Family Friendly Holiday Events at Baltimore's Waterfront

If you have family in town and are looking for a fun excursion, Baltimore is a wonderful destination.  The city's waterfront neighborhoods come alive during the winter holidays with visits from Santa, ice-skating, festive window displays, children's activities, winter break festivities, New Years Eve events, fireworks and more!  

Polar Express 4-D Experience
National Aquarium
Now - January 4, 2015
www.aqua.org

The Polar Express 4D Experience is based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Featured in digital 3D and brought to life with 4D multi-sensory effects, this is an immersive experience for the whole family to enjoy.  To ensure seating and avoid long ticket lines, it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance here.

Waterfront Partnership Ice Rink
McKeldin Plaza the Inner Harbor
Now - January 19, 2015
www.innerharboricerink.org

Daily outdoor ice-skating is offered at the Waterfront Partnership Ice Rink.  Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for seniors (55 and older), children (under 10), and members of the military. Skate rental is $3 – or bring your own skates.

Santa Photo's & Santa's Place Light Shows
Harbor Place Amphitheater
Now -  December 24
Visit www.harborplace.com for Santa's hours and break times

Visit with Santa from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Santa breaks 12:00-12:45 pm and 3:45-4:30 pm) and on Christmas Eve: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (break 3:00-4:00 p.m.)

Christmas Village
West Shore Park
Now - December 24 
www.baltimore-christmas.com

West Shore Park will be transformed into a traditional German Christmas Market, complete with more than 40 vendors selling traditional European crafts, arts, jewelry, holiday gifts, food, sweets & drinks. Special performances are planned this weekend (Dec. 20/21) to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Charity.  Weekend admission: $5 adults, $3 for children, ages 3 and under free.   Visit the website for a $2 off admission coupon.  
Free weekday admission. 

The Holly Jolly Trolley
Pier 5 Hotel, 711 Eastern Avenue
Now - December 21
Friday, Saturday & Sunday – departing at 6:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday – departing at  8:30 p.m.
bit.ly/BMoreTrolley

Step aboard the holiday trolley and enjoy the splendor of Baltimore’s holiday lights beginning in the Inner Harbor. Tickets must be purchased in advance at http://bit.ly/BMoreTrolley

Seasons Eatings
Baltimore Visitor Center
Now - December 21
www.baltimore.org

The city's best chefs share holiday cooking secrets and tastings at the Baltimore Visitor Center, 12:00 pm - 12:30 p.m.

12 Days of Holiday-Themed Science
Maryland Science Center
December 20 - 31 
www.marylandsciencecenter.org

Journey to the Arctic and build a winter wonderland with 12 days of holiday-themed science activities at the Maryland Science Center.

Winter Break Festivities
Port Discovery Children's Museum
December 26 - 30
www.portdiscovery.org

Throughout winter break the Port Discovery Children's Museum is offering fun winter-themed events for little ones including story times, musical performances, and hands-on activities.

Arts and Crafts with J
Baltimore Visitor Center
December 27
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
www.baltimore.org

Join the staff at the Baltimore Visitor Center to learn fun things about Baltimore, Maryland, special moments in history and national holidays. All activities are free and open to the public.

Noontime New Year: Holiday Hoedown!
Port Discovery Children's Museum
December 31
www.portdiscovery.org

Dress up in your favorite costume to count down to the New Year at 12 noon with Eric Energy and Curious George!  Toast the New Year with milk and cookies and enjoy family-friendly performances and activities throughout the day.

Midnight Noon
Maryland Science Center
December 31 
www.marylandsciencecenter.org

Families can ring in the New Year at the Maryland Science Center's  7th Annual New Year’s Eve celebration, Midnight Noon, where children can enjoy the ball drop before bedtime (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

New Year's Eve Spectacular
Baltimore Inner Harbor
December 31 
www.bop.org

Be part of a giant holiday celebration 9:00 p.m. to12:30 a.m. with a night of music, the official countdown to 2015 and an amazing, colorful midnight fireworks display!


For more information visit www.baltimore.org and www.itsawaterfrontlife.org.  Tip: avoid the hassle of parking in downtown Baltimore by booking ahead with Parking Panda.  First time customers will receive a 15% discount when they use the promo code IHIR15.

Photo courtesy of Waterfront Partnership Ice Rink at Baltimore's Inner Harbor