Holiday Events & Dining in Baltimore (Dec 8–14, 2025)

Celebrate the season in Charm City! This week’s lineup includes live jazz, open houses, immersive planetarium shows, acrobatic Nutcracker performances, parades, craft markets and more. Plus, discover four top dining spots to round out your stay. Use our guide to plan your itinerary and enjoy the magic of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

U.S. Army Blues: Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker & Holiday Classics — Dec 9

Enjoy a swinging reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker performed by the U.S. Army Blues, the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army. Formed in 1972, the band preserves America’s jazz heritage and delights audiences with dynamic concerts. This special program at Keystone Korner features Duke Ellington’s beloved arrangements along with other holiday favorites.

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 9, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster St, Baltimore

More Info: Official event ticket page

Book your hotel room today at Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor and walk to Keystone Korner for the U.S. Army Blues performance.

An Evening at The Study — Dec 10

Tour the new residence halls at The Study at Johns Hopkins University and meet the community at this special open house. Enjoy live music performed by the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra, guided tours of the modern living spaces, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 10, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: The Study at Johns Hopkins, 7 E 33rd St, Baltimore

More Info: Event website

Book your hotel room today at Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor and experience this community showcase just minutes away.

Music Under the Dome: Pink Floyd — Dec 12

Immerse yourself in Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon during this breathtaking planetarium show at the Maryland Science Center. Relax under a 360-degree dome while laser visuals and surround sound transport you to another world. Pre-show happy hour offers cocktails and light fare; tickets include admission to exhibits. This 21+ event sells out quickly.

Showtimes: Friday, December 12, 8:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Location: Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St, Baltimore

More Info: Event details & tickets

Book your hotel room today at Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor and walk to this immersive planetarium show.

Cirque Nutcracker with the BSO & Troupe Vertigo — Dec 12–13

Experience a dazzling twist on Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra teams up with Los Angeles-based Troupe Vertigo. Acrobats, jugglers and aerialists soar above the orchestra while performing an imaginative version of the classic ballet.

Showtimes: Friday, December 12 at 7:30 PM (Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda) and Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 PM (Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore)
Locations: 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda & 1212 Cathedral St, Baltimore

More Info: BSO event page

Book your hotel room today at Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor and enjoy a spectacular acrobatic holiday show.

Mayor’s Christmas Parade — Dec 14

Bundle up for a beloved Baltimore tradition! The Mayor’s Christmas Parade winds through Hampden and Medfield featuring 2.5 miles of floats, local personalities, Shriners, marching bands and Santa Claus. It’s free and family friendly.

Date & Time: Sunday, December 14 at 1:00 PM
Route: 36th Street through Hampden and Medfield neighborhoods

More Info: Official parade website

Book your hotel room today at Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor and enjoy a front-row seat for the Mayor’s Christmas Parade.

Charm City Craft Mafia Holiday Heap — Dec 13

Shop local at this indie craft fair featuring more than 40 artists and makers offering handmade jewelry, ceramics, art, clothing and more. Admission is free and early-bird tickets are available.

Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul Street, Baltimore

More Info: Event website

Book your hotel room today at Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor and support local makers at Holiday Heap.

German American Weekend at Christmas Village — Dec 13–14

Celebrate German-American friendship at the Christmas Village in West Shore Park. Enjoy traditional music, Bavarian folk dancers and mouthwatering food like bratwurst, pretzels and mulled wine.

Dates & Times: Saturday, December 13, 12:00 PM – Sunday, December 14, 9:00 PM
Location: West Shore Park, 401 Light Street, Inner Harbor

More Info: Event page

Book your hotel room today at Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor and savor German delicacies while staying steps away.

Dine at Baltimore’s Best

After the events, treat your taste buds at these top restaurants near the Inner Harbor:

• Samos Restaurant: Enjoy grilled meats, seafood and authentic Greek dishes at this beloved Greektown spot that’s been serving Baltimore since 1977. samosrestaurant.com
• Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen: Located inside the Baltimore Museum of Art, this restaurant celebrates Chesapeake cooking with local ingredients and stunning garden views. gertrudesbaltimore.com
• Cosima: Feast on Sicilian-inspired dishes and wood-fired pizzas at this award-winning restaurant located along the Jones Falls. cosimamill1.com
• La Cuchara: Inspired by the Basque region, La Cuchara serves pintxos, tapas and wood-grilled entrees in a historic mill setting. lacucharabaltimore.com

Make reservations early at these popular spots and enjoy the convenience of staying just a short trip away at Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor.

Plan Your Holiday Stay

With festive events, artisan markets, immersive shows and delicious dining, Baltimore comes alive during the second week of December. Book your room at Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor to experience it all just steps from your door.