The Wingspan

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The Wingspan

The Wingspan

10 Things to Do to Make the Holiday Season Brighter

Words: Ashley Berry

Miracle on 34th Street (Baltimore)

Drive down to the 700 block of 34th street in Baltimore to witness some of the most amazing Holiday Decorations you have ever seen. Dating back 67 years, the residents on this block of 34th street put up hundreds of lights and decorations for the public to enjoy! This annual “Miracle on 34th street” display draws thousand of visitors each year. Jump in your car and see this special display of Holiday Spirit!

Symphony of lights

Celebrate the season with the Symphony of Lights. This astounding drive-through display with more than 70 larger-than-life animated light creations is held on the grounds of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia. The cost is $20 for a single car or van and all proceeds from the display go to the Campus Development Plan for Howard County General Hospital.

Shopping in Old Ellicott City

Stressing about finding the perfect gift and getting your Holiday shopping done? Tired of paying for parking? Howard County has waived parking fees in all the historical district lots through the holidays. Now there is one less hassle for you to worry about. Until January 1, all parking is free!

Breath-Taking Train Display

Have you ever seen a 24 x 10 foot train display with eight moving trains and tons of detailed decoration? If you haven’t, or even if you have, stop by the Ellicott City Fire Department’s annual holiday train garden located at Fire Company #2 on Montgomery Road. Admission is free, but don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy to donate for children in need. Every year a breath-taking train display is set up for people and their families to enjoy.

National Christmas Tree in Baltimore

Many people set up and decorate Christmas trees in the comfort of their home but those trees cannot compare to the stunning National Christmas Tree, which stands 60 feet tall. Embark on a journey to Washington, DC and be amazed by this holiday tradition dating back to 1923.

Christmas Village in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

Up until Christmas Eve, the holiday spirit will be alive along the waterfront of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The Christmas Village, a traditional German Holiday Market, is once again open for business. European food, drinks, ornaments, jewelry, arts & crafts, and holiday gifts will be sold by vendors in over 60 different booths.

Polar Express 4D Experience at the Baltimore National Aquarium

Have you ever watched the Polar Express and wished you were on the train as well? Now you can be! The National Aquarium in Baltimore invites you to be a part of the journey. The Polar Express 4D Experience is a 20-minute show, which takes you on an extraordinary adventure this holiday season. It combines the drama of a 3D film with special sensory effects, so climb aboard the Polar Express anytime from now through January 1. Tickets are $5 with general admission.

Washington Harbour Ice Rink

Yes, the skating rink in New York City’s Rockefeller Center is amazing but what about the rink at Washington Harbour in DC? At 11,800 square feet, the new Washington Harbour Ice Rink is the largest outdoor skating rink in the country. It is the perfect place to take family or friends and show off your amazing skating skills.

Downtown holiday market in DC

The gorgeous Downtown Holiday Market in Washington, DC is now open. This market has more than 150 regional artisans, crafters, and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods. Hundreds of different holiday gifts will be offered by 60 exhibitors each day. Running every day from noon to 8:00p.m., the market is just waiting for  more and more customers.

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