Eat
Dec. 21: Flora Holiday Market
Flora Salon. 3355 Keswick Road. 12-5 p.m. Free admission.
Flora Salon’s annual holiday market is taking on special importance in its fourth year. In the wake of the devastating fire that erupted just behind the salon at The Castle in Hampden last month, the bazaar is uniting neighbors, while also giving back to those impacted. Even if you’ve already secured all of your gifts, come hungry to snag sandwiches from Animal Boy, slurp oysters by Toni, sample sweets by Winter’s Sweet Tooth & Co, and sip warm drinks by Sophomore Coffee.
Last-minute shoppers can also browse pieces by more than 20 local vendors—highlighting jewelry, prints, and other unique wares—get a trim or express cut on-site, and enter into a raffle for a free cut by Flora owner Caitlin Helle. Entries are $5, with all proceeds benefiting local wedding gown designer Jill Andrews, whose studio was among the spaces damaged by the blaze.
See also: Brunch with Santa at By the Docks
DRINK
Dec. 20: Après Ski Day Drink
Crossbar. 18 E. Cross St. 12-4 p.m. Free entry.
Pull out your puffers. Crossbar in Fed Hill is going into full chalet mode for this winter wonderland day drink. Arrive in your most stylish ski ‘fit to enjoy live DJ beats and an impressive list of drink deals. Warm up with $5 Fireball and Rumple Minze shots; $5 half-liter Hefeweizens; $5 Astral tequila and Crown Royal blackberry drinks; and $7 Mint Chocolate Blizzards. And what would a snow party be without shot skis? (Duh.) Gather a group of four to tip back Fireball or Rumple for $18.
See also: Nepenthe’s Ugly Sweater Weekend, Brewers Haven Holiday Party, Frozen Patio Party at Liv’s Tavern, Christmas in the Caribbean at Baltimore Spirits Company
SEE
Dec. 21: The Baltimorons Watch Party
Melanie’s at Griffith’s Tavern. 3631 Hickory Ave. Film starts at 4 p.m. Free entry.
What better way to embrace the countdown to Christmas than by watching our city’s very-own Christmas movie? (Especially in the neighborhood where it was filmed.) On Sunday afternoon, the folks at this Hampden dive are hosting a screening of The Baltimorons, complete with crafts, booze, and fresh-shucked oysters by Galatea. Snag a seat to see where the rom-com energy between Cliff (played by Michael Strassner, a Baltimorean who co-wrote the script with director Jay Duplass) and Didi (Liz Larsen) takes them, as they spend a fun, freewheeling day in Charm City on Christmas Eve. If you can’t make it on Sunday, showtimes are also available at The Senator this weekend.
See also: HaHa Hanukkah Jewish Comedy Night at The Port
HEAR
Dec. 20: A Very PLRLS Holiday Party
Holy Frijoles. 908 W. 36th St. 8 p.m. $10.
Join post-punk royalty PLRLS—a Baltimore constant since 2011—for a show that will spike your energy for the holiday hubbub ahead. Get yourself a drink, snap a polaroid with “Shitty Santa,” and squeeze into the crowd for sets by the five-person favorite, described as “new wave with a certain operatic/surfy twang and bizarre dance-ability.” Also on the lineup are local indie/alt-country rockers Worn Through and DJ Drunkle, who will be spinning all of the familiar holiday classics.
See also: Helicon’s Winter Solstice Concert, Baltimore Klezmer All-Stars Annual Hanukkah Concert, BSO Free Holiday Performance for Travelers at Baltimore Penn Station (Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.)
DO
Dec. 21: Winter Solstice in the Dell
Wyman Park Lower Dell. 2929 N. Charles St. 6-8 p.m. Free admission.
In keeping with the themes of Sunday’s Winter Solstice—the shortest day and longest night of the year, which promises more sunlight to come—embrace renewal and reflection with the Friends of Wyman Park Dell. At this annual gathering, locals connect while enjoying live music, as well as warm drinks and sweet treats by Gertrude’s. Bundle up tight, bring your neighbors, and be sure to check out the fan-favorite interactive holiday tree operated by Bike Powered Events.
See also: Winter Solstice at the Ivy Bookshop, York Road Pop-Up Market
If you’re looking for even more lights, shops, and activities—from festive pop-up bars to holiday express train rides—check our our all-out Winter Holiday Fun Guide, here.