Winter in Baltimore can be a beautiful and exciting time of year, with plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy, such as the Baltimore Christmas Village and the annual lighting of the Washington Monument.
This guide shares the confirmed dates and details for the Village at West Shore Park for 2024.
Baltimore Christmas Village 2024
Dates and Location
Baltimore Christmas Village dates: 23rd November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: 501 Light Street.
Opening times:
Wednesday and Thursday: 12pm to 8pm.
Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 9pm.
Sunday: 12pm to 8pm.
Thanksgiving: 12pm to 5pm.
23rd December: 12pm to 8pm.
Christmas Eve: 12pm to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free entry during the week. Tickets required on the weekends, purchase at the entrance. The outdoor area around the Glühwein Pyramide is always open and free to visit for the public.
Christmas lights: Lighting of the Washington Monument – 5th December (unconfirmed). 5pm to 8pm.
Santa: Yes, plus Gingy the Gingerbread.
Ice skating: Inner Harbor Ice Rink.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes. Dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Fun atmosphere on the waterfront with wine and spirits tastings, a vintage-style carousel and Ferris wheel.
Recommended tour: Get to know Balitimore with a walking history and food tour.
Specialities: German bratwurst, Munich draft beer, spiked hot drinks, marzipan, craft spirits, milkshakes, raclette on sourdough, Belgian fries, German-style schnitzel.
Where to stay: Royal Sonesta Harbor Court is directly across from the event.
Convenient Hotels
Baltimore has several cool districts to explore, each with its own unique character and charm. Some of the most popular districts include Fells Point, Federal Hill and Canton.
These districts are known for their lively atmosphere, great restaurants and bars, and interesting shops and galleries. I recommend staying in one of these areas if you can.
I would stay at Sagamore Pendry in the heart of Fells Point or at Royal Sonesta, which is located directly across from the event.
Recommended Tours
I would take this combined food and city tour of Baltimore, which includes seeing many of the city’s highlights with a local guide. It’s particularly appealing to those visiting for the first time and anyone interested in the city’s food culture.
Village Location
Christmas in Baltimore
One of the best things about winter in Baltimore is the authentic German-style winter market, with stalls packed with unique gifts and decorations.
The food at the stalls is always popular, especially traditional snacks, from gingerbread cookies to hot chocolate.
Daily live entertainment adds to the atmosphere, including carolers, musicians, and other performers. All in all, it’s a really fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit.
At the Food Stalls
- Crab Cakes: A Baltimore speciality, crab cakes are a delicious blend of fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings fried to golden perfection.
- Berger Cookies: A true Baltimore treat, Berger Cookies are soft, vanilla cookies topped with a thick layer of chocolate fudge.
- Bratwurst: A classic find, bratwurst are delicious German sausages often served in a bun with mustard or sauerkraut.
- Pit Beef Sandwich: A regional favourite, the pit beef sandwich features tender, smoky, barbecued beef served in a roll with onions and horseradish sauce.
- Mulled Wine: The traditional drink of Christmas markets around the world.
- Stollen: A fruit-filled German bread often dusted with powdered sugar.
- Smith Island Cake: Maryland’s official state dessert, this multi-layered cake has seasonal versions.
What to Buy
- Ornaments: These often depict city landmarks or local customs and make excellent souvenirs or gifts.
- Berger Cookies: Pretty decorative boxes of Berger Cookies.
- Craft Beers: Baltimore has a flourishing craft beer scene. A selection of local craft beers can make a welcome gift.
- Artisanal Cheese: A selection of Baltimore artisanal cheeses could be an interesting and delicious gift.
Sustainability Tips
- Choose a real tree instead of a plastic one, and make sure to recycle/compost it properly when the holiday season is over.
- Shop for gifts at local stores and markets, and consider buying second-hand or upcycled items.
- Use reusable wrapping paper or fabric instead of single-use paper and plastic.
- Donate unwanted gifts or items to charities instead of throwing them away.
- Use cloth napkins and tablecloths instead of disposable ones.
- Compost food waste, and consider using food scraps to make stock for soup or gravy.
- Look for ways to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency, including holiday lights and decorations.
- Limit your consumption of animal products and consider incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet.
- Consider using sustainable transport options, such as public transit, carpooling, or biking, to reduce your reliance on cars and reduce air pollution.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
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