Ice skating, beer gardens, and watching the Ravens at M&T Stadium – winters in Baltimore are sure to be memorable!
Every Marylander knows that the weather here is so unpredictable. Just last week, there was a sprinkle of snow in the middle of the night and we all then woke up to nearly 70-degree weather. We’re wearing shorts and flip flops on December 1st and pulling out the Uggs and puffy jackets the very next day.
Don’t let the weather stop you from embracing the winter season and all there is to do in Charm City.
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Get hot chocolate from The Charmery and walk around The Avenue
Hampden is one of my favorite neighborhoods, as it is with many Baltimoreans. The Avenue, which is like Hampden’s Main Street for those who don’t know, gets flooded with Christmas decorations and sparkling lights and the entire vibe is so joyous and seasonal.
Bask in it by picking up a cup of delicious hot chocolate from The Charmery and staying warm as you explore the many boutique stores and eateries that line the street.
More Baltimore Hot Chocolate Spots
Go ice skating in Downtown Baltimore
Every year companies sponsor the Inner Harbor Ice Rink, letting friends and families come together for a bit of seasonal fun. You will have the greatest views of the Inner Harbor as well as the buildings that make up Baltimore’s skyline as you glide seamlessly on ice – or scooting on your butt as I find myself doing most of the time.
Enjoy a hike through Loch Raven Reservoir Park
I tend to stay away from most outdoor activities when the weather gets colder but a winter hike through Loch Raven Reservoir Park is one of my top five favorite things to do. The exertion will keep you warm, you’ll be getting some exercise and fresh air, and the views are absolutely stunning.
Watch a movie at the Senator Theatre
If you’re not about to spend time outdoors ice skating and hiking, head on over to the Senator Theatre to watch anything from popular new releases to classics that never get old. The historic Art Deco movie theater has such a warm and friendly vibe so it’s always my first choice.
Note that there are Cinemark and AMC Theaters in Baltimore as well.
Visit the National Aquarium
Visiting the National Aquarium is another great winter activity where you don’t have to freeze outside, and you’ll be supporting a worthy cause.
A majority of the nonprofit organization’s funds go toward animal rescue, conservation, and education – and you’ll be able to see so many wonderful species of fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and more.
Take part in a holiday tradition at Miracle on 34th Street (Hampden)
Every year the residents of 34th Street put up a Christmas display unlike anything else you’ll come across in Baltimore. It’s only a block long but you can spend hours browsing the intricate decorations and some houses even have indoor decorations the public is invited to see.
More Baltimore Christmas Events
Go sledding at Patterson Park
We haven’t seen a lot of snow in Baltimore’s last few winters but there has been at least one good storm each year. And on that day, grab your sled or the lid of your trash can or whatever works, and head over to Patterson Park. The slopes are perfect for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, and it’s guaranteed family fun.
Shop at the German Christmas Market in the Inner Harbor
The authentic German Christmas Market at the Inner Harbor is another wonderful thing to do in the winter if in Baltimore. It usually runs for about a month from around Thanksgiving to Christmas and there are vendors, food and beverage stands, rides, wine and beer tastings, and performances by local artists and bands.
Make sure you have some schnitzel or Belgian fries while drinking at the beer garden.
Pick your tree at the Festival of Trees
The Kennedy Krieger Institute has its annual Festival of Trees at the Maryland State Fairgrounds every winter. Even if you already have your tree, there are over 600 beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
If walking aisle after aisle of stunningly-decorated Christmas trees with your family doesn’t put you in the holiday spirit, I don’t know what will.
There’s even a carousel, pony rides, tons of crafts and games, and the chance to meet Santa and his elves at Santa Land!
Watch the Ravens at M&T Stadium
Sports fan or not, it’s hard to not get into the spirit of sportsmanship amongst the endless Ravens fans you’ll find anywhere you go in Baltimore. M&T Stadium is at the heart of the city and the season usually runs between September and January.
You can find tickets online or at the stadium’s box office; while they can be costly, I’ve found tickets for as low as $10 at the last minute.
Insider’s Guide to a Baltimore Ravens NFL Football Game
Spend a day at a museum
Baltimore is home to some amazing museums and spending a day at any one of these will keep you entertained and out of the cold. One of my favorites is the Baltimore Museum of Art where they have over 90,000 works of art on display and admission is always free.
A couple of other good ones are the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, the Star-Spangled Banner House, the B&O Railroad Museum, The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, and the American Visionary Art Museum.
Read our full Baltimore museum guide
Dine and drink in Fells Point
Fells Point is a historic neighborhood that was once full of bustling shipyards and warehouses. Today, the beauty of Fells Point remains in its stunning architecture and cobblestone streets – which is now home to several restaurants and bars.
If you’re unsure what you’re in the mood for, check out Broadway Market which is a food hall filled with vendors selling local and international cuisine. End the night with a drink and live music performances at The Horse You Came in On Saloon; fun fact, it’s rumored to be Edgar Allen Poe’s last stop before he died.
More things to do in Baltimore in Winter
- Check out one of these Winter Baltimore events.
- Take the Kids to Port Discovery
- Eat out for Baltimore Restaurant Week
- Check out the views from Top of the World Observation Level
- Put Your thinking cap on at the The Maryland Science Center
- Step back in time at Historic Ships in Baltimore
- See more art at the Walters Art Museum
- Stand in the George Peabody Library (AKA one of the most beautiful museums in America)
- Hang with critters at the Maryland Zoo
- Bring history to life at the B&O Railroad Museum
- Take a tour of Orioles Park
- Explore Baltimore’s many distinct neighborhoods.
- Learn about military history at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
- Find all of the Baltimore lighthouses in Maryland
- See what’s in bloom at Sherwood Gardens
- Experience Baltimore’s nightlife
- Get a caffeine fix at one of these Baltimore coffee shops
- Find a new favorite at the Baltimore Food Halls
- Dig into these Middle Eastern restaurants
- Try a new spot for date night
- Go ice skating at the Four Seasons
- Have breakfast at a new restaurant
- Take a day trip down to Washington DC or other great day trip ideas
