Columbia Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Get into the holiday spirit with the Columbia Orchestra's 'Holiday Pops' concert. This festive event features beloved seasonal music performed live, perfect for families looking to celebrate the season. Experience the joy and magic of holiday tunes brought to life by talented musicians.

Step back into Victorian London for an acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. This beloved story unfolds with music, magic, and heart, following Ebenezer Scrooge's journey of rediscovery. It's a cherished holiday tradition perfect for families.

Get ready for a magical holiday evening as Dave Koz and Friends present their 28th annual Christmas Tour. This acclaimed jazz ensemble will fill The Music Center with the spirit of the season, performing beloved Christmas classics, a special Chanukah medley, and hits from their individual careers. Joining Koz are...

Step into a magical winter wonderland with "The Nutcracker 2025." This enchanting ballet performance is a timeless classic, perfect for the whole family. Experience the magic of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers as the story unfolds, sparking imagination and touching hearts. Keep the tradition alive with this spectacular holiday...

Experience the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption in this enchanting production of 'A Christmas Carol.' This music-infused adaptation brings Dickens's Yuletide classic to life with beloved characters and a vibrant children's ensemble. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to embody Scrooge in Ford's cherished annual tradition, promising a 'rich visual...

Immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays with The Washington Ballet's iconic production of The Nutcracker. This cherished DC tradition, running from November 29 to December 28, 2025, features over 380 dancers in a spectacular performance set in historic Georgetown. Experience the familiar story with unique local twists, including...

Step into a world of rhythm and holiday cheer with Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show. This groundbreaking performance celebrates the African American tradition of stepping, blending it with captivating music, storytelling, and energetic dance. Join festive characters like Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear for an...

Ballet Theatre of Maryland presents a captivating, Annapolitan-inspired Nutcracker. This unique production reimagines the beloved classic with local historical elements, vibrant costumes, and original choreography. Follow Clara's dream journey through 19th-century Annapolis, from snow-dusted gardens to a Land of the Sweets filled with local confections. It's a festive holiday treat...

Experience the joy of the season with the National Chamber Ensemble's 'Holiday Cheer!' concert. This beloved annual tradition is a heartwarming celebration for the entire family, featuring festive classics and beloved seasonal favorites. Enjoy performances by talented young artists, including winners of the 2025 Nancy Peery Marriott Young Artist Piano...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Merriweather District's Tree Lighting and Holiday Market. Discover unique handmade gifts from local artisans, savor seasonal drinks, and enjoy festive entertainment. The event features a special tree lighting ceremony, ice rink opening, and activities for all ages, including visits with Santa.

Savage Mill Yuletide transforms the historic mill into a festive wonderland. Discover unique gifts at the Holiday Makers Market, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy live music. Don't miss the magical bridge and tree lighting ceremonies, plus a special exhibition on the mill's Christmas past.

Step into a magical European Christmas wonderland at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. This authentic German Christmas Market features over 60 international vendors offering unique gifts, crafts, and delicious festive foods. Enjoy mulled wine, German beer, and special events like wine tastings and meet-and-greets with Santa. It's a perfect destination for holiday...

Experience the festive spirit at the Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show. This event brings together a curated selection of local artisans and vendors, offering a wide variety of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal treats. Discover everything from intricate jewelry and artwork to delicious baked goods and...

Discover one-of-a-kind gifts that give back at Strathmore's Museums & Makers Holiday Market. This festive event brings together the area's top museum shops and local artisans for three days of spirited shopping. Every purchase supports nonprofit museums and independent artists, making your holiday gifts even more meaningful.

Get into the holiday spirit at the Advent Market Celebration! This festive event offers a delightful start to the season with a wide array of handmade crafts and artisan vendors. Enjoy live music, caroling, and delicious food truck options. Families will love the kids' crafts, petting zoo, and pony rides,...

Discover a treasure trove of unique gifts and delightful treats at the DC Holiday Market in Dupont Circle. This festive market showcases over 35 local artists, crafters, and small businesses offering worldwide handicrafts and boutique brands. Find the perfect holiday presents amidst bright, festive decor in a vibrant neighborhood setting.

Experience the festive opening day of the Christmas Market at the Carroll County Farmer's Market and Craft Show. This special event highlights local authors, offering a unique opportunity to meet writers and explore a diverse collection of books. Alongside literary treasures, discover a vibrant marketplace featuring 70 regular vendors selling...

This holiday season, immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Alexandria by exploring its charming outdoor winter markets. Discover unique handmade gifts, enjoy live music, and find Santa sightings scattered throughout the city's vibrant neighborhoods. It's the perfect way to experience local culture and find special treasures.

Join Santa for a delightful breakfast buffet at the historic B&O Railroad Museum. This family-friendly event includes a special gift for every child, photo opportunities with Santa, and a charming train ride. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with a memorable experience for all ages.

Celebrate the New Year with a touch of sophistication at the B&O Railroad Museum's New Year's Tea. This elegant English afternoon tea, hosted in the historic 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse, offers a delightful blend of festive cheer and refined indulgence. Guests will enjoy a scenic journey aboard the Mile One Express...

Get ready for the most wonderful crawl of the year! The Official 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl® descends upon Baltimore on Saturday, December 20th, 2025. Don your most festive holiday attire, from Santa suits to ugly sweaters, and prepare for a day of spirited fun. Attendees receive a commemorative Santa...

Experience a quintessential Washington, DC holiday tradition at The Nutcracker Tea Party. This festive event offers delightful treats and family fun, culminating in a choice of attending either the afternoon or evening performance of the beloved Nutcracker ballet at the Warner Theatre. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in...

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable celebration on the water in Annapolis. This exclusive yacht party offers a DJ, dancing, and a complimentary beverage, all while providing a front-row seat to the city's 9:00 PM fireworks display. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase from the full-service...

Experience the magic of the holidays with American Girl's Holiday Teatime Traditions. Guests can indulge in a festive spread of sweet treats and delightful tea sandwiches, perfect for creating cherished memories. Children can engage in a fun tableside craft activity, adding a creative touch to the experience. For a truly...

Embark on a magical journey through the Symphony of Lights, a breathtaking drive-through holiday spectacle. This immersive experience transforms the night into a wonderland of animated and synchronized light displays, all set to the enchanting sounds of holiday music. It's the perfect way to soak in the festive spirit from...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This cherished national tradition features the beautifully decorated National Christmas Tree, illuminated with thousands of lights. Visitors can also admire unique ornaments representing every U.S. state and territory, creating a festive and inspiring atmosphere.

Step into a world of enchantment at the Winter Lantern Festival, a dazzling outdoor event that transforms the night with hundreds of illuminated Chinese lanterns. This magical journey blends ancient tradition with modern technology, featuring handcrafted displays inspired by folklore and nature. Be captivated by live acrobatic performances and savor...

Lace up for a dazzling winter experience at the Color Burst Ice Rink! This vibrant seasonal attraction in Merriweather District offers 75-minute skating sessions with a unique color-themed ambiance. Enjoy music, themed events, and convenient pop-up food and beverage options. Skate aids are available for younger visitors, making it a...

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 live choral music. Enjoy hands-on activities at the craft tent,...

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 Adopt-a-Spot program and admire neighborhood holiday lights during the OB...

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 Christmas memories for children.

Immerse yourself in 'The Gift of Art 2025,' an exhibition at The Artists' Gallery of Ellicott City. This event features a stunning array of original artwork from talented local artists, spanning mediums from ceramics and wood turning to paintings and photography. Discover unique pieces perfect for gifting or adding to...

Step into a festive wonderland at the Holiday Train Garden, hosted at the historic Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum. This enchanting display features meticulously crafted model trains winding through charming holiday scenes. It's a perfect, family-friendly outing to experience the magic of the season in a unique historical...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Laurel Armory Illumination. This cherished tradition officially kicks off the festive period with a special ceremony. Prior to the illumination, enjoy a vibrant Holiday Parade that winds its way through the city, starting from City Hall.

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 of hot chocolate. Santa will also share the beloved story...

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 Belair Mansion during its open house and admire the community's...

First Night Alexandria returns for 2025, offering a vibrant, family-friendly, and alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration. This event transforms local venues into stages for diverse performing arts, providing a meaningful and budget-conscious alternative to traditional revelry. Discover a wide array of talent and community spirit as Alexandria rings in the...