdoor area around the Walter Sondheim Fountain will bring the original Christmas Village charm with its traditional German-style wooden huts to Baltimore. In addition, a heated festival tent (60′ x 180′) will create a Christmassy shopping atmosphere with more vendors, a food court, and an event space. PLUS they’re also participating in Dollar Days. MORE

Lights on The Bay
December 3 & 4 | 5 PM – 10 PM

22nd annual holiday light show, Lights on the Bay, is taking place at Sandy Point State Park, the event features a two-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay with approximately 70 animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway. In addition to popular classic displays that visitors have enjoyed for years, including a colonial village inspired by historic Annapolis and one of the USNA midshipmen tossing their hats in the air, guests will also be treated to two new themes this year: North Pole Village & Enchanted Fairy Tales. Lights on the Bay has something for everyone in the family. Children can participate in a nightly scavenger hunt, challenging them to find items within the show, answer display-related questions and enter a drawing to win prizes. MORE

The Nutcracker at The Lyric
December 3 & 4 | Times Vary

Head to the most famous Christmas Party of all time as you attend The Nutcracker where the possibility of dreams, the magic of Christmas and the wonder of the child merge through young Clara’s adventures with mechanical dolls, life-size rats, and whirling Kingdoms of Snow and Sweets. Help Clara rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell and discover her true destiny. MORE

Saturday Morning Breakfast with Santa & Magic Show
December 3 | 8:30 AM

Everyone know that The Shops at Kenilworth are a popular Santa photo opp in Baltimore County but the merriment is even (cool)er this weekend!  Reserve your spot for ther Saturday morning breakfast with Santa and magic show for $10 a person at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. And don’t miss the beloved train garden, too. MORE

The Snowman with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
December 3 | 11 AM

A winter wonderland comes to life in this timeless story of a young boy’s magical friendship with a snowman. Get into the spirit of the holiday season and create lasting memories in this enchanting program featuring the BSO and the animated film based on Raymond Briggs’ book. Prior to the performance, join us in the lobby starting at 9:45 am for a range of exciting, interactive and educational musical adventures. Activities include instrument petting zoo, exciting arts and crafts, interactive workshops, performances by BSYO and OrchKids, face painting and more! MORE

Olde Tyme Christmas in Fells Point
December 3 | 9 AM – 8 PM

Bundle up and get ready for wonder at the 2016 Fells Point Olde Tyme Christmas festival. Enjoy holiday cheer with a heaping helping of Charm City charm, including; Old Saint Nick’s arrival via tugboat, a North Pole picture room, beverage garden, Kid’s Zone, caroling, a lighted boat parade, eggnog contest and MORE

3rd Annual Public Charter School Fair
December 3 | 10 AM – 12 PM

Sponsored by the Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools (MAPCS), the 3rd Annual Public Charter School Fair is an opportunity for families to meet with representatives from public charter schools all around Baltimore City. Join us to learn more about these outstanding public school options for kids in Pre-K through 12th grade. This event is hosted by Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School. MORE

Build a Roller Coaster at The Baltimore Museum of Industry
December 3rd | 10 AM – 4 PM

It’s all about fun as you discover how things work at The BMI’s Weekend Worker Events! These engaging activities allow children of all ages to investigate the world around them. This weekend, build a roller coaster. Free with paid admission. MORE

Colonial Christmas Festival at Mount Clare
December 3 | 11 AM – 4 PM

Experience the holidays of years past at Mount Clare Museum House’s annual winter celebration. Baltimore’s oldest colonial home is filled with spectacular decorations. Special programs include live musical performances by the Monumental City Ancient Fife and Drum Corps and a Maryland Beaten Biscuit demonstration in the mansion kitchen. Take a train rides to Mount Clare from the B&O Railroad Museum at 11:00 am, 12 Noon, and 1:00 pm (last pick-up for return trip is 2:00 pm) OR drive directly to Mount Clare at 1500 Washington Boulevard! MORE

KERPLUNK! Family Drop-In Art
December 3 | 12 PM – 3 PM

Kids can engage in arts and crafts activities with teaching artists Terry Barnes and Alexandra Gonzalez on Saturday at the Creative Alliance! Families and children of all ages can also tour Creative Alliance’s galleries and create unique art projects that are linked to our exhibitions. Stop in for a quick visit or stay for an entire afternoon to explore art materials and make new friends. MORE

Children’s Holiday Craft Workshop at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum
December 3 | 1 PM

Head to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum to create memories and holiday crafts with your family! Then help decorate the museum’s Christmas tree with your creations. Recommended for ages 6-10. Special Admission: $1 Dollar Day Weekend. This program is part of Dollar Day Weekend, December 3-4, 2016, where admission to the museum is $1. MORE

Rock the Dock Family Holiday Bash at Power Plant
December 3 | 1 PM – 4 PM

Join Power Plant for the 6th Annual Rock the Dock Family Holiday Bash on Saturday, December 3rd from 1pm to 4pm. Enjoy live holiday music by And The Elves, trackless train rides along the promenade, photos with Santa, a stilt walker, and more (FREE)! Kids activity passes are available for $3 in advance and $5 at the door and include a lantern craft in preparation for the lighted boat parade, gingerbread cookie decorating, and ornament making. Face painting also available for an additional charge. Pre-registration recommended (while supplies last). MORE

Holiday Photos & Pawty with The Ravens @ Downtown Dog Resort
December 3 | 4 PM – 7 PM

Santa’s so sure that Fluffy and Fido have been good this year, he’s coming to Downtown Dog Resort to give them a chin rub in person – and instead of elves, he’s bringing the Ravens Softies for a holiday photo and pawty. So grab your well-mannered furry ones and join Downtown Dog Resort & Spa on December 3. Early bird tickets are $20 which includes one family photo. They’ll also have food and “cheer” (yep, including the liquid kind) onsite for two-legged guests and four. Space is limited so get your tickets today. MORE

Christmas on Walther
December 3 | 5 PM – 9 PM

An evening filled with live music, photo booth, face painting, crafts, Santa mail, Santa visit, polar express dining cart for cocoa and cookies, and tree lighting with community carols. Children will also be able to pick up their passport to our polar express local business challenge.. Where all of December we will post-season adventures. Ending with a Christmas story read by red canoes very own Josie. Sponsored by HL sprouts, Walther gardens, Maggie’s Farm Red Canoe. MORE

Healthcare Heroes Day at the Jewish Museum of Maryland
December 4th | 10 AM – 5 PM

It’s not only Dollar Day at the Jewish Museum of Maryland on Sunday, it’s Healthcare Heroes Day! First explore the skills needed to become a healthcare professional with a series of hands on activities. Try your hand at some scientific experiments, keyhole surgery and plaster cast application. Later, learn from professional animator Eliezer Medina how to draw and ink some of your favorite cartoon characters. Recreate your favorite superheroes and hear about their Jewish roots! Drawing workshops will take place at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, each lasting about an hour. They will be asking the participants of each session who they would like to draw, so please come ready with lots of ideas! MORE

The Mayor’s Christmas Parade in Hampden
December 4th | 1 PM 

Head to Hampden on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 1PM for the Mayor’s Christmas Parade. Sponsored by community associations and businesses in North Baltimore’s Hampden and Medfield neighborhoods.The attendance along the 2.5 mile route reached 25,000 people last year at the Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade to view Santa Claus and about 160 marching units. 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! MORE

Santa at Rawlings Conservatory
December 4th | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM 

Join the Rawlings Conservatory for treats and jolly fun on Sunday, December 4! Admission is free, though donations are encouraged and appreciated. $5 per person recommended.  Santa is visiting the Conservatory’s annual Poinsettia Display (and won’t that make for awesome photos?!?) Enjoy a truly B-MORE Holiday! This year they’ll feature some of Baltimore’s neighborhoods and iconic holiday celebrations. MORE

Patterson Park Pagoda Lighting
December 4th | 5 PM – 7 PM 

Join Friends of Patterson Park as they make our Pagoda Lighting an annual holiday tradition! Live music, food trucks, Santa and more! MORE

 

Photo Courtesy of Baltimore Christmas Village