Holiday Happenings & Winter Activities in Baltimore County
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Experience the magic of the holiday season with a winter escape through Baltimore County, where festive traditions and seasonal delights create an unforgettable getaway. Hop aboard the County Lights & Winter Nights Trolley Tour, book a cozy winter dining experience, or browse a winter market filled with unique gifts and local treasures. Soak in the warmth and wonder of the season at every stop!
Experience: Your holiday escape begins at one of the oldest surviving structures in historic Reisterstown. The Beckley House, home to The Reister’s Daughter Cafe, provides a warm and welcoming start to your day. The original wood beams and brick walls from the 1770s gives the family-owned shop a charming blend of charm and character. Grab a pastry or a specialty seasonal latte and relax before kicking off your holiday escape.
Check-In: Unload your belongings at the historic Gramercy Mansion where you’ll step into a winter wonderland straight out of a holiday movie. The breathtaking bed & breakfast in Greenspring is fully decorated in its seasonal best with cozy Christmas trees and twinkling lights filling the warmly lit living spaces. Choose from 11 elegant rooms and suites with antiques, wood-burning fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. Perfect for a peaceful winter retreat.
Discover: Once you’re unpacked, bundle back up to experience the holiday spirit at Braglio Farms. Their 3-acre property transforms into a Winter Wonderland, a glowing holiday night market where the twinkling lights guide your way through local treasures, Christmas scenes, and bonfires.
Dinner: Grab dinner at one of the local food trucks on site and stay warm with homemade hot cocoa or hot apple cider.
Delight: All aboard the festive County Lights & Winter Nights trolley! Celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah with a new Baltimore County holiday experience. The planned route tours neighborhoods filled with holiday decor, including a stop at the famous Hanukkah House in Pikesville. Plan your ride for any Tuesday or Friday in December!
Breakfast: Check The Corner Pantry for your morning meal. They combine local, creative flair with international culinary expertise. The extensive menu shows their range of fresh pastries, pantry breakfast meals, soup and sandwiches, chef plates, specialty coffee, and grab-n-go options.
*Look beyond the pantry for more bakeries and cafes throughout the county!
Experience: The Fire Museum of Maryland brings the Baltimore-inspired holiday train garden to life with their centuries-old tradition. Multiple trains leave the miniature stations on the Saturday after Thanksgiving as they are set to weave between local businesses, a “working fire” and a subway.
Discover: Your holiday escape continues into Spring Meadow Farms Christmas Market in Upperco. It won’t feel like springtime as you step into a world of winter wonder featuring cozy artisanal booths, fresh evergreen wreaths, fairytale train garden displays, and the illuminated Christmas Light Trail.
Lunch: Fuel up with the sizzling craft meats from Char’d BBQ and sweet treats at The Bus Stop — ideal for creating family traditions and capturing seasonal snapshots.
Experience: Across the scenic countryside in Hydes, the historic Boordy Vineyards decks their historic barn in boughs of holly every Saturday in December. The festive Holiday Trucks n’ Tunes celebrations offer live music and food trucks from local vendors.
Dinner: Your dinner reservations are just around the corner at Peerce’s. Nestled along the picturesque Loch Raven Reservoir, Peerce’s serves elevated traditional Indian fare with organic, locally grown ingredients. The warm lighting, soft seating, and fire pit creates a cozy vibe while you enjoy signature dishes like homemade naan and Chicken Tikka Masala.
*More cozy restaurant options around the county: Restaurants With Fireplaces in Baltimore County | Cozy Dining
Delight: Be sure to bring comfortable shoes to the Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular at the Timonium Fairgrounds. At your own pace, stroll through a half mile of Christmas with over one million lights, a winter carnival, live Santa and the Swiss Holiday Village.
Breakfast: The last day of your mini getaway begins with the aroma of freshly baked croissants and espresso at the charming Meringue Cake Studio and Cafe in Perry Hall. Choose from a daily assortment of delicate pastries and in‑house baked breads, or a fluffy omelet. Locals rave about the flaky, buttery bacon, egg and cheese croissant.
Experience: Show off your triple lutz or simply glide across the ice rink at The Avenue at White Marsh. The favorite holiday staple in Baltimore County offers public skating with online reservations and free skate rentals. After skating, wander the festive tree-lined boulevard filled with boutique shops and storefronts brimming with seasonal gifts—from décor and clothing to gourmet treats—perfect for checking off your holiday shopping list.
*View all the Holiday Happenings around the county: Holiday Happenings in Baltimore County | Winter Activities
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