Celebrate the Joyful Holiday Season in Baltimore

Christmas is arguably the most festive time of year in Baltimore. Trust us... the yuletide cheer is contagious when Charm City is all decked out in twinkling lights and the month of December is jam-packed with endless merriment. From the renowned Christmas Village to the stunning Miracle on 34th Street light extravaganza, seasonal attractions and events make the holidays feel even more special. Plan your holiday getaway with a stay at Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast, then bundle up and hit the city for some of the most iconic holiday fun anywhere.

When you visit Baltimore during the holiday season, the Christmas Village is not to be missed. Held in West Shore Park right in the center of the Inner Harbor district, it's one of the top open-air Christmas markets in the country and runs from mid-November through Christmas Eve. It's modeled after the traditional German Christkindlmarkts, where shoppers can find more than 50+ international vendors in dozens of wooden booths offering unique holiday gifts, from ornaments and handmade toys to jewelry and wintry apparel.

Come hungry because you'll want to partake in authentic food and beverages, to be enjoyed at communal tables with live entertainment adding to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy bratwurst, freshly baked German-style pretzels, gooey raclette and Belgian fries. And be sure to check out "The Pyramid," the German Christmas tower standing 30 feet high and draped in 3,000 sparkling lights. This is where you can purchase mulled wine, or glühwein, as well as other hot beverages to keep you warm and toasty from the inside out.

Also at Inner Harbor is where you'll find the waterfront outdoor ice rink, located at the top of the Amphitheater between the two Harborplace pavilions. Bring your own skates or rent them on site, then go for a glide around the ice with magical views of the frosty harbor as a backdrop. It's Instagram worthy! The rink will stay open through mid-January for this traditional winter activity.

No doubt you've heard of the classic Christmas movie, "Miracle on 34th Street." But did you know Baltimore has its own 34th Street miracle that's now in its 73rd year? Every year, seven decades strong, residents in the 700 block of West 34th Street in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood decorate their houses for the holiday season. And when we say "decorate," we mean over-the-top sparkling lights and dazzling decorations. Crowds flock to see this whole block of houses adorned with magical and often unique displays, including favorites like the hub cap Christmas tree, bike rim snowmen, overhead trains and the Big Red Lighted Crab – just to name a few. After seeing the spectacular light show, visitors are encouraged to stay in the neighborhood to grab a bite to eat and shop at local merchants.

For a full list of Baltimore's holiday happenings, visit the events calendar on the Visit Baltimore website.