Unwrap the Magic: Holiday Happenings Across Baltimore County

The holiday season has arrived, bringing a wide array of festive events that will spread holiday cheer to all corners of Baltimore County. From dazzling light displays to visits with Santa, ice skating rinks to holiday parades, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the celebrations from mid-November to the end of December.  We invite you to embrace the season and make lasting memories with family and friends!

 

These festive events are grouped by category, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for in your holiday planning:

 

Festivals, Parades and more…

• 35^th Festival of Trees at the Maryland State Fairgrounds
  November 29 – December 1
  A beloved yearly event featuring beautifully decorated trees, holiday shopping, and entertainment the supports children and families at the Kennedy Krieger Institute.

 

• Middle River Lighted Boat Parade
  November 30
  Come kick off the holidays Middle River style with the Mid-Atlantic’s largest lighted boat parade.

 

• Holiday Trucks n’ Tunes at Boordy Vineyards
  Come for a festive December visit as the Boordy Barn is decorated for the holidays.  Every Saturday and Sunday in December features complimentary live music and food trucks from local vendors.  Wine sales are available until 4:30 p.m.

 

• 27^th Annual Holiday Parade at The Avenue
  December 7
  Bring the whole family to enjoy floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer.

 

• Bear Creek Lighted Boat Parade at Hard Yacht Café
  December 7
  Watch as decorated boats light up the water in this dazzling holiday parade.

 

• Winter Wonderland at CVFC
  December 7
  Enjoy holiday-themed activities, food, and fun at the Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company.

 

• Deck the Hall Ball at Chesapeake Employers Arena
  December 12
  Join in for a lively holiday celebration with music, dancing, and fun for all ages.

 

• Holidays at Hampton
  December 14
  Explore centuries of holiday traditions at the historic Hampton Mansion in Towson. Music and storytelling will be featured throughout the day so visitors can get a taste of the holiday traditions of those who lived and worked at Hampton from 1783-1948.

 

• Music and Magic: A Chanukah Spectacular
  December 22
  Celebrate a joyful Jewish experience at the Gordon Center Theater in Owings Mills. This enchanting event will help you build warm holiday memories.

 

Santa Sightings

• Photos with Santa at Kenilworth Mall
  November 14 – December 24
  Join Santa for a memorable photo and peak at their amazing train garden at The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson Maryland.

 

• Santa Flies into Martin State Airport
  November 30
  Come to Martin State Airport and watch Santa arrive by air!  Kids will get a chance to talk with Santa at 2323 Eastern Blvd. (where the Plane and Train Garden will be).

 

• Visit with Santa at the Fire Museum
  November 30
  Santa will make a one-day only appearance at the Fire Museum in Lutherville.  Catch him before he heads back to the North Pole!

 

• Maryvale Christmas Shops
  December 7
  A charming holiday shopping event featuring unique gifts from locally owned small businesses as well as crafts, treats and letters to Santa. Located at the Maryvale Preparatory School in Lutherville.

 

• Breakfast with Santa and Craft Fair
  December 15
  All-you-can-eat breakfast buffet with Santa at Hereford Volunteer Fire Company.  Stay for the holiday craft fair until 1:00 p.m.

  

Let There be Lights!

• Hunt Valley Towne Centre Tree Lighting
  November 29
  Kick off the season with a spectacular tree lighting ceremony featuring caroling, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa.

 

• Catonsville Tree Lighting
  November 30
  Enjoy Live music, hot chocolate and cookies then visit Santa right in his house outside of the Catonsville Fire House.

 

• Foundry Row Tree Lighting Ceremony
  November 30
  Celebrate the holidays with music, caroling, and a festive tree lighting at Foundry Row.

 

• Towson Christmas Tree Lighting
  December 6
  Gather at Towson’s main street for the annual Christmas tree lighting and seasonal fun.

 

• Essex Christmas Community Tree and Cube Lighting
  December 7
  The 49th annual Essex Community Tree Lighting at Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River will also include the lighting of the ESSEX CUBE! This is a free, fun family event with Santa, the Grinch, fire trucks, a DJ, gifts for kids and more.

 

• 1^st Annual Maryland Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds
  December 12 – 30
  Drive through a spectacular light display at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.

 

• 4th Annual Menorah Lighting at The Avenue
  December 26
  Celebrate Hanukkah with a festive Menorah lighting ceremony.

 

Holiday Markets

• Owings Mills Holiday Market
  December 7
  The Collective Holiday Market at CCBC Owings Mills will feature unique gifts from 25+ makers/vendors, raffles and workshops, free photo booth and more!

 

• Prigel Family Creamery Christmas Market
  December 7
  Bundle up and join us for an indoor/outdoor cozy and festive day in Glen Arm.  Shop from local artisans. Enjoy bonfires, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Bring the kids for craft tables, face paintings, and holiday hayrides.

 

• The Baltimore County Arts Guild Holiday Market
  December 8
  Experience the magic of the season in Catonsville.  Enjoy pictures and story time with Santa, sip on hot cocoa, and explore creative holiday arts activities.

 

Train Gardens

• Holiday Train Garden at Kenilworth Mall
  November 22 – January 5
  It’s the most wonderful time of the year to experience the annual Kenilworth train garden display!

 

• Holiday Plane & Train Garden at Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum
  November 30 – January 5
  Celebrate the season with a unique display at the Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum.

 

• Holiday Train Garden at The Fire Museum
  November 30 – December 29
  A family-friendly holiday tradition featuring miniature trains and holiday décor.

 

• Train Garden at Dundalk-Patapsco Neck Historical Society
   December 1 – January 1
  Experience a local holiday tradition with a visit to Dundalk’s historic Train Garden.