Baltimore Harbors Spirited Holidays

Sure, the concept of "home for the holidays" has its romantic appeal. Until you start thinking about bickering relatives, hours unraveling tangled lights and long lines at the local mall. That could be why a lot of Americans now say "Home for the holidays? Thanks, but I'll celebrate elsewhere."

One "elsewhere" that draws thousands of visitors every holiday season is just a short drive for most people on the eastern seaboard - Baltimore. This historic city harbors holiday celebrations designed to appeal to a broad range of interests and budgets. From enticing festivals to hot hotel rates, the holidays are particularly spirited in Baltimore.

Baltimore is a top destination for travelers seeking culture, excitement and fine dining … and moderate temperatures that convey winter's invigorating crispness without the bone-chilling cold that may make other cities too harsh to enjoy on foot.

"Baltimore offers visitors an accessible winter getaway perfect for those looking for a relaxing experience in a city that is easy to enjoy," says Tom Noonan, president and CEO, Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association. "With a walkable downtown, exciting new exhibitions and affordable deals, the holiday season is the perfect time to visit Baltimore."

Hot holiday happenings in Baltimore include:

Holiday-themed Family Fun

* The Polar Express 4-D Experience brings the popular children's animated feature to life with a magical 15-minute journey. Runs Nov. 15, 2008 to Jan. 4, 2009 at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

* The B&O Railroad Museum will host a Holiday Festival of Trains Nov. 28 to Dec. 30. Model railroad displays, holiday entertainment and a train ride with Santa are sure to appeal to young and old alike.

* What's Christmas without the Rockettes? They'll be in Baltimore at the 1st Mariner Arena Dec. 2 through 7 performing their high-stepping legendary holiday show, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

* Barbie has been on the holiday wish list of millions of little girls for half a century. Geppi's Entertainment Museum will pay homage to the American pop culture icon with "Barbie: 50 Fashionable Years" Dec. 20, 2008 through May 31, 2009.

For Lovers of the Arts

* Generations of children have thrilled to the holiday themes of The Nutcracker. This year, the Lyric Opera House will present the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Dec. 19 to 21.

* Autumn Colors: Japanese Paintings offers a retrospective of 18th and 19th century Japanese painters, now through Dec. 30 at the Walters Art Museum.

Holiday Hotel Deals

To entice holiday travelers, hotels are offering great rates and a variety of incentives - from free champagne and chocolates, to free Harbor Passes and discounts on admission to a range of attractions.


You’ll find something to lift everyone’s holiday spirits in Baltimore. Visit www.baltimore.org to begin planning your Baltimore holiday vacation today. Copyright © 2008, ARAnet, Inc.