More Culture:

December 01, 2025

Holidays shine bright in Harford County, Maryland

Twinkling lights, live performances, holiday markets, parades, and family attractions bring the season to life across the county.

Travel Holidays

Content sponsored by HelloHarford-Native-112125-Holiday

Limited - Hello Harford Family Carriage Provided Courtesy/Town of Bel Air


December is packed with festive fun, hometown charm, and events for all ages in Harford County, Maryland. From glowing gardens and joyful parades to concerts, markets, and holiday traditions, there’s no nicer place to celebrate the most magical time of the year.

Holiday concerts & performances

The season kicks into high gear on December 4 when fan-favorite boy band 98 Degrees takes the stage at the Star Centre in Havre de Grace.

Continue the holiday show tradition at Harford Community College, where the Harford Dance Theatre performs "The Nutcracker" December 5 – 7, followed by the spirited Celtic Angels Christmas on December 14 at the Amoss Center.

Festive lights & family attractions

Experience a twinkling wonderland at Harford Holidays at Ripken Stadium, running December 4 – 6 and December 12 – 13. Wander through lighted exhibits, visit Santa’s Workshop, hop on a festive sleigh ride, and enjoy photo-ready moments throughout the ballpark.

Limited - Hello Harford Winter WonderlandProvided Courtesy/Town of Bel Air

Winter Wonderland


Downtown Bel Air transforms into a festive destination during Winter Wonderland December 6 and 13. Enjoy live music, twinkling lights, a holiday train garden, and horse-drawn carriage rides along a beautifully decorated, pedestrian-only Main Street.

For a one-of-a-kind sight, head to Falling Branch Brewery on December 6 for the Highland Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade. Watch local tractors transformed into rolling holiday displays, then see them up close while enjoying food and drinks on the farm.

Limited - Hello Harford Tractor ParadeProvided Courtesy/ExploreHdG

Highland Tractor Parade


One of Harford’s most cherished traditions, A Ladew Christmas, returns to Ladew Gardens December 10 – 13. Explore the beautifully decorated grounds and topiaries and browse the Christmas Market and Holiday Greens Sale for unique gifts and seasonal décor.
Limited - Hellow Harford Holly JollyProvided Courtesy/ExploreHdG

Holly Jolly in Havrede Grace


Holly Jolly Days and the Christmas Village in Havre de Grace fill December weekends with lights, local makers, delicious treats, and holiday joy along the waterfront.

Parades, tree lightings & community traditions

Harford County communities celebrate the season with beloved hometown events:

• Havre de Grace Holly Jolly Parade & Tree Lighting – December 5

 Aberdeen Festival of Trees – December 5 – 6

 Aberdeen Christmas Street & “A Griswold Christmas” Parade – December 6

 Highland Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade – December 6

 Bel Air Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting – December 7

Shopping, markets & seasonal charm

December is the perfect time to explore Harford’s holiday markets and Main Street magic.

Find artisan goods, handmade gifts, and one-of-a-kind treats at festive favorites including:

 Belle Aire Market – Saturdays in December

 Christkindl Market in Bel Air – December 6

 Holly Jolly Days and Christmas Village in Havre De Grace – Weekends in December

Enjoy holiday dining and drink specials at local restaurants throughout the month to pair with parade days, performances, and shopping.

Local farms add to the seasonal charm with Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery, and homemade pies, making it easy to bring Harford’s holiday spirit back home.

Ring in the New Year on the Waterfront

Wrap up the holiday season in Havre de Grace at the annual Duck Drop at Concord Point Park, where a giant illuminated duck counts down to 2026 at midnight. Before the celebration, visit the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum to learn more about the town's beloved waterfowl heritage.

See you soon!

Planning your visit is easy at HelloHarford.com, where you’ll find hotel listings, restaurant guides, event details, and more. Follow Hello Harford on Facebook and Instagram for festive highlights and updates throughout the season.

For an interactive adventure, download the Let’s Rallie app, which features maps of Harford County’s holiday train gardens and Christmas tree farms. Use it to find cozy farm experiences, sip hot chocolate while you browse for the perfect tree, and explore the county’s beloved themed train displays.

With so much to explore, celebrate, and enjoy — Holidays shine bright in Harford County!

Videos