All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.
Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks
December
Through December 24
Christmas Village. Since its inception in 2013, Christmas Village has captured the hearts of Baltimore as a cherished holiday tradition. Inspired by Nuremberg's historic 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt, our market is renowned for its exceptional vendors offering high-quality gifts and food. It's the perfect setting for everyone to create lasting holiday memories amidst festive cheer. Named one of the best Christmas markets in the US by Timeout in 2023, the market features over 60 vendors in charming wooden booths. Illuminated by thousands of lights, including the stunning Glühwein Pyramid, a traditional German mulled wine tower, Christmas Village in Baltimore offers both indoor and outdoor holiday markets, a Carousel and Ferris Wheel, a heated tent, and a beer garden. Warm up with a mug of Glühwein and freshly grilled Bratwurst, or enjoy a stein of German beer from Hofbrau. FREE admission. 12PM-8PM Sunday through Thursday; 12PM-9PM Friday and Saturday; Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for December 23rd and 24th. West Shore Park, 401 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.baltimore-christmas.com/index.html
Through January 1
Snowy Days at the Science Center. No matter what the weather will bring, the Science Center will show you a snowy-good time! When school is out—science is in! Celebrate the wonders of winter this December with a flurry of science exploration. They’ll have all kinds of arctic activities going on every day from Saturday, December 21 though Wednesday, January 1. All activities are free with paid admission and completely free to members unless otherwise noted. FREE with admission. 10AM-4PM Saturdays. The Maryland Science Center, 60 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/snow-days/2024-12-21
Charm City Lights. Take a ride with us on a breath-taking experience through Charm City Lights at Druid Hill Park. Journey through a world of wonder and enchantment while experiencing Baltimore's most captivating holiday lights display. Charm City Lights takes attendees on a one-mile, drive-thru adventure that features more than 250,000 holiday lights. This year, we have more walk/bike nights and a few other surprises! This dazzling winter spectacle is sure to illuminate your heart and put you in the holiday spirit. Ticket prices vary depending on night and event; see link for details. 5:30PM-9:30PM Nightly. Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-charm-city-lights-tickets-1048834902427
Through January 5
Holiday Train Garden. t’s the most wonderful time of the year at The Shops at Kenilworth! Stop by the lower level from Friday, November 22-Sunday, January 5 during all mall hours to see the annual Train Garden display! FREE admission. 11AM-7PM Monday through Saturday, 12PM-5PM Sunday. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson. https://www.theshopsatkenilworth.com/events/holiday-train-garden-3/
Through January 20
Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Put on your skates and glide under the stars with waterfront views of Baltimore's neon-lit skyline at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink. $15; $12 Seniors & Military; $12 per person for groups of 12+; $48 Weekday Pass (good for 4 admissions Monday - Thursday); $100 Season Pass. 12PM-10PM Monday - Thursday; 12PM-11PM Fridays; 10AM-11PM Saturdays; 10AM-8PM Sundays; Holiday hours apply see link for details. Baltimore Inner Harbor, 201 E Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/inner-harbor-ice-rink
23-24
Holly-Days - Santa's Friends. Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo! Join the zoo for an appearance from Mrs. Claus and other holiday characters who will host a special storytime and be available for photos. Activities include a Kids' Craft Station to make Christmas Stockings, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, photo ops with holiday characters in a sleigh, and so much more. Don’t miss out on the merry memories waiting to be made! FREE with zoo admission. 10AM-4PM each day. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/holly-days/santa-friends/
26
Menorah Lighting. Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem. This 8-day celebration begins this year at sunset on Wednesday, December 25th. Gather and celebrate as a community as the 12-foot menorah is lit on the second night – Thursday, December 26th. Celebrations will include donuts, latkes, ice skating and more! FREE. 5:30PM. The Avenue at White Marsh, 8125 Honeygo Blvd., White Marsh. https://theavenueatwhitemarsh.com/2024/09/05/4th-annual-menorah-lighting/
31
Midnight Noon. Count down to New Year at noon! Everyone’s favorite ball drop before bedtime is back again. Make memories and party, Science Center style, at MSC’S 17th annual Midnight Noon celebration! Enjoy loads of festive activities and games, explore all three floors of hands-on science exhibits, dance and sing along with the Rainbow Rock Band, and help ring in the New Year with a noontime ball drop! All activities are free with paid admission or membership. FREE with admission. 10AM-2PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/midnight-noon/
January
11
Shake Out Your Sillies. Shake out your sillies with song, nursery rhymes, puppet shows, instruments, and, of course, a dance party! Each class begins with a breathing exercise before transitioning into music and movement activities. Taught by Eliza Adams, a Maryland preschool teacher and musician, this class is designed for children 5 and under. Caretakers are welcome to join or watch! $15; $12 Members; $5 Additional Child; $55 5-Class Flex Pass. 9:30AM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/shake-out-your-sillies-winter-2025/2025-01-11/
18
Shake Out Your Sillies. Shake out your sillies with song, nursery rhymes, puppet shows, instruments, and, of course, a dance party! Each class begins with a breathing exercise before transitioning into music and movement activities. Taught by Eliza Adams, a Maryland preschool teacher and musician, this class is designed for children 5 and under. Caretakers are welcome to join or watch! $15; $12 Members; $5 Additional Child; $55 5-Class Flex Pass. 9:30AM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/shake-out-your-sillies-winter-2025/2025-01-18/
24-February 2
Downtown Dollar Days. Throughout Downtown Discovery Days, several of the region’s most popular attractions offer deals and discounts on admission, giving families and visitors the opportunity to visit museums and attractions at an affordable price. This year, Discovery Days and Winter Restaurant Week will be partnered together. It is Downtown Partnership’s mission to establish Downtown Baltimore as a destination where residents, families and visitors can spend the day on the waterfront. Prices & times vary depending on venue. Downtown Baltimore. https://baltimore.org/event/discovery-days/
25
Shake Out Your Sillies. Shake out your sillies with song, nursery rhymes, puppet shows, instruments, and, of course, a dance party! Each class begins with a breathing exercise before transitioning into music and movement activities. Taught by Eliza Adams, a Maryland preschool teacher and musician, this class is designed for children 5 and under. Caretakers are welcome to join or watch! $15; $12 Members; $5 Additional Child; $55 5-Class Flex Pass. 9:30AM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/shake-out-your-sillies-winter-2025/2025-01-25/
Harbor Point Ice Festival. Experience a fun-filled day for the whole family at the Harbor Point Ice Festival! This free-to-attend festival on Harbor Point’s idyllic Central Plaza will feature live ice carving demonstrations throughout the day, plus interactive ice sculptures, delicious food and drinks, and much more! 11AM-5PM. FREE admission. Harbor Point Central Plaza, 1310 Point St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harbor-point-ice-festival-tickets-1105595508929
26
Glass Art: Resin Snowflakes. Create a winter wonderland of cured resin snowflakes! Explore the world of resin art in this 2.5-hour workshop designed for ages 8+. Instructors from MK Glass Designs will guide you through the process of working with and curing resin to create a total of 5 fully-cured snowflakes. Choose from a variety of colors and add-ins to make your snowflake decorations completely unique to you. Afternoon session is already sold out. $60. 10AM-12:30M Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/resin-snowflakes-am/