11+ Magical Things To Do In Maryland In Winter

Contents

1 Things to do in Maryland in Winter
2 Activities in Maryland in Winter: Wrap-Up

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Maryland may be known for its beaches and seafood in the summer, but the state also has plenty of activities to offer during the winter months.

As the temperatures drop and the air crisps with anticipation, Maryland in winter isn’t a season to hibernate—it’s a playground of icy wonders and warm delights waiting to be discovered.

Lolah Akingbade, a Maryland local over at Deyewa, has given us her top picks for the best things to do in Maryland in winter that will keep you entertained, active, and warm.

This is an image of the front cover to The Purposely Lost's My Travel Planner.

Things to do in Maryland in Winter

1. Visit The Baltimore Christmas Village

The Baltimore Christmas Village in the Inner Harbor neighborhood is a festive outdoor market in the city’s heart.

Like the Christmas Village event in Philadelphia, the German Christmas market features over 50 vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to delicious German food and drinks like schnitzel and bratwurst.

You’ll also find typical fair fare like funnel cakes, Raclette Sandwich, hot chocolate, and more, although they are usually quite pricey.

There are also plenty of activities for kids, including a carousel and a Santa’s workshop.

It’s genuinely one of the best Christmas markets in Maryland.

This year, the event will occur November 18th through Christmas Eve, December 24th, and is the perfect way to enter the Christmas spirit.

Pro Tip: Visit during the week if you can, as the lines, especially for food, can be very long on weekends.

2. Go Skiing At Wisp Resort

Wisp Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Maryland, offering a variety of winter activities.

The resort has 34 slopes and trails, ranging from beginner to expert, and seven lifts.

Although skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, there are also plenty of other things to do, including snow tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing.

The resort also has a mountain coaster, which is a thrilling ride that takes you through the snow-covered mountains.

3. Try Ice Fishing At Deep Creek Lake State Park

Nicolas Raymond from Bethesda, Maryland, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Deep Creek Lake State Park is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, and ice fishing here is one of the more interesting things to do in Maryland in winter!

The lake is stocked with various fish, including trout, bass, and walleye, and plenty of spots to set up your ice fishing gear.

Just make sure to check the ice conditions before heading out.

4. Pick Out Your Perfect Tree At Davidson Christmas Tree Farm

When it comes to Christmas trees, Davidson Christmas Tree Farm has an amazing selection and is one of the top Christmas tree farms in Maryland to check out.

They have beautiful trees; you can cut or buy pre-cut trees.

Some tree varieties include Balsam fir, Douglas fir, Concolor fir, and more.

They have trees up to 8 feet tall and even taller for outdoor spaces or businesses.

Staff at this tree farm are very helpful and can guide you to the best trees for your family.

They even provide hand saws to cut the trees down, carts to drag your tree back to your car, shaking, netting, and a rope to attach the tree to your roof.

You can learn more about the farm and purchasing a tree on their website.

5. Marvel At The Festival Of Lights In Watkins Regional Park

The Festival of Lights in Maryland definitely puts up one of the best Christmas light shows in Maryland.

It takes place at Watkins Regional Park and features a huge variety of lights, from animal setups, soldiers, and candy canes to Santa with his reindeer and more.

The drive-through holiday light display is perfect for families, with about 2 million lights around the park.

They open up around Thanksgiving and run until New Year. It’s best to visit during the week or before the Christmas week because weekends and Christmas week can get super crowded.

6. Enjoy The Miracle on 34th Street Lights In Baltimore

Similar to visiting Macy’s on 34th Street in Manhattan at Christmas, the 34th Street Lights in Baltimore is a must-see holiday display that’s been a tradition for over 70 years.

This free Christmas lights in Maryland event is put together by some homes on 34th Street in the Hampden neighborhood.

The block is decorated with thousands of lights and decorations, including a giant Christmas tree made entirely of hubcaps.

The display is free to visit and is open every night from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

One thing to consider, though, is that parking could be an issue here, so plan accordingly.

But this is an excellent choice if you want a free way to enjoy the Christmas spirit in Baltimore.

7. Have All The Christmas Fun At Gaylord National

Gaylord National Christmas 2011 -- National Harbor (MD)

Gaylord National is a resort and convention center in National Harbor, Maryland.

During the winter months, the resort transforms into a winter wonderland with a variety of holiday activities and events.

This is such a great Christmas experience, as it’s filled with many ice sculptures depicting various scenes from the Christmas Story movie.

Be prepared, though, as everything costs money so that it could be an expensive experience–but it would be well worth it.

Some highlights include ice tubing, ice skating, playing on the slides, a Christmas market, and a holiday light show.

Be sure to dress warm to avoid rushing through the moments as it does get cold.

8. Take The Polar Express on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

The Polar Express on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is a magical holiday experience perfect for kids of all ages.

The train ride takes you on a journey to the North Pole, complete with hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa.

It’s decorated with lights and decorations, and guests are encouraged to wear their pajamas to get into the holiday season.

Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast or just looking for holiday fun, Maryland has plenty of activities to entertain you during the winter months.

9. Escape on a Winter Beach Getaway

Although it may be cold outside, a trip to the beach is always a good idea.

A winter vacation to Ocean City, Maryland, may not be the conventional choice, as it is typically known as a bustling summer destination.

However, don’t let the chill deter you from experiencing the charm of this coastal city during the colder months.

One of the main attractions of a winter visit to Ocean City is the tranquility and peacefulness that envelop the area.

With fewer crowds and quieter streets, visitors can truly luxuriate in the serene beauty of this coastal city.

Stroll along the iconic boardwalk, indulge in delicious seafood, or peruse the charming boutiques that remain open during the colder months.

Ocean City is a popular destination during winter, with discounted rates on hotels and the ability to walk your dogs on the beach.

Take advantage of lower rates while still enjoying the same stunning coastal vistas.

10. Explore The Downtown Holiday Market In Washington D.C.

The Downtown Holiday Market is always a hit in Washington, DC.

It’s an outdoor shopping market with many unique vendors selling arts and crafts, clothes, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, soaps, and more.

The lines are also usually quite long for food. There are tents set up for local artists and paintings.

It’s the perfect place for last-minute Christmas gifts and delicious mini donuts, churros, and coffee.

You can find this year’s information on their website.

11. Experience Enchant Christmas

Enchant Christmas is a magical holiday experience at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

From the moment you walk in, the Christmas spirit fills the air.

Santa’s elves greet everyone, take pictures, and hand out candy canes.

Several vendors are selling great items and last-minute gifts to purchase or even yummy treats, and you’ll find plenty of food and drink options, including a VIP dining experience.

The highlight of this place, though, is the Christmas lights.

The field area has lights and decorations like teddy bears, Santa, reindeer, gazebos, and more.

For guests who love ice skating, there is a rink perfect for families and kids to skate around.

Activities in Maryland in Winter: Wrap-Up

As we wrap up our frost-kissed adventure through the heart of Maryland’s winter wonders, whether you found yourself gliding down the slopes, indulging in local winter festivities, or simply relishing the serenity of a snow-covered trail, know that you’ve been part of a story written in snowflakes and laughter.

You won’t run out of things to do in Maryland in the winter!

Lyndsay

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11+ Magical Things to do in Maryland in Winter