Baltimore Christmas Village Market 2023: West Shore Park

Winter in Baltimore can be a beautiful and interesting time of year, with plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy. It’s a great time to visit Baltimore for its many holiday events and activities, such as the famous Baltimore Christmas Village and the annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

This guide shares dates and details for Baltimore Christmas Market and Village at West Shore Park for 2023.

Christmas in Baltimore is a fun time of year, with tons of festive events and activities for families to enjoy. The city comes alive with holiday cheer, and you can see it everywhere you look – even the most popular attractions are decked out with decorations.

A highlight of the season is the annual lighting of the Washington Monument, which has live music, food, and of course, the monument itself lit up like a Christmas tree.

Baltimore Christmas Village 2023

One of the best things about Christmas in Baltimore is the Baltimore Christmas Market, or Baltimore Christmas Village as it’s now called, which is full of family-friendly things to see and do.

The authentic German-style Christmas market is packed with unique gifts and decorations that you won’t find anywhere else.

The food is amazing – they have all sorts of tasty treats, from gingerbread cookies to hot chocolate.

There’s live entertainment every day, with carolers, musicians and other performers. All in all, it’s a really fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit.

Dates and Location

Baltimore Christmas Village dates: 18th November to 24th December 2023.
Closed on the 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th and 28th November and 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th December.
Location: West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor district.
Opening times: 11am to 7pm. Closes at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
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 will likely take place on the 30th November 2023 from 5pm to 8pm.
Santa: Yes, plus Gingy the Gingerbread.
Ice skating: No.
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 Christmas 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, Germany-style schnitzel.
Where to stay: Royal Sonesta Harbor Court is directly across from the Christmas market.

Hotels near Baltimore Christmas Village

Baltimore has several cool districts to explore, each with its own unique character and charm. Some of the most popular districts among visitors and locals alike 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 suggest staying at Sagamore Pendry for its brilliant location in the heart of Fells Point or at Royal Sonesta Harbor Court, which is located directly across from the Christmas market.

Location of Baltimore Christmas Village

City and Christmas Tours

Taking a city tour of Baltimore allows you to delve into the city’s vibrant history and rich culture. Baltimore, with its distinct neighbourhoods, beautifully painted murals and striking architecture, makes for a compelling visit, even in the midst of winter.

I would suggest taking this combined food and city tour of Baltimore, where you’ll have the opportunity to uncover many of the city’s highlights with a knowledgeable local guide at a reasonable cost. It’s particularly appealing to those visiting for the first time and anyone interested in the city’s food culture.

If you’re looking for the best Christmas markets in the US, then you need to check out my guide – it’s packed with information on the most festive and fun holiday markets from coast to coast!

Christmas in Baltimore

Food at the Christmas Market

Here’s a list of typical street foods and Christmas market snacks you’ll find at the Baltimore Christmas Market:

• Crab Cakes: A Baltimore speciality, crab cakes are a delicious blend of fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs and seasonings, fried to golden perfection. These are a must-try for any seafood lover at the market.
• Berger Cookies: A true Baltimore treat, Berger Cookies are soft, vanilla cookies that are generously topped with a thick layer of chocolate fudge. They make a sweet end to a day of Christmas shopping.
• Bratwurst: A common find at Christmas markets around the world, bratwurst are delicious German sausages often served in a bun with mustard or sauerkraut. They’re a hearty snack to enjoy as you browse the market stalls.
• Pit Beef Sandwich: A favourite in Baltimore, the pit beef sandwich features tender, smoky, barbecued beef served in a roll with onions and horseradish sauce. This makes for a satisfying, meaty meal on a winter day.
• Mulled Wine: A traditional beverage of Christmas markets, mulled wine is a warm, spiced red wine that is perfect for keeping your hands warm and your spirits high as you explore the market.
• Soft Pretzels: These doughy snacks are twisted into their distinctive shape, sprinkled with coarse salt, and baked until golden. They make for a tasty and convenient snack as you wander around the market.
• Stollen: Stollen, a fruit-filled German bread often dusted with powdered sugar, is another sweet offering you can find at the market. Its rich, fruity flavours are truly reminiscent of the holiday season.
• Smith Island Cake: Maryland’s official state dessert, the Smith Island Cake is a multi-layered cake that’s a sweet indulgence. Look out for festive versions of this cake at the Christmas market.

What to Buy

• Baltimore Ornaments: For a touch of local charm on your Christmas tree, look out for Baltimore-themed ornaments. They often depict city landmarks or local customs and make excellent keepsakes or gifts for those who love Baltimore.
• Berger Cookies: A box of Berger Cookies, the iconic Baltimore treat, can make a delightful gift for the foodies in your life. These decadent, fudge-topped cookies are sure to impress with their rich taste.
• Handcrafted Jewellery: You might find local artisans selling handcrafted jewellery. These unique pieces often incorporate regional materials and can make a stylish, personal gift.
• Locally Produced Honey: A number of local beekeepers sell their honey at the Christmas Market. A jar of Baltimore honey not only makes a sweet gift but also supports local businesses and biodiversity.
• Craft Beers: Baltimore has a flourishing craft beer scene. A selection of local craft beers can make a fine gift for the beer enthusiast in your life.
• Handmade Candles: Artisan-made candles, often scented with festive or local fragrances, can be found at the market. They can make for a lovely, mood-setting gift or a fragrant reminder of your trip to Baltimore.
• Artisanal Cheese: With a variety of local cheese makers, a selection of Baltimore artisanal cheeses could be an interesting and delicious gift for someone who appreciates fine food.
• Crab Mallets and Seasonings: For a fun and distinctly Maryland gift, consider crab mallets and locally made seafood seasonings. Perfect for those who enjoy a traditional Baltimore crab feast.

By picking up these items, you’ll not only find some unique presents but also support local artisans and producers.

The Baltimore tourist office has a website that is a great resource for anyone planning a trip to the city. It’s full of helpful information about things to do, places to stay and other useful tips to make your visit to Baltimore as enjoyable as possible.

Sustainable Christmas Tips

Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. Here are a few ideas on how people can be more sustainable this Christmas:

• Use LED lights instead of incandescent ones, which last longer and use less energy.
• Choose a real tree instead of a plastic one, and make sure to recycle 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.
• Consider using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Look for ways to reduce your energy consumption and improve energy efficiency, such as using energy-efficient appliances and turning off lights when not in use.
• Limit your consumption of animal products, which are often resource-intensive to produce, and consider incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet.
• Consider using sustainable transportation options, such as public transit, carpooling, or biking, to reduce your reliance on cars and reduce air pollution.

Overall, there are many ways to be more sustainable this Christmas and reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying the holiday season.

FAQ

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Baltimore, United States. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.