Christmas parades 2026Baltimore · Charm City

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Baltimore, 2026.

We found four Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Baltimore with 2026 dates: two parades and two tree lightings and lighting nights, three free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?The Mayor’s Christmas Parade: Dec 6 · 1–4pm. Plus 1 more.2 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Merriweather District Tree Lighting: Nov 20 · 5:30–8:30pm. Plus 1 more.2 lightingsIs it free?3 of 4 are free to watch; the rest list a price.3 freeDaytime or after dark?1 daytime, 3 in the evening. Each card is marked.3 evening

Last checked · 4 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

20NovFriMerriweather District Tree LightingTree lighting · 5:30–8:30pm3DecThuMonument Lighting at Mount Vernon PlaceTree lighting · Evening6DecSunThe Mayor’s Christmas ParadeParade · 1–4pm12DecSatEastport Yacht Club Lights ParadeParade · Evening

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Baltimore

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Baltimore

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Baltimore

November: things to do in BaltimoreEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in BaltimoreEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in BaltimoreFree days, free events and places that never chargeIndoor play in BaltimoreIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with pricesLibrary storytimes in BaltimoreBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branchIce skating in BaltimoreHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and pricesThanksgiving weekend in BaltimoreParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayNoon Year’s Eve in BaltimoreKid-friendly countdowns, home by napChristmas trains in BaltimorePolar Express, Santa and lights trains with datesThe Nutcracker in BaltimoreBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in BaltimoreChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in BaltimoreWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1This week in BaltimoreDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Christmas parades in Baltimore: the FAQ

The Mayor’s Christmas Parade: Sun, Dec 6, 2026, 1–4pm (Baltimore). Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade: Sat, Dec 12, 2026, Evening; check the parade site for the start (Annapolis).

Merriweather District Tree Lighting at Color Burst Park, Merriweather District: Fri, Nov 20, 2026, 5:30–8:30pm; tree lights at 7pm. Monument Lighting at Mount Vernon Place at Mount Vernon Place: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, Evening; lights come on with the fireworks.

Three of the four we list are free to watch: Merriweather District Tree Lighting, The Mayor’s Christmas Parade and Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: The Mayor’s Christmas Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Baltimore that weekend, parades included.

Baltimore skyline