Every winter season, social media tells us which are the best Christmas markets that you can’t miss. Distracted by twinkling lights, primary reds, and mulled wine, we show up in person only to be disappointed at the market’s proximity to the highway or the size. But what if we told you there’s a Christmas market not too far from DC that Germans will make the trip to for its authenticity?
The Baltimore Christmas market is one of the best (and closest) to D.C. that we could find. While we admit the Philly Christmas market is bigger, it’s not as close to DC, so we didn’t include it in our list. What’s better is that you can take the MARC up to the Christmas Village from now until December 24th for treats, Glühwein, and more.
The market started its tradition in 2013 and was inspired by Nuremberg’s historic 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt. It was also named one of Time Out’s best Christmas markets in 2023! Some of its standout features are:
- 60 vendors
- A Glühwein tower called “The Pyramid” that stands at 30 ft tall, with 3,000 lights, and serving up the authentic German wine, Glühwein, imported all the way from the Gerstacker winery in Nuremberg.
- Collector’s mugs
- a biergarten
- a Ferris wheel and carousel
Their vendors serve up delicious European favorites like raclette cheese, bratwurst, schnitzel and Belgian fries, plus a huge selection of Glühwein and beer. The vendors sell everything from food to crafts to small gifts. Plus, over haborside is an extension of Kennedy Krieger’s Festival of Trees, a stunning display of 12 trees to marvel at.
Where: West Shore Park, Inner Habor
When: Sun – Thu: 12pm – 8pm | Fri – Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Christmas Eve: 12pm – 5pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for December 23rd and December 24th, 2024