12/6-8: NIGHT OF 100 ELVISES 
Music. It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Baltimore. No, not the holidays—although, sure, they’re fun, too. We’re talking about the first weekend in December, when it’s once again time for dozens of music lovers to don their very best jumpsuits, blue suede shoes, and slickest of hairdos to honor the one and only Elvis Presley. Over 28 years (minus two blue Christmases during the coronavirus pandemic), the Night of 100 Elvises has become a must-attend event full of nonstop entertainment befitting The King. Attendees can meet impersonators, sing and dance to performances by multiple cover bands across three stages, dine on fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and even get discounted room rates at the event’s historic downtown venue, the Lord Baltimore Hotel. On Dec. 7, last-call lands at 2 a.m., but don’t miss a kick-off party on Friday, as well as an Elvis-themed brunch on Sunday to boot. Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. $75-1,200. 

12/1-5: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
Theater. Agatha Christie’s chilling crime classic comes to life on stage in this new production. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times vary. $5-86. 

12/1-22: THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
Family. Come dressed in your pajamas to hear music, meet Santa, and enjoy a festive ride at the B&O. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. Times vary. $70-460.

12/3: ECHOES FROM THE KEY BRIDGE
Lectures & Classes. This community discussion aims to preserve accounts of those impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 6:30 p.m. 

12/3: THE STOOP HOLIDAY HOOTENANNY
Theater. Join storytellers from The Stoop for an evening of holiday tales and music. Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. 7 p.m. $15-25. 

12/3: CHRISTMAS WITH CHORAL ARTS
Music. Hear traditional carols and contemporary holiday tunes with the Morgan State University Chorus and Overlea High School Singers. Baltimore Basilica, 409 Cathedral St. 7:30 p.m. Free-$76. 

12/5: MONUMENT LIGHTING
Family. Watch Mt. Vernon’s Washington Monument illuminate with holiday lights, fireworks, and fun. Washington Monument, 699 Washington Pl. 5:30 p.m. 

12/6: HIGHLANDTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET
Festivals. Peruse vendors and art displays with cocktails, crafts, and more during this nighttime market. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 4-9 p.m.

12/6: THE DIRTY GRASS PLAYERS
Music. This up-and-coming Maryland bluegrass band performs in Towson. The Recher, 512 York Rd., Towson. 7 p.m. $21.46-27.95. 

12/6: LOVE ACTUALLY IN CONCERT
Music. Watch this now-classic holiday film with a live score performed by the BSO. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7:30 p.m. $22-86. 

12/6-8: DEATHTRAP
Theater. In this fictional work, a Broadway writer steals from his student’s script during a bad case of writer’s block. Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St. Times vary. $24.

12/6-1/24: IN THE MAKING: A COMMUNITY ARCHIVING PROJECT
Exhibitions. The Baltimore Jewelry Center presents a collection of works created by BJC artists. Baltimore Jewelry Center, 10 E. North Ave. Times vary. 

12/7: PATTERSON PARK 5K
Festivals. This annual run is followed by food, music, and a homebrew contest. Patterson Park, 2601-A E. Baltimore St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-45.

TO 12/7: WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS
Exhibitions. Peruse posters about gender-based inequality, violence, and discrimination. Towson University Center for the Arts Gallery, 7700 Osler Dr., Towson. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 

12/7: MAGAZINE WRITING WITH D. WATKINS
Lectures & Classes. Join this bestselling author, HBO writer, and University of Baltimore professor in a writing workshop for all ages. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 3 p.m. 

TO 12/7: THE TEXTURES OF US
Exhibitions. Explore the works of acclaimed local photographer Devin Allen, with a special youth tour on closing night. Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N. Charles St. Thurs.-Sat. 2-6 p.m.

12/7-8: ART MARKET X HOLIDAY EDITION
Exhibitions. See artwork and designed goods from hundreds of MICA students, alumni, and faculty. MICA Brown Center, 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

12/8: UNION SQUARE COOKIE TOUR
Lectures & Classes. Union Square residents invite the community to tour their historic homes with homemade cookies. Union Square Park, between Hollins, Lombard, and Stricker streets. 12 and 2:30 p.m. $25.

12/8: MAYOR’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE
Festivals. For the 51st year, watch colorful floats, local personalities, and holiday characters march through Hampden and Medfield. Locations vary. 1-4 p.m. 

12/11-15: BALTIMORE, YOU HAVE NO IDEA
Theater. Dan Rodricks performs this one-man play inspired by his career at The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Times vary. $25. 

12/13-22: BAH HUMBUG
Theater. Improvisers transform a Dickens classic with audience suggestions. Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. $15-20.

12/14: JINGLE BELL RUN
Sports. Raise funds and awareness for arthritis as you race through the streets dressed in festive holiday garb. Rash Field Park, 201 Key Hwy. 8-11 a.m. $30-50.

12/14: HOLIDAY HEAP
Markets. Shop handmade and local for all of your holiday needs from more than 40 vendors and artists. 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

12/14: CURRENT SPACE ART MARKET
Exhibitions. Connect with local artists and buy their work during this 11th annual art market. Current Space, 421 N. Howard St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 

12/14: STATION NORTH HOLIDAY MARKET
Markets. This indoor and outdoor holiday market features local artisans, delicious food and drink, pop-ups, and live performances. North Avenue Market, 30 W. North Ave. 12:30-5:30 p.m.

12/14: LA POSADA
Festivals. Join in a candlelit procession during this Latinx holiday tradition, followed by food and a fiesta. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 5-9 p.m.

12/14: GLITTER BALL
Theater. Enjoy burlesque shows, local vendors, and an evening dance party during this festive fete. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 6:30 p.m. $15-40. 

TO 12/15: THE JOURNEY TO EVERYTHING
Exhibitions. Explore works by Danny Simmons, founder of the Neo-African Abstract Expressionist movement. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Times vary. Free-$12.

TO 12/15: HEALING THE BODY, HEALING THE SOUL 
Exhibitions. Medieval European artifacts showcase past understandings of health, wellness, and therapeutic healing. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 1-8 p.m. 

12/18-19: BSFA NUTCRACKER
Dance. Baltimore School for the Arts students dance to Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday score. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 10 & 11:30 a.m. $7.

12/19: WINTER SOLSTICE YOGA
Fitness. Kick off the start of solstice with a beginner yoga class practicing poses, breath work, and meditation. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 6 p.m. $10.

12/19: A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS
Comedy. In this annual holiday tradition, catch an unconventional Christmas cheer and jeer with Baltimore’s beloved filmmaker. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 8 p.m. Sold out. 

12/19: INTERFAITH HOLIDAY COMEDY
Comedy. Join in on poking fun at various religious holidays with comedians like Nikkie Knowles and Carmiya Weinraub. Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills. 7:30 p.m. $20. 

TO 12/22: BLACK NATIVITY
Theater. ArtsCentric teams up with Center Stage to present this iconic Christmas retelling by celebrated playwright Langston Hughes. Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert. Times and prices vary. 

TO 12/23: A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Theater. Director Laura Rocklyn transforms this Charles Dickens holiday classic with a set-ting in 19th-century Baltimore. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St. Times vary. $28-79. 

TO 12/23: WINTERFEST
Exhibitions. Established and emerging ceramics artists display their handmade gifts for purchase. Baltimore Clayworks, 5707 Smith Ave. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun.-Mon.. 12-5 p.m. 

TO 12/24: GERMAN CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Festivals. This traditional Christmas village lights up the harbor with over 60 food and gift vendors, a carousel, beer garden, and more. West Shore Park, 501 Light St. Sun.- Thu. 12-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 12-9 p.m. 

TO 12/28: MATERIALS & MEMORIES
Exhibitions. As part of the citywide No Stone Left Unturned. The Elizabeth Talford Scott Initiative, this exhibition centers works by the late Baltimore artist alongside others by the African American Quilters of Baltimore. Maryland Center for History & Culture, 610 Park Ave. Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$12. 

TO 12/31: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Family. Every year, 34th Street in Hampden transforms into an over-the-top holiday display fit for family photo ops. 700 block of W. 34th St. Fri.-Sat. 5-11 p.m., Sun. 5-10 p.m. 

12/31: NEW YEARS EVE FIREWORKS
Festivals. Ring in the New Year with a dazzling display of fireworks that light up the night sky. Enjoy live music and the open ice rink as well. Inner Harbor. Midnight. 

TO 1/5/25: THE ART OF PATTERN
Exhibitions. Renowned artist Henri Matisse’s prints and paintings are paired with works by 19th-century Japanese woodcut artists to demonstrate the universal embrace of color and pattern through time. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 

TO 1/11/25: THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!
Exhibitions. This Baltimore-born, New York-based, multi-disciplinary artist Devin N. Morris presents a moving range of collage, painting, and installation that explores big themes of love, death, family legacy, and his local upbringing. CPM Gallery, 1512 Bolton St. By appointment. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. cpmprogram.com.

To 2/16/2025: PREOCCUPIED: INDIGENIZING THE MUSEUM 
Exhibitions. This new BMA initiative centers an array of Indigenous artists, with solo exhibitions of various mediums opening and on display throughout 2024. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

TO 6/8/2025: LEAVE NO TRACE: JOHN WORK GARRETT IN THE AMERICAN OUTDOORS
Exhibitions. Despite a privilege East Coast and European youth, one-time Evergreen resident John Work Garrett was deeply inspired by the great outdoors of the American West. This new exhibition uses archival photography, diary entries, and artifacts to explore its impact on the diplomat. Evergreen Museum & Library, 4545 N. Charles St. Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free-$5.

TO 9/1/2025: iWITNESS: MEDIA AND THE MOVEMENT
Exhibitions. In honor the 60th anniversary of the monumental Civil Rights Act of 1964, consider how media impacted the modern American Civil Rights Movement in this new exhibit. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Mon., Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free-$12.

TO 12/31/2025: COLLECTIVE ACTION 
Exhibitions. Explore the effort to improve organized labor throughout the 21st century through the stories and experiences of working Baltimoreans. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. Wed- Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

EMILY IN PARIS: Check that aspiring fashionista off your list with a trendy charm necklace or a pair of wide-leg barrel jeans. We also love fresh stationary, planners, and journals so that she can document all of her stylish adventures and travels. Emily Cooper would approve.

Shop locally at: Girlhero, Brightside Boutique, and Match Made Stores

LOVE IS BLIND: Have a fan of the “experiment” on your list? Lean into all things cozy like fuzzy blankets, delicious candles, a new journal, or the iconic gold wine glasses. You also can’t go wrong with a cute matching lounge set that’s not only comfy, but pod-worthy.

Shop locally at: South Moon Under, In Watermelon Sugar, and Best Day Ever

THE BEAR: If your at-home chef has been inspired by the hit FX show, we suggest taking their kitchen game to the next level. Have them try their hand at recreating signature recipes from the most iconic restaurants across the country with the Eater cookbook and Eater x Heritage Steel cookware collection. The best part? Maybe they’ll invite you over for dinner. Yes, chef!

Shop locally at: Williams-Sonoma, Culinary Architecture, and Becket Hitch

BLUEY: For fans of this sweet Australian animated series, we suggest items as fun and curious as Bluey herself. Think puzzles and board games for the whole family to play together. Or choose something that sparks creativity like CONNETIX magnetic tiles, which allow little ones to build something new and inventive each day.

Shop locally at: Shananigans Toy Shop, Wee Chic, and The Pied Piper

SURVIVOR: The tribe has spoken and we have the perfect gifts for your Survivor-obsessed friends and family. We highly suggest the smokeless solo stove or a comfy DoubleNest hammock to truly allow them to enjoy the great outdoors this year.

Shop locally at: REI, Patagonia, and Princeton Sports

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Baltimore sports fans are always eager to show off their hometown pride. While you can’t go wrong with your standard jersey, tee, or hat, you could also give more niche items like a bedazzled Maryland flag tumbler or Ravens-themed coasters to ensure the team spirit is always on display.

Shop locally at: Route One Apparel and Under Armour Brand House

When it comes to buying gifts this year, it’s good in the neighborhood. We offer areas with an abundance of great shops where you can buy local and stick around for some holiday merriment.

By Janelle Erlichman Diamond

with Jessi Rutherford and Leah Bayley-Hay

Photography by Christopher Myers

Illustrations by Charlotte Fu

Sometime in between Thanksgiving and the first week of December is when that first wave of gift-giving panic typically hits. What do you do when you’re determined to find the most thoughtful, personalized presents for your loved ones, but want to do it without breaking the bank?

Luckily, the Charm City craft scene has your back with a plethora of pop-up markets happening throughout the holiday season. Mark your calendar for these local bazaars, which feature tons of regionally made gifts that will make you the talk of this year’s celebration.

11/17: Baltimore Vintage Expo
Swing by this Best of Baltimore-winning market for rare and retro finds. Equipped with its original art deco architecture and design, the renovated Ideal Arts Space in Hampden is a fitting venue for the showcase. This time around, organizers are offering early-bird tickets for shoppers hoping to get a first look at all of the vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, and decor. 905 W. 36th St. Free-$12. 443-529-5937. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

11/22-12/24: Christmas Village in Baltimore
Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets that date back to the Middle Ages, this Inner Harbor fête is not one to be missed. Enjoy the vast display of handmade ornaments and nutcrackers while sipping hot chocolate and sampling fresh-baked apple strudel. The Christmas Village is hosting a special preview weekend November 17-18 this year for locals looking to get a jumpstart on their shopping. West Shore Park. 501 Light St. Free.

11/23: Shop Black @ Open Works, a Black Friday Pop-Up Shop
Forget waiting in line at Best Buy. If you’re hoping to score killer gifts while strengthening our local economy, look no further. This Black Friday, support local makers of color and check out the second annual Shop Black Pop-Up, hosted by Open Works. 1400 Greenmount Ave. Free. 410-862-0424. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

11/23-24: BAZAART Holiday Art Market
Make the most of Black Friday and #SmallBusinessSaturday by checking out the American Visionary Art Museum’s annual holiday art market. Regional artists, makers, and craftspeople will come together to transform the museum’s Jim Rouse Visionary Center into a mecca of creative gift giving. 800 Key Highway. Free. 410-244-1900. Times vary

11/24: Small Business Saturday Pop-Up Party at Get Shredded Vintage
Celebrate Small Business Saturday in style at this all day pop-up party hosted by Get Shredded Vintage in Charles Village. There will be snacks and drinks galore, tarot card readings, unique clothing and accessories from local designers, and even a DJ spinning from 4-7 p.m. There’s no better way to work off a lingering, Thanksgiving-dinner food baby than by dancing from rack to rack and shopping along the way. 3101 St. Paul St. 443-717-1826. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

11/29: Holiday Artisan Market
Now in its 14th year, this holiday tradition hosted by The Park School features locally produced paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, and sculpture work, as well as homemade pantry products like honey and granola. There will even be a caricature artist on-site to keep the kiddos busy while you browse all of the handmade wares. Park School of Baltimore, Davidson Lobby, 2425 Old Court Rd. 410-339-7070. 3:30-6:30 p.m.

12/1-2 & 12/8-9: Star Bright Farm’s Barn Market
Infuse your gift giving with authentic Chesapeake charm by shopping Star Bright Farm’s two-weekend holiday market. Natural home, kitchen, and body products available for purchase are made from the very crops grown on the farm. Other local artisans join in for the fun, and cookbook author Nancy Baggett will be leading three sessions on cooking with lavender for those looking to impress their families with something new this holiday season. Star Bright Farm, 2950 Garrett Rd, White Hall. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day

12/6–12/9: MICA Art Market
More than 250 MICA students are preparing their pieces for this yearly sale, which invites shoppers to discover work by emerging and established artists alike. Wander around the showcase to browse jewelry, illustrations, prints, posters, mosaics, stationary, clothing, toys, wrapping paper, and more while chatting with each of the artists about their designs. 1300 W. Mt Royal Ave. 410-669-9200

12/8: Holiday Makers Market 2018
Green Spring Station is a shopping destination in its own right, but for one Saturday only, the retail haven will take things up a notch and give us even more to love. More than 20 local vendors will be showcasing their goods at the marketplace, including our faves Wight Tea Company and Knits, Soy & Metal. Don’t miss DIY workshops from the likes of organic skincare pros Deep Leaf Organics. 10751 Falls Road, Lutherville. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

12/8: Makers Alley
Coffee from Park and Perk will be on hand to banish the sleep from your eyes as you check out the unique gifts available at this Saturday-morning market, which is returning to Local Color Flowers for its sixth year. Look out for one-of-a-kind gifts like floral salt-and-pepper blends by Juniper Culinary Apothecary, original designs from Pangea Printing Co., and more. 3100 Brentwood Ave. 410-262-1494. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

12/8: Towson Town Center Local Makers Event
The Towson Town Center becomes a one-stop-shop on December 8, when local artists and makers flock to the Level 3 Center Rotunda to set up shop. The pop-up event makes it easy to find the perfect gifts under one roof for everyone on your list, from techy teens to funky aunts. 825 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson. 410-494-8800. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

12/11: Women’s Unity Artisan Market
As the holidays draw closer, “spare time” on the weekends to search for gifts can be hard to come by. The answer for anyone looking for unique gifts and running short on time? This second-annual market held in Mary Gardella’s Clipper Mill photography studio on a Tuesday evening. Gather together to browse creations from local female artisans, and sample signature beverages from Lyon Distilling Company and Le Monade. 3500 Parkdale Ave., Ste. 5. Free. 5-9 p.m.

12/14:Under $500 Sixth Annual Affordable Art Sale
Collectors of all kinds will unite at Maryland Art Place for this aptly named holiday exhibit that offers affordable artworks priced at $500 or less. Mingle with other enthusiasts over beer, wine, and light bites while perusing all of the pieces for sale on a first-come, first-served basis. 218 W. Saratoga St. 410-962-8565. $25. 7-10 p.m.

12/15: Holiday Heap
Charm City Craft Mafia is back at it with a stellar lineup for its recurring holiday hangout. Beneath the strung lights at St. John’s Church, browse goods from the likes of veteran vendors like Annie Howe Papercuts and The Broken Plate, as well as newbies Genevieve Williamson Jewelry, Dorpare Tea, La Loupe Design, Vesta’s Natural Apothecary, and Yinibini Baby. Coffee and treats from Bird in Hand will be available with early-bird admission, which also includes a swag bag full of goodies from participating makers. 2640 St. Paul St. Free-$25. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

12/16: For the Greater Goods Market
Grab some lunch at R. House to fuel up for what’s sure to be an epic day of holiday shopping. Every month, this market takes over the garage of the Remington food hall to showcase local vendors and raise money for a charitable cause. December’s market boasts more than 70 local vendors, selling everything from handmade ceramics and home goods to unique clothing and jewelry. 301 W. 29th St. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.