Can’t-Miss Baltimore Events Throughout December 2025

12/4. MONUMENT LIGHTING
Festivals. Did you know that there are some 10,000 bulbs that illuminate the Baltimore’s annual Monument Lighting? Taking place each year on the first Thursday of December, this now-beloved tradition—55 years this year and counting—lights up Mount Vernon’s 178-foot-tall monument in festive display of holiday cheer. “It’s like our Rockefeller Center Christmas tree,” Lance Humphries, executive director of the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy, which oversees the tradition, told us last year. For one night only, per usual, expect its impressive fireworks display, as well as a host of special offerings from local business, museums, and pop-ups throughout this historic city neighborhood.

12/2. JOSHUA CLARK DAVIS
Classes & Lectures. This local author-professor debunks the harmful myth that the Civil Rights Movement endured police violence without fighting back in his latest book. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 7 p.m. Free.

12/2. CHRISTMAS WITH CHORAL ARTS
Music. A tradition for more than 40 years, the Baltimore Basilica chorus is joined by a brass ensemble to fill the room with holiday tunes. Baltimore Basilica, 409 Cathedral St. 7:30 p.m. Free-$79.04.

12/2-3. MIDWEEK: THE NUTCRACKER
Music. Dancers from the Baltimore School of Arts accompany the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to reinvent Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Tues.-Wed. 10 & 11:30 a.m. $7. 

12/3. WARREN WOLF CHRISTMAS VIBES  [Editor’s Pick]
Music. This local vibraphone virtuoso gives holiday cheer a jazzy twist alongside the powerful vocals of D.C.’s Imani-Grace Cooper. Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster St. 7-9 p.m. $30-35.

12/3. JINGLE Y’ALL
Music. WPOC presents a night of country music to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, including artists like LOCASH, which has Baltimore roots. The Recher, 512 York Rd., Towson. 7 p.m. $25.69.  

TO 12/4. DECEIVED
Theater. An adaptation of the thriller “Gaslight,” this play follows Bella, who is questioning her sanity as a mystery of manipulation unfolds. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. 7 p.m. $5-66. 

12/4. MONUMENT LIGHTING NIGHT AT THE WALTERS 
Festivals. Before the lighting, swing by the art museum for free, family-friendly activities. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 5-8 p.m. Free. 

12/4. MCHC MONUMENT LIGHTING OPEN HOUSE
Festivals. Before the lighting, warm up with a self-serve hot cocoa bar and live holiday tunes, with early birds receiving a free hand-carved silhouette portrait by local artist Lauren Muney. Maryland Center for History & Culture, 610 Park Ave. 6-8 p.m. Free.

12/4. SUZANNE CIANI
Music. This trailblazing synthesizer artist brings decades of talent to this iconic show. Le Mondo, 406 N. Howard St. 7:30-10 p.m. $30. 

TO 12/5. NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU … 
Exhibitions. This solo art exhibition by Baltimore visual artist Nora Howell makes the invisible visible. Gallery CA, 440 E. Oliver St. Mon.-Fri. 12-4 p.m. Free.

12/5. THE HEAVY HEAVY
Music. Sip on local beers with taproom performances from The Heavy Heavy and Laney Jones & the Spirits. Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41 St. 7 p.m. $34.16. 

12/5. LOVE NUT 30TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
Music. This local ’90s indie pop quarter returns to their old stomping grounds to celebrate 30 years as a band with a special appearance. The Recher, 512 York Rd., Towson. 7 p.m. $32.37. 

12/5. FRIDAY NIGHT SWING & LINDY HOP
Dance. Drop in for an all-skill-level dancing lesson and practice your new old-school moves on the dancefloor. Mobtown Ballroom, 30 W. North Ave. 7 p.m. $10-20.

12/5. HOT IN HERRE: 2000S DANCE PARTY
Music. Pull out your lowest low-rise jeans and bedazzled bling for a night full of Rihanna, Eminem, Britney Spears, and other post-Y2K icons. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 8 p.m. $21.17.  

12/5. ART AFTER HOURS: STEP INTO THE SUBLIME [Editor’s Pick]
Exhibitions. Wander through the BMA galleries after regular museum hours with live music and art-making activities inspired by Amy Sherald’s new exhibition, American Sublime. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8-11 p.m. $35-45. 

12/5-7. BJC HOLIDAY SALE
Exhibitions. Shop handmade jewelry from Baltimore Jewelry Center students, instructors, and local artisans, then browse their yearly community exhibition, titled “Making Spaces.” Baltimore Jewelry Center, 10 E. North Ave. Fri. 5-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 12-6 p.m. Free. 

12/5-21. POE CHRISTMAS CAROL [Editor’s Pick]
Theater. The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre performs “A Christmas Carol” in the style of Edgar Allen Poe, aka full of eerie suspense and terror. Motor House, 120 W. North Ave. Sat. 2 p.m., Sun. 8 p.m. Prices vary.

12/5-21. A TUNA CHRISTMAS
Theater. In the fictional town of Tuna, Texas, residents juggle the chaos of the holidays as the annual Christmas Yard Display contest is vandalized by an unidentified “Christmas Phantom.” Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St. Times vary. $24. 

12/5-21. THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME
Theater. Stories of the past, present, and future intertwine for a family of five on Christmas Eve with humor and powerful emotion. Strand Theater Co., 5426 Harford Rd. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $15-22. 

12/5-31. GODDESSES, MYTHS, & MONSTERS
Exhibitions. Examine the nuances of misogyny through the dual perspectives of trans women and cis pregnancy with works by local artistic duo DanaidX. Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. Times vary. Free. 

12/6. HOLIDAY GREENS SALE
Fundraisers & Galas. Shop handcrafted wreaths, winter vase displays, Cylburn-themed gifts, and poinsettias to decorate for the season. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.  

12/6. SOCK CREATURE SATURDAY
Classes & Lectures. Just in time for holiday gift-giving, turn a pair of fun socks into your very own sock animal at AVAM. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 

12/6. OLD TYME CHRISTMAS
Festivals. After Santa arrives by tugboat, enjoy photo ops, hot cocoa, and activities for kids around the Broadway Square. Fells Point Main Street, 1632 Aliceanna St. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 

12/6. HOLIDAYS WITH HOOT
Family. Get up close and personal with animal ambassador owls, enjoy games and crafts, and sip hot chocolate during this festive morning. Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $10-15. 

12/6. AN ENCHANTED EVERGREEN
Exhibitions. Explore the Evergreen Museum twinkling in its holiday best, make your own ornament, enjoy gift shop discounts, and munch on festive snacks. Evergreen Museum & Library, 4545 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free-$7.

12/6. NUTCRACKER! MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS BALLET
Dance. Tchaikovsky’s masterful score sets the stage with dazzling costumes and sets, exciting puppetry, and astounding ballet. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. 3 & 7 p.m. $33-158.  

12/6. PARADE OF LIGHTED BOATS
Festivals. During this annual tradition, watch a dazzlingly decorated boats cruise ripple along the waterfront between Canton, Fells Point, and the Inner Harbor. Locations vary. 6 p.m. Free.

12/6. INTERACTIVE MOVIE NIGHT: DIE HARD
Film. Shout the lines, play games, test your Die Hard knowledge, and beware of squirt gun casualties, with prizes awarded for themed outfits. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $29. 

12/6. CULTURALLY CURATED – SNEAKER CHIC EDITION
Festivals. This spin-off event is inspired by the museum’s annual gala, featuring live music, food, and art on display, all in the comfort of your favorite kicks. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Times & prices vary. 

12/6-7. ELF IN CONCERT
Music. A screening of the cherished Christmas comedy is accompanied by a full orchestra performance of the film’s score. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $31-109.

12/6-7. HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET
Market. Dozens of local artists and vendors are setting up shop for a smorgasbord of holiday gift options along the warerfront. Harborplace, 200 E. Pratt St. Times vary. Free. 

12/6-7. KICKIN IT WITH SANTA
Fundraisers & Galas. Compete in kickball and pickleball games during Volo’s annual fundraising tournament, followed by an ugly sweater after-party at One Star. 300 E. Cromwell St. 11 a.m. $30-484. 

12/6-7. MICA ART MARKET [Editor’s Pick]
Market. This three-floor holiday market features original artwork by MICA students, alumni, faculty, and staff. MICA Brown Center, 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave. Times vary. Free. 

12/11-20. THE NUTCRACKER [Editor’s Pick]
Dance. Dancers from Baltimore School for the Arts high school and younger TWIGS programs perform this magical holiday classic with a spin. Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral St. Thurs.-Fri. 6 p.m., Sat. 2 & 6 p.m. Free.

12/6-23. THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
Festivals. Be transported into the beloved holiday classic with a real train ride, visits from Santa, your very own silver sleigh bell, and more. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. Times vary. $55-115. 

12/6-31. HOLLY-DAYS
Family. December weekends will be filled with holiday crafts, photo ops, festive story time, and special appearances from Santa and animals at the Zoo. Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. Times & prices vary.

12/7. JINGLE ALL THE WAY FAMILY RUN
Sports. Join Charm City Run in this 5K race or one-mile walk, beginning and ending at Angel Park playground and amphitheater in Perry Hall. Angel Park, 9685 Honeygo Blvd., Perry Hall. 8:30 a.m. $28-40. 

12/7. CLAIRE ROUSAY
Music. This multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer performs her new album, A Little Death, inspired by the lack of sounds lurking at twilight, in this DIY venue in Charles Village. 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul St. 6 p.m. $18.10-28.37. 

12/7. U.S. ARMY BLUES
Music. The U.S. Army’s talented jazz ensemble performs Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker” and other classic Yuletide numbers. Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster St. 7 p.m. Free.

12/9. TREE TIME: WINTER SOLSTICE I
Classes & Lectures. Ahead of the winter solstice, learn about nature through stories, crafts, and exploration. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave. 10:30 a.m. $7.18. c

12/9. CLASSICS & CONVERSATION
Theater. Scenes and songs collide to inspire dialogue about two beloved musicals, Hairspray and Real Women Have Curves,, featuring Chester Gregory who played the role of the former’s Seaweed on Broadway. Baltimore Center Stage, 7000 N. Calvert St. 5:30 p.m. $40. 

12/9. OH JOHNNY
Theater. Molly M. Shannon performs this one-woman clown show as Gildana Desdemona, a mystic medium who communicates with the spirit realm. Black Cherry Puppet Theater, 115 Hollins St. 7 p.m. $15-25. 

12/9-13. A LADEW CHRISTMAS [Editor’s Pick]
Festivals. Enjoy a woodland garden light display, a tree lighting, caroling, gifts, and a tour the historic Manor House. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pke., Monkton. Times vary. $4-25.