Did you know that Baltimore, Maryland, is home to one of the nation’s most authentic German Christmas Village displays? That’s right, you don’t need to book that flight bound for Europe to experience the old-world traditional Christmas feel of markets, food, and beloved Bavarian delights. Just make your way downtown to West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor for Baltimore’s annual Christmas Village.
This charming display of Charm City’s own traditional Christmas Village is one of the community’s newer annual traditions, but a cherished one nevertheless. Having launched back in 2013, it largely remains under the radar, although admittedly peaks a bit more in popularity with each passing season. Last year, the event was even named one of the best Christmas markets in the nation by Timeout.
Direct inspiration for Baltimore’s Christmas Village comes from Nuremberg’s own famed 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt of acclaim. The dazzling presentation comprises all the traditional works, from 60+ high-end vendors to an array of authentic food and drink enticements.
You may even treat yourself to a mug of Glühwein, a freshly grilled Bratwurst, or a stein of German beer from Hofbrau if you so desire. And then, of course, there’s a new mug making its premiere this season for all those avid Baltimore Christmas Village souvenir mug collectors keeping up with the trend. This year’s design is a newly introduced boot-shaped one. Of course, the traditional blue offering is still available as well.
In addition, you will experience firsthand all the imported goods in the form of gifts and replicas. Other major callouts include the thousands of illuminated lights decking out wooden vendor booths, as well as the stunning “Glühwein Pyramid.”
A custom-made holiday highlight direct from Germany, the Pyramid was added in 2019. It stands at an impressive zenith of 30 feet and is adorned with 3,000 lights, maintaining the familiar style and tradition of Germany’s own famed carousel-like towers. These first originated in the Ore Mountain region and are well-known for serving as Glühwein (mulled wine) stands and central meeting points at the holiday markets. Baltimore’s own rendition was crafted near Karlsruhe in Germany and flown in. During the event, it serves the largest variety of mulled wines, all of which are imported straight from the famed Gerstacker winery in Nuremberg.
Youngsters and the young-at-heart alike have much to enjoy when attending the Christmas Village. There will even be two festive carnival rides of acclaim to take note of—the Carousel and Ferris Wheel.
In addition to the lights and many other highlights, you will, of course, get to take all those quintessential Santa photos during the grand event as well. He will be on location at the Visitor Center between November 28 and December 23. While walk-ins are forever welcome, reserving a time and date in advance is strongly encouraged. Click here to book now.
Watch out for other featured cosplay favorites as well. For instance, Gingy, the official Gingerbread mascot, likes to pose for pictures too.
This season, the Baltimore Christmas Village is partnering with Kennedy Krieger Institute to present its own special installment of Festival of Trees. Featuring 13 themed and curated trees, decked out in the true spirit of the season, you will find the grand presentation displayed within the Baltimore Visitor Center at the Inner Harbor. Stop by between November 22 through December 23, contribute a donation to support Kennedy Krieger and the children they serve, and use a snowflake ballot to vote for your favorite tree. Click on the site link to learn more.
Whether you come for the shopping, the food, drink, or other festivities, there’s a little something for everyone to see, do, explore, and appreciate at this year’s Baltimore Christmas Village. Free for all to attend, even well-behaved furry friends are welcome.
Discover the magic of the season and an authentic German journey through tradition sans the passport at the Baltimore Christmas village.
The Baltimore Christmas Village will run from November 22 through December 24. The site address is 501 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Just three minutes from the Maryland Science Center, and 10 minutes from the National Aquarium and the American Visionary Art Museum, parking can be found at both the Harbor Court Garage and at Lockwood Place. More on parking can be found here. Learn more about the Christmas Village on the website at www.baltimore-christmas.com.