45 Things To Do with Kids in Baltimore this December

Lights, cameras — and holiday fun! Here are our favorite things to do with kids in Baltimore this December. For the MEGALIST of holiday action, check out our 2017 Charmed Holiday Guide!

45 Things To Do with Kids in Baltimore this December

Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
Through December 31 | Parkville, MD

Christmas trees will be available for sale starting Friday, November 24th. Check out the gift barn for great gift ideas. Pick up pre-packaged preserves (excellent hostess gifts!). Don’t miss out on their bakery. A great combination of treats—fresh baked pies, Jewish Apple Cake based on Mrs. Weber’s recipe handed down through generations, Pumpkin Crème Roll, Apple Cider Doughnuts, and delicious hand dipped ice cream! MORE

Holiday Light Show at McDaniel College
Through December 31 | McDaniel College

As part of McDaniel College’s 150th anniversary celebration, the college hosts a drive-in light display that is synchronized to music throughout the holiday season. The inaugural Holiday Light Show is free and open to the public. (cool) progeny is a proud sponsor! MORE

Christmas Village in Baltimore
Through December 31 | Inner Harbor

Enjoy Holiday sights and sounds with two Christmas Trees, entertainment program, live music on two stages, children’s activities, and 50+ vendors. Visitors can find local and international high-quality gifts and decorations, as well as crafts, clothes, jewelry and much more. Christmas Village is a family-friendly event – so grab your whole family to enjoy a fun-filled day in the city! MORE

Miracle on 34th Street
Through December 31 | Hampden

Now in its 71st year! One block in Hampden bursts with light each holiday season as residents illuminate their row homes and mount quirky ornaments, from a giant snow globe to a Christmas tree made of hubcaps. It’s a holiday tradition like no other. MORE

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D
Through January 1 | National Aquarium

Experience a magical twist on a holiday classic on the big screen in 4-D this winter! After being ousted from Christmas-town because of his bright and shining nose, Rudolph sets off on a series of funny and endearing adventures—meeting new friends Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius along the way. MORE

Holiday Trains at Kenilworth
Through January 5 | The Shops at Kenilworth

A beloved Baltimore tradition! The holiday train garden at The Shops at Kenilworth is free and open to the public. MORE

Gingerbread Lane Exhibit
Through January 7 | Maryland Science Center

Take a stroll around a Baltimore-themed gingerbread village handcrafted by chef Jon Lovitch. The art installation will be considered for a world record for largest installation of its kind. Located on Level Two, Gingerbread Lane is a unique holiday experience that begins a new tradition at the Inner Harbor. MORE

Through the Wardrobe: The Magical Gardens of Narnia
December 2-31 | Wednesdays – Sundays, 10 AM – 4 PM | Rawlings Conservatory

Looking Glass Alice
November 30 – December 31 | Baltimore Center Stage

This contemporary retelling puts a fresh, modern twist on Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. Alice falls through the looking glass and finds herself on a journey of self-discovery. She encounters the familiar and fantastical in this world of curiosity and wonder, coming face to face with wild characters, and obstacles and oddities. Inspired by Carroll’s beloved stories, Lookingglass Alice is an Alice for all generations. MORE

Mid Atlantic Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker
December 1 @ 7PM | December 2 @ 1 PM & 7 PM | Towson University

The classic holiday ballet comes to life onstage in this community performance. A traditional holiday classic for young and old alike. Meet the young Clara and her hero, the Nutcracker, as you are transported on a magical journey, encountering toys that come alive, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy along the way. MORE

Jurassic Quest
December 1 @ 3 PM – 8 PM | December 2 @ 9 AM – 8 PM | December 3 @ 9 AM – 8 PM | Baltimore Convention Center

Jurassic Quest is a Dinosaur Adventure for the whole family. The main dinosaur exhibit features ultra-realistic, life-size animatronic dinosaurs; Over 80 life-size dinosaurs in all. Visitors can interact with these huge creatures, learn about them and even ride a few. It features realistic scenes, enormous dinosaurs, cute baby dinosaurs and lots of fun activities for kids of all ages. There are huge T-Rex and Triceratops fossil digs where young paleontologists can uncover long-hidden dinosaurs bones, the “Dino Bounce” area with several, towering, dinosaur theme inflatable mazes, face painting, Dino crafts and much more. MORE

North Pole Light Walks
December 1 – December 23 | Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm

Take a self-guided walk through the glittery Winter Wonderland, to see Santa’s Cabin to put in a request for Christmas morning! The gardens have new trails with lighted scenes of Christmas. See the flower fairies decorate the gazebo, Polar Bear Central, Gingerbread house, Forrest Animals, and Enchanted Fairy Garden. Visit the barn where hot chocolate will warm you up. Santa will be visiting in the Garden Cabin! MORE

WTMD’S Saturday Morning Tunes
December 2 | 10 AM | The Senator Theatre

WTMD’s Saturday Morning Tunes is stepping out for their first ever show at Baltimore’s historic Senator Theatre, presented by Live Baltimore! They are building a stage inside the classic art deco theater to present two headliners. Activities include inflatable instruments for little ones to play along with the bands, Baltimore illustrator and children’s book author Kevin O’Malley sketching animals (real and imaginary) by request for kids, a holiday-themed photo booth from Live Baltimore, snacks, arts & crafts, videos on the big screen, bicycle rides and other festivities! MORE

Olde Thyme Christmas
December 2 | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Fells Point

Head to Fells Point for a traditional Christmas celebration that will charm and delight you, your family, and friends! The Fell’s Point neighborhood will be arrayed in fragrant green garlands, red bows, and twinkling lights. MORE

Gingerbread House Building Workshop
December 2 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | The Home Depot – Timonium

Build holiday memories in a hands-on workshop where you and your child can put together a wooden gingerbread house that will last year after year. No frosting required! Once the gingerbread house is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. MORE

30th Annual Parade of Lighted Boats
December 2 | Fells Point (6:00 PM) & Inner Harbor (6:30 PM)

Hosted by the Fell’s Point Yacht Club, December’s annual boat parade sees more than 50 pleasure craft making their way from Baltimore’s Inner Harbour to Fells Point. All boats are festooned with holiday lights and other colourful decorations. MORE

Ho Ho Holiday Weekends
December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 | Pandora Ice Rink

Head to the PANDORA Ice Rink at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor every Saturday and Sunday in December and tell Santa what you want for Christmas! MORE

45th Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade
December 3 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Hampden

A Baltimore tradition! Giant balloons, floats, marching bands, Mummers and more! Sponsored by community associations and businesses in North Baltimore’s Hampden and Medfield neighborhoods. MORE

3rd Annual Pagoda Park Lighting
December 3 | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Patterson Park

The 3rd Annual lighting will have live music, craft and food vendors, Santa and the snowmen, hot chocolate by Dinosaur BBQ, free kids’ craft by All-4-One Creative Arts Studio, and MORE! MORE

Arts on Stage: Holiday Tales
December 4 | 10:15 AM & 12:00 PM | Goucher College

A sparkling collection of Holiday Tales from different cultures including Christmas (“The Gift of the Magi” and “The Nutcracker”), Kwanzaa (“The Kwanzaa Kite” set in Nigeria), and Chanukah (“The Soul of A Menorah” – a Chelm story). Showing the love, kindness, and generosity that are the spirit of the season and the heart of each tale! All filled with beauty, laughter, and love. Holiday Tales is the perfect gift of theatre to celebrate the Winter Holidays! MORE

Monument Lighting Celebration
December 7 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | The Walters Art Museum

Celebrate the holiday season and the annual lighting of the Washington Monument at the Walters Art Museum during this free, family-friendly event! Enjoy seasonal performances, music, refreshments, and winter-inspired art activities! MORE

46th Annual Downtown Partnership Monument Lighting
December 7 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Washington Monument

Kick off the season at the region’s longest running holiday tradition with 15,000 of your friends and neighbors. The Monument Lighting will feature a holiday village, live performances and a spectacular fireworks display and light show. Activities include crafting with the Walters Art Museum, photos with Santa, and costumed characters. MORE

Baltimore Dollar or Less Days
December 9 & 10 | Participating Attractions

In the spirit of the Holidays, Baltimore area attractions will open their doors to offer free or $1 admission. Tickets must be purchased onsite at each attraction. Participating attractions in the Inner Harbor include: Maryland Science Center, The Christmas Village, Top of the World, Historic Ships, The National Aquarium, and Port Discovery. MORE

(cool) progeny’s Breakfast with Santa & Holiday Market
December 9 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | St. Pius X School

Celebrate the season with (cool) progeny and the big guy in red! Coffee and pastries by The Corner Pantry, festive music by Lisa and Mikel of Milkshake, Santa photos, crafts, and a holiday market. MORE

FabLab at Roland Park Country School
December 9 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Roland Park Country School

FabLab at RPCS is a fun event for families with children aged preschool through grade 5 to celebrate exploration, focus and collaboration! Come explore our newly renovated and expanded Innovation Space and get busy playing! MORE

Gingerbricks & Littles’ Day
December 9 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Celebrate the winter season with a fun event designed especially for children six and under! Help the creative chefs from McCormick design Gingerbricks with candies and icing – and put together a Gingerbread House that is larger than life! MORE

Family Concert: A Christmas Carol
December 9 | 11:00 AM | Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

This holiday concert for the entire family features a single-actor adaptation of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. Follow the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journeys with the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Musical selections include Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves and Tippett’s Suite in D. Fun for ages 4 and up! MORE

Saturday Fun: Holiday Cards and Cheer
December 9 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Reginald F. Lewis Museum

Prepare for the upcoming holidays making holiday cards using various printmaking techniques. Holiday cookies will be served. Enjoy a theatrical interpretation of the creation story by Theater Morgan from the Jacob Lawrence Genesis Series followed with holiday choral music. MORE

Christmas at the Creamery
December 9 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Prigel Family Creamery

Enjoy live music, hot chocolates, ice cream latte’s, and gingerbread decorating! Bring the kiddos and let them get creative! MORE

Harlem Globetrotters
December 9 | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM | Royal Farms Arena

The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism, theater, and comedy. The Globetrotters’ show features amazing basketball skills and wizardry, with a continued focus on family entertainment. MORE

Hanna and the Moonlit Dress
December 10 | 3:00 PM | Gordon Center for the Performing Arts

Celebrate the miracle of Chanukah and Shabbat with this interactive children’s musical about the magic of a good deed. Children will join in holiday songs and crafts as they help bring a beloved PJ LIbrary book to life. MORE

Cookies & Carols: A Cookie Tour Through Harbor East
December 13 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Harbor East

Take a delicious cookie quest through Harbor East where there will be music in the air and sweet treats around every corner! Participating neighborhood shops will each feature a unique bite-sized holiday confection. Plus enjoy complimentary photos with Santa Claus, carolers, and a festive cocktail bar! MORE

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
December 15 @ 7:00 PM | December 16 @ 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM | Hippodrome Theatre

All ages are invited to celebrate Christmas with the Moscow Ballet company of almost 40 ballerinas and danseurs on their 25th Anniversary Tour of North America in 2017. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its award-winning Principal Dancers, lavish costumes in the style of the Victorian era, many backdrops and its Russian focus including life-sized Matryoshka Dolls. Adults and children enjoy the special effects of the flapping winged owl on the Grandfather clock, the growing 50 ft tall Christmas Tree, the Dove of Peace with a 20ft wingspan, and of course, the leaps, spins, and extraordinary moves of the company all performed to Tchaikovsky’s complete and incomparable score. MORE

Snowkus Pocus
December 15 | 7:30 PM | Harford Community College

Young Brianna is whisked away to an enchanted winter wonderland where she encounters the colorful characters that inhabit this magical world. This charming tale is told through dazzling cirque, breathtaking ballet, and incredible acrobatics that will amaze, inspire and enchant our imagination. This snow show for all ages will melt your heart. MORE

Kid’s Terrarium Ornament Building Workshop
December 16 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | B. Willow

Drop in anytime between 11AM-2PM at the workshop table for a kid-friendly afternoon of terrarium building!
For the holiday season, B. Willow will have ribbon and twine for kids to use to turn their terrarium into a living ornament, or simply to hang up in their room. Use glass globes to learn everything necessary to create a healthy moss terrarium in an enclosed glass vessel. MORE

33rd Annual Merry Tuba Christmas
December 16 | 3:30 PM | Harborplace Amphitheater

Over 100 festively dressed tuba players will capture the spirit of the holiday as they blend their unique styles, rhythms, and progressions for all to enjoy. MORE

Santa’s Mailbox
Through December 17 | The AVENUE at White Marsh

Find Santa’s Mailbox outside of Barnes and Noble Cafe throughout the holiday season. Families can find letter writing supplies at the Customer Service area inside! MORE

Milk and Cookies Social presented by Baltimore Child Abuse Center & (cool) progeny
December 20 | 6:30 PM – – 8:30 PM | Port Discovery Children’s Museum 

Celebrate the holiday season with a family date night at Port Discovery! Join (cool) progeny and Baltimore Child Abuse Center for milk, cookies, snowy crafts, live entertainment, and exclusive access to Port Discovery. $10 Family Passes MUST BE purchased in advance and go on sale at coolprogeny.com on December 1. 

12 Days of Science
December 21 – December 31 | Maryland Science Center

Engineer your way through a wonderland of design, experiment with toasty treats and hot chemistry, go for gold in the MSC indoor Olympics—there’s something new happening every day this holiday season. 12 Days of Science begins December 21 and features a different theme every day through January 1. MORE

Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm
Through December 23rd | Middletown, MD

Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm believes that picking out your Christmas tree should be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Kids will love their outdoor play area, hayrides, pheasants, and turkeys. Pre-cut and cut-your-own trees. Concessions and Christmas Shop, too! MORE

Psalmy and the Wonderful Wolves present Scary Hairy Christmas
December 24 | 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM | Gordon Center for the Performing Arts

A funny Christmas musical for the whole family. Come sing, dance and laugh with Psalmy! MORE

Kwanzaa Celebration and Marketplace
December 29 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Reginald F. Lewis Museum

Celebrate this annual African American holiday with African dance, storytelling, drumming performances, workshops and traditional crafts using fiber art. Hear elder and quilter Joan Gaither discuss the African American histories documented in her story quilts from the exhibit, Freedom: Emancipation Quilted & Stitched. Presenters include Sankofa Dance Theater and community artist Sallah Jenkins. MORE

Midnight Noon
December 31 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Maryland Science Center

Ring in the New Year at the Maryland Science Center! Join them for their annual New Year’s Eve celebration, Midnight Noon, where children can enjoy the ball drop before bedtime. MORE

Noon Time New Year’s Celebration
December 31 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Port Discovery

Ring in the New Year early with the annual Noon Time New Year’s Eve Celebration at Port Discovery Children’s Museum! MORE

New Year’s Eve Spectacular
December 31 | 9:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Inner Harbor

Be part of a giant holiday celebration with a night of music, the official countdown to 2018 and an amazing, colorful midnight fireworks display. MORE