During the Holidays, there is something exciting to do every day of the week! Check out holiday light displays, candlelight tours, holiday craft shows, DIY workshops, New Year Celebrations and more....
Winterfest of Lights
Through January 1, 2012
Dazzling lights on winter nights will put you in the mood for the holiday season. While at the Winterfest Village, enjoy hot chocolate, board the Winterfest Express and sing Christmas carols. Browse the Yukon Cornelius Gift Shop for that special gift and have your photo taken with Santa! Be sure to visit Ocean City, Maryland to create a lasting holiday memory.
Townwide & Northside Park, 127th St.
800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326)
Oceanside Boardwalk/Inlet
More info...
Christmas on the Potomac
Through January 8, 2012
Where can you see a 60-foot glass Christmas tree … experience an indoor snowfall…. gaze at two million dazzling lights ….or walk through scenes of films such as "Shrek", "Kung Fu Panda" and "Madagascar" – created entirely of ice? It’s all part of the third-annual Christmas on the Potomac™ celebration at Gaylord National Resort.
Gaylord National Harbor
Prince Georges County
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Baltimore Clayworks Winterfest 2011 Annual Artists Holiday Sale
Through January 6, 2012
Winterfest 2011, the utilitarian ceramics holiday invitational celebrating the gift of art features established and emerging ceramic artists. Admission is free.
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Ornament Show and Sale
Through January 1, 2012
With admission to Annmarie Garden, you gain entry to not only Garden In Lights, but also the Ornament Show and Sale. Wonderful shopping, holiday entertainment, refreshments, and more.
Annemarie Garden Sculpture Park
Solomons, Calvert County
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Victorian Christmas Celebration
Through December 31, 2011
Enjoy a Christmas celebration with fun activities such as concerts, arts, dinners, and carrage rides.
Location: Berlin, MD
Eastern Shore
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Trains of Christmas Show
December 3-31, 2011
The Trains of Christmas Show features an "O"
Scale 3-Rail Christmas layout with steam and
diesel trains.
Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum
Washington County
More info...
Winter Wonderland Tea
December 30, 2011
4 p.m.
Belair Mansion
Bowie, MD
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Midnight Moon
December 31
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Does the Ball Drop before your Bedtime? Not this year! Join the Maryland Science Center in its annual New Year's Eve celebration at Noon–Midnight Noon. Get your face painted, make your own party hat and noisemaker and get ready to dance the day away to the sounds of popular kids band–Milkshake as they take the stage at 11:30am. Crafts, puppet show and much more! Advance ticket purchase recommended.
Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230.
More info...
Noontime New Year!
December 31
12 Noon
Toast the New Year at noon with milk and cookies! Enjoy special cultural programs PLUS a special performances!Port Discovery Children's Museum,
35 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
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New Year's at Baltimore's Inner Harbor
December 31
Ring in 2012 alongside family and friends with music and fireworks at Baltimore's Inner Harbor! Visitors can enjoy dynamic live music starting at 9pm at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, located at Pratt and Light streets. The fireworks display is the largest in the region- turning the sky over the Inner Harbor into a multitude of colors. The choreographed fireworks show starts at the stroke of midnight, 12am. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will be on hand to ring in the New Year with a countdown followed by confetti cannons at midnight. For more information call 1-877-BALTIMORE.
http://www.bop.org
New Year's Annapolis
December 31
New Year's Annapolis is a celebration of the arts and community! Enjoy a safe, family oriented environment featuring a diverse and entertaining schedule of events throughout the city. The creativity and incredible talent of the many artists performing in and around downtown and beyond will "wow" you in this celebration, "where Annapolis is the stage." Window performances, interactive venues and live musical entertainment will showcase Annapolis' historic ability to bring a community together in the spirit of the arts.
http://www.newyearsannapolis.org/
First Night Talbot
December 31
6 p.m. – Midnight,
It's the biggest New Year's Eve party in the Midshore Area! Come join the fun at a family-oriented, alcohol free celebration of the year past and the year to come. Downtown Easton will be transformed into a huge performance center with musicians, dancers and actors taking the stage at 7 different venues. One admission button will get you into all of the different sites. Price is $10 for adults, $5 for students and are available at the Easton Resource Center, 11 S Harrison St, Easton.
410-820-8822
Easton, Maryland
More info...
Past:
Festival of Trees
November 26-29, 2011
A Celebration - Remembering Twenty Six Years is the theme for the 2010 Festival Of Trees.
November 16 kicks off with a Preview Party at the Tidewater Inn and the festivities will continue throughout the weekend with the spectacular Decorated Trees, Homes Tour, Daddy Daughter Dance, Mother Son Dance, Holiday Bingo, Fun Run Walk, and Candy Cane Lane, along with holiday shopping in the Elf`s shop.
Easton, Talbot County
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Singular Sensations
December 1, 2011
Holiday exhibition featuring paintings, cards, fiber, photos, jewelry, ceramics for under $150. Ideal gifts, live music and refreshments at the Columbia Art Center.
More info...
Miracle on Market Street
December 2, 2011
6-9 p.m.
Shop for great gifts at the Foundry and other downtown Denton businesses while you enjoy live Christmas carols, Gingerbread house displays, a visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, seasonal refreshments, and ride on the Candyland Express! FREE!
Downtown Denton
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Easton: First friday Gallery Walk
December 2, 2011
5-9 p.m.
The locals go all out with incomparable Eastern Shore hospitality. Stroll the brick paved walks to browse an abundance of art galleries, antique and specialty shops and award-winning restaurants - all nestled among vintage Federal-style buildings. Enjoy live music or an outdoor concert before relaxing at one of the town's charming inns. Many art and antiques venues, with styles spanning from classical to contemporary, welcome you with open doors at this delightful monthly event.
More info...
Night of 100 Elvises
December 2-3, 2011
The main Ballroom will host at least 12 bands and 12 Elvis tribute artists. All entertainers will perform all Elvis music, all night. No song will be duplicated in the Ballroom. The Elvis Lounge will offer entertainment in a nightclub style setting. The Jungle Room will provide more entertainment as well as more seating.
Lithuanian Hall
851-3 Hollins Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1003
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Bethesda's Winter Wonderland
December 2-3, 2011
Winter Wonderland features a winter choral concert, ice sculpting, children's performances and Santa Claus.
Montgomery County
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Fells Point Old Tyme Christmas
Dec. 3, 2011
Holiday festivities include St. Nick's arrival by tugboat at Broadway Pier, story time with the crew of Urban Pirates, the Great Eggnog Contest, the Parade Of Lighted Boats and the tree lighting ceremony by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Fells Point
Baltimore
More info...
Winter's Eve
December 3, 2011
Tour seasonally decorated National Colonial Farm. Enjoy tea, cookies, singing carols. Museum gift shop open.
National Colonial Farm
Accokeek
Prince George's County
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Frederick Artist Market
December 3, 2011
This special indoor arts and crafts market features the work of approximately 20 artists, including jewelry, pottery, art, photography, and other hand-crafted items. The event, which is free to attend and open to the public, will be held from 10-6 pm. This holiday Artist Market provides a great opportunity to purchase a unique gift for the special people in your life.
Cultural Arts Center
15 N. Market Street,
Frederick, MD
301-662-4190
More info...
The Charm City Craft Mafia -
HOLIDAY HEAP 2010
December 3, 2011 - 10am to 5pm
Skip those overcrowded malls and save your dough !!!
St John's Church
2640 St Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
More info...
Hanging of the Greens
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Hanging of the Greens is an annual Annapolis Jaycees’ signature project. Local merchants contract with the Jaycees to decorate storefronts with holiday greens, lights, wreaths, and bows, transforming the Historic District into a beautiful holiday town.
410-224-1775
65th Annual Handel's Messiah Concert with the ASO
Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4
8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday
Continuing a long-standing tradition, the USNA Glee Club joins the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra to present selections from Handel's beloved Messiah. Conducted by USNA Director of Choral Activities, the elegant concert has been broadcast on public television stations nationwide.
U.S. Naval Academy Main Chapel
Admission: Tickets start at $20 (USNA Ticket Office)
410-293-8497
More info...
Children's Tree Trimming Party
Sunday, December 4, 2011
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Children of all ages are invited to a Tree Trimming party at the Captain Salem Avery House museum. Attendees will celebrate the holidays 1860s-style by taking part in an old-fashioned taffy pull and crafting Victorian gifts. Get into the spirit of the season by listening to stories and songs of holidays past. Rumor has it that Santa may even stop by.
Captain Salem Avery House Museum
1418 East West Shady Side Road
Shady Side, MD
Admission: Free
410-867-4486
More info...
Home for the Holidays -- A World War II Broadcast Concert
Sunday, December 4, 2011
7 p.m.
From the early 1930s through the 1960s, big bands were a powerful presence in the world of jazz and popular music. Names like Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Duke Ellington were the music stars of those days. The voices of Bing Crosby, the Andrew Sisters, and Nat King Cole brought listeners and dancers into their music with style and grace. Many of the now familiar holiday songs that we hear every year, like I'll Be Home for Christmas, White Christmas, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas came from this era. The Brooks Tegler Big Band brings these classic songs to life with a show format based on the annual AFRS Transcription Nationwide radio shows that relayed "live" selections from nightclubs and theaters from across the nation. Admission: $25
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
801 Chase Street
Annapolis
410-280-5640 (box office)
More info...
Holiday Greens Sale
December 4, 2011
Fresh local greens, decorated wreaths, swags, roping, boxwood trees and other natural materials for sale.
Adkins Arboretum Visitors Center
Ridgely
Caroline County
Merry Mart 2011 at Creative Alliance
December 4, 2011
11a.m.-5p.m.
This is a warm and fuzzy indoor show that showcases local Baltimore talent with unique handmade work. Shoppers will find one of a kind gifts, clothing, handbags, plushies, felt accessories, ceramics, soaps, kids toys, mixed media, amazing jewelry, and great art! If you are looking for unique items that will be remembered and appreciated for years to come, don’t miss this show. Shop local and expect to find great gifts at this handmade marketplace this holiday season!
Creative Alliance
Eastern Ave
Baltimore, MD
More info...
Worcester County Arts Council: 16th Annual Holiday Gift Bazaar
Through December 14, 2011
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Call 410-548-3972 for information.
Location: University Gallery, Atrium Gallery, Salisbury University
More info...
Midnight Madness
December 1 & 8, 2011
Spend the holidays in Festive Downtown Annapolis! From Main Street to Maryland Avenue, from Park Place to Market Space from City Dock to State Circle, celebrate historic Annapolis as the most celebrated event of the year returns, Midnight Madness! stores open until the stroke of midnight Annapolis
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MICA Art Market
December 7-10, 2011
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) presents its 5th annual MICA Art Market! This festive, four-day sale features illustrations, paintings, prints, posters, sculptures, mosaics, stationery, T-shirts, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, book arts, toys, and wrapping paper designed and created by more than 250 MICA students, faculty, alumni and staff. Free!
MICA - Brown Center's Leidy Atrium and Falvey Hall lobby
1301 W. Mt. Royal Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
More info...
Festive Christmas Tea and Lunch
December 10, 2011
Guided house tour, Colonial decorations, gourmet lunch.
Sinking Springs Herb Farm
Elkton
Cecil County
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Santa Swim
Dec. 10, 2011 10 am.
Hyatt Regency-Cambridge
Dorchester County
Sandy Sharpe: 410-228-5386.
Swim/plunge (early 20th-century period dress encouraged) to help those less fortunate in our community.
More info...
Ballet Theatre of Maryland: The Nutcracker Saturdays, December 10 and 17 and Sundays, December 11 & 18 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $45 for adults, $36 for seniors 65+, $25 for students, $19 for children 10 and under
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
801 Chase Street, Annapolis
410-280-5640
More info...
An Annapolis Christmas
Monday and Tuesday, December 12-13, 7 p.m.
Rams Head On Stage
33 West Street, Annapolis
Admission: $30
410-268-4545
www.ramsheadonstage.com
Join your favorite local artists as they perform a mix of original and classic holiday songs. Inspired by the release of the popular holiday album.
An Annapolis Christmas
More than ten years ago, the show is an annual tradition for local music lovers. Proceeds support the Annapolis Musicians’ Fund for Musicians.
Annapolis Chorale Chamber Chorus Concert Thursday, December 15, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Church Circle, Annapolis
Admission: Free
410-263-5989
www.liveartsmaryland.org
Come and enjoy an hour-long concert with the Annapolis Chorale Chamber Chorus performing Carols for the Season. Let your busy day end on a musical note or start a fun evening savoring the harmonies of one of the largest and most active performing ensembles in the region.
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra's Simply Sinatra Christmas
Friday, December 16, 8 p.m.
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
Admission: $45 for adults, $10 for students
410-263-0907 (box office) www.annapolissymphony.org
Simply Sinatra Christmas features Pops’ sensation Steve Lippia and the ASO. Lippia presents popular holiday songs along with some of the most beloved songs performed by Frank Sinatra. This show is a blend of holiday cheer and swing standards with the energetic flair that only a big band can provide.
Messiah at St. Anne’s
Friday through Sunday, December 16-18,
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
3 p.m. Sunday
St. Anne's Church, Church Circle, Annapolis Admission: $37 for adults and $12 for students 410-280-5640
www.liveartsmaryland.org
In the acoustic and historic splendor of St. Anne’s Church, in the soft glow of candlelight, Handel’s masterpiece comes to life again. The performance includes the Annapolis Chorale Chamber Chorus, Annapolis Chamber Orchestra, and a world-class quartet of soloists that includes soprano Brandi Sutton and baritone Shouvik Mondle.
It’s a Wonderful Life in West Annapolis
Saturday, December 17, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
West Annapolis
Admission: Free
410-295-5157
www.westannapolisbusiness.org
Enjoy a nostalgic holiday event with Santa, shopping, children's activities, and entertainment including free horse and carriage rides from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Watch your favorite holiday movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, showing throughout the day. A portion of merchants’ sales will be donated to local charities.
Season of the Sailor
Sunday, December 18, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 Second Street, Annapolis
Admission: $15 in advance and $20 at the door 410-295-0104
www.amaritime.org
Annapolis duo Calico Jack joins forces with Virginia native and traveling troubadour Bob Zentz for an evening of original and traditional seasonal songs from the maritime tradition. Sit back with a cup of eggnog and sing along with songs sailors sang during the long winter months at sea, songs they wrote about spending the holidays afloat, and songs and stories they enjoyed on their rare times at home during the holidays. Calico Jack will offer the Chesapeake Bay in winter: dredging, root beer, and the annual fireman’s feast, and Zentz will dig into his compendium of sea lore from the Bay and beyond.
Christmas Bird Count
December 18, 2011
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Rock Hall
Kent County
More info...
Chanukah, Christmas Day, and Chinese Food
December 25, 2011
Join us for all things Chinese as we celebrate the winter holiday season at our annual December 25th family event. Play mah-johng, make Chinese lanterns and origami and enjoy Chinese treats as we celebrate our landmark exhibition, Chosen Food: Cuisine, Culture and American Jewish Identity. RSVP to Ilene Dackman-Alon, 410.732-6400, 214; or email idackmanalon@jewishmuseummd.org
More info...
Open House, Historic Havre de Grace Churches
December 26, 2011
2-4 p.m.
Come visit 19th-and 20th-century churches angelically decorated for Christ's birth that have with beautiful stained glass windows and nativity scenes.
Havre de Grace
Harford County
More info ...
Kwanzaa Family Day
Dec. 28, 2011
1-5 p.m.
Heri za Kwanzaa! That’s Swahili for Happy Kwanzaa! Join the BMA for a celebration of family, community, and culture. Learn about the seven Ngozu Saba or principles of Kwanzaa, enjoy hands-on art-making activities, and see live family performances.
Free Admission
Baltimore Museum of Art
More info...
