From pre-Thanksgiving gatherings through the New Year’s ball drop, the holiday season is a festive and fun time in downtown Baltimore. There’s much to do throughout November and December, including opportunities to shop, sing, dine and dance.
Inner Harbor Ice Rink
The Inner Harbor Ice Rink is open for the winter, with daily hours through January 20 – including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
The outdoor ice rink, which is located at the corner of Light and Pratt streets, between the two Harborplace Pavilions, is open to drop-in skaters, though season passes are also available for purchase. The rink also offers skate rentals.
https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/inner-harbor-ice-rink
Voyages at the National Aquarium
On Thursday, November 21, the National Aquarium welcomes Baltimore musician Dan Deacon for its sixth installment of Voyages, an “immersive art installation” with a focus on ecosystem feedback loops. During the event, Deacon will share music inspired by ecosystem interactions, and that is designed to inspire guests to think about their environments.
The event also includes food from Ekiben, Crusty by Mack and Sistah’s Sweets and drinks from Cane Collective.
10th annual cranksgiving
On Saturday, November 23, teams of bike riders will meet at the Harborplace Light Street Pavilion to kick off Cranksgiving, a citywide scavenger hunt / food drive benefiting the Franciscan Center and Moveable Feast. Teams will receive a list of items to purchase and places to visit during the hunt, all with the goal of gathering groceries for the two organizations.
After the hunt, participants will celebrate the winners at an afterparty at Harborplace.
https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/events-calendar/baltimores-10th-annual-cranksgiving
Christmas Village
The Baltimore Christmas Village – modeled after traditional German Christmas villages – is back again this year, starting on November 23. The Village, which takes over the Inner Harbor area, Is open through Christmas Eve. During that time, the Village hosts multiple special events, including wine tastings on Thursdays, holiday movies on Wednesday nights, and visits from Santa and ‘Gingy’ the Gingerbread Man.
There’s something for guests of every age at the Village, including tons of artisans, amusement park rides, and European-influenced food and drinks, like bratwurst, raclette, and mulled wine.
https://www.baltimore-christmas.com
Miracle Market & Tree Lighting
On Saturday, November 30, Power Plant Live! welcomes back its annual Holiday Market, featuring festive vendors, seasonal drinks, and light bites.
That evening, the venue will light its tree for the first time, emphatically ushering in the holiday season.
https://www.powerplantlive.com/events/113024_miraclemarket
Miracle on 34 Market Place
Also starting on November 30, Power Plant Live! welcomes back its holiday pop-up bar, Miracle on 34 Market Place. The pop-up, which does require reservations, features themed cocktails, fun events like paint night and trivia, and a ton of holiday spirit.
https://www.opentable.com/r/miracle-at-power-plant-live-baltimore
Jingle Y’all at Rams Head Live!
On Thursday, Dec. 5, Rams Head Live! and WPOC 93.1 welcome country artists Chris Lane, George Birge and Chase Matthew for Jingle Y’all – a fun night of country music and holiday cheer.
Holiday Makers Market at Harborplace
The weekend of Dec. 7-8, Harborplace comes alive with over 60 local companies selling goods ideal for holiday gifts. This Makers Market includes jewelry, artworks, self-care products, clothing and more – all offered in a fun and festive setting.
https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/holiday-makers-market
Mariah Carey’s Christmastime
CFG Arena has a solid lineup of acts this season, including Creed on November 23 and Nick Cannon’s MTV Wild ‘N Out Live tour on December 13. But most appropriately for the holiday season, the venue welcomes Mariah Carey’s Christmastime show on December 7.
Christmas at Soundstage
Baltimore Soundstage has a busy schedule all season (and year), with a wide variety of acts scheduled – including a handful of Christmas-specific events.
On December 19, John Waters returns to the venue for his annual show, A John Waters Christmas. A few days later on the 21st, Child’s Play takes the stage for Christmas Chaos, and on December 22, Eric Roberson brings his Christmas Holiday Tour to the venue.
New Year’s Eve at Power Plant Live!
Ring in 2025 downtown at Power Plant Live’s huge NYE celebration. The party includes live music and DJs, laser shows, multiple bars and buffets, party favors and more. Tickets are available now.
https://www.powerplantlive.com/events/2024_nyelivebaltimore
Noontime New Year at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
If an earlier bedtime on New Year’s Eve is your vibe, Port Discovery Children’s Museum has you covered. The museum is hosting Noontime New Year on December 31, with a day full of fun activities and a celebratory countdown to 12 p.m.
Parking DowntowN
Throughout the holiday season, Baltimore will be bustling – so it’s more important than ever to plan ahead before heading downtown to shop, eat, or partake in holiday events.
When making those plans, don’t forget to think about where to park. Located at 55 Market Place, Harbor Park Garage is an ideal starting point for Inner Harbor holiday adventures. The garage is right next to Power Plant Live! and a very short walk to Harborplace and the rest of the Inner Harbor.
Harbor Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is easily accessible to major routes in and out of downtown Baltimore, including I-83. It is clean, well-lit, and staffed 24/7 by a group of friendly and knowledgeable locals who are always happy to answer questions.
The garage is also reasonably priced for drop-in parking and offers deals for visitors heading to many downtown destinations.
For more information about Harbor Park Garage, visit https://harborparkgarage.com/