The Best Christmas Activities in Maryland (Events + Things to do)

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The holiday season is a fun time to enjoy Christmas activities in Maryland. There are so many different holiday events for Christmas and the new year it might be hard to decide which activities to attend and which ones to save for another time.

Our family has lived in Maryland for over 8 years and we have been able to do so many fun activities throughout the state we have even more holiday happenings that are on our bucket list.

Frederick, Annapolis, and Baltimore are some of the cities that are most well known for their holiday events but there are fun holiday events all over Maryland.

I know that this time of year is filled with traditions, a holiday performance or two and so much more. There are so many fun things to do and not enough time.

But don’t worry the perfect way to spend the holiday season is doing those things your family loves and making time for the activities and holiday tradition(s) that are important to you.

If we missed any of your favorite holiday events and activities please let us know in the comments, we always love learning about new things to do!

Christmas Activities in Maryland

There are so many holiday events throughout the state that I’m sure they haven’t all made it on this list. I have tried to share a variety of family activities in Maryland to help you see what activities there are.

These events and activities are a fun way to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy family time.

If you’re still looking for additional activities and events, check specific city websites and social media pages as well as Facebook events for your area to see what additional events are going on.

Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple

Each year the LDS Temple grounds will shine with more than 650,000 Christmas Lights. Inside the visitor center enjoy free Christmas concerts, Christmas trees decorated with international themes, and an exhibit of creches from around the world.

Cut Down Your Christmas Tree

One of our favorite traditions is visiting a Christmas tree farm with the whole family and cutting down our Christmas tree. There are several Christmas tree farms throughout Maryland where you can have fun getting a fresh Christmas tree and taking Christmas pictures.

Visit or Stay at the Gaylord National Resort

The Gaylord National Resort has so many fun holiday attractions each year. Including ICE! a holiday attraction that features a winter wonderland created out of Ice.

While at the Gaylord you can also enjoy snow tubing, ice bumper cars, photos with Santa, ice skating, and animated light displays.

Visit an Amusement Park

Six Flags America is located in Maryland and you can enjoy Holiday fun in the park on select days in November and December.

Explore a Christmas Festival

Many cities and towns in Maryland have Christmas festivals with local artist booths, live music, and more. To find a Christmas festival in your area simply search “[your city name] Christmas Festival]” on google and you will find different holiday festivals in your area.

Festivals are a great way to support local businesses (especially small businesses) while also getting in the holiday spirit.

Two popular Christmas festivals in Maryland are December Saturdays in Downtown Frederick and A Dickens of a Christmas Weekend

Santa or Polar Express Train Ride

There are several places you can enjoy either a Santa Train Ride or a Ride on the Polar Express throughout the state.

A favorite for many is the b&o railroad museum. Not only does the museum have a holiday train ride they also have model railroads, special holiday events like breakfast with Santa, and more.

Attend a Holiday concert or play

Search for community theaters in your area to find what holiday plays are playing this season. A Christmas Carol is a popular play for many theaters to put on during the holiday season.

Many churches have holiday concerts including the Washington National Cathedral.

A few other play and concert options include Columbia Orchestra Family Holiday Concert and Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker Performance.

Visit Santa Claus

There are several different places you can visit Santa Claus throughout Maryland. You can even have breakfast with Santa and penguins at the Maryland Zoo. Another option includes visiting Santa at one of several of the Malls in Maryland.

Give Service

The holidays are a great time to give service to those in your family and in your community. The Just Serve website is a great way to find local service opportunities in your area.

Bass Pro Shop

You can experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at the Anne Arundel Bass Pro Shop in Hanover Maryland (or any other Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s locations).

At Santa’s Wonderland, you can enjoy taking a free photo with Santa (reservations are required) and more holiday fun.

The Memorial Illumination

Each year for one night Antietam National Battlefield is lit up with 23,000 Illuminations to honor the 23,000 casualties from the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862. The Memorial Illumination event should be on your list to experience at least once.

Related Post: Christmas Bucket List (Free Printable)

Christmas in New Market

Christmas in New Market is an annual holiday event for many families. With a parade down Main Street, live music, a visit from Santa Claus, and more this event is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.

Town Parades and Holiday Tree Lightings

Doing a quick google search you will find that most towns and cities in Maryland have a tree lighting event during the holiday season and many towns also have holiday parades.

Lighted Boat Parade

Each year in Annapolis there is the Annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade. The lighted boat parade on the Chesapeake Bay is held each year on the second Saturday of December in Annapolis.

Some of the best places to view these fabulous boats include Eastport, Spa Creek, City Dock, and Naval Academy seawall.

While in Annapolis be sure to stop by a gift shop or two to warm up and find the perfect gift. Plus you get to enjoy the holiday magic of these cute shops decorated for Christmas.

Christmas Light Displays in Maryland

Throughout Maryland, there are several drive-through Christmas light displays and walk-through Christmas light displays. I’m sharing some of the most popular light displays in Maryland below, so grab some hot chocolate and get ready to enjoy some holiday lights.

Zoo Lights

Each year the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore does zoo lights during the holiday season. Though not in Maryland (but close!)you can also see ZooLights at the National Zoo in Washington DC on select nights in December.

The zoo has free parking and fun family-friendly festivities for you to enjoy during the holiday season.

Festival of Lights

The Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland is one of the best light displays.

From the comfort of your car, you can enjoy the winter lights festival from after Thanksgiving through the new year. The three miles of sparkling holiday lights are a fun way to get in the Christmas spirit. A visit to see these lights is a Christmas tradition for many families.

Symphony of Lights

Another great drive-through light display in Maryland is the Symphony of Lights in Columbia. For 25 years families have enjoyed walking or driving through this holiday light show. It opens in late November through the new year.

Related Post: 3 Essentials for Viewing Christmas Lights

34th Street

Each Christmas Hampden Maryland has its own Miracle on 34th Street with fun and unique Christmas lights and decorations all started by a local couple over 70 years ago.

Lights on the Bay

Drive through Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point state park. Located near the bay bridge enjoy a two-mile holiday light drive along the Chesapeake Bay.

Winterfest of Lights

Visit Northside park in Ocean City for Winterfest of Lights (open November through December). Enjoy an outdoor walking tour of scenic Christmas lights, and don’t miss the 50-foot Christmas tree or the Winterfest gift shop.

Final Thoughts

Some of these Christmas activities in Maryland might be favorite events and things on your Christmas list and others might be new things you want to try this holiday season.

No matter what events you decide to add to your Christmas bucket list I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.