Ellicott City Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Step into a whimsical world at the Grinchmas Pop Up Shop, a festive destination for unique holiday treasures. Discover a delightful array of Grinch-themed merchandise, handcrafted gifts from local artisans, and charming seasonal decorations. It's the perfect spot to find that special something to make your holidays merry and bright.

Discover the charm of the Ellicott City Artisan Christmas Market, a festive gathering at Turf Valley Resort. This event showcases over 100 local artisans offering a wide array of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and holiday decorations. It's the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind treasures and soak in the holiday spirit.

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...

Step into a festive holiday wonderland at The Cloisters Castle for their annual Holiday Tea & Bazaar. Browse a curated selection of handmade crafts from talented regional artists, perfect for finding unique gifts. Indulge in a delightful holiday tea service featuring delicate sandwiches, scones, and an assortment of pastries. This...

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Holly Fair on Main Street. This event showcases 40 juried vendors offering unique crafts and artisan goods. Find the perfect gifts while enjoying a delicious lunch and stocking up on festive treats from the bake sale.

Discover the joy of selecting your perfect Christmas tree at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. They offer a wide variety of fresh, live trees to bring holiday cheer to your home. Find the perfect centerpiece for your festive celebrations.

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,...

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...

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.

Discover the enchanting Festival of Wreaths, a beloved annual holiday tradition. This week-long event showcases over 100 uniquely themed wreaths and holiday art pieces, all available for purchase through an exciting online auction. Visitors can immerse themselves in a festive wonderland at the Carroll Arts Center, vote for their favorite...

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.

Get into the holiday spirit with "A Crooner's Christmas," a festive performance by the acclaimed Good Shot Judy band and the sensational Satin Dollz. This high-octane swing ensemble, led by charismatic vocalist Brett Cahoon, delivers a dazzling mix of holiday cheer and classic tunes from legends like Sinatra and Crosby,...

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 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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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 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...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Ellicott City Holiday Train Garden. This beloved annual event features meticulously crafted model train displays winding through charming holiday scenes and miniature villages. Created by over 50 dedicated volunteers from the fire department and community, the garden is a testament to holiday spirit...

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...

Step into a dazzling half-mile holiday wonderland at the Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular. This immersive experience features over 1 million twinkling lights, interactive scenes, and mystical snow globes set to enchanting music. New this year, explore the Cosmic Christmas Heat Zone and a charming Swiss Holiday Village. Enjoy a Winter...

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.

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...

The acclaimed Morgan State University Choir is set to perform at the annual Monument Lighting ceremony. This special holiday event will feature the choir's world-class vocal talents against the backdrop of the historic Washington Monument in Baltimore. It's a unique opportunity to enjoy a festive musical performance during the holiday...

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...

Rock City Church presents a special Christmas Production, offering a unique holiday experience. This event promises to be a memorable celebration of the season.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a cherished national tradition. Each year, a magnificent tree, sourced from a different national forest across the United States, is selected and transported to the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Visitors can witness the tree's grand arrival with a police...