Main Street Celebrations

Get a taste of Main Street Maryland with charming holiday celebrations across the state. Take a mug of cocoa to savor while enjoying Christmas parades and events like Lighting of the Green in Denton, Dec. 3, Kris Kringle Procession through Frederick, Dec. 11, and a Great Small Town Christmas and Winter Fest in Oakland, Dec. 11-13. When the parades are over, pop in local shops and restaurants for tasty snacks and gifts to share. For more events like these, check out our full list of holiday festivals, parades, and Santa visits.

Dazzling Light Displays

Light up the shortest days of the year with these "de-light-ful" holiday displays. Stroll hand in hand with loved ones through glittering woods of unique light sculptures, mythical beasts, dinosaurs, circus performers, and more at Annmarie Garden in Lights, Dec. 4-Jan. 2 in Solomons. See inflatable snow globes, musical trains and blinking angels adorn homes along a single Baltimore block, known as Miracle on 34th Street, from Nov. 28-Jan. 1. Watch as lighted boats float festively through Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek during the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade, Dec. 12.

Train Exhibits

All aboard! Hear the whistle of the train and the rhythm of the wheels on the track as the holiday journey begins. From full-size engines to model train gardens, locomotive aficionados have lots to explore. The Holiday Festival of Trains at B&O Railroad Museum’s Ellicott City Station includes a multi-level, 360 degree LEGO layout, Nov. 27-Jan. 24. Enjoy antique and collectible dolls, trains and toys in festive holiday displays at the Christmas Doll and Train Exhibit, Dec. 3-Jan. 3, at St. Clements Island Museum, Coltons Point.

Holiday Home Tours

Feel the glow of candlelight on a tour through historic houses, attractions, and communities in Maryland. Walk through homes, churches, and museums of Historic Havre de Grace, Dec. 12, then admire Christmas decorations downtown and stop in favorite local restaurants. Explore 19 churches around Hagerstown City Square on a Historic Houses of Worship Tour, Dec. 26, with seasonal music and decorations along with historical and architectural interpretation. Browse more events like these on our website.

New Year’s Celebrations

Watch the night light up with fireworks as you ring in the New Year or set your sights on unique local celebrations, like Krumpe’s Donut Drop and family festivities in Hagerstown. Ring in 2016 in downtown Princess Anne with Marshall P. Muskrat, live music, and entertainment during the Midnight Muskrat Dive. First Night Talbot in Easton includes entertainment, puppeteers, dancing, children's crafts and a "Crab Drop" countdown. There’s no wrong way to start the New Year in Maryland!