Miracle on 34th Street
One of Baltimore’s most beloved holiday traditions is the Miracle on 34th Street light show at Hampden. For over 70 years, residents along the 700 block of 34th Street have gone all out with holiday light displays on their rowhomes. We’re talking over-the-top decor with thousands of lights, giant toy soldiers, Christmas trees, and more. Miracle on 34th Street consistently ranks among the best residential light displays in the US. The tradition started in 1947 when resident Tom Glenn decorated the 700 block with string lights. His neighbors followed suit, and a Baltimore tradition was born. These days, tens of thousands flock to Hampden each holiday season to walk the block and marvel at the bright lights. The peak season runs from Thanksgiving weekend through New Years. Visitors are welcome to stroll the sidewalks for free and take as many photos as they want. The best way for your group to see the lights without any parking or traffic headaches is to rent a party bus from Baltimore Party Bus. We’ll pick up your group and drop you off right at Chestnut and 34th. After soaking up the holiday magic, we’ll be waiting to take you to the next item on your holiday bucket list.
Washington Monument
Right in the heart of Mount Vernon sits the 178-foot-tall Washington Monument. This must-see city landmark was designed by architect Robert Mills and is considered America’s first monument dedicated to George Washington. Throughout December, the area around the monument transforms into a quaint European-style Christmas village. Local vendors sell crafts, ornaments, holiday foods, and more from wooden cabins surrounding the monument. Visitors can warm up with hot cider and cocoa while listening to carolers and live music. The Christmas Village is free to attend and perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Plus, the monument is beautifully lit up at night for a magical backdrop.
B&O Railroad Museum
Does your group love model trains? Then you won’t want to miss the B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains. The historic railroad roundhouse decked out with train sets and holiday cheer. Visitors are mesmerized by the dizzying array of model train layouts circling through mini Christmas villages and winter wonderlands. Some of the displays are modern while others are antiques dating back to the early 1900s. Beyond the model trains, the Holiday Festival also features train rides, crafts, Santa visits, and more. The 2022 Holiday Festival of Trains runs select days between November 25 and December 30.
Inner Harbor Ice Rink
Embrace the winter chill at Baltimore’s favorite outdoor ice rink at the Inner Harbor. The rink at McKeldin Square opens in mid-November and remains open through March. Bundle up with hats, coats, and mittens to enjoy iconic views of the harbor as you glide across the ice. Visitors can bring their own skates or rent a pair at the rink. Avoid the parking nightmare of downtown Baltimore by renting a party bus or charter bus from Baltimore Party Bus. We’ll get your group to and from the rink without any traffic, parking fees, or hassle.
See Historic Ships During the Lights on the Bay
Historic Ships in Baltimore truly sparkles during the annual Lights on the Bay display. From mid-November through January 1, the ships are beautifully illuminated from bow to stern during this free event. See the lights reflect off the water while enjoying live music, tasty food and drinks, model train displays, and more. Getting to see the ships dressed up for the holidays is the perfect outing for groups of all ages.
American Visionary Art Museum
Add some artsy flair to your holiday celebrations with a group outing to the American Visionary Art Museum. Throughout December, the museum hosts a variety of holiday-themed craft workshops and activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy making original ornaments, decorations, and more to take home. Beyond the craft sessions, the museum’s permanent collection of outsider and visionary art makes for a truly unique experience.
Ladew Topiary Gardens
Just 30 minutes outside Baltimore in Monkton lies the magical Ladew Topiary Gardens. The grounds are home to 22 acres of expertly sculpted topiaries, formal gardens, and nature trails. Ladew really sparkles during its Holiday Lights display from late November through December. Visitors are dazzled by over 1,000 individually hand-wired ornaments lighting up the topiaries, trees, and buildings. See the Winter Woods Walk light up with snowflake lights and the Manor House dressed up for Christmas. Enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores and more to get into the holiday spirit.
Christmas Village in Baltimore
You don’t have to travel all the way to Germany to experience the charm of a traditional Christmas village. The Christmas Village in Baltimore brings all the magic straight to the Inner Harbor. Modeled after the famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in Germany, Christmas Village opens in late November in West Shore Park. Wander through the wooden vendor huts selling handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, toys, and more. Savor German cookies and hot mulled wine while enjoying live music at the main stage. The twinkling lights, festive music, and tantalizing smells make Christmas Village a must for groups looking to get into the holiday spirit.
Lights on the Bay
Experience half a million dazzling lights along the Chesapeake Bay during Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park. This two-mile driving trail allows you to take in the spectacular light displays from the comfort of your own car. See everything from dancing trees to the 12 Days of Christmas brought to life in lights. Beyond the lights, you can get out to explore a holiday village with s’mores pit stops, live music, hot chocolate stands, and more.
Rent With Baltimore Party Bus To Hit Every Attraction
Make the most of the holiday season in Charm City by renting a party bus or charter bus from Baltimore Party Bus. Our fleet makes it easy to see all of Baltimore’s best holiday happenings. Avoid parking headaches and traffic while we handle driving and logistics. All you need to do is bundle up and get ready to celebrate the season with your group! Get a custom quote for your outing by calling 240-850-4236 today.