Throughout the holiday season, the great state of Maryland has endless activities to do with friends and family. Here is only a short list of what I thought to be the most interesting events and activities to check out this December and January!

1. Miracle on 34^th Street Hampden, Baltimore, MD

For over 60 years the residents of Baltimore’s 34^th street have been covering their homes and yards in lights and decorations. This should be the first place you visit this holiday season if you’ve never been and the good news is that it’s free! From hubcap Christmas trees to UTZ and Mr. Boh lights, this is a sight you don’t want to miss!

November 30-January 1
http://www.christmasstreet.com/

2. Pandora Ice Rink Baltimore, MD

Located between the Harborplace Pavilions in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor the Pandora Ice Rink makes for great family fun this winter! There are numerous events happening throughout the season at the rink including a “Pajama Skate” and “Character Skate”. Seniors, children and military skate for only $7 and adults skate for $9 making this a cheap, fun activity!

November 13-January
http://innerharboricerink.org/

3. Gaylord’s National Resort’s ICE National Harbor, MD

This indoor winter wonderland includes a walk-through of ice sculptures and rooms depicting the classic story of Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. You’ll be able to view a live carving area and slide down five ice slides!

November 21- January 3
http://www.nationalharbor.com/event/gaylord-nation...

4. Valley View Farms Cockeysville, MD

During the holiday season Valley View Farms has decorated trees, an outdoor light display, and an international Christmas Shop selling gifts and ornaments from around the world!

Open Year-Round
http://www.valleyviewfarms.com/index.html

5. Lights on the Bay Annapolis, MD

Every year the Anne Arundel Medical Center hosts “Lights on the Bay” at Sandy Point State Park. Take a two-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay as you view more than 70 animated and stationary displays! There is something for everyone in the family from the Colonial Village to the two new themes: North Pole Village and Enchanted Fairy Tales.

November 21-January 2
http://www.lightsonthebay.org/

6. German Christmas Village Baltimore, MD

Baltimore got it’s own version of Philadelphia’s Christmas Village in 2013 in West Shore Park/ Inner Harbor. The village is full of venders in more than 60 booths that sell traditional European foods, drinks, gifts, ornaments, jewelry and other arts and crafts! This is the perfect place to find a unique gift and experience a shopping experience like that of traditional Christmas Markets in Germany.

November 26-December 27
http://www.baltimore-christmas.com/28-0-About.html

7. Annmarie Garden in Lights Dowell, MD

This lights tour takes you along a path in the woods filled with magical “light sculptures” made one-of-a-kind by Annmarie! Be sure to visit on a night with fun activities such as Pet Night or a discount night. Other activities include the Ornament Show & Sale, exhibits, and the Holiday Café.

December 4, 2015-January 2
http://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/content/ga...

8. National Aquarium’s Holiday 4-D Experience – The Polar Express Baltimore, MD

The holiday classic, “The Polar Express” like you you’ve never experienced it before! Digital 3-D and 4-D multi-sensory effects built into the theater seats and environment immerse you into the movie and make you feel like you’re taking an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole.

Now-January 3
http://www.aqua.org/explore/baltimore/exhibits-exp...

9. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Hippodrome Theater, Baltimore, MD

These award-winning dancers are definitely a sight to see for all ages. The show includes effects such as life-sized Matrushka (Nesting) Dolls, a three-headed Rat King and a Troika Sleigh ride through the magical Snow Forest with Father Christmas and Snow Maiden!

December 18-19
http://www.nutcracker.com/yourcity/baltimore-md

10. ZooLights at the National Zoo Washington, DC

Although this attraction falls just outside of Maryland in Washington, DC, it is still a must-see for all Marylanders. More than 500,000 LED lights transform the Zoo into a magical, winter wonderland including live music performances, winter treats, and holiday shopping!

November 27-January 2
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Cel..