Events this weekend (Nov. 29-30)
Campus may be quiet for Thanksgiving break, but Baltimore is already in full holiday mode. Saturday is packed with choices from shopping local at Bazaart to exploring Festival of Trees before ending the night with improv mayhem at Bah Humbug. On Sunday, Hampden turns on the lights for Miracle on 34th Street, and the Grinch takes over the Hippodrome for one last burst of cheer.SaturdayBazaart, American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.AVAM's annual holiday marketplace returns with original work from 50 regional artists and makers offering jewelry, clothing, artwork and one-of-a-kind gifts. Free to the public, this Baltimore favorite draws crowds of shoppers looking to kick off the season with something handmade and local.SundayFestival of Trees, Maryland State Fairgrounds Cow Palace, 2200 York Rd., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.The 36th annual Festival of Trees transforms the Cow Palace into a holiday wonderland filled with decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses, as well as kids' rides, carnival games, face painting and local vendors. The three-day event supports Kennedy Krieger Institute and offers plenty of fun to kick off the season. Tickets are $20.Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St., showtimes at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.Celebrate the season in Whoville with the hit musical that brings the Grinch to life through colorful sets, classic songs and plenty of holiday cheer. Max the Dog narrates as the Grinch schemes to steal Christmas before learning its true meaning in this family-friendly production. Tickets start at $54.50.Bah Humbug, Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., 2 p.m.MidAtlantic Improv rewrites Dickens on the spot with a choose-your-own Scrooge performance built from audience suggestions. Expect fast character flips, unpredictable comedy and a version that will never be repeated. Tickets are $20 for students.Miracle on 34th Street, 726 W. 34th St., lights on at 6 p.m.Hampden's famous block lights up for the season as Miracle on 34th Street returns with over-the-top displays, glowing rowhouses and crowds strolling past holiday shops, food and drinks. The street closes to cars most nights to make room for visitors, and the lights stay on until New Year's Day. Admission is free.
Saturday is packed with options, starting with the annual Bazaart at the American Visionary Art Museum (800 Key Hwy). From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., AVAM transforms into a holiday marketplace featuring original works from 50 regional artists and makers. Find unique jewelry, clothing, artwork, and one-of-a-kind gifts, perfect for kicking off your holiday shopping season with something handmade and local. Best of all, admission is free!
If you’re looking for something for the entire family, head to the Maryland State Fairgrounds Cow Palace (2200 York Rd.) for the Festival of Trees. While the festival spans three days, Saturday offers a full day of holiday cheer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Cow Palace will be transformed into a holiday wonderland filled with beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses. Enjoy kids' rides, carnival games, face painting, and browse offerings from local vendors. The 36th annual event supports the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Tickets are $20.
For a unique evening of entertainment, catch "Bah Humbug" at the Baltimore Theatre Project (45 W. Preston St.) at 2 p.m. MidAtlantic Improv will rewrite Dickens’ classic "A Christmas Carol" on the spot. This choose-your-own-Scrooge performance is built entirely from audience suggestions, promising fast character flips, unpredictable comedy, and a show that will never be repeated. Student tickets are available for $20.
Sunday brings even more holiday magic. At 6 p.m., Hampden's famous 34th Street (726 W. 34th St.) will light up for the season with the return of "Miracle on 34th Street." Experience the over-the-top displays, glowing rowhouses, and festive atmosphere as crowds stroll past holiday shops offering food and drinks. The street will be closed to cars most nights to accommodate visitors. The lights will remain on until New Year's Day, and admission is free!
Finally, the Grinch arrives at the Hippodrome