Top 12 Baltimore holiday events [Pictures]

Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun

Like Baltimore, the holiday season has a special, indefinable quality that we can't help but love. And in a city as diverse as Baltimore, there is something for everyone to adore about the holiday season. Whether you prefer a traditional holiday outing - spending the day Christmas tree hunting, watching the lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon while sipping hot cocoa - or an upbeat, modern holiday season that involves Fells Point pub crawls and singing along with your favorite band at Ottobar, Baltimore's got you covered. This holiday season, you can find a mix of traditional Baltimore holiday favorites and their contemporary counterparts. For the traditional, enjoy a classic performance like The Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House. Its counterpart? The Baltimore Improv Group's Holiday Show. Or contrast the traditional voices of carolers at Fells Point's Annual Olde Tyme Christmas with the raspy, rocking voices of Baltimore rockers Kix at Rams Head Live. Our list of 12 holiday events is designed with all of Baltimore in mind, from those blessed with the holiday spirit to those of us who need a few extra glasses of eggnog to feel the warmth of the Christmas season.

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Photo by Jen Rynda

The Symphony of Lights in Columbia features 70 creatures brought to life with bright colors, design, animation and twinkling lights. Your family can enjoy the holiday magic from the warmth of your own car as you drive through a maze of Christmas light displays. The proceeds from the annual Symphony of Lights benefit the Howard County General Hospital. The Symphony of Lights runs 6 p.m.-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 6 (except Dec. 31) at Symphony Woods, 5950 Symphony Woods Road in Columbia. Admission for cars seating up to 8 passengers is $20; 9-24 passengers: $45; 25 or more: $125. Call 410-740-7840. • Event information: Symphony of Lights

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Celebrate the holidays, Baltimore-style. --By Bailey O'Malia and Cassandra Berube, for The Baltimore Sun