Lace Up Those Skates

12/07: Skate with Santa
Looking to switch up the visit to mall Santa? Catch him taking a break from his busy toy-making schedule and skating around the Inner Harbor. The first 100 kids to skate will receive a Christmas hat perfect for keeping warm and being festively fashionable. Inner Harbor Ice Rink, 201 E Pratt St, 2p.m.-4p.m.

12/10: SkateFest
The Baltimore holiday season isn’t complete without an evening gliding around the ice rink in the Inner Harbor. Bring family and friends for $10 dollar admission, including skate rentals, and hit the ice on this special night benefiting Special Olympics Maryland. Inner Harbor Ice Rink, 201 E Pratt St, 6 p.m.-8p.m.

12/22: Chanukah on Ice
Start the Chanukah festivities before sunset with an afternoon on the ice with the Downtown Baltimore Jewish Community Center. Make arts and crafts with the kids and skate to Chanukah music before heading to McKeldin Square for the Baltimore Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Inner Harbor Ice Rink, 201 E Pratt St, 2p.m.-4:30p.m.

12/01-1/5: Outdoor Rooftop Skating Rink
Take your skating skills to the top of the Four Seasons Baltimore’s Harbor Terrace-turned-outdoor ice-rink. Decked out with twinkling lights, festive music, and wintery decor, the rink also offers tasty treats like European-style hot chocolate and hot toddies. Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, 200 International Drive, 2p.m.-7p.m.

Sip Spirits in the Snow

12/7: Holiday Spirits on the Rocks: A Drinks Party

Party amongst in the presence of art at the Walters Art Museum’s festive cocktail tasting. Test traditional and creative cocktails mixed by bartenders from the Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild while strolling through the Walters’ new exhibition Designing the New. Proceeds benefit the Walters’ exhibitions and education programs. Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 7p.m.-10p.m. (410) 547-9000

12/7: Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Don’t let your gaudiest sweater go to waste. This costume-friendly Power Plant Live bar-crawl features five bars and an after party along with complimentary drinks, a $500 costume contest, and professional photographers to capture the holiday cheer. 10 Market Place, 4p.m.-12a.m. 410-223-1105

12/7: Sharp Dressed Man Holiday Party

If you prefer blazers over ugly sweaters, Christopher Schafer Clothier is hosting its third Sharp Dressed Man Holiday Party. Pay any amount at the door, with proceeds benefiting the shop’s recycled suit program to dress those in need. Come out for a night of funky tunes, tasty food and drinks, and try your hand at a raffle for a custom, top-of-the-line CSC suit. Christopher Schafer Clothier, 1400 Aliceanna Street, 7p.m.-11p.m.

12/11: Cookies & Cocktails: A Tour Through Harbor East

Finish up your holiday shopping on this tasty quest for treats and hot drinks through Harbor East. Stop by the holiday-themed cocktail bar for a signature drink and then browse around neighborhood shops. Participating retailers will feature unique cookies in their stores and $10 reserves your spot on the tour. Limited on-site tickets are available. 650 S. Exeter Street, 2nd floor, 6p.m.-9p.m.

12/14: Pet Photos with Santa

Arguably, dogs and cats don’t know what holidays are. But, at this event, you can make the holidays better for furry friends rescued by Maryland SPCA—which is partnering with Union Craft Brewing to host a pet-centered holiday gift drive. Bring your own pets to meet Santa, swipe a new toy at the “flea-less” holiday market, and make the most of “Yappy Hour” to grab a craft beer and some delicious food for yourself. 1700 W. 41st St., 12-3p.m.

12/14: Baltimore Santa Crawl

Get out that Santa suit, throw on a pair of reindeer ears, or dress in your elf get-up for this night of holly jolly drinking. The costumed excursion celebrating the holiday season features stops at ten Fells Point bars, DJs, all-day discounted drinks and holiday shots, and a refillable Santa mug. Varying check-in bars, 1p.m.-4:30p.m.

12/19: CityLit Holiday Happy Hour

Baltimore book-lovers and writers come together at this vibrant celebration of the literary life at the Motorhouse. Grab a half-priced happy hour drink and toast to another successful year of writing, meet and greet other local writers, and celebrate all the 2020 writing endeavors that lie ahead. Motorhouse 120 W. Baltimore Avenue, 5p.m.-8p.m.

Have Some Festive Family Fun

12/7: 32nd Annual Baltimore Parade of Lighted Boats
Boats covered in colorful lights arranged in holiday scenes float by at the 32nd-annual Baltimore Parade of Boats. More than 50 vessels parading through the Inner Harbor and Fells Point will be visible from any area where you can see the water—starting at the Anchorage Marina on Boston Street. The event includes carols hosted by a local choir and a grand ornamental Christmas tree. Anchorage Marine, 2501 Boston St. 6p.m.

12/7: Olde Tyme Christmas
Highlandtown brings a day of non-stop Christmas celebration starting with a friendly visit from Santa Claus himself. Catch St. Nick’s arrival in Fell’s Point via tugboat, grab breakfast with him, and snap a picture with him and the family. The celebration also includes a 15-batch eggnog tasting and contest, a festive family fun-zone complete with face painting and DIY ornaments, “carole-oke”, and the lighting of the tree at Broadway Square. Broadway Square, 9a.m.-6p.m.

12/8: Patterson Park Pagoda Lighting
Come watch the stars and snowflakes that dress the Pagoda blink on for the fifth-annual lighting at Patterson Park. The community kick-off takes the celebrations into the night with live music and food trucks. Bring the whole family to meet Santa and other holiday characters, squeeze in some Christmas shopping with local gift vendors, or donate what you can at the toy drive. Patterson Park Pagoda, 2601 E Baltimore St. 4:30 – 6:30 P.M.

12/12: Enoch Pratt Free Library Holiday Celebration
The Enoch Pratt Govans Branch invites the whole family to make fresh holiday crafts during this evening of holiday cheer. As you craft, snack on refreshments and listen to a performance by the Friends School of Baltimore’s chorus. The holidays are the best time to give your local library some love. Enoch Pratt, Govans Branch, 5714 Bellona Avenue, 6p.m.-7:30p.m.

12/1-12/15: Festival of Trees
Decorations 200 years ago may not have featured twinkling electric lights and animatronic Santas, but you can bet holiday decor looked just as magical at the historic Museum of Frederick County History residence when it was built in 1820. Head to the museum to explore a sea of trees decorated by friends, neighbors, and local businesses—and vote for your favorite. 24 East Church St., Frederick 21701, Wed.-Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m., Sun 1-4p.m.

12/28: Kwanzaa Celebration
African dance, drumming performances, and an African marketplace celebrating the principle of Ujima—collective work and responsibility—make up this joyful Kwanzaa celebration at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Come for the dancing and shopping, or the learning through workshops, lectures, and craft activities that teach principles of Kwanzaa like unity, self-determination, and creativity. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 East Pratt Street, 11a.m.-4p.m.

12/21-1/1:12 Days of Science
Tis the season to experiment. Explore “Sweet Street,” a massive candy village, gaze into the stars with the help of gingerbread astronomers, or celebrate a New Year’s Eve countdown and ball drop (12 hours early, so you can get your little ones back in bed before the evening festivities start). Head downtown to the Maryland Science Center to check out the full festivities. 601 Light St., Tue.-Fri- 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-6p.m., Sun. 11a.m.-5p.m.

1/11: Harbor Point Ice Festival
At that time of year when Baltimoreans typically stay inside to avoid the blustering wind and bitter cold, the Harbor Point Ice Festival gives us the chance to wrap up, come together and warm our hearts in a magical winter wonderland. Kids and grown-ups alike will marvel at the incredible ice sculptures, enjoy live music and food vendors, and kick off the New Year with an afternoon of fun. 1310 Point St., 12-6p.m.

See a Merry Performance

12/12: The Stoop Holiday Hootenanny: An Evening of Stories and Music
Come together with your friends and neighbors at York Road’s Senator Theater for an evening of cocktails, a bluegrass performance from local father-son duo Ken and Brad Kolodner, and some good ol’ fashioned Baltimore City storytelling. This Stoop stomp is sure to keep you inspired throughout the season. The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Road, 7p.m.

12/12-12/15: Cirque Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s staple holiday ballet The Nutcracker gets a high-flying and humorous twist from the talented Troupe Vertigo. Acrobats, jugglers, strong-men, and aerialists join the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s live accompaniment to perform scenes of imaginative and inspiring choreography. Join them at the BSO for a jaw-dropping night of family entertainment. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall 1212 Cathedral Street, various times

12/13: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
If a masterful and traditional ballet-experience is more your style, the Moscow Ballet brings three companies of 36 award-winning Russian ballerinas and dancers each—as well as Ballet Masters hailing everywhere from Moscow to Kyoto—to create an innovative show of flying puppets, vibrant colors, and rose-shooting cannons. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N Eutaw St, varying times

12/20: A Gospel Christmas
Baltimore Plays, a series that showcases Baltimore’s most talented independent acts, rings in the Christmas season with songs of faith, hope, and holiday cheer. Gospel singer-songwriters Marc Avon Evans, Kevin Jackson, and Soul Centered bring their talent to lift the spirits at Creative Alliance. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue, 8 p.m.

12/21: Holiday Spectacular
Nothing rings in the holiday season like tap-dancing Santas. The exciting new program at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall transports you to a holiday haven, featuring the fan-favorite Santas, an audience sing-along, and a few other musical surprises. Stay in the holiday spirit and check out the opportunities for family photos, holiday cookies, and ornament shopping in the lobby. 1212 Cathedral Street, 7p.m.-10p.m.

12/6-12/24: A Christmas Carol
This twist on the holiday classic places Ebenezer Scrooge in Victorian Baltimore. Revisit the classic story—with Chesapeake ghosts of Christmas past, present, and yet-to-come—and celebrate local history in this unique adaptation. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company Theater,7 S. N Calvert Street, 2p.m.

12/28: WWE Live Holiday Tour
Gift the wrestling fans in your life a chance to see their favorite WWE superstars live at Royal Farms Arena featuring Seth Rollins, Kofi Kingston, AJ Styles, Becky Lynch, Roman Reigns, Charlotte Flair and more. Don’t miss the chance to see the over-the-top smackdowns in person. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W Baltimore St, 7:30p.m.

Sprint Into 2020

12/7: Jingle Bell Run 5K

Get your jingle on at this celebration of feeling good while doing good, where 100 percent of your registration fee supports the work of the Arthritis Foundation. Say yes to living life to the fullest and beating arthritis for good while you strut your stuff in your favorite holiday costume. Plus, refresh yourself with the brisk harbor breeze along this circuit starting at Rash Field. 201 Key Hwy, 8:00 a.m.

12/7: Patterson Park 5K and Homebrew Tasting

Are you a runner, sipper, or just someone who wants to support educational opportunities for kids in Baltimore? If any of these apply to you, check out B More Global’s fun run—which will wind its way through Patterson Park and end up at a beer garden celebration. With live music, a homebrew tasting, and cash prizes for the top finishers, there’s something for everyone in this packed day of festivities. Patterson Park, 2601 E. Baltimore St., 11a.m.

12/8: Chanukah Hot Chocolate

How do you make a delicious cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day even more tempting? Well, have it waiting for you on the finish line of a 5K, of course. This course starts at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore and winds through scenic (mostly flat) local neighborhoods. Check out a great way to kick of Chanukah that’s fun for everyone! 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills, 7:30a.m.

12/8: Homewood Holiday 5K and 2.5K Relay

Winding a path along the edge of Wyman Park, climbing the long slope up Charles Street, and finishing at the Homewood Field 50-yard line, this course will offer you a beautiful views of the Johns Hopkins campus. Stick around after the race for a celebration with beer (race participants get a complimentary mug), costume contest, and live music. 111 W. University Parkway, 9:45 a.m.

12/8: Winter RUNderland

Starting at Charm City Run in Fells Point and finishing at the store’s location in Locust Point, this course around the promenade will feature holiday-themed stops and end in a hot chocolate party. Don your ugliest sweater or grab a Santa hat, because your fellow runners will be decked out in holiday gear to celebrate the season. Plus, donate new and gently used winter gear to Back On My Feet Baltimore. 1500 Thames St., 10a.m.-12p.m.

12/15: Holiday Hustle 5K

With the chaos of wrapping up the year, wrapping up gifts for friends and family, and all the other plans that pop up, the holidays certainly demand some hustle. Head to Harford Community College for this race supporting local nonprofit Harford Family House to help families in need get through their own holiday hustle. 401 Thomas Run Rd., Bel Air, 9-11a.m.

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

EAT

Dec. 24: Feast of The Seven Fishes

Gnocco, 3734 Fleet St. 5-8 p.m. 443-449-6540.

One of the most beloved Italian-American traditions is the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or “Festa Dei Sette Pesci.” This Christmas Eve custom is all about two things: family and seafood. This year, Gnocco will serve its first-ever Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner featuring five lavish seafood courses. Start a new Christmas Eve tradition and try the crispy fried eel garnished with lemon and salsa verde, squid ink gnocchi with tomato-braised calamari, and end the meal with whole-grilled Dorado.

DRINK

Dec. 24: Yippee-Ki-Yay!

Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar, 1601 Union Ave. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 443-948-5590. Free.

Welcome to the party, pal. The laid-back Hampden hangout will continue its annual tradition of showing the 1980s classic Die Hard on Christmas Eve with plenty of eggnog and whiskey to go around. Catch one of the two viewings (Movie starts at 9 p.m. and again at 11 p.m.) or stay all night for the Chinese food and explosion-filled fun. Pull up a seat, grab a glass of rye whiskey, and get ready to debate why Die Hard is still considered a Christmas movie.

SEE

Dec. 25: Ravens vs. Steelers

4:30 p.m. on NFL Network.

After a narrow victory over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, Ravens fans are hoping Santa will check off their wish lists and deliver a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The notorious rivals will face off Christmas Day to decide which team will lead the AFC North division into playoff season. If you want to watch the game from your lucky barstool or just need a way to escape from your extended family; don’t worry, some of the best Ravens bars like Mother’s Grille, Kisling’s Tavern, and Abbey Burger Bistro will be open for the game. Whether you’re cheering from the couch or knocking back Ravens Bombs at Charles Village Pub, don’t miss the rivalry game of the season.

HEAR

Dec. 23: A Very Jerry Christmas

The 8×10, 10 East Cross St. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. 410-625-2000.

Already sick of listening to Christmas carols? Get “Frosty the Snowman” out of your head and catch Baltimore singer-songwriter Cris Jacobs during the last leg of his two-night show at The 8×10. As part of the club’s DEADcember event, Jacobs is bringing his signature blend of sweet and rugged sounds to Friday’s sold-out crowd. This is the last chance to hear Jacobs in Baltimore in 2016, so ditch the in-laws and sing along to songs from his latest solo album, “Dust to Gold.” If you couldn’t score a ticket, Jacobs and Friends will be back at The 8×10 during the first weekend of the new year.

DO

Dec. 25: Baltimore Chanukah Festival

McKeldin Square in the Inner Harbor, East Pratt St. 2-5 p.m. Free.

For the past two weeks, the Esther Ann Menorah has stood in McKeldin Square as part of the Baltimore skyline. The 30-foot menorah symbolizes the idea of spreading light throughout the city, and will be lit as the main event of this year’s Chanukah festival. Before heading to the menorah-lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m., follow the dancing driedels to the Chanukah Wonderland for an olive press show, face painting, and live music starting at 2 p.m. Grab a Chanukah doughnut or a pastrami sandwich from the kosher food truck The Brooklyn Sandwich Co. and enjoy this lively festival at the Inner Harbor.

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