Eat
Dec. 7: Winter Lights at the Observatory
Patterson Park Observatory. 27 S. Patterson Park Ave. 4-7 p.m. Free admission.
Come Sunday evening, Patterson Park’s signature structure will once again show off its gorgeous glow for the holidays. Per tradition, the folks with Friends of Patterson Park are hosting an entire festival to celebrate. Before the official lighting at 6 p.m., fill up on grub from a slew of vendors and food trucks, including Bmore Greek Grill, Taquito Mexicano, Pit & Pendulum BBQ Co., Vivian’s, and Sugarlips Bakery Co. There will also be live entertainment (come prepared for caroling and sing-alongs), local shopping, and a visit from Old Saint Nick himself.
See also: Miracle on Thames Street Holiday Night Market
DRINK
Dec. 5: Spin Session Social
Library Nineteen. 606 S. Ann St. 3-6 p.m. Free admission
True to its name, Creature Comforts Collective at the new Library Nineteen in Fells Point invites locals to gather, shop, and tap into their own creativity with crafts and workshops on weekends. It’s also a headquarters for vintage vinyl curated by City Rat Records. To properly unwind from your week, pull a favorite album from your personal stash and head to the makerspace for a BYOV (bring your own vinyl) happy hour. While you sip cocktails, coffee, and hot chocolate expertly prepared by Cocina Luchadoras, throw yours onto the turntable and flip through the bins to find something new.
SEE
Dec. 6: Parade of Lighted Boats
Inner Harbor viewing spots vary. 6 p.m. Free.
The culmination of Fells Point’s annual Old Tyme Christmas—which offers activities, contests, and more family fun throughout the waterfront neighborhood all day long—is always this seasonal spectacle that floats across the harbor. Bundle up and find a good spot along Ann Street Wharf, Bond Street Wharf, or Broadway Pier to watch the procession of boats sparkle with illuminated snowflakes, Santas, Christmas (and palm) trees, wreaths, reindeer, and more symbols of the season.
See also: Harborplace Holiday Makers Market, Nutcracker Magic of Christmas Ballet, Poe Christmas Carol, An Enchanted Evergreen
HEAR
Dec. 6: Culturally Curated: Sneaker Chic Edition
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 7-10 p.m. $20-30 in advance.
This weekend’s installment of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s reoccurring “Culturally Curated” social series—which gathers the community to celebrate Black art, music, and culture—will feature a live entertainment lineup that’s just as cool as its “sneakers and holiday chic” dress code. Come decked out in your flyest ‘fit to groove to soulful sounds by Baltimore’s-own Davon Fleming (of The Voice) and live beats spun by DJ Infame—all emceed by host Tiara LaNiece of 92Q. While you’re there, participate in an interactive art project, dig into eats by Island Quizine, and browse the current exhibits on view.
See also: Elf in Concert
DO
Dec. 6-7: MICA Art Market
MICA Brown Center, 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $5 donation suggested.
MICA’s annual three-floor showcase is back with tons of unique artwork for sale, including everything from ceramics and jewelry to prints, posters, and postcards. Not only is it the perfect opportunity to shop local for everyone on your list, it’s also a time to support the endeavors of students and staff and mingle with makers while you browse. A suggested $5 donation stengthens the school’s Entrepreneurship Scholarship Fund.
See also: ‘Die Hard’ Interactive Movie Night, The Polar Express Train Ride,Jingle All the Way Family Run