Your complete guide to festive family fun in and around Baltimore

The holiday season in Baltimore is pure magic. From sparkling lights to classic performances to
hands-on kid fun, the city is packed with family-friendly holiday events. Whether you’re planning
a full weekend outing or looking for something quick and budget friendly, this guide breaks down
the very best things to do with your kids this season.

Below you’ll find dates, costs, parking details, and everything you need to know to make each
outing smooth and enjoyable with little ones in tow.
Let’s dive into the holiday magic.

The Shops at Kenilworth Train Garden

📍Location: Towson
📆Dates: Typically mid November through early January
💵Cost: Free
🚗Parking: Free garage parking onsite

A beloved Baltimore tradition. Kids love spotting all the tiny scenes, trains, animations, and
hidden surprises. Strollers fit easily and the mall is warm, which makes it perfect for babies and
toddlers. Weekdays are quieter if you want more space. Make a full outing of it with a pizza lunch date at Italian Gardens, and then head to the playground next to Kenilworth to burn off energy.

Braglio Farms Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting

📍Location: Woodstock, MD
📆 Tree Lighting: December 5, 2025
Other December Activities: Winter Wonderland Trail, Food Truck Fridays, Santa visits, Kids
Craft Night
💵 Cost: Farm entry and most activities: Free; Winter Wonderland Light Trail: $12.51 per person (ages 4+)
🚗 Parking: Free onsite parking in the fields

A super family-friendly farm event with a cozy, community feel. The light trail is stroller friendly,
though baby-wearing is easier. Dress warm, bring gloves, and arrive early if you want photos with Santa before the line grows. Don’t forget to plan for dinner from the food trucks on site! The brisket from Braglio is my personal favorite.

Fells Point Lighted Boat Parade

📍 Location: Fells Point Waterfront
📆 Date: December 6, 2025
💵 Cost: Free
🚗 Parking: Street parking or nearby garages. Broadway Market Garage is usually easiest.

One of Baltimore’s most magical waterfront traditions. Boats decked out in lights sail across the
harbor at dusk. Get there early if you want front-row railing spots. Bring hot cocoa and blankets
for the kids.

Highland Holiday Tractor Parade

📍 Location: Highland, MD (Route 108 corridor)
📆 Date: December 6, 2025 @ 5PM
💵 Cost: Free
🚗 Parking: Street parking + local lots; arrive early because crowds build fast

One of the most unique holiday traditions in the region — dozens of tractors decked out in Christmas lights and decorations parade down the main street. Kids absolutely love this one. Bring blankets, glow sticks, and arrive early to grab a good spot along the route. After party at Falling Branch Brewery!

Longwood Gardens Christmas

📍 Location: Kennett Square, PA
📆 Dates: Late November – Early January (2025 dates TBA; tickets always sell quickly)
💵 Cost:
• Adults: Typically $25–$30
• Children (5–18): $13–$20
• Under 5: Free (ticket still required)
🚗 Parking: Free onsite parking; shuttle service provided during peak times

A breathtaking, world-class holiday experience filled with indoor conservatory displays, themed Christmas trees, musical fountains, and thousands of outdoor lights. This is a longer outing and perfect for families who love strolling, exploring, and taking in big, immersive displays. Strollers are welcome in most areas, though baby-wearing is easier in crowded spots. Reserve tickets early — this one sells out.

White Marsh Holiday Parade + Ice Skating at The Avenue

📍 Location: The Avenue at White Marsh
📆 Parade: December 6, 2025 @ 10AM ; 📆 Ice Skating: November – January (weather permitting)
💵 Cost: Parade – Free; Ice skating – $10 admission and $5 skate rental
🚗 Parking: Free parking throughout The Avenue

The White Marsh Holiday Parade is a lively, family-friendly event featuring marching bands, dancers, local groups, floats, and festive characters. Kids love the music, the energy, and the excitement of watching everything go by up close. Bring blankets, hand warmers, and snacks — and arrive a bit early to get a good sidewalk spot.

Make it a full outing:
After the parade, walk right over to The Avenue’s outdoor ice rink for an afternoon skate. It’s surrounded by lights, shops, and restaurants, and they offer skate helpers for younger kids. You can grab lunch nearby (Red Brick Station, Panera, Della Rose’s) and then head to the rink for a complete holiday day trip.

Arts On Stage: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

📍Location: The Myerberg Center, Baltimore
📆 Dates: December 10, 11, and 12, 2025
💵Cost: Typically around $12–$15 per ticket (2025 pricing will be similar)
🚗Parking: Free onsite lot

A perfect first-theater experience for younger kids. The show is short, interactive, and joyful.
Most families say the morning shows are more toddler friendly.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Tea by Chesapeake Ballet Company

📍Location: Bel Air, MD
📆Dates: December 13,14, 14, 19, 20, and 21, 2025
💵Cost: Prices vary by seat (typically $18–$28)
🚗Parking: Free onsite parking

A classic Nutcracker performance with optional Tea Party add-on depending on date. Perfect for
kids who love ballet, sparkles, and costumes. Many families dress up which makes adorable
photos.

Christmas Village in Baltimore

📍Location: West Shore Park, Inner Harbor
📆Dates: November 22 – December 24, 2025
💵Cost: Weekdays: Free; Outdoor area: Always free, Festival tent on select weekends: Season Pass required (Season Pass: $5 for adults, kids under 18 are free)
🚗 Parking: Harbor Court Garage: $15/day; Lockwood Place Garage: $10/day

A European-style Christmas market with food, hot chocolate, gifts, crafts, and live
entertainment. Technically stroller friendly but I find babywearing easier, especially on busy weekends.

The Polar Express Train Ride in Walkersville

📍Location: Walkersville Southern Railroad
📆Dates: November 21 – December 23, 2025
💵Cost: Starting at $40
🚗Parking: Free onsite lot
A true Polar Express experience complete with hot chocolate, music, and Santa. Trains sell out
early every year, so grab tickets as soon as they open. Pajamas recommended for maximum
cuteness.

Breakfast With Santa and Friends at the Maryland Zoo

📍Location: The Mansion House Porch, Maryland Zoo
📆Dates: December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 2025
💵Cost: Adult Member: $51/Adult Non-member: $56 (includes zoo admission); Child (2–13): $46 (includes zoo admission); Under 2: Free (ticket still required)

🚗Parking: Free zoo parking

Includes a breakfast buffet, seasonal crafts, a visit from a penguin, and meet-and-greet with Santa. After breakfast you can make a whole day of it at the zoo.

Miracle on 34th Street (Hampden Lights)

📍Location: 700 block of West 34th Street, Hampden
📆Dates: Late November through early January (2025 details coming soon)
💵Cost: Free
🚗Parking: Street parking only, expect crowds
One of Baltimore’s most iconic holiday light displays. Homes are decorated from roof to
sidewalk. Bring a carrier instead of a stroller if you want to move through the crowds smoothly.

Prigel Family Creamery Christmas Market

📍 Location: Glen Arm, MD
📆 Date: December 13, 2025 3-7:30PM
💵 Cost: Free entry
🚗 Parking: Free onsite parking in the main gravel lot

A cozy, family-friendly holiday market at one of Baltimore County’s sweetest local spots. Expect handmade gifts, baked goods, local artisans, festive treats, and of course — Prigel’s incredible ice cream. Kid-friendly, stroller-friendly, and full of small-town holiday charm.

Mom-Friendly Tips for a Smoother Holiday Outing

• Go early or on weekday mornings — crowds build fast, especially for popular events
  like the boat parade or train gardens.
• Dress in layers + bring blankets — waterfront wind + evening temps get chilly,
  especially after dark.
• Use a stroller (or carrier) — sidewalks in historic areas like Fell’s Point can be uneven.
  A stroller helps with crafts, walking, and naps on the go.
• Plan parking ahead — inner-city garages fill after 4 p.m. Try to arrive before 3 or park
  farther and walk if needed.
• Mix relaxed + activity-heavy outings — for example, pair an easy stroll through a
  market with a more involved event like skating or the boat parade.
• Have a backup plan — if kids get tired or grumpy, knowing there’s nearby shelter (mall,
  indoor market, warm restaurant) helps a lot.

This time of year is all about slowing down, soaking up the lights, and making memories your
kids will talk about for years. No matter which activities you choose, I hope this list makes it
easier to plan something special without the overwhelm. Baltimore truly shines during the
holidays. Wishing you and your family a season filled with warmth, wonder, and a little extra
magic.

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