Mayor’s Christmas Parade
When Debbie Oxnard walked with The Silver Steppers, an area equestrian drill team, in the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade for the first time in 2009, her participation was a complete surprise to her mother. To Oxnard’s family, watching the annual parade has become as cherished a tradition as Christmas morning, so when she rode by her mother’s home on Hampden’s 41st Street with the whole family watching, her mom was shocked. “We quickly took pictures while the parade was stopped at a red light,” Oxnard says with a laugh. This year’s procession on December 8 will be Oxnard’s 10th time riding in the parade, with her family cheering the group on from their front stoop with hot cocoa in hand. “I grew up watching that parade, so riding in it is amazing,” she says. “It’s like coming home.”—KP Location varies. 1 p.m.. Free.

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Night of 100 Elvises
Dec. 6-8. Trust us: You can’t help falling in love with The Lord Baltimore Hotel’s annual Night of 100 Elvises. For the 26th year, the downtown venue will pack three of its rooms with entertainment fit for The King, including dozens of Elvis impersonators, tribute artists, and plenty of hip-thrusting dance moves. With classic car displays, vintage rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, an Elvis ice sculpture, and, new this year, a themed wedding chapel, attendees definitely won’t be lonesome on this night. Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St.. 7-11p.m.. $62-876.

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Washington Monument Lighting
Dec. 5. You can’t call yourself a true Baltimorean until you’ve attended the region’s longest-running holiday tradition in the heart of Mt. Vernon. Join thousands of onlookers around the Washington Monument and watch in awe as fireworks light up the night sky to mark the start of another holiday season. After the show, peruse a holiday village, catch a live performance, and duck into local haunts like Wet City and Dooby’s to warm up with fellow revelers and drink specials. Mount Vernon Place. 5-8 p.m.. Free.

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Adorned: African Women and the Art of Identity
Dec. 11-June 19, 2020. Learn more about the incredibly strict gendered division of artistic labor that existed in sub-Saharan Africa throughout the 19th and 20th centuries through this new exhibition at The Baltimore Museum of Art. Opening this month, this thought-provoking display will bring two dozen pieces from the museum’s collection together, including jewelry, dyed textiles, and intricately decorated gourds, to illustrate how the types of works created by men and women shaped the social identities of that time. 10 Art Museum Dr.. Time varies. Free.

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The Stoop Holiday Hootenanny
Dec. 12. What could be more Baltimore than coming together to tell stories around a metaphorical stoop? Get together with friends and neighbors at The Senator Theatre for an evening of cocktails, a bluegrass performance from local father-son duo Ken and Brad Kolodner, and listening to brave Baltimoreans share stories, from heartwarming to outrageous, about past holiday experiences. This Stoop stomp is sure to keep you inspired throughout the season. The Senator Theatre. 7 p.m.. $15-25.

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Jesus Christ Superstar
Dec. 17-22. Fifty years ago, acclaimed composer Andrew Lloyd Webber debuted this rock-inspired soundtrack to Jesus Christ’s final weeks. Now, the musical phenomenon has been revived for a powerhouse anniversary tour. Whether you’ve got heaven on your mind, or you’re just feeling like a superstar, head downtown to the Hippodrome Theatre to see Jesus Christ in all his singing and dancing glory. 12 N. Eutaw St.. Time varies. $80.50-160.

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A John Waters Christmas
Dec. 19. As long as he lives to peddle impudence, John Waters will host his annual one-man holiday show, “A John Waters Christmas,” where nothing is off-limits. Will this local filmmaking icon go toe-to-toe with President Trump’s recent Twitter attacks on Charm City to set the record straight, or will he set his sights elsewhere? Whatever the Pope of Trash has in store, head down to Baltimore Soundstage for a refreshing taste of his typical twisted humor. 124 Market Pl.. 7 p.m.. $44.

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BSO Holiday Spectacular
Dec. 21. Nothing rings in the holiday season quite like tap-dancing Santas. This exciting program at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall will transport you to a holiday haven, featuring the crowd-favorite Santas, an audience sing-along, and a few other musical surprises. Stay in the holiday spirit after the show with opportunities for family photos, holiday cookies, and ornament shopping in the lobby. The Meyerhoff Theatre. Time varies. $17.50-75.

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Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 28. Every year, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum hosts an all-out Kwanzaa celebration that brings Baltimoreans from all walks of life together to honor this week-long holiday that lauds African heritage in African-American culture. Head to the downtown museum to experience African dance and drumming performances, workshops, lectures, crafts, and even a marketplace with the theme Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility. In between activities, walk through the galleries to view exhibitions such as EMPOWERED! Black Action Figures, Superheroes, and Collectibles. 830 E. Pratt St.. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.. $5.

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New Year’s Eve Spectacular
Dec. 31. While there will be no shortage of celebratory dinners, parties, and concerts to ring in the start of a new decade, this Inner Harbor extravaganza is certainly the centerpiece of the evening. With a fireworks show that can be seen from waterfront neighborhoods like Federal Hill and Canton, as well as live music and dancing along the Inner Harbor promenade, this annual New Year’s Eve Spectacular is a can’t-miss way to welcome the start of 2020. 100 Light St.. Time varies. Free.

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EAT

Dec. 1: Old Thyme Christmas

Location & times vary, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

Fells Point already feels otherworldly thanks to its storied history and cobblestone charm, but, for the 15th year, the neighborhood will transform into a winter wonderland during this annual fête. Snap pictures with Santa Claus after he arrives by tugboat at 9 a.m., and then join Ol’ St. Nick for all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets at waterfront staples like Abbey Burger, Alexander’s Tavern, and The Admiral’s Cup. Stick around to compete in eggnog-drinking and “carole-oke” contests, and then cap off the night by witnessing the annual tree lighting in Broadway Square and the Lighted Boat Parade floating down the harbor.

DRINK

Dec. 2: Patterson Park 5K, Fun Run, and Homebrew Tasting

2601 E. Baltimore St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $15-45.

If you’ve ever jogged the length of Patterson Park and craved an ice-cold beer afterward, this is the race for you. At this seventh annual fundraiser for Patterson Park Public Charter School, start your afternoon with a one-mile or 5K run. Then, once you catch your breath, head over to the beer garden to sample local homebrew submissions. Cast your vote for your favorite pour, and spend the rest of the afternoon sipping beers by Full Tilt Brewing and jamming to live music by area acts Black Eyed Boh and Chris Diller.

SEE

Dec. 2: Mayor’s Christmas Parade

4207 Edgehill Ave. 1-5 p.m. Free.

Celebrate the first weekend of the holiday season with this 46th annual parade that leads a jolly assortment of local marching bands, giant balloons, festive floats, a fleet of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and, of course, Santa Claus and Miss Yuletide through the streets of Medfield and Hampden. Join thousands of onlookers along the two-and-a-half-mile parade route—which begins at Poly Western High School, winds down Cold Spring Lane, and ends at 37th Street—to catch some candy, sip on hot cocoa, and give a wave to Mayor Catherine Pugh.

HEAR

Dec. 2: The Beach Boys

The Modell Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 6-9 p.m. $50-120.50.

Of all of the bands that have shaped the history of pop music, these iconic, California-loving boys are still at the top of the list. And while the whole band isn’t back together, you can feel all of the good vibrations and hear original bandmate Mike Love croon to sun-kissed hits like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” on the Lyric stage. As an added bonus to a night filled with beachy favorites, a copy of Love’s new collection of holiday songs, Reason for the Season, is included with every ticket.

DO

Dec. 1: Night of 100 Elvises

Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. $55-1,500.

Dust off your white jumpsuit and blue suede shoes—the most rockin’ Elvis-themed party of the year is back and groovier than ever. This 25th extravaganza dedicated to the King of Rock n’ Roll boasts three rooms (Calvert Ballroom, The Jungle Room, and the Viva Las Vegas Lounge) filled with back-to-back performances by tribute artists and impersonators that will keep you swiveling your hips all night long. While the music is the main event, don’t forget to admire the vintage memorabilia, Elvis ice carving, and, above all else, grab a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich for the ride home.

Night of 100 Elvises
Dec. 1. The Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W Baltimore St.. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Prices vary. When he was 15 years old, Jed Duvall watched an Elvis Presley impersonator perform in his high-school auditorium and thought: “I bet I could do that.” On the bus ride home, he stood up and belted out “Heartbreak Hotel” to the astonishment of his classmates, and he has been perfecting his impression of the King of Rock and Roll ever since. Unlike other Elvis-themed events, where he’s one of dozens of entertainers donning the singer’s signature white jumpsuit and mutton chops, Duvall looks forward to the Night of 100 Elvises, taking place this year on December 1, where the only thing the bands and acts have in common is that they’re performing songs by the King. “When you hear a bluegrass band do ‘Suspicious Minds,’ then it’s a party,” he says. “At the end of the day, we’re all out here honoring Elvis any way we know how.”

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Washington Monument Lighting
Dec. 6. 699 Washington Pl. 5-8 p.m. Free. ’Tis the season for the city’s longest-standing holiday tradition, which fills the cobblestone streets of Mount Vernon Place with thousands of visitors, festive performances, and tons of holiday cheer. After fueling up on hot cocoa and snacks from local vendors, find the perfect spot on the lawn to watch the big-bang firework display illuminate the night sky during the annual lighting of the beloved Washington Monument.

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Olde Tyme Christmas

Dec. 1. Fells Point. 9AM-7PM. Prices Vary. Fells Point already feels otherworldly thanks to its storied history and cobblestone charm, but, for the 15th year, the waterfront neighborhood will transform into a winter wonderland during this annual fête. Snap pictures with Santa Claus after he arrives by tugboat, compete in the eggnog-drinking contest, and then cap off the night by witnessing the annual tree lighting in Broadway Square and the Lighted Boat Parade floating down the harbor.

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Mayor’s Christmas Parade
Dec. 2. Locations vary. 1 p.m. Free. Ring in the most wonderful time of the year with this 46th annual parade that leads a jolly assortment of local marching bands, giant balloons, festive floats, a fleet of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and, of course, Santa Claus and Miss Yuletide through the streets of Medfield and Hampden. Find a spot along the two-and-a-half-mile parade route—which begins at Poly Western High School, winds down Cold Spring Lane, and ends at 37th Street—to catch some candy, sip on hot cocoa, and give a wave to Mayor Catherine Pugh.

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Anastasia
Dec. 4-9. 12 N Eutaw St. Times vary. $99-225. Based on the 1997 Disney film of the same name, this dazzling musical travels back in time to the Russian Empire during the 1920s and follows the tale of an adventurous young woman searching for answers about her past. With direction by Tony Award-winner Darko Tresnjak and a rich new score, this wintertime classic will warm the hearts of Hippodrome Theatre audiences with songs such as “Once Upon a December” and “Journey to the Past.”

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The Importance of Being Earnest
Dec. 4-30. 315 W Fayette St. $25-65. This month, Everyman Theatre’s critically acclaimed resident company will bring to life Oscar Wilde’s uproarious comedy that’s been applauded by generations for its portrayal of Victorian marriage, morality, and mistaken identities. Head to the downtown theater to experience the many twists and turns of this fast-paced play that’s considered Wilde’s masterpiece.

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A Charlie Brown Christmas
Dec. 9. 140 W. Mt Royal Ave. Times vary. $25-55. We all know and love the Peanuts, and this winter, see Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole gang come alive on the Lyric stage during this all-new production of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Bring the entire family to this one-night-only musical and sing along to holiday carols and classic tunes by original composer Vince Guaraldi. $25-55, modell-lyric.com.

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The Stoop Ha-Ha-Holiday Show
Dec. 11. The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. 7 p.m. $15-23. Whether it’s good, bad, or ugly, everyone has a memorable story about their holiday adventures (or misadventures). Pack the Senator Theatre for the Stoop Storytelling Series’ can’t-miss holiday show featuring cocktails, live music by Tongue and Cheek Jazz Band, and side-aching laughs as locals share their most unforgettable holiday tales.

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Baltimore Chanukah Festival
Dec. 12. McKeldin Square, Inner Harbor, 101 E. Pratt St. 2:30-5:30 p.m. Free. One of our city’s bragging points is that the Esther Anne Menorah, which stands in McKeldin Square during the holidays, is the second-largest menorah in the world. While the lighting of the 30-foot-tall menorah is the main event of this lively festival, head to the Inner Harbor early to hear live music, grabs eats and drinks from local vendors, and follow the dancing dreidels to the Chanukah Wonderland.

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Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 29. 830 E. Pratt St. 12-4 p.m. $5. Whether you’re a practiced celebrator or simply want to learn more about the week-long holiday, devote the third day of Kwanzaa to this all-out celebration at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Visit the downtown museum to take in traditional African dance and drumming performances, learn more about the holiday’s rich history during workshops and lectures, and browse locally made goods in the African Marketplace.

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

EAT

Dec. 4: Holistic Holiday Pop-Up Market

Mount Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

‘Tis the season for gaining weight, because as much as we try, with so many sweets and treats all around us, it’s really hard to eat healthy. (I mean, who’s going to pass up on hot toddys and peppermint mochas, not to mention sugar cookies and gingerbread houses and rib roasts . . . you get the point.) To curb those winter calories, swing by Mount Vernon Marketplace this Sunday for a refreshing switch-up with holistic holiday shopping and eating. Each stall will be featuring healthy specials and nearly 20 vendors will be in tow, toting feel-good gifts like Hex Ferments kombuchas, krauts, and kimchis; Pure Chocolate By Jinji handcrafted cocoa; and PlantBar juices and raw foods. Pick up some beautiful handspun bowls from Wild Yam Pottery, pluck a bouquet of Local Color Flowers, and stop in the new Juniper Apothecary shop for even more wellness wonders. Here’s to a healthy, happy holiday—and to warding off those sugarplum visions that keep dancing in your head.

DRINK

Dec. 3: Fells Point Olde Tyme Christmas

Fells Point, S. Broadway & Thames St. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

This Saturday, the cobblestone streets of Fells Point will transform into a winter wonderland with the neighborhood’s Olde Tyme Christmas festival. Catch Santa come in by tugboat at 9 a.m. and then make your way to the adults-only annual Eggnog Contest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Broadway Square. Now in its 13th year, contestants will stack up against one another to see who makes the best sweet boozy beverage. (If you’re toting kids, there will also be hot chocolate and hot cider available, too.) Throughout the day, eat, drink, and shop local, but make sure you stick around until 5 p.m., when the lighted boat parade makes its way past Broadway Pier.

SEE

Dec. 4: Mayor’s Christmas Parade

Starting at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Western High School, 4600 Falls Road. Ending at 37th St. 1 p.m. Free.

For the 44th year, make your way to Medfield and Hampden to watch the Mayor’s Christmas Parade. Along this holiday tradition’s 2.5 mile-route, join more than 25,000 people to see dozens of marching bands, dance troops, mummers, floats, giant balloons, and more than 100 Harley Davidson motorcycles, not to mention Miss and Jr. Miss Yuletide and Santa himself. From TK road, down The Avenue, to 37 th Street, admire the old street cars, catch some candy, and give one last wave to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

HEAR

Dec. 3: Night of 100 Elvises

Lithuanian Hall, 851 Hollins St. 4-11 p.m. $60-90. 410-494-9558.

Everyone loves Elvis, and for some odd reason, everyone seems to love Elvis even more around the holidays. This weekend, get in the festive spirit and gather ’round Lithuanian Hall for a celebration of The King. For one full night, dozens of cover bands, tribute artists, and diehard fans will all come together to pay homage to the late, great Mr. Presley with a colorful night of rock and roll. Admire the hot rods, grab some pictures with the show girls, tip back some Heavy Seas beers, and indulge in Elvis’ favorite: peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches.

DO

Dec. 2-4: XXChange

Fri., Area 405, 405 E. Oliver St. Sat.-Sun., Open Works, 1400 Greenmount Ave. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

If you aren’t already hip to them, the Baltimore Women’s Maker Collective is a group of badass creatives who celebrate the work of self-identifying women and non-binary artists, business owners, and craftspeople throughout the great Baltimore region. They host monthly meetings, panel discussions, and a variety of events like artwork showcases and workshops. Their latest project is XXChange, a multilayered exhibit of more than 30 regional artists, featuring jewelry, furniture, textiles, metalwork, and more. On Friday, catch the closing reception at Area 405 during Alloverstreet in Station North, followed by a weekend-long pop-up shop at the new Open Works makerspace in Greemount West. Browse items like beautiful ceramics by Christina Haines, herbal infusions by Wight Tea Co., hipster-chic pillows by Cedar & Cotton, and handcrafted candles by Knit, Soy & Metal, to name a few.