16 Amazing Christmas Markets in Maryland to Visit with Your Family (2023)
Looking to visit some Christmas Markets in Maryland? I live in Maryland and have been here for years and explored a variety of Christmas markets and events!
It’s that magical time of the year again! The Christmas season in Maryland is a special occasion that brings the whole family together. When the holiday season arrives, Maryland transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, lights, and cheerful spirits.
One of the best ways to embrace the Christmas spirit is to visit one of the many Christmas markets in Maryland, where you can experience unique crafts, mouth-watering food, and delightful entertainment.
Christmas Markets in Maryland
If you’re looking for a quick list of my favorite Christmas Markets in Maryland and DC, here you go:
- Baltimore Christmas Village
- Howard County Craft Spectacular
- Maryland Christmas Show, Frederick, MD
Now your Christmas Markets exploration is almost planned without breaking the bank!
But don’t stop here…
Want more ideas? Well, you are in for a treat, my friend, because this article is absolutely PACKED with my favorite Christmas Markets in MD and DC plus all sorts of insider tips!
Christmas Markets in Maryland
1. Kris Kringle Christmas Market, La Plata, MD
This year, the 10th annual Kris Kringle Christmas market will take place December 8-10th, 2023 in La Plata, MD. The admission fee is $5 while it’s free for children 10 and under.
You will love this Christmas market which features events like light displays, holiday food, handmade crafts from local artists/crafters, children’s activities, holiday shopping, music, and much more.
Your kids will also get to see Santa, some people singing carols, Christmas tree lighting and more. You are also not left out as adults, there is a live nativity scene and some great music.
The official tree lighting and arrival of Santa Claus will be held on Friday, December 8th at 5:00 pm so be sure to plan to attend the first day.
2. Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show
This will be happening November 29th through December 3rd, 2023, in Harrisburg, PA. I have this one here even though it’s in Pennsylvania because it is one of the largest in the country and is definitely one you need to check out!
It has over 500 local and international vendors and local businesses selling a wide variety of Christmas and holiday-themed gifts, apparel, decorations and more.
If you are looking for a show with a festive atmosphere and wide range of holiday and gift-related items, this is it.
It will also be their 40th anniversary and they will have a festive Christmas Tree Lane, lots of Christmas decors, Santaland, shopping and more.
There will also be a new Christmas Lego display containing thousands of Lego pieces.
3. Annapolis Holiday Market, Annapolis, MD
As a family, we always love to go to Annapolis, Maryland. Especially for my kids, there is always so much to explore in Annapolis. The Annapolis Holiday Market is an annual event held in the first or second week in December in downtown Annapolis. This year it will take place December 7th through 10th.
The market features over 100 vendors and small businesses selling a variety of holiday-themed items, including handmade crafts, jewelry, food, and drinks. There is also live music and entertainment.
Annapolis is also a great place to experience some Christmas events in Maryland! If you need a place to stay, here are some amazing hotel options in Annapolis.
4. Annmarie Holiday Makers Market
The Annmarie Holiday Makers Market is a one-day event held on the first Saturday in December at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons, Maryland.
The market features vendors selling a variety of items you can get for loved ones such as handmade, homemade, and homegrown items, unique jewelry, pottery, beauty products, home decor, small batch foods and more. There is also live music going on.
5. Thurmont Christmas Market Craft & Vendor Show
This year it will take place November 18 and 19 at 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. There will be food to purchase plus vendors and crafts.
6. Festival of Trees, Timonium, MD
Now this one is close to my heart as it supports the children at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.
This year it will take place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds on Thanksgiving weekend, November 24-26, 2023!
This year you can check out their nicely decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses, silent auction items, Santa Claus, vendors, holiday entertainment and more.
The name of this event always reminds me of Christmas trees farms in Maryland and what an amazing tradition we can create with getting our own trees!
7. Downtown Holiday Market, Washington D.C.
I know this one is not in Maryland, but it is very worth mentioning. It will be taking place on November 17 thru December 23 from 12pm to 8pm.
It is always such a festive environment and guests can purchase lots of things like great snacks, ornaments, paintings, spices, hot sauces, and unique gifts. One thing to try are the mini donuts and you can even out your personal touch on them with glaze and toppings.
Although it’s not as big as some other Christmas markets in Maryland, it’s one of our favorite ones.
While here, be sure to check out some great Christmas lights in Maryland and DC
8. Maryland Christmas Show, Frederick, MD
The Maryland Christmas Show takes place in the historic Frederick city at the Frederick Fairgrounds and is the largest Christmas market in Maryland. The show features over 500 vendors offering various holiday decorations, gifts, and artwork.
Dates: A TWO-WEEKEND EVENT: NOV. 17, 18 & 19, NOV. 24, 25 & 26, 2023
The market also has food vendors serving a variety of tasty treats such as hot cocoa and pumpkin spice. The Maryland Christmas Show is a fun-filled event perfect for families looking to get into the holiday spirit.
Unlike some other Christmas markets like the Baltimore village, this is not free. Tickets are usually about $4-10 per person.
9. Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
This year it will take place on 3rd of December at Veterans Plaza from 12pm to 4pm.
There are usually lots of great vendors showcasing arts and crafts for handmade products like jewelry, art, handmade clothes and accessories, food, desserts, makeup products etc.
10. Baltimore Christmas Village, Inner Harbor, Baltimore
Located in West Shore Park, Baltimore, the Christmas Village is an annual Christmas market that attracts thousands of visitors each year. We love going to this Christmas Village because they have the carousel and Ferric wheel that our kids can enjoy as well.
The market features more than 40 vendors offering a wide variety of traditional and international gifts, food, and drinks.
This year it will take place Nov 18 through Dec 24, 2023.
The Christmas Village also features a heated tent where visitors can sit back and listen to live entertainment and music while sipping on a cup of warm Glühwein. The heated tent is usually for a fee although there are some days that might be free.
Lola’s pro tip: Check the website, this year there is a parking garage right in front of the event place called SP+ Harbor Court Garage (at 30 E Lee Street, Baltimore, MD 21202). The parking is just about $12 which is way less than the $25 for other garages. You need to keep your ticket and ask for the discount sticker at the Information Booth inside the heated tent.
It is also right on the Inner harbor, so there are many things to explore here.
11. Christkindl Market, Hagerstown, MD
This year, this German Christmas tradition will take place December 8th and 9th at the University Plaza, Hagerstown MD.
The market provides visitors with access to a great variety of Artisan vendors and local food that showcases the rich heritage and culture of Hagerstown, MD.
One huge deal for our kids is usually the Santa Claus visit.
Some past vendors have included artisans for soaps, coffee, glass, quilts, tons of great baked goods and food, books and much more. Check out more here.
12. Capital Craft Fair
This year the Capital Craft fair will be held on December 8-10, 2023, at the Dulles Expo Center Chantilly, Virginia. They also have fall and spring craft fairs. The festival is a showcase of artistry and craftsmanship and they do an amazing job providing a great selection of artisans.
Some from past festivals have been artisans for apothecary, jewelry, clothing, both non wearable and wearable textiles, leather, pottery, food and so much more. They always have a huge vendor list full of variety for everyone.
13. MICA Art Market
This year the MICA art market will hold on Saturday 2nd December & Sunday 3rd December and will have original artwork from the exhibiting artist/collaborative team where they can then sell their artwork, craft, and artisan-made pieces.
14. Howard County Craft Spectacular
The Howard County craft spectacular unlike many of the others happens early in November. This year it will take place on November 3 to 5, 2023 from 9 am to 5 pm Fri & Sat and 9 am to 4 pm Sun. The event plans to have over 360 crafters this year which is huge!
They usually have exhibitors showcasing things like ornaments, Handmade artisan jewelry, Honey, candles, skin cream, tie dye items, jewelry, hair accessories and so much more. A magic show will also take place at the event so be sure to look out for it.
15. Annual Sykesville Holiday Marketplace, Westminster, MD
This year will be the 10th celebration of the Annual Sykesville Holiday Marketplace and I am so excited for it. It will take place on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 9-3pm at the Shipley Area. To be honest, many times I may not even get anything, but I just love to be in the atmosphere of the shopping.
Its free admission to the marketplace and they usually have a lot of great experiences such as Visit with Santa, free face painting which is always a hit with my kids, visit with reptiles and tons of food and drinks to purchase.
There are vendors for things like jewelry, holiday decor, home decor, wine and spirits, Christmas items and more.
16. Enchant DC
Also, not in Maryland but not too far, Enchant DC has a nice number of stores featuring artisan vendors, specialty crafters, and boutiques. It is not majorly a Christmas market because it is set up mainly for the entire experience of the lights display and more.
But I love walking through the markets and getting some yummy snacks etc.
It is one of my favorite Christmas Markets in Maryland because the lights are a sight to behold plus there is an ice-skating rink, visit and photo with Santa, a kid’s zone for kids to play and more.
Check out our amazing experience at Enchant DC Christmas.
Final thoughts on Christmas Markets in Maryland
Maryland has some of the best Christmas markets in the country, and visiting one of these markets in the holiday season is a must for every family. From Baltimore to Rockville, there are plenty of options to choose from.
At these markets, you can find unique gifts, delectable food, and joyful entertainment to embrace the holiday spirit. So, bundle up, grab your family, and make the most of the Christmas season by exploring these fantastic Christmas Markets in Maryland.
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