Where to Spend Christmas in Maryland? 11 Movie-Worthy Holiday Getaways

Downtown Frederick: Main Street by Candlelight

Historic Frederick was made for a holiday stroll.

Its beautifully preserved downtown offers block after block of independent shops, galleries, restaurants, and historic architecture. Spend an afternoon browsing boutiques along Market Street, then wander down to Carroll Creek, where illuminated boats create one of Maryland's most unusual winter displays.

Frederick also does candlelight like few other places. Historic homes, museums, and houses of worship open their doors for seasonal tours. Venture a little farther to Catoctin Furnace for a Traditional Village Christmas, complete with wreathmaking, blacksmithing, and Belsnickel, a rather stern-looking character from German folklore.

Local restaurants, breweries, and charming inns make a weekend especially appealing.

Cumberland and Frostburg: All Aboard for a Magical Ride

Ever wonder what it's like to board the Polar Express™? In Western Maryland, you can ride the officially licensed Polar Express™ Train Ride.

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad brings the beloved story to life aboard a holiday train that departs Cumberland and travels through the mountains, complete with hot chocolate and a visit from Santa.

Before or after your ride, explore historic downtown Cumberland, once a bustling transportation crossroads. Brick storefronts, locally owned shops, cafés, and restaurants make it easy to linger.

Then head up the mountain to Frostburg, a college town with an old-fashioned Main Street and a rather unusual holiday tradition. During Deck the Meters, residents and businesses turn ordinary parking meters into elaborate holiday creations.

Who knew a parking meter could have so much personality?

St. Michaels: A Quintessential Chesapeake Christmas

With its historic streets, independent boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and inviting inns, St. Michaels could pass for a Norman Rockwell Christmas village. Even the bells of Christ Church provide a soundtrack, ringing throughout the year.

At Christmastime, the Talbot County town embraces its traditions with decorated homes, a hometown parade, a holiday marketplace, and the Lighted Boat Parade gliding along the Miles River on Saturday evening, Dec. 12, at 6 PM.

There's plenty to discover between festivities. The Christmas Shop sells holiday treasures year-round, while the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's Hooper Strait Lighthouse dresses for the season.

Add waterfront dining, an afternoon exploring the harbor, and a room at a historic inn, and you have all the makings of a memorable weekend.

Annapolis: Twinkling Streets, Waterfront Wonderland

With its centuries-old buildings, narrow streets, independent shops, and working harbor, downtown Annapolis already has the atmosphere of a holiday movie.

The Maryland capital celebrates with decorated storefronts, late-night shopping, seasonal treats, and one of Chesapeake's most spectacular lighted boat parades.

History adds another layer to the experience. Tour the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, and admire nearby Government House, the governor's official residence.

Then check into one of the Historic Inns of Annapolis, just steps from State Circle. Spend the afternoon exploring Main Street and Maryland Avenue, enjoy dinner overlooking the harbor, and leave time to discover Annapolis after dark.

Chesapeake City: Christmas Along the Canal

With its colorful 19th-century buildings, inviting restaurants, and waterfront views, Chesapeake City looks as though it was built with a Christmas movie in mind.

This little Cecil County town sits along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, where enormous commercial ships occasionally glide past a historic district that seems remarkably unchanged by time.

During the holidays, decorated homes and storefronts bring extra warmth to the streets. Browse locally owned shops, enjoy dinner overlooking the canal, and book a room at one of the town's historic inns.

Chesapeake City rewards travelers who aren't in a hurry. Leave time to explore the historic district and watch the ships go by.

A Charm City Holiday: Twinkling Lights and Festive Nights

Baltimore turns on the charm for the holidays, with distinctive neighborhoods, colorful traditions, and enough shopping and entertainment to fill an entire weekend.

Start in Mount Vernon, where elegant 19th-century architecture surrounds the Washington Monument. Then head to Hampden, where the residents of 34th Street have turned Christmas decorating into something of an art form. Expect elaborate light displays, fanciful decorations, and Baltimore's beloved pink flamingos dressed in their holiday best.

The European-style Christmas Village fills the Inner Harbor with gift stalls and seasonal treats, while Harbor East offers upscale boutiques, waterfront strolls, and excellent dining.

Add a holiday performance at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, a visit to the Maryland Zoo, or an evening watching the lighted boat parade along the Fell's Point and Canton waterfront on Dec. 5.

Then check into one of Charm City's luxurious waterfront hotels or boutique retreats. There's no need to squeeze everything into one day.