Winter Wonderland, Christmas Celebration, Parade, Tree Lighting Return To Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — Winter Wonderland in Bel Air will return for its seventh holiday season with horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, live music and more.

The fun begins Nov. 29 with a continuation of festivities Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. all three days.

The majority of activities will happen along Main Street where the horse-drawn carriage rides will be available in front of the Bel Air Armory. The horse-drawn carriage rides are free on a first come, first served basis with reservations starting at 4 p.m. in front of the Armory, according to the event's Facebook page.

Santa Claus will be on hand to listen to children's wish lists, and carolers and musicians will perform. Fairy tale princesses will mingle about and food trucks will be parked with tasty options.

The Christmas train garden, coordinated by local resident Joe Bragg, will be available for viewing from 2 to 9 p.m. in the Mt. Ararat Lodge at 136 E. Gordon St. Additional days to enjoy the Christmas train garden include Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 5 to 9 p.m., as well as Dec. 20 from 2 to 9 p.m. and Dec. 7 from 3 to 9 p.m.

On Dec. 6, there will be the Winter Wonderland Artisan Festival at the Armory and the Bel Air Christkindl Market in the Mary E.W. Risteau building parking lot at 2 S. Bond St. Both events run from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Holiday light displays along Main Street begin Nov. 29 and run through Jan. 2.

On Dec. 7, the town will host the 35th annual Bel Air Christmas Celebration. The parade will start at 3:30 p.m. and travel down Main Street to the end of Lee Street. At 4:15 p.m., there will be holiday music in Shamrock Park along with a bonfire, hot chocolate and food vendors. The Christmas tree will be lit at 5 p.m. There also will be bands, floats, performers, costumed characters, costumed scout troops, animals and more, leading up to the official entrance of Santa and Mrs. Claus in Bel Air.

The deadline to apply to be in the 2025 Christmas parade falls on Nov. 24, according to town officials.

Because Winter Wonderland Bel Air happens to be free to the community and organized by volunteers, all of the funding comes from sponsors, donors and fundraisers. Residents can help support the event with Give Back Night at Magerks Nov. 13. Dine from 5 to 9 p.m. and mention Winter Wonderland to the server and 15% of the total bill will be donated back to Winter Wonderland Bel Air.

The Winter Wonderland Bel Air Facebook and Instagram pages will be updated as the event draws nearer.