MERRY MUSIC
NOV. 26: TUBA CHRISTMAS
At this musical celebration, watch a symphony of more than 80 regional tuba and euphonium players take the stage to perform classic four-part Christmas carols. Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick, 301-600-2828
NOV. 26: WEINBERG WINTERFEST
Sing along to familiar Christmas carols with live accompaniment by a Wurlitzer organ at this event to benefit the Community Action Agency of Frederick. Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick, 301-600-2828
NOV. 30-DEC. 14: MERRIMENT & MELODIES
On Wednesday evenings, enjoy live holiday music under the stars, with treats, wine, and shopping events around Harbor East. Participating vendors located along Aliceanna St.
TWINKLING TRADITIONS
NOV. 17-JAN. 1: WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS
This award-winning festival returns to Ocean City with more than one million sparkling lights spanning more than 50 blocks. 200 124th St., Ocean City, 410-250-0125
NOV. 20-JAN. 8: SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS
This year’s festival is bigger and brighter than ever before with refurbished displays, a laser light show, an outdoor skating rink, and 3D holiday video. Symphony Woods, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia.
NOV. 26- DEC. 31: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
With warm beverages in hand, stroll around Hampden’s annual holiday spectacle—lauded by the likes of Nightline and The Travel Channel—to check out fan-favorite hubcap Christmas trees, Santa displays, illuminated Natty Boh logos, and glowing crab sculptures. 700 Block of 34th St., Free, 5-11 p.m.
FAMILY FUN
Through JAN. 2: RUDOLPH, THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
The 1964 Claymation classic comes to life on the big screen in 4-D with special effects. National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt St, 410-576-3800
Through JAN. 16: PANDORA ICE RINK
Lace up your skates and practice your axels in the heart of the Inner Harbor this season. Special holiday events planned at the rink include late-night skates, visits from Santa, and a benefit for Special Olympics Maryland on January 5. Harborplace Amphitheater, Inner Harbor, Times vary, $9-10.
NOV. 24-DEC. 24: CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN BALTIMORE
Enjoy German beer, European eats, and more than 50 vendors peddling handcrafted gifts at this massive outdoor market. West Shore Park, 501 Light St., Free
NOV. 25-JAN. 29: HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF TRAINS
Celebrate the grand reopening of the B&O Railroad Museum’s Ellicott City station at its annual model train display. Stop by opening weekend for a meet-and-greet with Civil War-era Santa, who will be on handing out special treats for kids. B&O Railroad Museum. 2711 Maryland Ave., Ellicott City, 410-461-1945
DEC. 4: MAYOR’S 43RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE
Watch this annual holiday procession make its way through North Baltimore with floats, marching bands, motorcycles, and, of course, a special appearance from Santa Claus. Parade steps off from Western High School, 4600 Falls Road, 1 p.m., Free
DEC. 10: GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP
With royal icing, gumdrops, sprinkles, and candy canes galore, this gingerbread-making get-together will be equipped with all of the essentials. Bring the family to sip hot chocolate while getting creative with the edible edifices. Whole Foods Market, 10275 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, 240-865-1827, 11 a.m., $20
GARLANDS AND GREENERY
NOV. 25-27: KENNEDY KRIEGER INSTITUTE’S FESTIVAL OF TREES
The East Coast’s largest holiday-themed festival is back with more than 700 community-crafted trees and daily live entertainment. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium.
NOV. 25-DEC. 4: FESTIVAL OF WREATHS.
The 19th annual silent auction features more than 150 uniquely decorated wreaths. The Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster
NOV. 28-JAN. 10: COUTURE TREE COMPETITION
Craft your own high-fashion tree in this second-annual competition hosted by the Lord Baltimore Hotel, where the winning designs will be on display in the lobby through January 16. Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St, 410-659-3096
UGLY SWEATER SHENANIGANS
DEC. 14: UGLY SWEATER BASH
At this pre-Christmas concert featuring local soul singers Loose Ties, Jailbreak Brewing is offering $5 pints to patrons donning their ugliest, itchiest, most unsightly holiday sweaters. Jailbreak Brewing Company, 9445 Washington Blvd., Ste. F, Laurel, 443-345-969, 6-8 p.m.
DEC. 16: UGLY SWEATER PARTY
Throw on your holiday best to receive festive drink deals including $3 spiked root beers, $5 cinnamon toast shots, and $20 buckets of “cheer” at Howl at the Moon’s sweater soiree in Power Plant Live. 22 Market Place, 410-783-5111
DEC. 17: ANNUAL UGLY SWEATER PARTY
Rummage the racks at your local vintage shop to find the perfect sweater to rock at this annual bash, which will feature Sam Adams beer specials and live DJ entertainment all night long. Mother’s Grille, 1113 S. Charles St., 410-244-8686, 10 p.m.
DEC. 17: THE UGLY SWEATER RUN
A sea of sweaters embroidered with everything from Santa and snowmen to garland and gingerbread will be on display at this annual holiday run around the city. Take in the sights of downtown’s most decorated destinations on the 3.1-mile course before snapping photos with a mechanical reindeer and life-sized snow globe at the finish line. To keep the holiday cheer flowing, official post-race parties will be held at The Point in Fells, Kooper’s, and Slainte in Fells Point. Race steps off from Rash Field, 201 Key Highway, 9 a.m.
FOODIE FESTIVITIES
DEC. 5-9: SEASON’S EATINGS
Head to the Inner Harbor to sit-in on this series of holiday-inspired cooking demos led by chefs from area hotspots like Ejji Ramen, The French Kitchen, Twist, Apropoe’s, and Breaking Bread. Baltimore Visitor Center, 401 Light St., Times vary, 877-225-8466
DEC. 6: SOLSTICE SPIRITS AND HOLIDAY EGGNOG COCKTAIL WORKSHOP
Snag a seat at this class led by veteran bartender Melissa Ray to learn the ins-and-outs of eggnog, as well as craft your own Winter Solstice-themed spiced spirit with hints of cranberry and rosemary. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., 410-276-1651, 7-9 p.m., $60-65
DEC. 7: CHEF EGG LIVE: FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES AT THE LOCAL OYSTER
Chef Erik Berlin, more fondly known as Chef Egg, and Nick Shauman of The Local Oyster are continuing their series of ocean-inspired cooking classes with this special holiday installment focusing on the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes. Learn tips and tricks for working with fish while sampling dishes like fried anchovies with garlic aioli, smoked salmon rillettes, broiled oysters with creamed spinach, pan-seared trout with cashews, and crab toast with champagne cream sauce. The Local Oyster, 520 Park Ave., 844-748-2537, 6:30 p.m., $30
DEC. 17 & 22: HOLIDAY COOKIES AND CANDIES COOKING CLASS
Crafting your own holiday treats might sound daunting for baking beginners, but this class tackles all of the basics. Throw on an apron to learn how to make everything from classic sugar and lace cookies to chocolate truffles and pecan pralines. Schola, 1005 N. Charles St., 443-715-7516, Times vary, $59