Let’s haul out the holly (“We Need A Little Christmas”) and enjoy the festivities of the season around Baltimore!  We begin with a trek over to Hampden where Miracle on 34th Street lights up the town. This is an annual event hosted in the 700 block of 34th Street  where residents adorn their homes with lights in various themes, unique sculptures are displayed, and Santa occasionally drives through. Be prepared to walk and enjoy the camaraderie of local Baltimoreans. If you’re looking for a German holiday experience, head over to Christmas Village for beer and bratwurst, live music, and lederhosen — oh and Santa will be there too.

The Pandora ice rink is now open. Glide along with a group of friends or make it a date night as you overlook the harbor. Check their website for skate rental prices, admission tickets, and hours. For a captivating and romantic ballet performance, go see the Nutcracker. Baltimore venues are offering variations of the classic ballet this year: Cirque Nutcracker Ballet (Meyerhoff Sympohony Hall and Strathmore Theatre), the Hip Hop Nutcracker with Kurtis Blow (Strathmore Theatre), and the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker (Hippodrome Theatre). The National Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah is at the Strathmore’s Music Center. If you want something jazzy, Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra are also at the Strathmore. Finally, close out 2018 with a bang at the New Year’s Eve Spectacular fireworks show on Monday, December 31st.