Baltimore shines during the holiday season with a mix of elegant cruises, festive light displays, and cozy private tours. Its waterfront location and lively neighborhoods make it a natural choice for memorable Christmas outings. The city’s unique blend of maritime charm and urban energy offers something special for every type of traveler. Whether you’re celebrating with fine dining on the water or exploring the city’s best Christmas light displays, Baltimore’s holiday offerings are worth planning around.
What sets Baltimore apart is its ability to combine luxury experiences like gourmet cruises with more intimate, personalized tours such as private city excursions. Many of these activities highlight the city’s spectacular holiday lights, including the famous Miracle on 34th Street. With options ranging from elegant daytime brunch cruises to evening light tours, you’ll find a Christmas experience that matches your style and budget.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we highlight three top Christmas experiences in Baltimore. You’ll find luxury dinner and brunch cruises that offer stunning views of the city skyline and river, perfect for a special holiday celebration. We also include a private Christmas tour that takes you to the city’s best light displays and festive sights, ideal for those who prefer a personalized experience. Each option provides a different way to enjoy Baltimore’s holiday spirit, whether you’re looking for elegance, fun, or intimacy.
Now, let’s explore each of these memorable Christmas activities in detail.
1. Baltimore: Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
At number 1 on our list is the Baltimore Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise. This experience is perfect if you want to combine holiday celebration with a scenic cruise on the Patapsco River. For around $110 per person, you’ll enjoy a luxurious two-hour cruise where a delicious buffet brunch with mimosas or a gourmet three-course dinner is served at your private table. The boat itself is designed for excellent views of Baltimore’s skyline and historic waterfront.
What makes this cruise stand out is its elegant setting, complete with impeccable service, fine wine, and a lively DJ setting the tone. During the cruise, you can relax outdoors on the deck with panoramic views of the city, making it a festive yet sophisticated way to spend Christmas Day. The reviews praise the quality of the food and the professional service, with one describing it as “the food was great and the atmosphere was good.” The main appeal here is the combination of fine dining and picturesque scenery—all in a comfortable, upscale environment.
Bottom line: This experience is ideal for couples or small groups seeking a refined holiday celebration on the water. Keep in mind, check availability early as spots fill up quickly for Christmas Day.
2. Baltimore: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Next, we have the Baltimore Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise, which offers a similar style of scenic dining but on Christmas Eve. For the same $110 per person, you’ll enjoy a 2 to 3-hour cruise on the Patapsco River, with stunning views of Baltimore’s festive waterfront. This cruise features an elegant buffet brunch with mimosas or a gourmet three-course dinner, served at your private table, with the option to enjoy the outdoors on the deck.
This experience is slightly more flexible in length, allowing you to tailor your holiday celebration. The setting is similar to the Christmas Day cruise—sophisticated with fine wine and a laid-back yet elegant vibe. The reviews give it a solid 4 out of 5, emphasizing the great views and attentive service. The chance to see Baltimore lit up during the evening adds a magical touch, especially around the waterfront area.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a festive experience on Christmas Eve, combining good food with spectacular city views. Booking early is advisable, as this is a popular holiday activity.
3. Christmas in Baltimore tour
For a more personalized holiday experience, the Christmas in Baltimore tour offers a private, guided outing tailored to your group. This tour, priced at $81 per person, lasts about three hours and takes you around Baltimore to enjoy its best Christmas displays. The itinerary includes visits to the Arbutus Christmas Train Garden, the Inner Harbor Christmas Village, and the Miracle on 34th Street light display—one of the city’s most iconic holiday scenes.
What makes this tour attractive is its customized nature—you’ll skip the large crowds and enjoy an intimate experience with your own guide. The guide’s local knowledge helps you see more in less time, with stops for photos and shopping. Bottled water is provided, and the tour is limited to groups of nine or fewer, making it perfect for families or small groups wanting a cozy holiday outing. While the review is only 2 out of 5, it’s worth noting that the experience’s appeal lies in its personalized approach and flexible schedule.
Bottom line: This tour suits those who love holiday lights and want a private, relaxed way to experience Baltimore’s Christmas highlights. It’s especially appealing if avoiding busy crowds is a priority.
How to Choose
Picking the right Christmas experience in Baltimore depends on your priorities. If you want a luxurious celebration on the water, the Baltimore Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise offers unforgettable scenery and fine dining. For those celebrating on Christmas Eve with a festive dinner, the Christmas Eve cruise provides a similar elegant experience. If you’d prefer a more intimate, personalized tour focusing on the city’s holiday lights, the Christmas in Baltimore tour is a great choice.
Consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer a scenic cruise or a private city tour. Booking early is recommended, especially for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day cruises, as these fill up quickly.
Final thoughts
Baltimore’s Christmas season offers a range of memorable experiences, from elegant waterfront cruises to intimate light tours. For a special holiday meal with views, the gourmet cruises are hard to beat—just keep in mind they are family-friendly and upscale. For a more laid-back, personalized experience, the private city tour offers a chance to see the city’s best holiday displays with your own group.
If you’re planning a trip, consider what kind of holiday experience fits your style. The Christmas cruises make a perfect date night or family outing, while the private tour is excellent for small groups wanting a flexible and cozy celebration. Whatever you choose, Baltimore’s holiday sights and sounds are sure to leave you with lasting memories. Be sure to book early so you don’t miss out on these festive experiences.
Happy holidays and safe travels!