This time of year, Jen Marsh knows exactly how to get into the Christmas spirit. She pulls out her ornaments, props up her tree, and, most importantly, puts Die Hard on her television.

“I mean, who doesn’t love Hans Gruber?” says Marsh emphatically of the over-the-top action-film’s villain, played by the late, great Alan Rickman—and foil to Bruce Willis’ hunky-cop protagonist, John McClane. “I get a little swoony when he comes on screen. Like, be still my heart! He’s so intelligent and self-assured. I like the bad boys, too, you know?”

For Marsh and her neighbor Heather Keating, nothing says holidays like a screening of this 1988 cult-classic, and the Patterson Park residents are ready to host their wildly popular Die Hard Interactive Movie Night at the Creative Alliance on Dec. 6, now in its sixth year and always a sell-out.

“It’s so fun, so silly, just total nonsense,” says Keating, former marketing director at the Eastern Avenue arts center. It’s what they describe as “Rocky Horror meets Mystery Science Theater 3000,” with the duo incorporating improv comedy, costume contests, trivia, and props, like water guns that attendees are encouraged to spray.

“We tell people from the very beginning, if you’re here to watch like a normal person, this is not the movie for you,” says Marsh.

Today, the co-hosts are besties, but their friendship actually began as a business proposition, when Marsh, then the publisher at City Paper, suggested a joint film series with the Creative Alliance. A decade ago, Interactive Movie Nights debuted with The Royal Tenenbaums. Only about a dozen people showed up, but those that did were all-in, with a few even dressed in costume, by their own accord. Wet Hot American Summer, The Goonies, and The Princess Bride followed, with the audiences—and production values—getting bigger and better every year. And as requests started rolling in, one particular picture kept coming up time and time again.

“So we did Die Hard, then we did it again, and we did it again,” says Marsh. “I say give the people what they want.”

“And now we have diehards—oh my god, look at that, diehards!” exclaims Keating, “who come back year after year.”

For them, Interactive Movie Nights showcase the magic of their beloved Creative Alliance, where visitors can experience art and connect with community in unexpected ways. They’re especially proud of their recent Jaws screening, coinciding with ultramarathon swimmer Katie Pumphrey’s water-themed art exhibition, and their recurring Death Becomes Her showing, featuring performances by local drag queens Betty O’Hellno and Fulla Regrets.

“There is nothing more delicious than looking out over the crowd when something crazy is happening on screen and seeing everyone just going berserk,” says Marsh.

“It’s become more than a job for us,” says Keating. “With so much insanity in the world, the fact that we can provide this space for levity, to laugh and let loose, it feels good—it feels important.”

This year, Die Hard will swing into the venue’s Patterson Theater on Dec. 6. Still, is it really a Christmas movie? Sure, it takes place on Christmas Eve, during a Christmas party, with plenty of carols. But it was initially released in July and takes place in Los Angeles, with not a flake of snow in sight.

“There’s not really anything super Christmasy about it,” says Marsh, before adding matter-of-factly, “but it’s definitely a Christmas movie.”

From slaving over cranberry sauce and pounding mashed potatoes to disinfecting dishes and setting the seating arrangement, hosting Thanksgiving dinner can start to feel more like a chore and less like a treat. That’s why more and more families are choosing to abandon their aprons and dine out on Turkey Day. And with decadent dishes, boundless buffets, and multi-course meals, these Baltimore restaurants are making it easy to kiss the kitchen goodbye this Thanksgiving.

The Manor Tavern: This Monkton mainstay is serving a Thanksgiving buffet with tons of seasonal favorites, including apple harvest salad, glazed sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, oven-roasted local turkey, brown sugar glazed ham, house-made cranberry sauce, roasted prime rib, and tons of assorted breads and desserts. There are seating times at 12:30, 3:00, and 5:30 p.m., and the meal is $41.95 for adults and $16.95 for children (3-12). 15819 Old York Rd., 410-771-8155

Baldwin’s Station: Feast your stomach and your eyes at this rustic restaurant overlooking the Patapsco River. Open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Baldwin’s will serve individually plated meals, like a traditional turkey plate and other options on the fall menu. Don’t miss out on the maple leaf duck breast or the bisque made with slow-roasted squash, topped with a touch of ginger, cinnamon, and maple syrup, and garnished with apple compote, fried sage, and star anise. 7618 Main St., Sykesville, 410-795-1041

The Capital Grille: The luxurious dining room makes this steakhouse a perfect escape from jam-packed, elbow-bumping Thanksgiving dinners. The Capital Grille will serve a $42 prix-fixe meal that includes dishes like slow-roasted turkey with brioche stuffing, French green beans with Marcona almonds and cranberry pear chutney, and Sam’s special mashed potatoes. The dinner is $15 for kids, and you can add on the pumpkin cheesecake dessert for an extra $10. 500 E Pratt St.,443-703-4064

Cafe Troia: Baltimoreans flock to this Towson restaurant to satisfy all kinds of comfort food cravings. Starting at 1 p.m., Cafe Troia will host a prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinner with roasted turkey, gravy, yams, whipped potatoes, string beans, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. The meal is $40 for adults and $20 for kids, and the a la carte menu is also available for those who want to mix and match their favorite dishes. 31 Allegheny Ave., 410-337-0133

The Oregon Grille: Hop on the gravy train and head to this Hunt Valley restaurant for a Turkey Day feast. From 1-8 p.m., the restaurant will serve a special, three-course menu that consists of dishes like like butternut squash soup, turkey, pan gravy, mashed potatoes, herb stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, pumpkin cheesecake, and pecan pie. Dishes from the regular dinner menu are also available, and the three course option is $55 for adults and $35 for kids.1201 Shawan Rd., Cockeysville, 410-771-0505

Mt. Washington Tavern: Starting at 2 p.m., this neighborhood go-to will host a feast complete with everything from martinis to ‘Grandma’s’ dressing. Order from the full dinner menu with added dishes like honey-glazed ham, turkey entrees, and traditional Thanksgiving sides. Or opt for the all-you-can-eat buffet with traditional sliced turkey with gravy, sausage and vegetarian stuffing, fingerling potatoes, sautéed green beans, and tons of other family-style faves. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903

Victoria Gastro Pub: This Howard County restaurant serves up pub-style dishes that never disappoint. From 11 am-9 p.m., try the prix-fixe menu and add on a la carte Thanksgiving sides. Guests choose from entrees like roast maple turkey, sweet potato gnocchi, turkey pâté de campagne, and Brussels sprouts topped with bacon, sweet chili soy vinaigrette, sesame and Sriracha aioli. Choose two courses for $32 or three courses for $42. 8201 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia, 410-750-1880

Chez Hugo: This downtown Baltimore bistro is whipping up creative twists on traditional Thanksgiving dishes. The prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu is $65 for adults and $20 for children and features delicious dishes like pumpkin and bacon soup, roasted turkey breast with hay cream gravy, sourdough stuffing, and creamed spinach with garlic, onions, and Comté cheese. 206 E Redwood St., 443-438-3002

Rusty Scupper Restaurant and Bar: From families reunions to Friendsgiving feasts, this harbor-side restaurant is perfect for large groups. The menu features traditional dishes like carved roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, and herb-crusted roast prime rib. Adding a Maryland twist, Rusty Scupper will also offer seafood-inspired dishes such as roasted salmon with crabmeat, sautéed Prince Edward Island mussels with marinara sauce, and a raw bar with fresh oysters. The buffet is $56.95 for adults and $28.95 for children (under 10), and reservations are required. 402 Key Highway, 410-727-3678

Zeke’s Coffee: This beloved Northeast Baltimore cafe is going beyond coffee this Thanksgiving. From 6 a.m.-12 p.m, guests can dig into brunch specials like chicken sliders with fried eggs, biscuits with gravy and fried eggs, apple cranberry pancakes, and flavorful maple sausage links. Pre-game your Thanksgiving the only way we know how—with more food. 4719 Harford Rd., 410-254-0122

Severn Inn: Pair scrumptious food with scenic views at this Anne Arundel County restaurant. The Thanksgiving buffet includes dishes like roasted turkey and gravy, prime rib, crab cakes with fried green tomatoes and corn salad, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. End the meal with a sweet seasonal pie in flavors like pumpkin pie, apple pie, and apple cobbler. Seating times are at 12, 2:45, and 5 p.m., and the buffet is $72.95 for adults and $26.95 for children (ages 5-12). 1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Annapolis, 410-349-4000

Charleston: Gather at this award-winning restaurant to celebrate with Chef Cindy Wolf’s prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu for $85 per person. Dishes to look out for include butternut squash and andouille sausage soup, braised beef short rib with yukon gold potato puree, roasted turkey breast with turkey leg confit, pecan stuffing, and roasted sweet corn. Make sure you save room for dessert with options like pecan tart with bourbon caramel, pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crust and cranberry compote, and southern chocolate pie with toasted meringue. 1000 Lancaster St., 410-332-7373

Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant: This farm-to-table Ellicott City spot will be open from 12-6 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, offering a prix-fixe four course menu that is $59 for adults and $30 for children (under 10). The first course is an Alsace potato soup, complete with leeks, bacon, house-made sausage, onion, caraway, and dill. The second course features assorted marinated salads like the golden beet. And the main course includes traditional treats like roasted turkey leg and breast, smoked ham leg, stuffing, mashed potatoes with sage gravy, and cranberry sauce. 8293 Main St, Ellicott City, 410-465-4004

Blue Moon Cafe and Blue Moon Too: Family and friends unite at these Fells Point and Federal Hill favorites for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner date. Blue Moon Cafe and Blue Moon Too will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and though the restaurants won’t be serving turkey, there will be enchiladas and other fun surprises in addition to their regular breakfast menus. 1621 Aliceanna St. and 1024 Light St., 410-522-3940

Rye Street Tavern: The three-course prix fixe at this Port Covington restaurant on the Sagamore Spirit distillery campus offers guests their choice of appetizer and dessert, and a main course served family style. Highlights will include an autumn salad, wood-broiled Choptank oysters, ember-roasted beets, crispy crab fritters, mashed potatoes with Sagamore Spirit whiskey-spiked gravy, and turkey sourced from Whispering Breeze farm in Taneytown that will be roasted over Maryland white oak logs. Save room for dessert with options like maple-buttermilk and black bottom pecan pie. 13 Rye St. 443-662-8000. $35-70

Wit & Wisdom: Bring the whole family to enjoy an Autumn-inspired buffet filled with favorites such as roasted marinated turkey, smoked prime rib, southern cornbread, and applewood-smoked bacon stuffing. The bottomless meal will be offered from 1-8 p.m. 200 International Drive. 410-576-5800. $45-95

December is upon us and that means, even if Starbucks and drug stores beat us to the punch, the holiday season is in full swing. With strung lights and garlands covering the city, the excitement of the season is enough to overwhelm, but in just a few short weeks and several thousand calories later, it will be over before you know it. Here are 20 holiday happenings to help you make the most of it.

TO DEC. 21: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY
Center Stage, Pearl Theater, 700 N. Calvert St. Tues.-Sun. Times vary. $19-59. 410-332-0033. centerstage.org. Frank Capra’s timeless film comes to life with this holiday performance for the whole family.

TO DEC. 23: A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St. Thurs.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 & 7 p.m. $15-48. 410-244-8570. chesapeakeshakespeare.com. This performance puts a Charm City twist on Charles Dickens’s classic holiday tale, set in Baltimore’s 19th century business district.

TO DEC. 24: CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN BALTIMORE
West Shore Park, 501 Light St. Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free-$5. 443-760-0686. baltimore-christmas.com. This outdoor German Christmas market boasts 45 vendors of arts, crafts, and goods, plus a Bavarian beer garden for brews, bratwurst, and mulled wine.

TO JAN. 4: SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS
Symphony Woods, Columbia. Wed-Mon. 6-10 p.m. $20. 410-740-7666. hopkinsmedicine.org. This annual festive fundraiser features more than a mile of illuminated woods to walk, bike, or drive through, with proceeds benefitting the Howard County General Hospital.

TO: JAN. 25: HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF TRAINS AND TOYS
B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station, 2711 Maryland Ave., Ellicott City. Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free-$16. 410-461-1945. Borailroad.org. The B&O Museum’s annual celebration pays tribute to holidays past with toy trains and model railroads.

DEC. 4: MONUMENT LIGHTING FAMILY FESTIVAL
The Walters Art Museum and the Washington Monument, 600 N. Charles St. 5-8:30 p.m. Free. 410-547-9000. thewalters.org. Celebrate the annual Washington Monument lighting with music, refreshments, holiday films, and kids activities. The main event is at 7 p.m; fireworks to follow.

DEC. 5: HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7:30 p.m. $21-76. 410-783-8000. bsomusic.org. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall’s superior acoustics provide a full experience of Handel’s holiday classic.

DEC. 5: NATIONAL AQUARIUM HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt St. 5-9 p.m. Free-$34.95. 301-576-3800. aqua.org. The National Aquarium’s Knott Harbor View Room transforms into a Holiday village, with live music, crafts, snacks, and hot chocolate.

DEC. 6: MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS
Harborplace Amphitheatre, 201 E. Pratt St. 3-4:30 p.m. Free. 410-323-1000. harborplace.com. The Christmas tuba tradition, started at New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza in 1974, travels across the country and now makes it to Charm City for a performance of classic holiday music.

DEC. 6-7 & 13-14: SANTA’S STREETCAR
The Baltimore Streetcar Museum, 1911 Falls Rd. 12-5 p.m. $5-7. 410-547-0264. baltimorestreetcar.org. This festive family event includes classic streetcar rides with Santa Claus, storytelling, music, holiday snacks, and a large decorated tree.

DEC. 6, 14, 20: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1876 Mansion House Dr. 8:30-10 a.m. $18-35. 410-396-7102. marylandzoo.org. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and create seasonal crafts at the zoo’s new penguin exhibit.

DEC. 7: A FAMILY HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
The Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St. 2:30 p.m. $1. 410-732-6400. jewishmuseummd.org. Get in the Hanukkah spirit with a family concert by kid-rock band, Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights, and take home festive crafts.

DEC. 7: THE MAYOR’S 41ST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE
Starting at Poly/Western High Schools, 4600 Falls Rd. 1 p.m. Free. mayorschristmasparade.com. Set up shop along this 2.5-mile route for a parade full of marching units, floats, bands, and more.

DEC. 12: THE SWEATER SET’S HOLIDAY SWEATER PARTY
Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $13-15. 410-276-1651. creativealliance.org. A multi-instrumental duo hosts this holiday event with live music, comedian Jonathan Burns, unicyclist Evan Young, and an ugly sweater contest.

DEC. 14: FOLGER CONSORT’S A RENAISSANCE CHRISTMAS
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 2-4 p.m. Free. 410-547-9000. thewalters.org. The music ensemble presents a Christmas concert on the Sculpture Court featuring music of Flanders and Italy circa 1500 with vocalists, winds, and strings.

DEC. 15: HOLIDRAMA!: PART DEUX
Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. 8 p.m. $20. 410-332-0033. stoopstorytelling.com. Start off the night at 7 p.m. with cocktails and live music by Caleb Stine and the Brakemen, followed by the Stoop Storytelling Series annual holiday show, featuring seven people telling true, personal, seven-minute holiday tales.

DEC. 19: A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS
Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place. 7 p.m. Sold Out. 410-244-0057. baltimoresoundstage.com. The Baltimore-born filmmaker’s critically acclaimed one-man show is full of holiday mischief with adult humor and eccentric entertainment.

DEC. 20: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. 10 a.m. Free. 410-727-3464. thesenatortheatre.com. This annual free screening features the classic 1946 Oscar-nominated, Frank Capra film, starring James Stewart.

DEC. 20-31: TWELVE DAYS OF SCIENCE
Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. Times vary. Free-$18.95. 410-685-2370. mdsci.org. This weeklong event features holiday-themed arts and craft demos, workshops, and shows.

DEC. 21: SNOWFLAKE TOUR OF CHARLES VILLAGE HOMES
Village Learning Place, 2521 St. Paul St. 12-4 p.m. $12-15. 410-243-3467. snowflaketour.info. Explore and admire a variety of festively decorated historic homes during this merry saunter by the Charles Village Civic Association.