The One Thing to Do in Maryland Before the End of the Year

Several years ago, I found myself living in Baltimore on and off over the course of five years while working on a popular cable network show. The holiday season was my absolute favorite time to be in the city with its fun holiday festivities—it all seemed so magical! One of my favorite Maryland seasonal activities takes place in Hampden, the quirky Baltimore neighborhood associated with filmmaker John Waters and events like HonFest and Miracle on 34th Street. If there's one thing to do in Maryland before the end of the year, it's to experience the holiday magic of Miracle on 34th Street with its dazzling light displays and merry vibes.

The first time I drove to 34th Street in Baltimore during the holidays, I was transfixed by the over-the-top lights, displays, and decor that exude so much Christmas spirit you can't help but smile. In a way, it took me back to childhood as Christmas magic seeped into my veins. To this day, I don't think I've experienced a neighborhood holiday display quite like it.

Miracle on 34th Street takes place on West 34th Street, on the 700 block between Chestnut and Keswick. Lighting the street takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at 6 p.m., marking the official start of the holiday season on 34th Street. Twinkling lights will be on display every night from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. (although some neighbors may turn lights off earlier or later) through New Year's Eve, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to visit 34th Street before the end of the year.

During the 2025 season, Santa will be available for kids to give their wish lists to and take photos with at Falkenhan's Hardware in the neighborhood on Saturday, December 13th. Keep in mind that Saturday nights and the days leading up to Christmas are the busiest in the neighborhood, and parking is at a premium. It's best for you to arrive as early as possible to find a spot on one of the surrounding streets or park in the pay lot between 33rd and 34th Streets on Keswick.

While walking along 34th Street is the best way to see the lights and experience the festive atmosphere, you can also drive down the street to view the displays on nights when the street isn't blocked off, typically Monday through Wednesday. However you choose to see the lights, there's nothing quite like the iconic Miracle on 34th Street in Baltimore!

Miracle on 34th Street, situated in the vibrant, artsy Baltimore neighborhood of Hampden, is one of the best holiday experiences in Maryland. And if you haven't yet walked or driven down the street during the holiday season, make this the year to do so. You can learn more about Miracle on 34th Street on the Visit Baltimore website and keep up to date with the event on the Miracle on 34th Street in Hampden Hon Facebook page.

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