7 Magical Things to Do with Your Kids This Weekend for Christmas in Baltimore
Festive Family Fun in Baltimore
The Ultimate Holiday Season of Self-Care with These Tips
The holiday season in Baltimore is truly magical! Its unique location offers the perfect blend of big-city energy and countryside charm, making it an ideal setting for creating unforgettable, stress-free Christmas memories. From dazzling lights to snow-filled adventures, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the weekend, these 7 family-friendly activities are perfect for making meaningful memories without having to navigate overly crowded spaces.
Here are some of my favorite picks with my little one, along with tips to make each experience flow effortlessly!
Ideas for the Perfect Family Christmas Weekend in Baltimore
Kid activities in Baltimore this Christmas with Ease
As a spoonie mom with endometriosis, one this about the holidays is I am always trying to avoid the stress of the holidays while keeping the magic alive for my little. What I have learned to achieve this is to start the holidays early and do the popular and big things at the beginning of December, go on Fridays after school, and make reservations. With that in mind, here are some amazing experiences I know you will love with your kids!
1. B&O Polar Express
All aboard the B&O Polar Express is a magical Christmas train ride that will transport your family into the heart of the holiday season. It starts with a little dance floor for this kids and an opening of your experience will start with a video from the movie that will evolve in the actual Polar Express train coming alive with a live theatre experience with your conductor welcoming a little boy on the train followed by you and your family! It is truly a thoughtful experience that includes a 30 minute train ride with live music performances, treats and Santa!
The thing I love the most about this experience is after the train ride, you are “dropped off” to the North Pole that is full of activities that kept us busy for a little over 2 hours. My son had to time of his life! And, I love that he had multiple one-on-one opportunities as we flowed through the event.
Why It’s Special:
- Enjoy a whimsical journey to the North Pole that brought the Polar Express to life!
- The interactive experiences that included a story time and craft activities that both the bigs and littles will enjoy.
Planning Tip: I know everyone wants the “night” on the Polar Express experience, but if you are looking for smaller crowds opt to go during the day or the morning. It didn’t bother my son at all getting on the train at 11am!
2. Four Seasons Ice Skating Rink
Skate around the rink at the roof top of the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore while enjoying hot coco by a your personal fire pit! If you want to go “ice skating”, but don’t want to deal with real ice and/or big crowds, this is the place for you! For us, Klay has never ice skated before so I thought he would have a better experience on faux ice. And I was right! It was such a picturesque vibe that was a personal skating experience while over looking the Baltimore skyline.
Why It’s Special:
- The rink offers ice skating with stunning views of the city.
- Perfect for first-time skaters or seasoned pros alike.
Planning Tip: Because this isn’t a widely publicized experience, the crowds are smaller. But, call ahead if you want to know the best time to plan a visit during non-peak times.
3. Christmas Village in the Inner Harbor
Explore the Christmas Village in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, a traditional German-style market that offers festive shopping, food, and fun. This experience is a staple in the Inner Harbor around this time of year. And it is perfect if you want to just do a little walking around with your littles. This Christmas Village is open everyday of the week starting at noon, and it is perfect for experience a little holiday cheer in an stress-free environment.
And if it gets a little too cold, you and your little can pop into the Maryland Science Center and/or the aquarium that is both in walking distance.
Why It’s Special:
- Shop for unique gifts, enjoy seasonal treats, visit with Santa, and an real ice skating rink.
- The outdoor market has a charming atmosphere with festive decorations and lights.
Planning Tip: This is a great perfect experience to add during the week right after school, on a half day or on a day school is closed. This is also a great place to go on an early weekend morning before or after visiting the farmers market for a full day experience.
4. Breakfast with Santa & Friends at the Maryland Zoo
Head to the Maryland Zoo for a jolly breakfast with Santa and his animal friends! This event combines holiday cheer with a fun trip to the zoo. If you are looking for a full day event with ease, this is a great choice. There are plenty of activities you will find during your visit, while also not feeling the rush of the holidays. You can flow throughout the park during your visit that doesn’t make feel pressured to do things at a specific time. This event starts on December 8th and goes through December 22nd.
Why It’s Special:
- Enjoy an indoors breakfast while meeting Santa and other zoo animals.
- Event includes same-day zoo admission.
5. Parade of Lighted Boats in Fells Point to Inner Harbor
This is a free event happening on December 7th at 6pm that is great for your kids that love boats! The boats start at the Anchorage Marina in Canton and slowly make their way along the waterfront towards the Inner Harbor. After the parade, watch that Fells Point neighborhood tree light up with the community.
Why It’s Special:
- See beautifully decorated boats glide through the water, creating a magical display of lights.
- Enjoy views of the Inner Harbor and Fells Point’s waterfront as the boats sail by.
6. Sagamore Spirit Tree Lighting at Sagamore Spirit Distillery
Celebrate the season at the Sagamore Spirit Distillery’s 6th Annual Tree Lighting this Friday, December 6th at 7pm. But before that tree lighting event, enjoy live music, local food and beverages with your family from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. This festive occasion includes a speciality drink menu for the adults and more!
Why It’s Special:
- Watch the lighting of the holiday tree and enjoy live music and treats.
- It’s a wonderful way to get into the festive spirit while exploring a local gem.
7. Snow Days at the Maryland Science Center
During December 21st through January 1st, Snow Days at the Maryland Science Center are here from 11am to 3pm which l love! This is one of our favorite place to go and play, and they are offering an educational holiday experience to keep your little one engaged in learning with interactive exhibits and fun winter activities. This event is free with admission, and if you are really looking for a deal, grab the year long membership on Groupon for $99 ($200 originally) here that will pay for itself after two visits.
Why It’s Special:
- Engage with hands-on exhibits and create your own snowstorm.
- Learn about winter weather while enjoying festive activities.
Holiday Fun Awaits
There’s no shortage of holiday magic to enjoy with your kids in the Baltimore area this weekend! From train rides to festive light displays, these events are sure to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re exploring the B&O Polar Express or exploring with science experiments, Baltimore has something for every family this season. Grab your loved ones, bundle up, and get ready to make this holiday season extra special!
More Health and Wellness
Explore other blog posts to keep the festive season fun and healthy:
- Best Winter Wellness Tips You Need
- Why Zinc Is Your Best Friend During Cold and Flu Season
- The Perfect Immune Boosting Fire Cider
hello!
It’s Kyla
Hi Healthy Fam!
Living healthy my way is my thing, and Pink Proverb is my place for health and wellness. Focusing on being proactive about health, and living and creating a self-care lifestyle that allows me to be my best self!
I am taking you a long for the ride, and I hope it inspires you to do the same.
I am a Stage IV Endometriosis mom, working hard to stay pain-free. This is my sacred place of inspiration, journaling the things that have helped me along the way.
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