Columbia Other Christmas Activities 2026

Skaters take to the ice amidst festive celebrations, music, and pop-up food and beverage options. The rink features special themed skate nights to celebrate the season. Visitors can also explore a selection of nearby restaurants in the district to dine...

Visitors can watch a procession featuring glittering floats, marching bands, 12-foot inflatable turkeys, and Santa Claus. The parade begins with autumn and Thanksgiving-themed units before moving into winter, Hanukkah, and Christmas celebrations. Festivities also include an opening ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted...

Spectators gather along a 1.5-mile route through Hampden and Medfield to watch a festive holiday procession. The parade features colorful floats, lively marching bands, dance troupes, festive balloons, and local personalities. Visitors can also spot Santa Claus alongside costumed characters...

Visitors gather in Olde Towne to celebrate diverse holiday traditions at the 100th anniversary of Gaithersburg's tree lighting ceremony. The outdoor celebration features an evening of live entertainment, including performances by community choirs, bands, dance troupes, and youth ensembles. Attendees...

This annual community celebration features live music, entertainment from local performance groups, and ice skating. Visitors can also take photos with Santa and celebrate the holiday season. In addition, guests can browse and shop for gifts at the Gibbs Street...

Gather outside the Laurel Armory to join the Mayor and City Council for this annual holiday tradition. The festivities include a community holiday parade and festival alongside the lighting ceremony. Visitors can also step into the Winter Wonderland to meet...

Guests gather at Frazier’s on the Avenue for an evening of community support and holiday cheer. Attendance directly aids The Mayor’s Christmas Parade, a non-profit Baltimore tradition organized entirely by neighborhood volunteers.

Visitors can enjoy a festive pajama party on the lakefront featuring holiday tunes on the Boardwalk Stage, strolling entertainment, and photo opportunities. Guests can take night rides on the Carousel, participate in Sportrock's Glow Climb, or donate children's pajamas to...

Guests enjoy a breakfast or brunch from Miss Shirley's Cafe on the Zoo's Mansion House Porch before making seasonal crafts. Attendees also get to meet one of Santa's feathered animal ambassadors, such as a penguin. The morning finishes with a...

Step aboard a festively decorated launch at the Baltimore Christmas Village for a cruise around the Inner Harbor. Passengers take in twinkling holiday lights, seasonal music, and spirited cheer while out on the water. One of Santa’s elves is on...

Visitors step into an abandoned movie theater complex for a Krampus-inspired holiday horror experience. The attraction features themed areas uniquely adapted in a terrifying twist of fear and good cheer for an enchanted Christmas scare.

Families and visitors can capture holiday memories with Santa at the Baltimore Visitor Center in the Inner Harbor. Photo options include a real-bearded traditional Santa, Santa of Color, and sensory-friendly Silent Santa sessions. Well-behaved, leashed pets are also welcome to...

American Legion Post 2 hosts a local community fundraiser. Proceeds support the 53rd annual Mayor's Christmas Parade held annually along 36th Street and The Avenue.

Hosted by Camp Sonshine and Living Word International Christian Church, the community gathering features vendor booths selling handmade crafts, seasonal decor, and personalized gifts. Attendees can play holiday carnival games like ring toss to win prizes, pose in a festive...

Guests gather for a spirited evening of bingo games, friendly competition, and community holiday cheer. The night features multiple rounds of bingo, including two special games held specifically to support the parade. It offers an engaging holiday gathering for seasoned...

Participants design and create their own custom 18-inch holiday wreath during this hands-on workshop led with Raimondi’s Florist. Materials provided include fresh greenery, ribbons, bows, and decorative accents.

This in-person holiday celebration honors veterans with food and communal traditions. Guests can enjoy latkes and other treats, socialize to share stories, and take part in lighting the menorah.

Participants work from a basic pullover pattern to cut, assemble, and decorate a custom festive sweater with step-by-step guidance. Personal touches can be added using trims, appliqué, sequins, or patches. Light refreshments are provided during the session.

Participants blend and pour a custom 8-ounce scented candle made with natural soy wax. Instructors provide step-by-step guidance on fragrance selection, wick placement, and pouring techniques. All candle-making supplies and materials are included.

Young children learn kitchen safety basics and age-appropriate knife handling while preparing a plant-based recipe to take home. Activities include games and hands-on food preparation skills such as mixing, pouring, peeling, mashing, and measuring. While sessions are parent-assisted, instructors encourage...

Beth and Mike from Common Tone lead an interactive session exploring a story through songs, art, movement, and play. Children create a winter- and New Year's-themed craft to take home. The gathering also features a kid-friendly countdown to celebrate the...

Experience the magic of Festive Fridays at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront, a cherished annual tradition now in its 10th year. Delight in the artistry of live ice sculpting, capture holiday memories at a festive photo booth, and be enchanted by...

Get into the holiday spirit with the Owen Brown Community Association's festive events. They offer unique experiences like Sensory Santa for a special holiday visit and a fun Ugly Sweater Bingo night. Participate in community initiatives like the OB CAres...

Join the Kings Contrivance Community Association for a delightful 'Cookies with Santa' event. This festive gathering offers families a wonderful opportunity to meet Santa Claus, share some holiday cheer, and enjoy delicious cookies. It's a perfect way to create lasting...

Experience the magic of Baltimore's annual Parade of Lighted Boats! This cherished holiday tradition sees a fleet of creatively decorated vessels illuminate the waterfront. Watch as they make their way from Canton towards the Inner Harbor, creating a dazzling spectacle...

Embark on a magical journey aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, inspired by the classic holiday tale. Don pajamas and climb aboard for an enchanted trip to the North Pole, complete with a live "Hot Chocolate" performance and a special...

Experience the magic of winter at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink. This popular seasonal attraction offers a chance to glide across the ice with stunning waterfront views. It's the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy a classic...

Experience the magic of the season at Holly-Days, a festive celebration at The Maryland Zoo. This event series offers a jolly good time with holiday crafts, special appearances, and photo opportunities with Santa and his friends on select weekends throughout...

Step into a festive wonderland at the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum's Holiday Train Garden. This enchanting display features a captivating collection of train models, offering a charming holiday experience for all ages. Discover the magic of the season amidst...

Get ready for a season of festive cheer in Bowie! While specific plans for this year are announced in the fall, past events have included magical visits from Santa, charming trainspotting days, and delightful holiday movie screenings. Explore the historic...

Get into the holiday spirit at the Sagamore Spirit Distillery's annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Enjoy festive music, browse local vendors for unique gifts, and savor whiskey cocktails. The highlight of the evening is the ceremonial lighting of their impressive barrel...

Embark on a magical journey with Santa Claus on a 'Polar Express' themed wagon ride through the scenic Piney Run Park. This enchanting event includes delightful activities such as making s'mores and crafting ornaments, all while enjoying a warm cup...

Experience the magic of Christmas Eve at Christ Church with a special service featuring a heartwarming Nativity pageant presented by the children. This family-friendly event includes a communion service and festive Christmas music, creating a memorable holiday celebration for all.