🚨 Don’t Lock In Holiday Plans in Maryland Before You See This


Happy Holidays, Maryland!

Alright guys, if you’re in Baltimore this week and you don’t have a plan, you’re about to waste one of the best “everything’s still open, but the calendar’s slowing down” windows of the year.

Dec 24 to 28 is your sweet spot. Less chaos than early December, still plenty to do, and a couple of things literally end this week.

So I pulled the only stuff you need. No fluff. Just the moves.

Let’s get into it!

—Nick


Baltimore Holiday Pop-up Bar and Restaurants

The week after Christmas is when these pop-ups get way easier to enjoy, less chaos, fewer lines, and you can actually get a seat. So if you’re trying to squeeze in 1 more holiday night out, this is your window.

Highlandtown

Sally O’s

Neighborhood restaurant that goes festive without going overboard.

Holiday setup: Pink and purple lights, bright pink Christmas tree, warm interior, heated sidewalk seating.

Drinks & food focus: Seasonal menu in December, solid comfort dishes, approachable cocktails.

Best for: Starting the night easy and social.

Timing notes: Works well as your first stop before heading toward Canton.

Canton

Ellie’s Tavern

Classic tavern that commits fully to Christmas décor and drinks.

Holiday setup: Floor-to-ceiling decorations, loud and festive.

Drinks & food focus: Peppermint martinis, frozen Christmas sangria, spiked hot chocolate, holiday rum punch.

Best for: A high-energy drink stop.

Timing notes: Events happen earlier in December, but décor and menu stay strong this week.

Sopro — The Grinch’s Lair

Second floor transforms into a full Grinch-themed holiday bar.

Holiday setup: Green, playful, intentionally chaotic Grinch takeover.

Drinks & food focus: Peppermint martinis, green shots, crab dip, prime rib.

Best for: Leaning into themed holiday chaos.

Timing notes: Go early in the night, it sets the tone.

Raw & Refined

Waterfront restaurant with real food plus festive flair.

Holiday setup: Twinkling lights along the marina, patio décor, oversized Santa.

Drinks & food focus: Turkey-stuffing-gravy sandwich, eggnog, dessert-style cocktails.

Best for: Slowing down without losing momentum.

Timing notes: Ideal transition stop before Fells Point.

Fells Point

Ale Mary’s — Christmas on Fleet

One of the most decorated bars in the city. No restraint.

Holiday setup: Garland, lights, ornaments covering every surface.

Drinks & food focus: Eggnog variations, coffee cocktails, holiday comfort food.

Best for: Maximum Christmas visuals.

Timing notes: Busy but worth it, even midweek.

Sláinte

Irish pub with a nightly snowfall tradition.

Holiday setup: Seasonal lights and artificial snow.

Drinks & food focus: Pints, pub classics, winter warmers.

Best for: A timed “moment” stop.

Timing notes: Snow falls at 7 PM, plan around it.

Ampersea

Calm, scenic waterfront dining with winter décor.

Holiday setup: White-and-blue winter theme, reflective harbor views.

Drinks & food focus: Holiday cocktails, polished dinner menu.

Best for: Resetting the pace before downtown.

Timing notes: Great pre-downtown breather.

Downtown / Inner Harbor

Miracle at Power Plant Live!

The city’s biggest, boldest holiday pop-up.

Holiday setup: Floor-to-ceiling decorations, Christmas movies, themed glassware.

Drinks & food focus: Over-the-top holiday cocktails, festive small bites.

Best for: One-stop holiday spectacle.

Timing notes: Runs through Dec 28, perfect anchor for this week.

Federal Hill / Sharp-Leadenhall

Klaus Bar at Slush Garden

Compact, cozy winter-themed cocktail bar.

Holiday setup: Twinkle lights, evergreen décor, cabin vibes.

Drinks & food focus: Bourbon hot chocolate, cranberry cocktails, candy-cane shots.

Best for: Thawing out and regrouping.

Timing notes: Short, efficient stop.

The Perch — Perchmas

High-energy, photo-heavy holiday transformation.

Holiday setup: Glitter, disco balls, igloos, oversized ornaments.

Drinks & food focus: Fireball cider drinks, spicy tequila cocktails, playful bar food.

Best for: Party energy and photos.

Timing notes: Expect crowds, that’s part of the appeal.

M8 Beer — Christmas in Australia

Tropical holiday twist in a winter city.

Holiday setup: Beach-style décor, palm trees, Aussie Christmas vibe.

Drinks & food focus: Rum-forward cocktails, coconut nog, tropical sours.

Best for: Ending the night on something unexpected.

Timing notes: Great contrast after heavy holiday themes.

Towson (Dec 23–24 only)

Elf Bar at The Point

Whimsical, interactive holiday pop-up for all ages.

Holiday setup: Elf-themed décor, games, photo backdrops.

Drinks & food focus: Playful, holiday-inspired menu.

Best for: Mixed-age groups or an early finish.

Timing notes: Closes Christmas Eve, not a post-holiday option.


Baltimore Holiday Week Playbook (Dec 24–28)

Here’s what most people don’t realize: the week between Christmas and New Year is quietly one of the best times to actually get out and do something in Baltimore. Fewer crowds. Better availability. And some of the city’s best events are still running.

Let me show you exactly where to go:

Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo

Maryland Zoo
Through Dec 31
Seasonal activities, lights, and animal encounters. Good option when cabin fever kicks in.

New Year’s Tea

B&O Railroad Museum
Dec 28, 12:15 PM
Tea service, scones, desserts, and champagne on a train. It’s refined, relaxed, and a nice reset before the chaos of New Year’s Eve.

Hampden Holiday Market

The Avenue, Hampden
Dec 29, 11 AM–4:30 PM
This one lands perfectly after Christmas when you actually have time to browse. Local vendors, music, and a relaxed crowd.

I'll bring more things to do on the last week of the year. Stay tuned!


🎥 Why Maryland Will Thrive Over The
Next 10 Years

video preview

Maryland is investing $6 billion in infrastructure including the Frederick Douglass Tunnel, Red Line light rail, and transit-oriented developments. Discover how these projects will transform Baltimore suburbs, create jobs, and impact real estate values through 2035.


Maryland Christmas Lights Playbook
(Dec 23–28)

The last full week before New Year’s is the best time to see Christmas lights in Maryland. Everything’s still on, crowds drop off, and parking suddenly gets easier.

If you’re choosing one or two spots between Dec 24 and Dec 28, this is the no-nonsense guide:


Southern Maryland

Garden in Lights

Solomons
Open through Jan 1
Ticketed, varies by night
The deal: An art garden transformed into a glowing winter walk, mixing sculptures with layered light displays.

Christmas on the Square

Leonardtown
Lights remain up through late December
Free
The deal: A town square filled with seasonal lighting and decorations, simple and easy to enjoy.

Central Maryland

Lights on the Bay

Annapolis
Open through Jan 1
$20 per car
The deal: A drive-through light show with themed scenes like the North Pole and colonial town displays.

Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular

Timonium
Open through Dec 30
$10–25
The deal: A half-mile walking trail packed with lights plus a holiday village with food trucks.

North Pole Lights Walk

Severn
Open through Dec 28
$12 adults / $8 kids
The deal: A self-guided walking trail filled with bold, colorful light displays.

Garden of Lights

Wheaton
Open through Jan 4
$13.99–$16.99
The deal: A botanical garden turned into a scenic winter landscape of lights and illuminated forms.

Eastern & Western Maryland

Winterfest of Lights

Ocean City
Open through Dec 31
$5–7
The deal: A massive 58-acre display featuring themed areas and large-scale light installations.

Lights by the Mountainside

Cumberland
Open through Dec 28
$5 per car
The deal: A drive-through light show with added snacks and family-friendly entertainment.

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

Frederick
Runs through March
Free
The deal: Boats decorated with lights lining the creek for a long-running seasonal display.


Local Market Numbers

Baltimore’s market is holding steady with rising prices and moderate competition. The median home sits around $240,000, up 9.1% year over year, with homes getting about two offers and selling in roughly 49 days. It’s a market that rewards strategy and timing, not rushing.

For buyers: You’ve got opportunity here. Fewer sales mean less pressure, and prices are still approachable. Move fast on the homes you love, but don’t be afraid to negotiate.

For sellers: Rising prices work in your favor. Well-presented homes are still pulling in strong interest. Price smart, prep well, and you can capture the momentum in this steady but competitive market.


After a full year of dedication, Brent helped our family find our first forever home. He treated our kids with such kindness. It felt like he was part of the family over the past year. If you’re new to home buying like we were, I would highly recommend going with a realtor like Brent. He was super knowledgeable and made sure to double check every last detail.

—Kim O.


» Quick Tip

Driving around to see lights tonight?

Head out after 8 PM — traffic slows down, neighborhoods are quieter, and most displays stay lit past 10. Pro move: bring hot cocoa and pick a playlist before you go.


That’s it for this one, thanks for reading!

If you liked it, send it to a friend and make sure you’re following me on Instagram and YouTube for more local tips, updates, and real estate insights.

See you next week!

Talk soon—Nick.

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