Press Releases

PHOTOS: https://bit.ly/cvbmedia2025

PRESS RELEASE: 

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN BALTIMORE PRESENTED BY CHASE EXPANDS WITH EXTENSION TO BICENTENNIAL PLAZA, ADDITION OF SANTA CLAUS, NEW MULLED BEER, FESTIVAL OF TREES BENEFITING THE KENNEDY KRIEGER INSTITUTE AND NEW CAROUSEL 

Baltimore, MD - Christmas Village in Baltimore presented by Chase returns to Inner Harbor to celebrate its 12^th season with new surprises, a record number of vendors and the largest footprint ever. Charm City's beloved holiday tradition is back to transform Inner Harbor’s West Shore Park (501 Light Street) into a traditional, authentic indoor and outdoor German Christmas Market from Thanksgiving Day (November 27) to Christmas Eve (December 24), with previews on November 22 and 23, 2025. This year, the Village expands to Bicentennial Plaza, connecting directly to the Baltimore Visitor Center, with even more booths and a brand-new dining area. Inside the Visitor Center, guests can welcome back Santa after several years, and get ready for the Festival of Trees fundraiser organized by Christmas Village in Baltimore and benefitting the Kennedy Krieger Institute. New offerings will also include the unveiling of a new Christmas Village Carousel, the Baltimore debut of hot mulled beer Glühbier (imported directly from Belgium), the release of Christmas Village’s first-ever souvenir hot cocktail glasses, the first-ever Christmas Village beer with Baltimore’s own M8 Beer, the debut of Rosé Glühwein (hot mulled wine), the release of a new color of the souvenir hot beverage mug, the debut of Beef and Chicken Kebabs and hot Loaded Baked Potatoes, and the addition of Ugly Sweater Day. Returning this year, look for crowd-favorites, such as the 30-foot-tall Christmas Pyramid from the German Ore Mountains, the 65-foot-tall illuminated Ferris Wheel and  Winter Wunder Bar with a new cocktail and mocktail menu. For shopping, look for 70+ vendors with wooden booths spanning from the Maryland Science Center across West Shore Park and the promenade into the Bicentennial Plaza. Vendors will be located outside in traditional festively decorated wooden huts, plus inside the big heated festival tent. Famous German vendor Käthe Wohlfahrt returns with an array of exquisite glass ornaments, nutcrackers, pyramids and limited-edition decorations. Foodies will find Raclette Cheese Sandwiches, Bacon on a Stick, fresh mini donuts, freshly grilled German Brats and much more. Experience the holiday magic this season until 8:00pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and until 9:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, follow @bmorechristmas on Social Media and visit www dot baltimore-christmas dot com. 

“Christmas Village is more than just a market - it has become a beloved holiday tradition for families across Baltimore and the entire DMV region,” said Christmas Village in Baltimore CEO Thomas Bauer. “We’re proud to provide a platform for both local artisans and international vendors to showcase their crafts, flavors and stories. This mix not only brings unique shopping and dining experiences to our visitors but also supports Baltimore’s economy by uplifting small businesses and strengthening our city’s role as a regional holiday destination. With new food offerings like our Loaded Baked Potatoes and Kebab, alongside returning favorites and our iconic boot mug in a brand-new color, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to celebrate the magic of the season together.”

“We are proud to support the Christmas Village in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, a beloved tradition that brings together families, friends, and visitors from across our region,” said Roger Manalo, Chase Market Director in Baltimore. “As we continue to grow our Chase footprint in Greater Baltimore, we remain deeply committed to strengthening the communities we serve, and the Christmas Village is a wonderful example of the joy and unity that make Baltimore so special. We look forward to celebrating the festive season alongside our neighbors and helping create lasting memories for all who attend.”

Christmas Village in Baltimore presented by Chase is located in West Shore Park, right between the Maryland Science Center and extending beyond the Visitor Center into Bicentennial Plaza, just steps from Harborplace. Follow the smell of gingerbread and fresh charcoal-grilled Brats to the authentic wooden huts and grand heated tent, where a full menu of European food, sweets and drinks await.

SAVE THESE DATES 

* Christmas Village Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rash Field Park
Saturday, November 22, 4:30pm

Look for music and carols, a countdown to light the tree and more festive fun! 

* Santa Claus at the Visitor Center
Friday, November 28 through Tuesday, December 23

Meet Santa at the Visitor Center for photos and holiday cheer. Pet-friendly visits are welcome. Visitors can reserve time online at www dot baltimore-christmas dot com

* Christmas Village Christkind Arrival and Ceremony
Saturday, November 29

Christkind Arrival at 3:30pm and Ceremony begin at 4:00pm

Welcome the original German Christkind as she arrives by water courtesy of City Cruises. Hear her famous prologue and watch her illuminate the pyramid. 

* Family Weekend
Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7

Both days starting 12:00pm

Enjoy two days filled with live performances and events. Take your holiday picture with Santa at the Visitor Center and meet Gingy, the Gingerbread Man. Take a ride on the carousel and enjoy the view of Baltimore on the Ferris Wheel!

* German American Weekend

Saturday, December 13 - starting 1:00pm Sunday, December 14 - starting 2:00pm
Experience German culture, dances, and traditions and compete in a German Games contest which includes popular Oktoberfest-style competitions such as Bierstein lifting ('Bierkrugstemmen'), a Bratwurst Eating Contest, and more.

* Ugly Sweater Day
Friday, December 19

New Ugly Sweater Contest starts at 6:00pm 

Visitors and vendors alike are invited to wear their ugliest holiday sweaters for a day full of festive fun! The first-ever Ugly Sweater Contest kicks off with categories for families, partners, and even dogs - plus exciting prizes for the winners.

NEW: SANTA CLAUS 

Santa will make his home at the Baltimore Visitor Center starting the weekend after Thanksgiving Day. Families can visit Santa Wednesdays through Sundays (exact times to be announced) either by walk-in or by reserving a time online through the booking link available on the Christmas Village website under the Events section. Even better -  Santa is pet-friendly, so guests can bring their well-behaved, leashed furry friends along to capture unforgettable holiday memories. This marks an exciting addition for Christmas Village, giving visitors a magical reason to explore the expanded footprint into Bicentennial Plaza.
 

ATTRACTIONS AND FAMILY FUN 

For family fun, look for the return of Christmas Village’s largest attractions that are sure to bring a smile to kids and adults of all ages! Visitors can look forward to an upgraded carousel at Christmas Village. The new ride offers a variety of whimsical animals beyond the traditional reindeers - from elephants and horses to pandas, zebras and cheetahs. The fresh mix of characters makes the carousel even more appealing for riders of all ages, adding an extra touch of magic to the holiday experience. 

The 65-foot-tall Christmas Village Ferris Wheel will again offer breathtaking bird-eye views over the busy holiday festivities and stunning views of the water. The Christmas Village Tree will return at Rash Field Park, adorned with brand-new festive decorations to make it shine brighter than ever. Other family-friendly activities include appearances by the official mascot Gingy, the Gingerbread Man, who is available for pics and hugs. Vendors will also offer gifts for children, with additional surprises yet to be announced.

SHOPPING 

Visitors should come ready to find something special for everyone on Santa’s list, with more than 70 local and international vendors offering toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, home décor, artwork, and more. In 2025, local favorites like Lucky Bat Paper Co. return with their colorful, cheerful illustrated paper goods, while Baltimore-based Cane Mixers offer cocktail mixers perfect for zero-proof drinks or DIY cocktails. Be More Golden Custom & Permanent Jewelry presents bespoke bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and rings, and Terratorie & Marcella Kriebel Art + Illustration brings illustrated maps of cities and neighborhoods, watercolor food prints, and artistic kitchen towels to the Inner Harbor. Sweet treats are a must, with Deddle’s Mini Donuts delighting visitors of all ages. A centerpiece of Christmas Village, Käthe Wohlfahrt showcases thousands of handcrafted ornaments, pyramids, and limited-edition holiday decorations, bringing a touch of authentic German holiday tradition to shoppers from across the East Coast.

NEW: FESTIVAL OF TREES BENEFITING THE KENNEDY KRIEGER INSTITUTE

Christmas Village in Baltimore will take over the Baltimore Visitor Center with a ‘Festival of Trees’ fundraiser event benefitting the Kennedy Krieger Institute. All proceeds will be donated to support the 27,000+ patients and students who rely on Kennedy Krieger each year. Donations to the Festival of Trees will fuel Kennedy Krieger’s vital work to improve the lives of children and adults  with special health challenges through interdisciplinary hospital services and outpatient, community, education and research programs. This new magical tradition will feature 12 stunning tree displays decorated by local businesses and organizations. Each twinkling masterpiece will feature the glow of holiday lights, along with everything from original art pieces, themed ornaments, whimsical keepsakes, show-stopping stars and toppers, and much more. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite tree by making a donation to the 2025 beneficiary, Kennedy Krieger Institute. Festivities will also include photos with Santa from Friday, November 28 inside the Visitor Center. Hours for the season will be announced in November.

NEW: KEBABS AND LOADED BAKED POTATOES

In 2025, guests can look forward to exciting new additions to the food lineup. Loaded Baked Potatoes will debut with vegetarian, vegan and meat-lover options - freshly prepared to order and customizable with a variety of toppings. Listening to visitors' feedback, Christmas Village will debut Kebabs and include a non-pork option with freshly grilled beef and chicken varieties. Served warm on a pita bread with a variety of dips, these Kebabs are a hearty new option to enjoy while strolling through the market. 

RETURNING FOOD FAVORITES

For returning favorites, visitors can enjoy the Vegan Bratwurst which is part of the permanent offer at "Best of Wurst" inside the heated tent. Offered at the same price as traditional sausages, it is prepared and handled separately from meat items - underscoring the market's commitment to inclusive dining options. 

As for returning classics, guests can savor German Brats and smoked sausages, now cooked on a custom-made German charcoal Schwenkgrill (swivel grill). Imported directly from Germany, the new grill features a 360-degree sales window, ensuring faster service of the most popular dish. 

For the ultimate cheese experience, the Raclette Cheese Stube is back featuring freshly melted Swiss cheese on a locally baked baguette, with optional prosciutto, salami, cornichons, Dijon mustard, and scallions as toppings. 

Other crowd favorites include Bacon on a Stick from local favorite JD’s House of Bacon, authentic German Schnitzel and Potato Pancakes, crispy Belgian Fries, fresh Mini Donuts from local Deddle's Mini Donuts and much more.

NEW: ROSÉ GLÜHWEIN AND HOT BEVERAGES 

Christmas Village in Baltimore presented by Chase will add a new Hot Beverage Booth at Bicentennial Plaza, bringing a total to three dedicated hot beverage stations across the entire market, excluding the Glühwein Pyramid and Winter Wunder Bar. Visitors can warm up while exploring the expanded market, ride on the Ferris Wheel and enjoy even more festive cheer. At the heart of the Village, the iconic Glühwein Pyramid will once again serve authentic German mulled wines from Gerstacker, imported directly from Nuremberg. Visitors can savor favorites like Traditional Red, Cherry, Blueberry, and the seasonal winter special, German Bratapfel (Baked Apple Pie). For 2025, a Rosé Glühwein (hot mulled wine) makes its debut - available exclusively in bottles to take home while supplies last. All on-site flavors will also be available by the bottle, perfect for gifting or enjoying at home. Additional beverages at the Glühwein Pyramid will include rich Hot Cocoa topped with marshmallows.

NEW: EXCLUSIVE NEW CHRISTMAS VILLAGE BEER 

Christmas Village in Baltimore is proud to feature South Baltimore’s own M8 Beer with two dedicated booths on Village grounds outside. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of local favorites, including Dockers Lager, Czech Mate Pilsner, and the very first IPA at Christmas Village - the Slim Dusty Hazy IPA. In partnership with M8 Beer, Christmas Village will also introduce the Decimator, a full-bodied, malty German-style Doppelbock lager. With an ABV of 8.1%, the Decimator will be the strongest beer ever offered in Christmas Village’s beer lineup. For the first time, visitors can also take home limited-edition Christmas Village in Baltimore beers in exclusively designed cans, available while supplies last. These cans showcase M8 Beer’s craft expertise and innovative brewing, brewed right here in Baltimore. 

NEW: HOT MULLED BEER 

For the first time ever, Christmas Village will also introduce Glühbier (hot mulled beer) in all beer booths throughout the market, imported from Belgium’s historic Liefmans Brewery, a family-owned brewery established in 1679. Liefmans’ Glühbier is a warm amber-colored winter beer, brewed with pure cherries and a distinctive blend of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Mildly sweet with a fruity finish, this seasonal specialty is perfect for cozy winter evenings and adds a unique twist to the festival’s beverage lineup. 

GERMAN BEER LINE-UP 

Inside the heated festival tent, all German beer lovers can enjoy traditionally brewed Hofbräu beers along again with the “Best of Wurst” booth. Brewed according to the world famous Reinheitsgebot (German beer purity laws dating back to the year 1516), Hofbräu's Original Pilsner (pils), Dunkel (dark beer), and Hefeweizen (hazy wheat) beers will be the perfect pairing for the sausage specialties the booth has to offer. Prost!

In 2025, the dining and seating experience expands with an additional section between the Pyramid and the Visitor Center. For seating, visitors can once again enjoy extended outdoor tables on German Oktoberfest-style beer benches under charming bistro lights, with a perfect view of the massive Glühwein Pyramid, the centerpiece of the market. This new area will feature the debut of Loaded Baked Potatoes, one of two M8 Beer Booths and Grilled Kebabs. The extension also opens a welcoming pathway to the Visitor Center, home of Santa, and connects seamlessly into Bicentennial Plaza, further enhancing the market’s footprint. Across the event’s grounds, guests can also enjoy spiked or non-spiked hot chocolate and Irish coffee.

NEW: BEER DIPLOMA

New in 2025, Christmas Village will debut the “Beer Diploma” in partnership with M8 Beer. Inspired by the playful German tradition of earning a Bierdiplom, guests can complete a tasting flight of M8 beer favorites while hearing directly from a M8 representative about the beers and the brewery’s story. After finishing their flight, each participant will receive a special Beer Diploma certificate. Perfect for casual drinkers, craft beer enthusiasts, and groups of friends looking for a unique evening out, the Beer Diploma adds another exciting layer to the holiday programming. A full schedule of dates and ticket information will be announced soon.

WINE TASTINGS 

Wine enthusiasts can look forward to weekly tastings in partnership with longtime partner Boordy Vineyards. “Thirsty Thursdays” return on December 4, 11, and 18  from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, offering the perfect evening for wine connoisseurs, date nights or casual sippers. Tickets for the 2025 season will go on sale soon, with early-bird specials announced on social media.

WINTER WUNDER BAR 

Cocktail lovers can look forward to an updated Winter Wunder Bar menu for 2025. The bar will feature a festive mix of hot and cold cocktails, alongside zero-proof mocktails, all now served in brand-new keepsake hot cocktail wine glasses imported from France. Also new this season, Wunder Wednesday will add extra sparkle to weekday visits, with every drink served on Wednesdays accompanied by a festive sparkling surprise. 

Among the cold cocktails, visitors can sip “The Grinch” - a bright Mimosa with Blue Curaçao, topped with a candy cane and green cotton candy. 

With something for every taste, from zero-proof sips to Hot Aperol Spritz, the Winter Wunder Bar is set to be a highlight of the season. Guests can find it outdoors in the Christmas Village food lane, right next to the Carousel. 

NEW: SOUVENIR BOOT MUG

The iconic Christmas Village boot mug is back this season in a brand-new color. Since its introduction in 2019, the boot mug has become a beloved tradition and a true collector’s item for visitors. Guests can add the 2025 edition, with its new color to be revealed in November, to their growing collections. This year also features a fresh design for the traditional blue mug, perfect for holiday keepsakes.

New merchandise will be available at the Information Booth, including Christmas Village ornaments, shot glasses and other seasonal surprises. All items are limited edition and available while supplies last.

FURRY FRIENDS WELCOME 

Furry companions are welcome at Christmas Village, with well-behaved leashed dogs invited to explore both outside and inside most of the giant heated tent. Dog and cat lovers alike can look forward to returning local Maryland based My Canine Cucina and their specially prepared, natural, and wholesome pet food and treats, made with locally sourced ingredients from Harford County and surrounding areas. 

SEASON GENERAL INFORMATION

The outdoor market area is always open to the public to visit and explore. Admission to the heated festival tent is complimentary on Preview Weekend (November 22 & 23) and all weekdays throughout the season. On remaining weekends, tickets are $5 for adults (18+), while kids under 18 are included at no cost. All purchased tickets act as a season pass, allowing visitors to return anytime throughout the 2025 season without additional charge. For a quieter experience with shorter lines, weekdays remain the ideal time to enjoy the market.

Christmas Village in Baltimore presented by Chase dates and hours for the 2025 season are listed below: 

Preview Weekend: Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23

First Day: Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving) 

Last Day: Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
Closed: November 24, 25, 26 and December 1,2, 8, 9, 15, 16

Open: December 22, 23, 24

Sunday to Thursday, 12:00pm to 8:00pm

Friday to Saturday, 12:00pm to 9:00pm

Thanksgiving Day, 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Christmas Eve, 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Follow @bmorechristmas on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn or visit www.baltimore-christmas.com for more information. Final vendor lists, food and drink menus, themed weekends and special event details, stay tuned for updates on our website in mid-November.

ABOUT JPMorganChase IN THE GREATER BALTIMORE REGION

JPMorganChase has served the Greater Baltimore community for more than 130 years. The firm has supported the placement of more than 12,000 local residents into apprenticeships, full-time, or part-time positions and the participation of nearly 6,000 individuals in job training programs aligned with high-demand industries. Since 2021 the firm has committed $13.4 million in philanthropic capital to the region where it serves as the bank of choice for more than 35,000 small business clients and 565,000 consumer banking customers. To support wealth-building and economic development, JPMorganChase committed to investing $20 million in philanthropic capital and flexible-low cost loans in Baltimore by 2027.

ABOUT HOLIDAY DISTRICT IN INNER HARBOR

Now in its twelfth season, Christmas Village continues to shine as the centerpiece of the city’s Holiday District. This festive hub brings holiday cheer to visitors from across Baltimore and the D.C. metro area, with shopping, entertainment, and family activities that stretch from the Christmas Tree at Rash Field Park along the promenade and West Shore Park to downtown highlights like the Inner Harbor Ice Rink, nearby shops, attractions, and museums.

Participants in the Holiday District include but are not limited to:

Christmas Village in Baltimore presented by Chase

Waterfront Partnership 

Inner Harbor Ice Rink

Visit Baltimore

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

City Cruises

Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore

Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Maryland Science Center 

B&O Railroad Museum

National Aquarium

American Visionary Art Museum

The holiday season on the waterfront kicks off with the opening of the Inner Harbor Ice Rink by Waterfront Partnership as part of “Winter on the Waterfront” taking place from November 2025 to January 2026. The festivities continue with Christmas Village’s Preview Weekend on Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23, leading up to the Christmas Village Tree Lighting at Rash Field Park on November 22 at 4:30pm.

For more information about the Inner Harbor Ice Rink, visit Waterfront Partnership at
www.waterfrontpartnership.org.

ABOUT RASH FIELD PARK 

Rash Field Park is the new home of the Christmas Village Tree. This park has received numerous awards, including the People's Choice Award at the ULI Wavemaker award ceremony and the 2022 MD ASLA Honor Award for Phase I Built. Therefore, it perfectly reflects the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore's mission to create a clean, green, safe, sustainable, and thriving urban waterfront that all Baltimore City residents can enjoy.

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CONTACTS: 

Kory Aversa
Aversa PR & Events
kory@aversapr.com

Claire Sapper
Public Relations
German American Marketing, Inc.
pr@baltimore-christmas.com