Wednesday, November 30

Wu Wednesday at The Point: Music, drink specials, and more. 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at The Point in Fells, 1738 Thames Street. For more information, go to: thepointfells.com or call: 410-327-7264.

Thursday, December 1 

Bird in Hand Holiday Market: Meet local authors, shop for books, and more. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bird in Hand, 11 East 33rd Street. For more information, go to: birdinhandcafe.com.

Monument Lighting: Caroling, food, a local makers’ market, and good cheer. Fireworks cap the evening marking the official start of the holiday season. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place, 699 Washington Place. For more information, go to: godowntownbaltimore.com.

PSYOP, Powerwasher, Boot Boys, and Grudge: All ages. ($10) 8 p.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: themetrogallery.net or email: ericmach@themetrogallery.net.

Friday, December 2

Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour: Comfort-controlled White Trolley tours the lights of Baltimore — including Mt. Vernon, Fells Point, 33rd Street in Hampden, and more. ($22.50-$32.50) Dec. 2-Dec. 30 (multiple dates and times; see Eventbrite for details) at The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore, 550 Light Street. For more information, go to: rentatour.com.

A Christmas Carol: A Christmas Carol with a Baltimore twist returns, re-imagined by Chesapeake Shakespeare Company member and historian Laura Rocklyn. ($29-$65) Dec. 2-Dec. 23 (showtimes at 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.) at the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 South Calvert Street. For more information, go to: chesapeakeshakespeare.com or call: 410-244-8570.

Renaissance/Rennaiddance: A Beyoncé-themed dance party. Ages 21 and up. ($10-$15) 9 p.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: themetrogallery.net or email: ericmach@themetrogallery.net.

808 Vol 39: Curated by Bmorealien and hosted by OG Swooz. Performances by Josh Stokes, Chris Cassius, V3RGE, and more. ($10) 9 p.m. at The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, email: thecrownbaltimore@gmail.com. 

A Very Shocktail Hour Holiday: Celebrate the season with games, specialty cocktails, a video clip show, and a Naughty or Nice Gift Exchange with Santa and Krampus. ($8-$30) 9:30 p.m. at Golden West Cafe, 1105 West 36th Street. For more information, go to: goldenwestcafe.com/home or call: 410-889-8891.

Saturday, December 3

Cloisters Castle Holiday Tea: An authentic tea experience, served by Solo Te’ Tea. ($45) Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 4 from noon to 4 p.m. at The Cloisters Castle, 10440 Falls Road Timonium. For more information, go to: cloisterscastle.com or call: 410-821-7448.

Suminagashi Workshop w/ Kelly Laughlin of Odette Press: In this grounding workshop, explore the creative, meditative process of Suminagashi using breath, ink, and water to create designs on paper. ($50) 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Good Neighbor, 3827 Falls Road. For more information, go to: goodneighborshop.com or email: hello@goodneighborshop.com. 

The BJC Annual Holiday Sale: Shop work by Baltimore Jewelry Center community members and support the work of artists this holiday season. The sale features work by Andy Lowrie, Antoinette Morales, April Wood, Beth Payne, Caitlin Duckwall, Elliot Keeley, Jen Moore, Jen Pape, Jennifer Fairman, Kat Stankewicz, Kimber Wiegand, Magdalena Csipo, Margo Csipo, Marian Breitenbach, Mercury Swift, Molly Shulman, Pat Baker, Sarah Wolfenden, and Terence Rallo. Dec. 2 – Dec. 4 (Multiple dates and times, visit their website for more information.) At Centre Theater, 10 East North Avenue, Suite 130. For more information, go to: baltimorejewelrycenter.org, or call 410-243-0479.

MICA Art Market: MICA’s Art Market is back this year for the first time in three years. Art Market is a three-floor holiday market that provides over 100 of MICA’s best students, alumni, faculty, and staff the opportunity to sell their artwork, craft and artisan-made pieces in a two-day public event on MICA’s campus. Proceeds from table fees go to the MICA Endowment Scholarship, as well as to help fund the event. 10 am to 5 pm on December 3 and 4, at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), Brown Center, 1300 W. Mount Royal Ave. For more information, call 410-669-9200, or go to: mica.edu.

Pre-Kwanzaa Cultural Celebration: Free lunch, arts and crafts, a fashion show, storytelling, and more. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Morgan State University, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane. For more information, go to: morgan.edu/communityservices or call: 443-885-2217.

Baltimore By Baltimore Holiday Makers Market: All goods at this event are crafted, produced, constructed, or designed by Baltimore artisans and entrepreneurs. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Light Street Pavilion, 301 Light Street. For more information, go to: waterfrontpartnership.org/enjoy/baltimore-by-baltimore.

En Love, Rabbit, Mowder Oyal, Boot Boys: A night of genre-bending music to rage to. ($10) 8 p.m. at Holy Frijoles, 908 West 36th Street. For more information, call: 410-235-2326.

Sunday, December 4

Tiny Kitchen Jam Sesh: Santana Sankofa Live: Live music, a multicourse dinner with vegan/gluten free options, themed cocktails, and networking with local artists and artisans. ($35-$60) 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 1423 John Street. For more information, go to: santanasankofa.com.  

Tuesday, December 6

An Outdoor Nutcracker Experience Presented by the White Marsh Ballet Academy: Listen to holiday music, warm up with mulled wine from Grand Cru Market Bar and hot chocolate from Pure Chocolate by Jinji, and grab your spot to catch segments of a magical performance of “The Nutcracker.” 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Belvedere Square, 540 East Belvedere Avenue. For more information, go to: belvederesquare.com

Nada Average Tuesday: Join The Empanada Lady in partnership with The Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance & GRL PWR for a night of networking, music, and food as they welcome three new leaders in Baltimore’s cultural community: Mark Hanson, President & CEO, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Gregory Smith, Executive Director, Creative Alliance, and Jenenne Whitfield, Director, American Visionary Art Museum. Attendees will have the opportunity to chat with the leaders and connect with many of the region’s entrepreneurs, business owners, and artists. Enjoy music by GRL PWR, an organization led by Amy Reid and Pangelica Hall, whose mission is to cultivate queer joy through community-focused programming. There will be a cash bar, with a portion of the proceeds donated to support the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance. In addition, empanadas and fresh steamed crabs will be available for purchase. Admission is free.  5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Motor House, 120 W. North Ave. For more information, go to: motorhousebaltimore.com.

Wednesday, December 7 

Date Night at Candy Lane: Bring your sweetheart out for sweet treats including specialty cocktails, sparkling wine, and build-your-own s’mores kits. ($10-$100) 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Center Plaza, 100 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: godowntownbaltimore.com.

A Christmas Story: Baltimore Fishbowl Reader Appreciation Night: Join Baltimore Fishbowl for a free screening of the holiday classic “A Christmas Story” to kick off the season. 6:15 p.m. at The Parkway Theater, 5 West North Avenue. For more information, go to: baltimorefishbowl.com or email: editor@baltimorefishbowl.com.

Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet: The acclaimed holiday tradition is live in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. ($44.10-$92.30) Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at The Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 North Eutaw Street. For more information, go to: france-merrickpac.com.

Voyage à Ougadougou – A West African Dining Experience: Mera Kitchen Collective is pleased to invite you to their latest dining experience, a journey to Ouagadougou, where Emilienne will prepare a multi-course meal celebrating the cuisine of Burkina Faso, her home country, in West Africa.($85) 6:30 p.m. to  8:30 p.m. at Mera Kitchen Collective, 1301 North Calvert Street. For more information, go to: www.mera.kitchen/events, email: hello@mera.kitchen, or call 443-681-9855.

Thursday, December 8

Drinks with Downtown Partnership of Baltimore: Join Downtown Partnership of Baltimore for a networking Happy Hour at the German Christmas Village. Open to all members and guests. Free admission to the German Christmas Village in Baltimore 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at West Shore Park, 401 Light Street. For more information, go to: godowntownbaltimore.com.

Holiday Wine Dinner: Gift Wines: A sit-down, three-course wine dinner cooked by Schola chefs. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Schola, 916 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: scholacooks.com.

Friday, December 9

Cocoabutterfest 2: The Holiday Vibe: Music, art, poetry, comedy and more. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Downtown Cultural Arts Center, 401 North Howard Street. 

Ho Ho Ho Holiday Drag Show: Pariah Sinclair brings you a sexy holiday show featuring the best drag and burlesque in the city. ($10) 8 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: theottobar.com or call: 410-662-0069.

Art After Hours: American Underground: Inspired by the American Modernism installation and early 20th century nightlife. Experience an evening of themed cocktails and appetizers, pop-up activities, art-making, and free access to the A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration exhibition. ($20-$25) 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. For more information, go to: artbma.org or call: 443-573-1700.

Mirror Stage Ft. Turtle Bugg and Graham Hatke:  Mirror Stage returns with Turtle Bugg of Basement Floor Records and local favorite Graham Hatke at one of the last after-hours clubs on the east coast with amazing analog sound and lighting systems. ($10) 21 and up. Cash bar until 1:30 a.m. 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Club 1722, 1722 North Charles Street.  For more information, email: Djvincechristopher@yahoo.com or call: 410-547-8423.

A Miracle On Saratoga Street: Holiday Coat Drive:  A holiday concert and coat drive, presented by BmoreAlien and Reem Unknown. Hosted by Eze Jackson. Features performances by AKAI SOLO, Bito Sureiya, Mikey Marie, Asliyann, Finagobaby, and NVSV. ($10 with a coat, $15 without.) 8 p.m. to 12:45 a.m., at Blakwater House, 218 West Saratoga Street. For more information, go to: tewworldorder.com.

Saturday, December 10

Station North Holiday Market: A curated outdoor market featuring over 20 Baltimore-based artists, craftspeople, makers, and food and drink entrepreneurs. Noon to 5:30 p.m. at North Avenue between Maryland and Charles Street. For more information, go to: stationnorth.org or call: 410-244-1775.

Current Space Art Market: Buy art directly from the artists, meet the people behind the work, and support them by buying something for yourself or someone special. Noon at Current Space, 421 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: currentspace.com or email: info@currentspace.com.

Body & Soul: Hosted by Leslie King Hammond and Joyce J. Scott, this 25th annual event features handmade works by local, contemporary artists and crafters including; Anson Asaka, Gloria Askins, Trena TaylorBrown, Roz Carlos, Espi Frazier, Oletha DeVane, Leslie King Hammond, Gracye Johnson, Clyde Johnson, Oliver & Carol King, Shana Kruiz, Brandi Lewis, Mary @MAJA, Darrell Patterson, Jazzy Studios, Joyce J. Scott and Janet Waters. Spend the day shopping for unique handmade jewelry, paintings, home decor, woodenware, and clothing. Please bring gently used coats for donation. Admission is free.  12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Motor House, 120 W. North Avenue. For more information, go to: motorhousebaltimore.com.

Down in the Valley Drag Show and Day Party with Nicco Annan: Join Evon Michelle and the Dolls of Sadbrunch for an extravagant P-Valley-themed drag show. ($40-$75) 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Safari Club, 5625 O’Donnell Street. For more information, go to: safarinightclub.com.

Sunday, December 11

Greater Goods Market: Presented by B. Willow and R. House​​. Over 60 creators, doers and dreamers will be popping up inside the garage and outside of R. House specializing in jewelry, accessories, home goods, vintage fashion, ceramics, woodworking, body care and even an opportunity to get your tarot cards to read. This event is free and is a great chance to get a head start on holiday shopping- or support the local makers who are making awesome, ethically produced, and sustainably sourced goods right in your backyard. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. At R. House, 220 W 27th Street. For more information, go to: r.housebaltimore.com or call: 443- 347-3570. 

Morgan State University Choir Christmas Concert: The renowned Morgan State University Choir, under the direction of Dr. Eric Conway, performs its first concert in three years. ($15-$25) 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, Gilliam Concert Hall, 2201 Argonne Drive. For more information, go to: events.morgan.edu/department/mfac or call: 443-885-4440.

Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite: With Charles Funn Big Band, featuring Baltimore Dance Tech. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Center, 847 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: eubieblake.org or call: 410-225-3130.

Dinner & Dyeing:  Join Blue Light Junction & Mera Kitchen Collective for a Pop-Up Meal & Workshop. DINE: Enjoy some of the most delicious food Baltimore has to offer with an amazing meal by Mera Kitchen Collective. DYE: Using food scraps and spices from Mera Kitchen Collective and locally sourced plants, you will dye a pair of napkins to take home with the team at Blue Light Junction. Noon. ($130) at Blue Light Junction, 209 McAllister Street, Suite A. For information, go to: bluelightjunction.com, or call 646-957-5301.

Wednesday, December 14

Baltimore School for the Arts Big Band and Jazz Ensemble: Baltimore School of Arts Big Band and Jazz Ensemble featuring the Music of Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Charlie Parker, and Grammy Award-winning arranger Button Masher. ($10) 7 p.m. at Keystone Corner, 1350 Lancaster Street. For more information, go to: keystonekornerbaltimore.com or call: 410-946-6726.

The Poetry Party Live Open Mic: Weekly open mic. 7 p.m. at The Garage, 6 East Lafayette Avenue. For more information, call: 443-804-8742.

Thursday, December 15

Double Book Event: Maximillian Alvarez and Jamie McCallum on workers, organizing, and the pandemic: Join the authors of “The Work of Living: Working People Talk About Their Lives and the Year the World Broke” and “Essential: How the Pandemic Transformed the Long Fight for Worker Justice” for a conversation about the lives and struggles of our fellow workers in an era of COVID crisis. 7 p.m. at Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to: redemmas.org or call: 410-601-3072.

Jazz in the Living Room—An Evening with Brandon Woody: Spend an evening in our living room with live jazz performed by trumpeter Brandon Woody as part of a trio ensemble to give you a break from the hustle of the holidays. 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Good Neighbor, 3827 Falls Road. For more information, go to: goodneighborshop.com or email: hello@goodneighborshop.com.

Friday, December 16

Scene Seen: A Vignette of Baltimore Music Opening: Curated by Christopher J. Chester and Micah E. Wood. Scene Seen explores the Station North music scene between 2016 and 2022 from their perspective through photography and poster design. Baltimore has been known as a music poster city dating back to the 1960s with Globe Posters and continues that legacy. Chester and Wood’s collective goal continues to be a personal representation of an artist’s music by visualizing their intent. Chester hopes his posters will build excitement around a show and bring in new and familiar audiences. Wood strives to photograph musicians how they want to be seen and on their terms. Together, their work prioritizes musicians in the foreground. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue. For more information, go to: creativealliance.org or call: 410-276-1651.

Saturday, December 17

Ugly Sweater Drag Brunch: Hosted by Dustyn Dawn featuring Chanel Belladonna, Vee Vee Majesty, Sirene Noir Sidora Jackson, Emerald Star and The Grinch. ($15) Noon to 3 p.m. at Mother’s Federal Hill Grille, 1113 South Charles Street. For more information, go to: absolutely-dragulous.com or email: info@absolutely-dragulous.com.

Mrs. Santa Annual Toy Giveaway: An afternoon of food by Mera Kitchen Collective, a photo station by Marqel Allen, vibes by Queen HD, and more. Noon to 4 p.m. at NomüNomü, 709 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: afrocharities.org.

Sunday, December 18

NSAA African Creations Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: Dr. Oya Ma’at will expound on the importance of Kwanzaa. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 5401 Loch Raven Boulevard. For more information, go to: nsaacreations.com or email: nsaacreation@gmail.com.

Tuesday, December 20

Trixie Little Presents Holiday Hootenanny: Naughty Elf, Pint-Size Powerhouse, and Queen of Burlesque Trixie Little presents her hilarious holiday cabaret. Ages 18 and up. ($25-$55) Dec. 20-Dec. 22 at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: theottobar.com or call: 410-662-0069.

Wednesday, December 21

Drink, Draw, & Draft: Get together, create some works, network, catch up, and have a good time. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wet City, 223 West Chase Street. For more information, go to: bmoreintocomics.com or email bmoreintocomics@gmail.com.

Thursday, December 22  

Marcus Johnson Holiday Celebration: Keyboardist and bandleader mans the boundaries between smooth jazz and modern R&B. ($30-$35) 7:30 p.m. at Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster Street. For more information, go to: keystonekornerbaltimore.com or call: 410-946-6726.

Friday, December 23

Baltimore Beat x Eze Jackson x Emily Rabbit present: A Very Messy Xmas: With Rod Lee, Miss Kam, Naeem (fka Spank Rock), Mowder Oyal, and DJ James Nasty. Hosted by Eze Jackson. ($20) Proceeds from the show will help support the publication of Baltimore Beat. 7 p.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: themetrogallery.net or email: ericmach@themetrogallery.net.

Flyer for Messy Christmas

Ultra Naté presents DEEP SUGAR: Christmas Jingle Jangle: With Ultra Naté, Kenny Dope, Gonzalez, and Mookie Brock. ($25) 8 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place. For more information, email: deepsugarmusic@gmail.com.

Friday, December 30

Baltimore NYE Weekend R&B Ladies Night – All Black Party: Bobby Brown, Dru Hill, Ginuwine, 112, Silk, and Hi-Five. ($59.50-$399) 8 p.m. at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, 1000 Hilltop Circle. For more information, go to: chesapeakeemployersinsurancearena.com or call: 443-612-3840.

Saturday, December 31

Midnight Noon: Count down to the new year at the Maryland Science Center’s annual Midnight Noon celebration. Enjoy loads of festive activities that will get you in the mood to celebrate. (Free with paid museum admission) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street. For more information, go to: mdsci.org.

NYE Live! New Year’s Eve Baltimore: Live music, electric DJ performances, laser shows, dancing, and, of course, a massive midnight celebration featuring the “Times Square” Ball Drop on two 20′ LED screens. ($80-$85) 8 p.m. at Power Plant Live, 34 Market Place. For more information, go to: powerplantlive.com or call: 410-908-0650.

New Year’s Eve: BSO Fusion: From Beethoven to Beyoncé: A fantastical trip through an imaginary music festival curated by those two artists, combining the greatest composers of all time with the best popular artists of today. Please note the artists listed above do not appear in this performance. ($25-$65) 8:30 p.m. at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to: bsomusic.org or call: 410-783-8000. 

Fireworks at the Inner Harbor: Music from the band Soul Centered followed by a 12-15 minute fireworks show. Also, the Inner Harbor Ice Rink will be open until midnight. 9 p.m. – midnight at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. For more information, go to promotionandarts.org.

Midnight – NYE @ The Royal Blue: Selectors Chris Brooks and DJ Diaspora playing vinyl sets as a soundtrack to dance into the New Year. ($10) 9 p.m. to close at The Royal Blue, 1733 Maryland Avenue. For more information, go to: royalbluebar.com or call 443-869-6111.

New Year’s Eve Charm City Cruise: Ring in the New Year aboard a luxury yacht with dancing, desserts, a live DJ, and a complimentary glass of bubbly. Ages 21 and up. ($97) 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Baltimore Finger Piers, 555 Light Street. For more information, go to: watermarkjourney.com or call: 410-268-7601.

VERSION: A Queer Dance Party | NYE: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at VERSION, a dance party and space carved out for queer and trans people, by queer and trans people. ($15) 10 p.m to 2 a.m. at The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: thecrownbaltimore.tumblr.com or call: 410-625-4848.

Sweet Spot’s New Year’s Eve Dance Party: Come through for the celebration and let’s end the year and start 2023 with friends, dancing, & a few surprises. Featuring three live pop performances, four DJ’s, and free champagne at midnight with Gia Woods, Miss Madeline, Madison Rose, Aaron Joseph, P_A_T, and Ruby Fox.  Ages 21 and up. ($40) 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: themetrogallery.net or call: 443-425-5139.

The Night Brunch: Celebrate the new year with The Night Brunch and The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. ​​Food trucks, guest vendors, and cocktails curated by Revival Hotel will be available. Ring in 2023 with a complimentary champagne toast and dancing. ($50-$100) 10:30 p.m. at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to: bsomusic.org.

The Charmery’s Kiddie Scoop Ball Drop: For the eighth year, The Charmery celebrates New Year’s Eve with a ball drop, but at 8:00pm – so that everyone in the family can party together!
That means special Glitter Tattoos, a Charmery Popcorn Bar, New Year’s ice cream flavors, beer from Union Craft Brewing, after-hours at Vent Coffee Roasters, magic in the air, plus DJ Sir Scoops-A-Lot spinning killer tunes to ring in the New Year! (Free) 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Charmery Ice Cream Factory, 1700 W 41st St #400. For more information, go to: thecharmery.com, or call: 443-759-4905.

Teri Henderson is the Arts and Culture Editor of Baltimore Beat. She is the author of the 2021 book Black Collagists. Previously, she was a staff writer for BmoreArt, gallery coordinator for Connect +...

Lisa Snowden is Editor-in-Chief and cofounder of Baltimore Beat. Previously, she was an editor at Baltimore City Paper, Baltimore Sun, and The Real News Network. Her work has also appeared in Essence,...