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🦃 Last-Minute Thanksgiving? Your Maryland Full Guide Is Here!
Published 3 months ago • 8 min read
Happy Wednesday!
Alright guys, since Thanksgiving hits tomorrow, I wanted to get this out to you a little early so you’ve actually got time to plan instead of scrambling.
We’ve got three big holiday pieces for you this week:
First up, a full rundown of the Baltimore restaurants opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day, and trust me, some of these menus might make you rethink spending eight hours in the kitchen.
Then we’re looking at Maryland’s strongest holiday light shows, the ones that are actually worth the drive and won’t have you stuck in DC-level crowds.
And to wrap it up, I pulled together everything you need to know for the 54th Monument Lighting so you can walk in like you’ve been going for years.
Scroll in and check out the full breakdown! (And before Thanksgiving kicks in, don’t miss the quick tip at the bottom. It’ll save you a headache tomorrow)
Let’s get into it!
—Nick
Top Baltimore Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean spending eight hours in the kitchen juggling turkey timers and side-dish chaos.
Baltimore has a huge lineup of restaurants opening their doors on Nov 27, and some of these menus are so good you might never want to cook Thanksgiving again.
So let me show you exactly where you can get a fantastic holiday meal without the stress:
If you want the classics done exactly right, this is your spot. They’re serving a family-style prix fixe with turkey, stuffing, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Add-ons include pumpkin cheesecake and pecan-crusted mashed potatoes with hot honey. 11 AM to 9 PM • Reservations required 🔗 thecapitalgrille.com
If you're ready for a swanky Thanksgiving, Charleston’s three-course menu is the move. Starters like sherry-finished shrimp bisque or fried green tomatoes, mains ranging from elevated turkey to short ribs, plus desserts like buttermilk pumpkin chocolate cake. 1 PM to 7 PM • $99 pp 🔗 charlestonrestaurant.com
If you’re staying close to Johns Hopkins or hanging around Charles Village, this one’s easy. They’ll offer breakfast and lunch along with a classic Thanksgiving plate featuring turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, and a pumpkin tart. 7 AM to 3 PM • Pick up available until today 🔗 dearcharles.com
This neighborhood favorite keeps things cozy with holiday turkey and all the fixins’. Expect pan stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. 11 AM to 8 PM • À la carte pricing • Glyndon, MD 🔗 glyndongrill.com
If you want everything, this buffet has you covered. Soup, salad, crab-stuffed fluke, turkey leg confit, honey-mustard ham, and sides like sweet potatoes with pecans and maple Brussels sprouts. 11 AM to 6 PM • $26 to $49 • Reservations required 🔗 johnnysdownstairs.com
Right on the Fells Point waterfront, this spot is serving its regular Italian steakhouse menu plus holiday specials. Think meatballs, crab cakes, orecchiette with sausage, fire-roasted chicken, and more. 7 AM to 10 PM • Prices vary 🔗 recpierchophouse.com
If you want a hearty, homey Thanksgiving, Mama’s makes it easy. Choose turkey, ham, or both with sides like oyster stuffing, sweet potato mash, and buttered cornbread. 11 AM to 10 PM • Prices vary • Pick up available until tomorrow 🔗 mamasonthehalfshell.com
Now listen. If buffets are your thing, this Inner Harbor classic delivers big. Traditional turkey and pumpkin pie plus seafood twists like P.E.I. mussels, local oyster stuffing, and roasted spiced salmon. Seatings from 11 AM to 5 PM • $46 to $99 • Reservations required 🔗 rusty-scupper.com
Settle in with waterfront views and seasonal cocktails before digging into their à la carte Thanksgiving plates. Turkey dinner with sausage-sage stuffing, mashed potatoes, glazed sweet potatoes, and more. Or swap turkey for ham with potato gratin. 11:30 AM to 11 PM • À la carte pricing 🔗 ryestreettavern.com
If you need space for a big group, this is the spot to book. They’re putting out a full buffet with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, plus rockfish, roasted carrots, and honeynut squash. 11 AM to 6 PM • $77 pp • Owings Mills, MD 🔗 thetilleryowingsmills.com
Whether you want classic comfort food, an upscale holiday dinner, or a big family-style buffet, Baltimore has some seriously strong options this year. If you grab a reservation at any of these spots, trust me, you’re saving yourself hours of work and still getting a fantastic meal.
→ If you end up trying one of these places, reply and tell me how it went. I always want to
You don’t have to drive far or fight DC crowds to see some really impressive holiday lights. Maryland has nine major displays that absolutely deliver, and trust me, there’s something here for everyone.
So let’s get into the ones worth putting on your list this season:
Through Jan 1 • Gaithersburg • Starting at $30 Six immersive holiday zones with huge themed displays, from Prehistoric Adventure to Underwater Voyage. You’ll see LED dance floors, train rides, and even an LED playground. MORE INFO→
Nov 21 to Jan 4 • Wheaton • $13.99–$16.99 This half-mile walk winds through 50 acres of glowing handwoven displays. Expect giant caterpillars, wolves, light tunnels, and a photo contest if you’ve visited before. MORE INFO→
Nov 23 to Jan 1 • Annapolis • $20–$50 per vehicle A two-mile Chesapeake Bay drive featuring roughly 70 displays. There’s also a nightly scavenger hunt and a Thanksgiving Day appearance from Santa. MORE INFO→
Nov 28 to Dec 29 • Olney • $20–$34 A massive 52-foot tree with a 200-foot canopy synced to holiday music, plus snowmen, ornaments, food vendors, and the eight-lane Penguin Plunge Snow Tubing ride. MORE INFO→
Nov 28 to Dec 31 • Gaithersburg • Starting at $15 per vehicle A 3.5-mile route with 450 displays and decorated trees. Sticker Night happens December 17, and Dog Night on December 11 gives every pup a treat. MORE INFO→
Nov 28 to Jan 3 • Columbia • $25 per vehicle (drive-thru), $15 per person (walk-thru) Over 300,000 lights across both walk-thru and drive-thru nights. Tune in to 105.5 FM to catch synced music and search for the secret phrase for a shot at 2026 concert tickets. MORE INFO→
Dec 5 to 28 • Cumberland • $5 per vehicle A local fundraiser featuring festive scenes, winter treats, warm drinks, and live holiday entertainment every weekend. MORE INFO→
Dec 5 to 31 • Hagerstown • Free Drive through synchronized lights and music on 90.3 FM. Opening night includes food vendors, craft stations, a petting zoo, fire dancing, and ice sculptures. MORE INFO→
Dec 6, 5:45 to 8 p.m. • Baltimore • Free Part of Fell’s Point’s Old Tyme Christmas. Watch decorated boats sail from Canton to the Inner Harbor, along with carolers, a tree lighting, an eggnog contest, and photos with St. Nick MORE INFO→
Living in Bethesda, Maryland in 2026? Here are 7 pros and 5 cons you NEED to know before moving here. From world-class schools and walkability to traffic nightmares and sky-high home prices, I'm giving you the unfiltered truth about Bethesda real estate and lifestyle. Is it worth it?
Now let me tell you something most people don’t realize: the Monument Lighting isn’t just another holiday event, it’s the moment thousands of Baltimore residents treat as the real kickoff to the season, and the crowds prove it every single year.
If you’re planning to go, I’ve got you completely covered. I pulled everything you need to know into one quick guide so you don’t waste time guessing where to go, what to expect, or how early to show up.
Scroll down, get the details, and you’ll walk into the event like you’ve done it a dozen times.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, December 4 Time: Starts at 5 PM | Lighting + Fireworks at 8 PM Location: Washington Monument, 699 N. Charles St., Mount Vernon Place
This is year 54 of one of Baltimore’s strongest traditions. The square fills with thousands of people, live performances, food vendors, and a fireworks finale that brings the entire area to a stop.
What to Expect
Here’s the thing. This event is full from the minute it starts.
Performances begin at 5 PM: Talent includes the Baltimore School for the Arts (Xpansion, Dance, Strings, and the TWIGS Jazz Band), OrchKids Brass, the Peabody Brass Ensemble, Emmanuel Choir, Morgan State University Choir, and more.
Special Guest: Allison Bailey, who played Glinda in Wicked, performing a number from the show and a holiday classic.
Food & Drink: Roughly 20–30 vendors offering sweet and savory bites. Bars serve local beer, wine, mead, and hot or spiked cider. Last call is at 8:15 p.m.
Fireworks: The monument lights up at 8 PM, immediately followed by fireworks. Last year’s fireworks were canceled due to high winds and emergency responses, so expect strong turnout for their return.
Getting There
Look, this part is important. Parking will be extremely limited. Every year, streets close early and the area becomes pedestrian-only. If you want to actually enjoy the night, take public transit.
Transit Tips:
Multiple bus lines serve Mount Vernon.
Arrive early if you want a good viewing spot.
Expect crowds, especially after 6 PM
Smart Prep
Here’s what most people don’t think about until it’s too late.
Dress warm. This event is fully outdoors.
Bring a backup meeting spot if you’re going with a group.
Vendors get busy early, so grab food before performances stack up.
If you’re driving, map out lots ahead of time. Street parking is almost impossible.
Why It’s Worth It
This tradition started as a neighborhood gathering decades ago and has grown into one of Baltimore’s biggest annual events. It’s historic, lively, and one of the best ways to get into the holiday season without spending much.
If you go, plan ahead, show up early, and enjoy one of the city’s most iconic nights.
In Baltimore, the median home price is around $221K, down 3.9% from last year. Homes sell in about 46 days, with a sale-to-list ratio of 101%. Prices are easing slightly, but competition remains moderate.
For Buyers: With rising days on market, you have more time to make a move. Look for well-priced homes and act quickly to secure a deal.
For Sellers: Price competitively, stage well, and list strategically to stand out in a moderate market. Quick action and strong presentation are key to success.
Featured Listings
7734 Tilghman St, Fulton
Spacious 4-level home with high ceilings, modern kitchen, brick patio, luxe primary suite, and flexible living space!
You need to book your firewood delivery early. With so many people lighting up fire pits for Thanksgiving and post-dinner hangouts, firewood sells out fast across Maryland. And once it’s gone, you’re stuck with damp logs that barely burn.
Nick and his team have been incredible. They are the absolute best.
I'm a real estate expert and team leader sharing insights on the Maryland market, smart home strategies, local lifestyle, and the major developments shaping our communities. Subscribe to my newsletter and stay in the know.
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