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Nov. 30-Dec. 24: Christmas Village

501 Light St. Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Inner Harbor will transform into an authentic German Christmas market. Starting on Saturday, Baltimoreans can stroll along rows of vendors selling traditional German food and drinks, as well as handmade crafts, toys, and ornaments. With live Christmas music and an atmosphere of cheer, the market is sure to stoke your holiday spirit.

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Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Eve

Locations, times, and prices vary.

Over the past few years, the night before Thanksgiving has become known as a night of late-night revelry as Baltimore natives return to their old stomping grounds to reconnect with friends from near and far. This Thanksgiving Eve, make your way through the crowds at mainstay neighborhood haunts like the Waterfront Hotel, Cross Bar, and Looney’s for all-night drink specials and live music, or catch up over rounds of beer at Jailbreak Brewing Co. and Black Flag Brewing Co.

SEE

Nov. 30-Dec. 22: Men On Boats

Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Times vary. $20-74.

A one-armed man makes his way through the American West on—you guessed it—a boat during this hilarious play opening this weekend at Baltimore Center Stage. Follow the journey of an explorer John Powell and learn about the untold history of the Grand Canyon, as well as the trials and tribulations of traveling through uncharted lands. Return for performances on the 12th, 15th, and 19th to join the artistic staff of Center Stage for AfterThoughts, a post-show discussion with company members.

HEAR

Nov. 29: Planned Parenthood Fundraiser with Eze Jackson, Wume, and Joe Keyes

Rituals: Bar & Venue, 12 W. North Ave. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. $10.

Whether you spent Black Friday scoring deals on holiday gifts or recovering from a turkey-induced food coma, make your way to Rituals on Friday night to support this annual Baltimore Planned Parenthood fundraiser. With a can’t-miss lineup of local acts like hip-hop legend Eze Jackson, Joe Keyes and The Late Bloomer Band, and synth-drum duo Wume, as well as appearances by a host of rising visual artists, this do-good concert brings together some of the city’s best talent in support of a worthwhile cause.

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Nov. 23: Cross Street Holiday Market

Cross Street Market, 1065 S. Cross St. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

If you haven’t yet visited the newly revamped Cross Street Market and experienced the historic market’s wide range of local food and drink purveyors, this annual holiday shopping extravaganza is the perfect opportunity. Get into gift-shopping mode and browse through wares by more than 40 Baltimore makers and vendors, and, after snagging something for everyone on your list, stick around to grab lunch from Cross Street favorites like Pizza di Joey, Gangster Vegan, Phubs.

If you’re not quite in the holiday spirit just yet, Baltimore has more than a few fixes to tame your inner-Grinch. There’s nothing like Christmas lights to conjure up those warm and fuzzy feelings and, luckily, lights are already abound. No matter what part of the city you reside in, there’s a light show or event nearby that the whole family will absolutely love. So bundle up, grab your hot cocoa (or bring your mug full of spiked nog), and check out some of these kid-friendly events that will be sure to have you feeling all the holiday feels this year.

Here are six of the best Christmas light shows to take the family to:

11/29: Belvedere Square Tree Lighting
You can’t miss the ginormous tree in the middle of Belvedere Square Town Center. But on Thursday, November 29 at 7 p.m., that thing is getting lit. With drinks from Grand Cru—like hot spiked cider and mulled wine—you can get lit, too, or at least stay warm and cozy in the chilly winter air. There will be carol singers from Stages Music Arts belting out familiar tunes, food vendors from 5-8 p.m., and a mitten drive to help the needy. Basically, it’s everything you need to get in the holiday spirit. 540 E. Belvedere Ave. 5-8 p.m.

12/1: Fells Point Parade of Lighted Boats
On Saturday, December 1st at 6 p.m., the 31st Annual Parade of Lighted Boats will begin. The parade starts at the Anchorage Marina on Boston Street and the boats will be visible along the waterfront from Canton, Fells Point, Harbor East, the Inner Harbor and Federal Hill. So no matter where you post up, you can see the glorious lights shimmering on the water. It’s a boat-lovers Christmas dream come true. 2501 Boston St. 6-8 p.m.

12/2: Holiday Pagoda Lighting in Patterson Park
It’s almost time for the 4th Annual Patterson Park Pagoda Lighting. On Sunday, December 2nd from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., come watch the beautiful lighting ceremony, complete with live music and plenty for the kids to enjoy. There will be a table full of crafts, gift vendors to shop from, a toy drive, and even a visit from the man of the season himself. Ho! Ho! Ho! 27 S. Patterson Park Ave. 4:30-6:30 p.m.

12/6: 47th Annual Washington Monument Lighting
On Thursday, December 6, the 47th Annual Monument Lighting takes place in Mount Vernon Square. The event is from 5-8 p.m., and there’s plenty more to do and see than just the lights—though it’s a spectacular sight on its own. There’s also a fireworks display, a Christmas village that the kids will love to explore, plus food and drinks from dozens of vendors. Still need more to get into the Christmas spirit? How about music from BSO Kids, The Morgan State University Choir, and more for all to hear. Afterwards, head over to Wet City to warm up with holiday cocktails, craft beer and festive specials by Chef Brad. 699 Washington Place. 5-8 p.m.

12/14: 12th Annual Lamp Post Lighting in Canton
Come on down to Canton Square for the 12th Annual Lamp Post Lighting on Friday, December 14 at 5 p.m. O’Donnell Square will help you find your festive vibes as you vote on your favorite decorated lamp post and storefront. Slurp some free hot chocolate, or purchase a tasty cup of eggnog and some treats. There will be caroling, live music, raffle prices, and photos with the Clauses—making this holiday lighting ceremony one the whole family will absolutely love. 2917 O’Donnell St. 5 p.m.

To 12/24: Christmas Village in West Shore Park

Every weekend at West Shore Park from now until Christmas Eve, there’s a special theme at the downtown Christmas Village. Whether it’s a bratwurst eating contest, a lantern parade, or a shopping weekend, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can’t miss the beautiful lights, trees, and decorations. But while you’re there, don’t forget to snap a picture with Gingy and Old Saint Nick himself! 501 Light St. 11 a.m.

To 12/31: Hampden’s Miracle on 34th Street
Christmas in Baltimore just isn’t complete without a visit to the lights on 34th Street. No matter how many times you’ve cruised along the miracle of spectacular decorations that only Baltimore could put together in it’s 72 years, it never quite gets old. Sometimes you can find a hot cocoa vendor and maybe some treats, but you can always count on kind-hearted folks that are happy to open their doors to families—as there are always more decorations inside the homes to explore. The lights stay on until December 31st, so whether you go early or late, don’t leave Hampden off of your holiday check-list. 720 W. 34th St.

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Nov. 23-Dec. 24: Christmas Village in Baltimore

West Shore Park, 501 Light St. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.

Save the leftover turkey and stuffing for another day and spend the rest of the weekend sampling authentic German fare at the annual Christmas Village. From grilled-to-order bratwurst and Bavarian burgers to sweet tooth staples like lebkuchen (German gingerbread) and strudels, this traditional holiday market is packed with enough German delicacies to pull you out of your post-Thanksgiving food coma. Don’t forget to snag holiday gifts like homemade hot sauce and marzipan on your way out.

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Nov. 23: Black Friday Celebration

Diamondback Beer, 1215 E. Fort Ave. 12-11 p.m. Free.

Whether you’re looking to get out of the house (aka away from your extended family) or need a reprieve from the Black Friday madness, Diamondback Beer has you covered. Stop by the Locust Point brewery for buck-a-shuck oysters, slices by BricknFire Pizza Company, and free-flowing pours of seasonal brews like Maple Thief, an oatmeal stout, and a Kolsch called Atmospheric Conditions. After warming up with a beer or two, head out to the patio to hear live music by local group Gene & Friends.

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Nov. 24- Jan. 1, 2019: Miracle on 34th Street

700 W. 34th St. 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Free.

Although Hampden is known as a neighborhood that marches to the beat of its own drum (see Hampdenfest and Honfest), it does follow the unwritten rule against displaying holiday decorations and lights before Thanksgiving. But two nights later, the entire 700 block of West 34th Street will come alive with decked out digs and displays including illuminated Bohs, flamingos, crabs, and, of course, the famous hubcap tree. In this weird and wonderful Charm City tradition, join tons of locals and visitors alike in admiring the “most outrageous Christmas lights” in Maryland.

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Nov. 23: Joy Postell

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $12.

We’ve been eagerly anticipating this powerful singer’s debut album since her first single, “Consciousness,” dropped more than two years ago, and it was well worth the wait. This Friday, hear this rising local artist perform brand-new tracks from her full-length album, Disapora, and experience how Postell’s fusion of jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B, and spoken word creates a moving commentary on love, growth, and injustices faced by the African-American community. Be sure to get to Ottobar early to hear sets by noteworthy locals like rapper Butch Dawson, genre-bending artist Josh Stokes, hip-hop mainstay Al Rogers Jr., and singer-songwriter Bobbi Rush, as well as DJ sets by Loc Spice, Styles b0nd, and Jacob Marley.

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Nov. 23-24: Bazaart Holiday Art Market

American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Fri. 12-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

Start the holiday season off right by supporting local artisans during the American Visionary Art Museum’s annual art market, featuring tons of one-of-a-kind items that make early-bird shopping special. Held on Small Business Saturday, the market will highlight original creations made by more than 40 regional artists such as paintings, textiles, and jewelry. After you’re shopped out, take a free tour of the acclaimed Jim Rouse Visionary Center.