12 Days Of Cheer In Bel Air: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Bel Air. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Bel Air feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Find the perfect Christmas tree with the Bel Air Lions Club.

Visit the Heavenly Waters Park across from the Harford Mall to stroll through pine-scented rows and pick out a Christmas tree. The Bel Air Lions Club Christmas Tree Lot will be open through Dec. 16, and all sales support the Lions Club’s local programs, including initiatives for youth, vision care and more. The Christmas Tree Lot is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 8 PM, Friday from 2 to 8 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 9 PM.

2. Take the ‘Spirit of Christmas Past’ candlelight walking tour through downtown.

The Historical Society of Harford County is back with its annual event, “Spirit of Christmas Past: Candlelight Walking Tours.” Led by docent Julie Brasch, attendees will hear Christmas stories that harken back to the city’s past, sing Christmas carols and enjoy holiday treats. Tours begin at 6 PM and will be held every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 28 through Dec. 26. Be sure to check the weather – if temperatures are below freezing, the event will be moved to the Hays House Museum for an indoor celebration and virtual tour. Tickets are $20 and are available on the Historical Society of Harford County’s website.

3. Find hand-crafted gifts and unique goods at the Bel Air Holiday Market.

Every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, head downtown to the Bel Air Holiday Market to browse dozens of vendors and artisans. The Holiday Market is open from 9 AM to 12 PM and includes crafts, jewelry, and home decor, along with performances from local musicians. This event will be held rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather.

4. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Winter Wonderland downtown.

Each evening from Nov. 29 through Jan. 3, you can enjoy the magic of thousands of twinkling Christmas lights at Winter Wonderland in downtown Bel Air. On Nov. 29, Dec. 6, and Dec. 13, the Winter Wonderland will offer even more for visitors to enjoy, including live music, carolers, free horse-drawn carriage rides and the chance to visit with Santa. Carriage rides can accommodate groups of up to four adults and last for about 10 minutes. Sign-ups for carriage rides are available at the Armory and open at 4 PM for same-day reservations.

5. Explore Bel Air’s Christmas Train Garden.

Follow a miniature lighted train as it winds through villages and countrysides at the Bel Air Christmas Train Garden. The Train Garden is located at the Mt. Ararat Lodge and is open on Fridays from 5 to 9 PM and Saturdays from 2 to 9 PM. from Nov. 28 through Dec. 20. The Train Garden will also be open on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 9 PM for the Mt. Ararat Lodge’s holiday lighting event, which includes visits with Santa, snacks and a free toy for each child.

6. Grab a festive latte at CoffeeBar Bel Air.

Right on North Main Street, CoffeeBar Bel Air is a cozy spot to warm up with seasonal drinks, local brews, kombucha, and sweet treats like bagels and baked goods. December brings extra fun with holiday drink specials—think iced peppermint mochas and a limited-time holiday menu dropping on Black Friday. They’re also hosting a December mini market with local vendors and a one-day special drink, making it a great place to knock out some gift shopping while you sip. Check their latest posts on Facebook for updated hours, drink releases, and details about the mini market and other seasonal happenings.

7. Get crafty at a drop-in workshop at the Harford Artist’s Association.

Tucked into Armory Marketplace behind the Bel Air Armory, the Harford Artist’s Association offers holiday-themed drop-in workshops that are perfect for a creative winter outing. For just $10 per person (all supplies included), you can make cut paper 3D collage ornaments, acrylic poinsettia paintings, clay holiday gnomes, hand-painted gift boxes, and more. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more in-depth, you can also snag tickets to premium Saturday workshops like stained-glass holiday deer or winter snow globe acrylic painting. Don’t miss their Holiday Open House on Dec. 6 and 13, and be sure to wander through the “Festivus for the Rest of Us” gallery exhibit, on display through Jan. 10.

8. Lace up for public skate at Ice World.

Ice World in nearby Abingdon is a go-to spot for classic winter fun, with two indoor rinks offering public skating sessions, hockey, and more. Public skate admission starts at $14 ($15 on Friday and Saturday evenings), with skate rentals available for an additional fee, and special themed sessions like the “Light the Ice” party-light skate on weekend nights. Families and beginners can take advantage of glider bars during most daytime sessions, while homeschoolers can enjoy discounted Thursday skates on select dates. Check the latest public skating schedule and register online through their public skate page before you head over, since times can change.

9. Enjoy dinner and live music at Pairings Bistro.

Pairings Bistro on Laurel Bush Road offers a cozy, rustic setting for a special night out, with a menu of seasonally inspired, locally sourced dishes and a wine list designed around thoughtful food pairings. The warm, intimate atmosphere makes it a lovely spot for a holiday date night, a friends’ gathering, or a festive family meal. Alongside their wines, you’ll find custom cocktails and craft beer to round out the experience. Check their events and live music calendar to time your visit with one of the many performances scheduled throughout the season.

10. Find hygge-inspired gifts at The Nest on Main.

The Nest on Main is a home-focused boutique that channels the Danish concept of “hygge”—creating a warm, cozy atmosphere and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Alongside larger national brands, the shop showcases work from nearly 30 local artists, so the selection of décor, gifts and home goods is constantly changing with the seasons. From candles and textiles to art and unique finds, it’s an ideal place to discover something thoughtful for holiday gifting or to make your own space feel a little cozier. Best of all, they offer gift wrapping, making it easy to walk out with presents ready for the tree.

11. Catch a performance of ‘Elf the Musical’ at Toby’s Dinner & Show.

About an hour from Bel Air in Columbia, Toby’s Dinner Theatre combines an all-you-can-eat buffet-style dinner with a full-scale musical production in an intimate, in-the-round setting. This holiday season, “Elf the Musical” runs on select dates from Nov. 7 through Jan. 4, bringing Buddy the Elf’s heartwarming, hilarious story to life on stage. Guests can enjoy dinner and dessert, and then watch their servers transform into the show’s cast—a signature Toby’s experience. For showtimes and reservations, visit the ticket page.

12. Sip craft brews to a vinyl soundtrack at Double Groove Brewing Company.

Located in nearby Forest Hill, Double Groove Brewing pairs small-batch craft beer with a music lover’s vibe, inviting guests to spin vinyl records while they sip. The dog-friendly taproom is open Wednesday through Sunday and often hosts special events that bring extra holiday cheer, like Christmas beer-and-dessert pairings, pet photos with “Santa Paws” and an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party. It’s a relaxed, local spot to unwind after shopping downtown Bel Air or a day of winter activities. Check their taproom events page for the full lineup of seasonal happenings.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Bel Air!

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