For some people from faraway places, it comes as a shock that Baltimore is often listed amongst the top places to catch Christmas light displays. But those of us who live in Baltimore are well aware of how the city lights up around the holidays. From a parade of lighted boats to drive through Christmas spectacles, these displays of cheer keep Baltimore and the surrounding area bright throughout the holiday season.
1. Symphony of Lights
Monday, November 19, 2012 through Sunday, January 6, 2013, 6-10 p.m.Each year, Merriweather Post Pavillion (Brokenland Pkwy. and Hickory Ridge Rd.; 410-740-7840) in Columbia pulls out all the bells and whistles and gets decked out in more than 75 animated and stationary holiday lights. Symphony of Lights will be open seven days a week from 6-10 p.m. with the exception of Monday, December 31, when it will be closed for the Midnight at 7 event. Tickets are $20 per car, $45 for vans, and $125 for buses, with proceeds benefiting the Campus Development Plan for Howard County General Hospital.
2. Winter Festival of Lights
Friday, November 23, 2012 through Tuesday, January 1, 2013Enjoy a Christmas light spectacle from the comfort of your own car at this drive-through display in Watkins Regional Park (301 Watkins Park Dr./Route 192, Upper Marlboro; 301-445-4509). Now in its 26th year, new displays this year include Santa flying in a helicopter and driving a fire truck. Admission is $5 per car or $10 for a multi-visit pass. Fees are waived on Christmas Day.
3. Miracle on 34th Street
Photo by Mike Unger
Saturday, November 24, 2012 through Thursday, January 1, 2013
Each year, one block of 34th Street between Keswick Road and Chesnut Street in Hampden puts on a Christmas display like no other. Inflatable decorations spill out of porches, candy canes line the sidewalks, musical trains circle overhead, and thousands of bulbs light up the block. Don't miss some of the Baltimore trademarks, including a house decorated with a blinking Natty Boh and Utz Girl, as well as the "Hubcap Christmas Tree" by local artist Jim Pollock. THe artist has been welding and stringing together more than 100 hubcaps since the mid-1990s. Be sure to step inside his living room to see more of his recycled art.
Each year, one block of 34th Street between Keswick Road and Chesnut Street in Hampden puts on a Christmas display like no other. Inflatable decorations spill out of porches, candy canes line the sidewalks, musical trains circle overhead, and thousands of bulbs light up the block. Don't miss some of the Baltimore trademarks, including a house decorated with a blinking Natty Boh and Utz Girl, as well as the "Hubcap Christmas Tree" by local artist Jim Pollock. THe artist has been welding and stringing together more than 100 hubcaps since the mid-1990s. Be sure to step inside his living room to see more of his recycled art.
4. Power Plant Holiday Light Show Spectacular
Through Monday, December 31, 2012
The Inner Harbor will light up this holiday season when lights, lasers, and music take over the Power Plant Live! entertainment complex. Flames will reach more than 20 feet high, fireworks will be launched at every show, and there will even be some winter snow. A total of 74 performances will be held over 19 days, typically on Fridays and Saturdays (plus some Thursdays, Sundays, and holidays) every hour on the hour from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit the website for specific dates and showtimes.
The Inner Harbor will light up this holiday season when lights, lasers, and music take over the Power Plant Live! entertainment complex. Flames will reach more than 20 feet high, fireworks will be launched at every show, and there will even be some winter snow. A total of 74 performances will be held over 19 days, typically on Fridays and Saturdays (plus some Thursdays, Sundays, and holidays) every hour on the hour from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit the website for specific dates and showtimes.
5. Baltimore Parade of Lighted Boats
Saturday, December 1, 2012Fells Point and the Inner Harbor will glow when The Fells Point Yacht Club parades 50 boats festooned with holiday lights and other decorations through the water. The parade starts at 6 p.m. in Fells Point and is scheduled to make its way through the Inner Harbor by 6:30. Some of the best places to see the display are from Broadway Pier in Fells Point, the Inner Harbor Promenade, and from Tidepoint. Many waterfront hotels and restaurants also have excellent views.
6. A Monumental Occasion
Thursday, December 6, 2012Don't miss the 41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon. The flip is switched on Baltimore's famed monument during an evening of choir performance and vibrant fireworks. Pre-event festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and the official lighting ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Local vendors will sell refreshments. It all takes place in the 600-700 block of North Charles Street. If you miss the lighting, no worries: the monument will be lit up through the holiday season, and much of Charles Street also gets decked out in lights.
