Christmas Village Returns to Baltimore With Extended Dates, 70+ Vendors, Authentic German Vibes

One of America’s most celebrated authentic German Christmas markets returns to Inner Harbor with more dates than ever to celebrate the holidays! Christmas Village in Baltimore presents its 13th season at West Shore Park (501 Light Street) from Thanksgiving Day (November 26) to December 27, with previews on November 21 and 22, 2026. New for the season, Christmas Village will extend beyond Christmas Eve for the first time and remain open through December 27, giving visitors one additional weekend to experience the holiday magic. Charm City’s award-winning indoor-outdoor holiday destination will feature shopping for all ages, European food and drinks, festive family attractions and seasonal special events. New surprises this year include upgraded photo opportunities, delicious new foods, new holiday cocktails, an expanded food court, more vegan food options, a first-ever heart shaped souvenir mug, and a new Bavarian Beer Haus with the most beer offerings ever in the market’s history. Returning this year, look for crowd-favorites, such as the iconic 30-foot-tall Christmas Pyramid from the German Ore Mountains, the 65-foot-tall illuminated Ferris Wheel and the festive Christmas Carousel. For shopping, look for 70+ vendors with wooden booths spanning from the Maryland Science Center across West Shore Park and the promenade into the Bicentennial Plaza. Vendors will be located outside in traditional festively decorated wooden huts, plus inside the big heated festival tent. Famous German vendor Käthe Wohlfahrt returns with an array of exquisite glass ornaments, nutcrackers, pyramids and limited-edition decorations. Christmas Village will also continue to expand into the Baltimore Visitor Center with Santa Claus and the Festival of Trees at Harborside benefiting Kennedy Krieger Institute. Foodies will find Raclette Cheese Sandwiches, Bacon on a Stick, fresh mini donuts, freshly grilled German Brats and much more.

Experience the holiday magic Sunday to Thursday, 12:00pm to 8:00pm, Friday to Saturday, 12:00pm to 9:00pm, Thanksgiving Day, 9:00am to 5:00pm and Christmas Eve, 12:00pm to 5:00pm, with the market closed from November 23-25, and on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026 before the event reopens on December 26 for a new final weekend. After earning a spot among USA TODAY 10Best’s Top 10 Holiday Markets last year, Christmas Village has once again been nominated for the honor in 2026. For more information, follow @bmorechristmas on social media and visit www.baltimore-christmas.com.

“Christmas Village has become one of Baltimore’s most beloved traditions,” said Thomas Bauer, CEO of German American Marketing, Inc. "We are now celebrating our 13th season at Inner Harbor and on the Baltimore Waterfront. Each and every year, our team works year-round to ensure that we create a magical and authentic German Christmas market experience where families and friends can come together and feel like they are in Europe. And, of course, no passport and airplane tickets are required!”

He added, "Christmas Village has become so much more than celebrating the season - it is about community and cultural connections. We love to bring people together to share our food, our drink, our music and our heritage. We are so thrilled our team lives here in Baltimore year-round and we have established such amazing roots in our community. We pride ourselves on an authentic German celebration that also incorporates the very best of Charm City and local customs, local artists and local small businesses.”

Christmas Village in Baltimore has grown into one of Maryland's largest and most unique holiday destinations since debuting in 2013 - and one of the most celebrated authentic German Christmas markets in the United States.

DATES & LOCATION
For 2026, Christmas Village will again take over West Shore Park, right between the Maryland Science Center and extending beyond the Visitor Center into Bicentennial Plaza, just steps from Harborplace. The new season will commence with a special Preview Weekend, on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026. Come out to meet the season’s vendors and experience some early holiday cheer while enjoying the large selection of pop-up European foods. Mark your calendar for opening day, on Thanksgiving itself, when the market will open and operate seven days a week through December 27, with the exception of Christmas Day.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Visitors can expect a robust event schedule which will include charming live performances, children’s activities, and special theme weekends. Save the dates for German American Weekend on December 5 and 6 and Family Weekend on December 12 and 13. Watch for the return of fan-favorite events like the Raindog PAWrade with BARCS, Santa, and the Festival of Trees benefiting the Kennedy Krieger Institute inside the Visitor Center. Enjoy performances all season long from local musicians, choirs and community organizations.

New this season, Christmas Village will re-introduce movie nights on select dates, inviting visitors to enjoy festive holiday classics alongside their favorite market food and warm drinks. Look for the full event schedule to be announced soon.

SHOPPING & VENDORS
For shopping, more than 70 local and international vendors will showcase handcrafted treasures in charming wooden booths and inside the giant 10,800-square-foot heated festival tent. Look for everything on Santa’s list, including ornaments, toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, home goods, and gourmet treats - making it the perfect chance to skip the malls and big box stores, and embrace small-business shopping in Downtown Baltimore.

FOOD HIGHLIGHTS
For food options, follow the delightful scent of freshly baked pretzels and fresh charcoal-grilled Brats. The diverse food menus will feature an array of European delicacies, including Bratwurst, Raclette Cheese, Schnitzel, Belgian Fries and options for vegetarians, vegans and meat-lovers alike. New food additions this season include the debut of the over-the-top Chesapeake Crab Loaded Baked Potato. Make sure to stop by the German Grill, home of the authentic German charcoal swivel grill. Guests can watch sausages sizzle to perfection over open flames. The crackle, aroma, and glow of this traditional cooking method fill the holiday atmosphere with warmth and authenticity.

For those wishing to stock your kitchen cupboards and holiday table, German specialty shop “Kurt’s Delikatessen”, will offer a selection of imported German treats, pantry staples and other goods such as gingerbread and Stollen.

DRINK HIGHLIGHTS
For drink favorites, imported Gerstacker Glühwein (hot mulled wine) will be served at the Christmas Pyramid and select beverage locations in four flavors: Traditional Red, Blueberry, Cherry and German Bratapfel (baked apple). All on-site flavors, alongside a debut Rosé Glühwein available exclusively by the bottle, are offered in bottles to enjoy at home or give as a holiday gift.

The Winter Wunder Bar returns for 2026 with a festive menu of hot and cold cocktails, returning favorites and zero-proof mocktails. All cocktails will be served in Christmas Village’s signature keepsake frosted or clear wine glasses for hot and cold drinks, directly imported and custom made from France.

Liefmans Glühbier (hot mulled beer), a Belgian cherry-based beer infused with winter spices and served hot, is back exclusively at the Raclette booth.

Weekly wine tastings return in partnership with longtime partner Boordy Vineyards. “Thirsty Thursdays” will take place on December 3, 10 and 17 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, featuring a selection of wines in a relaxed holiday market setting. Tickets for the 2026 tastings will go on sale soon, with early-bird specials and additional details to be announced on Christmas Village’s social media channels.

EXPANDED BEER PROGRAM
For the first time, Christmas Village introduces the Bavarian Beer Haus, serving imported German favorites including Hacker-Pschorr Münchner Gold, Paulaner Hefe-Weizen and Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen as part of the event’s largest German beer selection to date. Inside the heated festival tent, guests can also enjoy returning Hofbräu favorites alongside sausage specialties from the “Best of Wurst” booth. The 2026 Hofbräu selection will include Original, Dunkel, Hefeweizen and Oktoberfest brewed in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot, Germany’s historic beer purity law dating back to 1516. Local partner M8 Beer will also return with locally brewed selections. Prost!

FAMILY FUN & ATTRACTIONS
For family fun, look for the return of Christmas Village’s largest attractions that are sure to bring a smile to kids and adults of all ages! Visitors can look forward to the carousel at Christmas Village, offering a variety of whimsical animals beyond the traditional reindeers - from elephants and horses to pandas, zebras and cheetahs. The 65-foot-tall Christmas Village Ferris Wheel will again offer breathtaking bird-eye views over the busy holiday festivities and stunning views of the water. The Christmas Village Tree will return at Rash Field Park, adorned with brand-new festive decorations to make it shine brighter than ever. Other family-friendly activities include appearances by the official mascot Gingy, the Gingerbread Man, who is available for pics and hugs. Vendors will also offer gifts for children, with additional surprises yet to be announced.

Bring your four-legged family member too! Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, including throughout the outdoor market and most areas inside the heated festival tent.

SANTA CLAUS
Santa will return to his holiday home at Christmas Village inside the Baltimore Visitor Center. Families can visit Santa Wednesdays through Sundays, with exact times to be announced, either by walk-in or by reserving a time online through the Events section of the Christmas Village website. Santa’s cottage will once again be pet-friendly, welcoming well-behaved, leashed furry friends for holiday photos. On selected days, Black Santa will be available for holiday pics. Throughout the season, children can also write or draw letters to Santa using Christmas Village postcards and send them straight to the North Pole through dedicated on-site mailboxes.

FESTIVAL OF TREES
Christmas Village in Baltimore will once again host its Festival of Trees at Harborside fundraiser inside the Baltimore Visitor Center, benefiting Kennedy Krieger Institute. All proceeds will be donated to support the 30,000+ patients and students who rely on Kennedy Krieger each year. Donations to the Festival of Trees will fuel Kennedy Krieger’s vital work to improve the lives of children and adults with special health challenges through interdisciplinary hospital services and outpatient, community, education, and research programs.

14 tree displays will be decorated by local businesses and organizations with themed ornaments, artwork, keepsakes, and creative holiday decor. Visitors will be invited to vote for their favorite tree by making a donation to the benefiting Kennedy Krieger Institute.

NEW SEASON SURPRISES  
* NEW: This year, the holiday cheer continues beyond Christmas! For the first time, Christmas Village will remain open for an additional weekend on December 26-27, giving visitors two more days to enjoy festive shopping, food, drinks and holiday fun.

* NEW: Christmas Village will expand its food court toward the promenade and broadened its menu with additional vegan options.

* NEW: this season is the Bavarian Beer Haus, featuring imported German beers from Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner and Schöfferhofer. Guests can also enjoy returning favorites from Hofbräu at a separate beer booth, along with local brews from M8 Beer.

* NEW: The Loaded Baked Potato booth will debut Chesapeake Crab Loaded Baked Potato, joining the market's popular Loaded Baked Potato options and providing a delicious local twist on a local favorite.

* NEW: Look for a new “I Love Baltimore” sign and photo opportunity to be added to the German Christmas Tower “The Pyramid”, that features thousands of sparkling lights, Glühwein (hot mulled wine) at the base, and special Baltimore touches.

* NEW: Winter Wunder Bar will debut new hot and cold holiday themed cocktails.

* NEW: For those looking for a zero-proof alternative, this season’s new hot caramel cider puts a spin on a beloved classic at the Glühwein pyramid.

* NEW: Christmas Village will introduce a brand-new collectible for 2026: a limited-edition heart-shaped mug in a surprise color, available exclusively at the Glühwein Pyramid and Christmas Village Information Booth while supplies last.

* NEW: The iconic Christmas Village boot mug will also return in a brand-new color and design for 2026. Since its introduction in 2019, the boot mug has become a beloved tradition and collector’s item for visitors, with a fresh new look each season.

* NEW: The 2026 souvenir lineup will also feature a new design for the traditional dark blue Glühwein (hot mulled wine) mug, an updated version of the classic cream-colored beer stein. Plus, a frosted keepsake wine glass, along with a clear collectible wine glass will be available exclusively at the Winter Wunder Bar.

SAVE THESE DATES
* Christmas Village Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rash Field Park
Saturday, November 21
4:30pm

Christmas Village in  Baltimore will celebrate the start of the 2026 season at Rash Field Park with the Christmas Tree Lighting during Preview Weekend. The celebration will feature welcome remarks from city representatives, live performances by the Girl Scouts of Maryland Chorus, and additional special guests, before the Christmas tree, decorated in Ravens purple, lights up for the season. Look for music and carols, a countdown to light the tree and more festive fun.

* Santa at the Visitor Center
Friday, November 27 - Wednesday, December, 23

Meet Santa at the Visitor Center for photos and holiday cheer. Pet-friendly visits are welcome. Visitors can reserve the time online on the website.

* Christmas Village Christkind Arrival and Ceremony
Saturday, November 28
Christkind arrival at 3:30pm and ceremony begin at 4:00pm

Welcome the original Christkind of Nuremberg as she arrives on the vessel, Lady Thames, courtesy of Baltimore Water Taxi at Christmas Village. Hear her famous prologue and watch her illuminate the pyramid.

* German American Weekend
Saturday, December 5 - starting 1:00pm
Sunday, December 6 - starting 2:00pm

Christmas Village celebrates its German roots with a weekend filled with traditional dance, cultural performances, Oktoberfest-style games and German food and drinks. Visitors can enjoy traditional Bavarian dances and pair a classic Bratwurst with a wide range of German-style beers, from traditional wheat beers to dark lagers.On Saturday, December 5, the Schuhplattler Dancers of "S.u.G.T.V. Washingtonia" will take the stage, showcasing traditional Bavarian dances.The fun continues on Sunday, December 6, where three exciting competitions await contestants: Maßkrugstemmen (Beer Stein Holding), the Bratwurst Eating Contest, and the Bavarian Cowbell Challenge. Participants can test their strength and endurance by holding a one-liter beer stein at arm’s length, race to finish a serving of bratwurst, or put their memory skills to the test in the Bavarian Cowbell Challenge. Winners will take home festive Christmas Village prizes! No advance registration is required, so visitors can stop by the stage inside the heated tent and join the fun.

* Family Weekend
Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13
Both days starting 12:00pm

Enjoy two days filled with live performances and events. Take your holiday picture with Santa at the Visitor Center and meet Gingy, the Gingerbread Man. Take a ride on the carousel and enjoy the view of Baltimore on the Ferris Wheel! The stage for Christmas Village will feature family fun, including an experiment with Maryland Science Center, story time with Baltimore Read Aloud, and a performance and hands-on demo by Alphorn player Shawn Hagen.

SEASON OVERVIEW
Christmas Village’s outdoor market area is open to the public with no admission fee throughout the season. The heated festival tent also has no admission fee on weekdays and during Preview Weekend on November 21 and 22. On applicable weekends, admission to the heated festival tent is $5 for adults ages 18 and older, while the admission fee is waived for visitors under 18. Each purchased adult ticket serves as a season pass, allowing the ticket holder to return to the heated festival tent throughout the remainder of the 2026 season at no additional charge. Visitors looking for a quieter market experience and shorter lines are encouraged to visit on weekdays.

CALENDAR
Preview Weekend: Saturday, November 21 & Sunday, November 22
Official Opening Day: Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day)
Final Weekend: Saturday, December 26 & Sunday, December 27
Last Day of the Season: Sunday, December 27

CLOSED
November 23, 24, 25 & 30, 2026
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 & 25, 2026

HOURS
Sunday to Thursday: 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday to Saturday: 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Thanksgiving Day: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Christmas Eve: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
December 26: 12:00pm to 9:00pm
December 27: 12:00pm to 8:00pm

LOCATION
West Shore Park, Inner Harbor
501 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230

CONNECT
Follow @bmorechristmas on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn or visit www.baltimore-christmas.com for more information. Additional details, including the final vendor lineup, food and drink menus, themed weekends and special event programming, will be announced on the website and social media channels.

ABOUT KENNEDY KRIEGER INSTITUTE
Located in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., region, Kennedy Krieger Institute is internationally recognized for improving the lives of tens of thousands of children, adolescents, and adults with neurological, rehabilitative, and developmental needs through inpatient and day hospital programs, outpatient clinics, home and community services, education, and research. Visit KennedyKrieger.org for more information about Kennedy Krieger Institute.

ABOUT RASH FIELD PARK
Rash Field Park is the home of our Christmas Village Tree. This award-winning park recently debuted new renovations including open play volleyball courts, pickleball courts, a beach, and a nature walk. It perfectly reflects the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore's mission to create a clean, green, safe, sustainable, and thriving urban waterfront that all Baltimore City residents can enjoy.

ABOUT HOLIDAY DISTRICT IN INNER HARBOR
Now in its 13th season, Christmas Village in Baltimore continues to serve as part of the city’s Holiday District on the waterfront, bringing together seasonal shopping, entertainment and family-friendly activities that stretch from the Christmas Tree at Rash Field Park along the promenade and West Shore Park to downtown highlights like nearby shops, attractions, and museums.

Participants in the Holiday District include but are not limited to:
Christmas Village in Baltimore
Inner Harbor Ice Rink
Waterfront Partnership
Visit Baltimore
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Maryland Science Center
National Aquarium
Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore

The holiday season on the waterfront kicks off with Christmas Village in Baltimore’s Preview Weekend on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22. Festivities on opening day will include the Christmas Village Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rash Field Park on November 21 at 4:30pm. Throughout the season, visitors can explore Christmas Village alongside nearby shops, attractions and destinations featured as part of the Holiday District on the waterfront.