Plan your perfect festive season in Gwynn Oak with our event guide. From residents to tourists, this guide is your gateway to the holiday wonders of Gwynn Oak.
Take a stroll through the enchanting German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, where traditional crafts and festive treats set the scene for a delightful experience. Features like twinkling lights and authentic German cuisine highlight the rich cultural spirit of the holiday season. And the Miracle on 34th Street showcases a charming display of themed decorations and community spirit that you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Gwynn Oak
- Miracle on 34th Street (Baltimore)
- Christmas at Gaylord National (National Harbor)
- German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor (Baltimore)
- Spectacular Holiday Light Display at Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis)
- Baltimore Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade (Baltimore)
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor)
- Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree (Annapolis)
- US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains (Washington D.C.)
- Annual Parade of Lighted Boats (Baltimore)
- Zoo Lights at The Maryland Zoo (Baltimore)
See these and even more events listed below!
Gwynn Oak Holiday Light Displays
Spectacular Holiday Light Display at Sandy Point State Park
What to Expect:
Animated and stationary light displays along a scenic bay route.
Description:
Drive through a scenic two-mile illuminated route along the Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point State Park, featuring over 70 animated and stationary light displays.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Spectacular Holiday Light Display at Sandy Point State Park
Christmas Tree Lighting at Annapolis Town Center
What to Expect:
Free ornaments for the first 500 families.
Description:
Join us for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Annapolis Town Center, where the first 500 families to arrive will receive a special ornament. Enjoy DJ music, games, fireworks, and a visit from Santa as we light the Christmas tree.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting at Annapolis Town Center
Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree
What to Expect:
Local kids' tree decorations and community involvement.
Description:
The Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree is a festive event where local groups perform dancing and carols, and the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony includes carolers, music, and general merriment. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Elfie join in to light the tree, making it a joyful celebration for all.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
What to Expect:
Boats decorated with thousands of colored lights sail through Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek.
Description:
The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is an annual holiday event where boats decorated with thousands of colored lights sail through Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek, creating a spectacular display of light and joy.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
National Harbor Tree Light Show
What to Expect:
Spectacular RGB tree lighting display with holiday music.
Description:
The National Harbor Tree Light Show features a 60-foot RGB tree that comes to life nightly with a breathtaking light show dancing alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: National Harbor Tree Light Show
Free Spectacular Fireworks Display at National Harbor
What to Expect:
Synchronized fireworks display following a nightly tree lighting show.
Description:
Witness a spectacular fireworks display at National Harbor, set against the backdrop of a 60-foot RGB tree, with a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Free Spectacular Fireworks Display at National Harbor
Miracle on 34th Street
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display with resident-created decorations.
Description:
The Miracle on 34th Street is a 76-year-old holiday light display in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood, featuring colorfully decorated homes, Christmas trees, trains, animated figures, and various holiday symbols.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Miracle on 34th Street
Annual Parade of Lighted Boats
What to Expect:
Spectacular parade of lighted boats along Baltimore's waterfront.
Description:
Witness over 50 boats adorned with sparkling lights as they parade through the Inner Harbor and Fells Point, creating a dazzling display of maritime holiday cheer.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Annual Parade of Lighted Boats
Holly Jolly Trolley
What to Expect:
Climate-controlled trolley ride with holiday music and local history insights.
Description:
Explore Baltimore's holiday lights and decorations on a guided tour through historic neighborhoods, including Harbor East, Fells Point, and Hampden.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Holly Jolly Trolley
City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Dazzling 75-foot tree with live music and festive activities.
Description:
Join CityCenterDC for its 10th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring a joyful music performance by The Revels, balloon artists, face painters, and holiday treats. NBC4’s Eun Yang will host the official tree lighting ceremony and countdown. Enjoy the dazzling 75-foot tree, visit the two resident 25-foot reindeer, and capture the holiday spirit with a photo under the Palmer Alley Dream Closet art installation.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Gwynn Oak Holiday Markets and Shopping
Midnight Madness
What to Expect:
Extended shopping hours with holiday decorations and entertainment.
Description:
Downtown Annapolis transforms into a holiday shopping haven with Midnight Madness, featuring extended hours, holiday decorations, and entertainment along Main Street, West Street, Maryland Avenue, State Circle, Market Space, and Dock Street.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Midnight Madness
Chocolate Binge Festival
What to Expect:
Unique chocolate tour with diverse vendors.
Description:
The Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival is a family-friendly event featuring chocolate vendors, holiday shopping, and live music. Enjoy a chocolate tour along West Street with various chocolate specialties and complete your holiday shopping at the local artisan market.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Chocolate Binge Festival
Annapolis Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local artisans and live entertainment.
Description:
The Annapolis Holiday Market offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in Historic Annapolis. Visitors can browse the work of 50 local artists, enjoy café dining, and experience live entertainment.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Annapolis Holiday Market
German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor
What to Expect:
Authentic German market with international vendors and festive food options.
Description:
German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor features over 60 vendors offering unique gifts and authentic European cuisine, including a wide selection of German mulled wine and traditional German food.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse local vendors and community activations.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a 20th-anniversary celebration in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring upgraded vendor kiosks, diverse artisans, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and local artisanal goods in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
The Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair at Veterans Plaza offers a festive celebration featuring seasonal artisans, delicious treats, and the joyful spirit of the season. Explore a merry marketplace filled with handcrafted treasures from local artisans, savor delightful food and desserts from various vendors, and immerse yourself in the festive melodies of Christmas music.
Where: Silver Spring | More Info: Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
Gwynn Oak Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Gaylord National
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
Description:
At Gaylord National, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring ICE with Charlie Brown Christmas, stunning light displays, and family-friendly activities like snow tubing and gingerbread decorating.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Christmas at Gaylord National
B&O Railroad Museum's Breakfast and Train Ride with Santa
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday train ride with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
At the B&O Railroad Museum, join a two-hour immersive Polar Express experience where you'll dress in pajamas, enjoy a live performance of the Hot Chocolate song and dance, and receive the First Gift of Christmas—a silver sleigh bell—from Santa. Upon arrival at the North Pole, you'll enjoy crafts, make s'mores, shop for themed goodies, and have your picture taken with Santa. The event includes hot chocolate, sugar cookies, and live performances, with various seating options available.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: B&O Railroad Museum's Breakfast and Train Ride with Santa
Baltimore Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Colorful floats and lively bands along a festive holiday route.
Description:
The Baltimore Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade is a 2.5-mile route through Hampden and Medfield featuring colorful floats, local personalities, Darth Vader, the Boumi Shriners, lively bands, and culminating with Santa Claus, offering a delightful experience for the whole family.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Baltimore Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade
A Christmas Carol at The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
What to Expect:
Baltimore-inspired adaptation of A Christmas Carol with local actors.
Description:
In a 19th-century Baltimore setting, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company presents a fresh adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Gregory Burgess returns as Ebenezer Scrooge, navigating a journey from greed to redemption. This beloved tradition is infused with local charm and vibrant storytelling.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: A Christmas Carol at The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with festive floats and tree lighting.
Description:
The 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is a cherished community event featuring festive floats, holiday music, and the lighting of the town's iconic Christmas tree.
Where: Bel Air | More Info: 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Gwynn Oak Other Holiday Activities
Inner Harbor Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Ice skating with waterfront views of Baltimore's neon-lit skyline.
Description:
The Inner Harbor Ice Rink offers a festive ice skating experience with waterfront views of Baltimore's neon-lit skyline. Located at the top of the Amphitheater between the two Harborplace pavilions, it provides a unique setting for creating wintertime memories. The rink is open daily from November 11 to January 15, with regular hours of operation including Monday through Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Inner Harbor Ice Rink
Zoo Lights at The Maryland Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with zoo animals and activities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at The Maryland Zoo with festive crafts, photo ops, special appearances, and more. Enjoy activities like train rides, story times, and scavenger hunts, all included with zoo admission or membership.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Zoo Lights at The Maryland Zoo
12 Days of Science at Maryland Science Center
What to Expect:
Interactive science exhibits and hands-on activities.
Description:
Explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities at the Maryland Science Center. Engage with innovative exhibits ranging from astronomy to paleontology, and participate in workshops and live demonstrations.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: 12 Days of Science at Maryland Science Center
US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
What to Expect:
Model trains navigating pollinator scenes in the outdoor gardens.
Description:
The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator scenes made from plant parts, festive lights, and DC landmarks crafted from plants, all set within a tropical Conservatory.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
Kwanzaa Celebrations at Reginald F. Lewis Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive learning about Kwanzaa principles through art and culture.
Description:
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum celebrates Kwanzaa by learning about the seven principles with teaching artists Culture Queen and Drum. Dr. Dot, featuring Maryland museum collection tours, songs, and drumming.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Kwanzaa Celebrations at Reginald F. Lewis Museum
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Lochearn (2 miles)
- Woodlawn (2 miles)
- Pikesville (3 miles)
- Milford Mill (4 miles)
- Catonsville (5 miles)
- Baltimore (5 miles)
- Arbutus (5 miles)
- Randallstown (6 miles)
- Towson (7 miles)
- Ilchester (7 miles)
- Ellicott City (7 miles)
- Owings Mills (8 miles)
- Parkville (9 miles)
- West Elkridge (9 miles)
- Hanover (10 miles)
- Carney (10 miles)
- Columbia (10 miles)
- Cockeysville (11 miles)
- Dundalk (11 miles)
- Essex (12 miles)
- Hunt Valley (12 miles)
- Reisterstown (12 miles)
- Glen Burnie (12 miles)
- Perry Hall (13 miles)
- Severn (14 miles)
- Middle River (14 miles)
- South Gate (15 miles)
- Eldersburg (15 miles)
- Pasadena (16 miles)
- Scaggsville (17 miles)
- Odenton (17 miles)
- Laurel (18 miles)
- Severna Park (20 miles)
- South Laurel (20 miles)
- Edgewood (22 miles)
- Fairland (23 miles)
- Crofton (23 miles)
- Bel Air North (23 miles)
- North Bel Air (23 miles)
- Arnold (23 miles)
- Bel Air South (23 miles)
- South Bel Air (23 miles)
- Olney (24 miles)
- Greenbelt (25 miles)
- Annapolis (27 miles)
- Aspen Hill (27 miles)
- Bowie (27 miles)
- College Park (28 miles)
- Wheaton (28 miles)
- Montgomery Village (29 miles)
- Silver Spring (30 miles)
- Landover (30 miles)
- Rockville (30 miles)
- Chillum (30 miles)
- Gaithersburg (30 miles)
- North Bethesda (30 miles)
- Bethesda (33 miles)
- Potomac (35 miles)
- North Potomac (35 miles)
- Washington (35 miles)
- Suitland (36 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (36 miles)
- McLean (38 miles)
- Arlington (38 miles)
- Frederick (39 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (40 miles)
- Clinton (41 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (41 miles)
- Alexandria (41 miles)
- West Falls Church (42 miles)
- Reston (43 miles)
- Lincolnia (43 miles)
- York (44 miles)
- Rose Hill (44 miles)
- Annandale (44 miles)
- Herndon (45 miles)