Community Calendar

Experience the Magic of the Holiday Season
Climb aboard a festively decorated modern trolley for a 90-minute, family-friendly tour filled with dazzling light displays and a touch of Baltimore history.
Led by a knowledgeable guide from Baltimore Rent-A-Tour, the journey begins at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court in downtown Baltimore and winds through some of the city’s most charming holiday-lit neighborhoods:

“Sounds like the result of the black-pop continuum, jazz and soul and hip-hop and R&B, slow-cooked for more than 50 years.” — The New York Times

José James, vocals
Jahari Stampley, piano
Kanoa Mendenhall, bass
Otis Brown III, drums

Combining the classic jazz-crooner elegance of Frank Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole with the earthy sophistication of soul legends Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, Merry Christmas from José James raises the bar for the contemporary Christmas show. James breathes new life into much-loved holiday classics such as “The Christmas Song”, “White Christmas” and “Let it Snow” as well as new compositions by James and his partner Talia Billig. In addition to showcasing his crooner chops, the 50 Shades Darker singer explores his jazz side with a joyful rendition of John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things.”

A jazz artist for the hip-hop generation, José James artfully blurs the lines between traditional and contemporary jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, pop and rock. He has released 12 critically-acclaimed albums in as many years for labels such as Brownswood, Impulse, Blue Note and his own co-founded Rainbow Blonde Records, and is the recipient of both the Edison Award and L'Académie du Jazz Grand Prix. James has collaborated with many notable artists such as Flying Lotus, Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway, Ledisi, Aloe Blacc and Jason Moran.

Keystone Kards are not applicable for this show.

Be a part of something new! This holiday season, experience the world premiere of Annapolis’s own Nutcracker with Ballet Theatre of Maryland. 

The familiar story takes on local significance through vibrant dancing, historic costumes, and festive sets. Beloved characters like Clara, her enigmatic Uncle Drosselmeier, and the brave Nutcracker Prince return with new depth as their stories weave into the history of 19th-century Annapolis.

Whether you’re starting a family tradition, planning a festive date night, or celebrating with friends, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride brings the spirit of Christmas to life—for all who believe. Your adventure includes live performances, hot chocolate and a sugar cookie, a special moment with Santa presenting the First Gift of Christmas, and continued magic at the North Pole with holiday crafts, cozy s’mores, and festive shopping.

Celebrate the holiday season with the gift of art for your loved ones! Our annual utilitarian ceramics holiday invitational, Winterfest 2025, features 13 established and emerging ceramic artists. This exhibition is perfectly paired with our Annual Holiday Sale where resident and associated artists join together to fill the galleries and the Shop with hand-crafted gifts.

The items in Winterfest become available through our Online Shop on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 10:00 am.  

All items are available for immediate purchase and can be taken home the same day.

Winterfest 2025 Invited Artists
Andrew Boswell (NY), Katie Fee (IL), Casey Hanrahan (AZ), Margaret Kinkeade (MO), Colleen McCall (NY), Reiko Miyagi (NC), Sean O’Connell (NC), Shawn O’Connor (VA), Ian Petrie (PA), Justin Paik Reese (OH), Taylor Sijan (NJ), Olivia Tani (MN), Caleb Zouhary (OH)

The 2nd Annual Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular features over a million spectacular lights, larger-than-life holiday scenes, including Mistletoe Marina, Jinglebell Junction Farm, the Symphony of Illumination, a Winter Wonderland Carnival complete with a Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, and other rides plus many more attractions. New this year, guests can enjoy new scenes on the ½ mile walking trail along with the Cosmic Heat Zone and Buddy’s Holiday Bar in VIP. Advance Tickets are strongly encouraged as some nights will SELL OUT.

Pathways will be safe and accessible, making them suitable for scooters, strollers, and wheelchairs.

The charming Holiday Village will be bustling with boutiques, shops, and rotating food trucks, offering seasonal treats and unique gifts. Little ones will have plenty to enjoy with activities and other fun attractions, such as the Carnival rides and seesaws. And, of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa, who will be making nightly appearances through December 23rd. NEW THIS YEAR – The festive atmosphere will be enhanced by special performances every night from ballerinas, other entertainers, and Elves (from the North Pole), adding a touch of elegance and wonder to the experience.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a free Twelve Step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, under-eating, bulimia or other food-related issues. Weekly meetings every Monday from 7:00-8:30 pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia. All are welcome.

For more information, see www.foodaddicts.org.

Whether you’re starting a family tradition, planning a festive date night, or celebrating with friends, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride brings the spirit of Christmas to life—for all who believe. Your adventure includes live performances, hot chocolate and a sugar cookie, a special moment with Santa presenting the First Gift of Christmas, and continued magic at the North Pole with holiday crafts, cozy s’mores, and festive shopping.

Celebrate the holiday season with the gift of art for your loved ones! Our annual utilitarian ceramics holiday invitational, Winterfest 2025, features 13 established and emerging ceramic artists. This exhibition is perfectly paired with our Annual Holiday Sale where resident and associated artists join together to fill the galleries and the Shop with hand-crafted gifts.

The items in Winterfest become available through our Online Shop on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 10:00 am.  

All items are available for immediate purchase and can be taken home the same day.

Winterfest 2025 Invited Artists
Andrew Boswell (NY), Katie Fee (IL), Casey Hanrahan (AZ), Margaret Kinkeade (MO), Colleen McCall (NY), Reiko Miyagi (NC), Sean O’Connell (NC), Shawn O’Connor (VA), Ian Petrie (PA), Justin Paik Reese (OH), Taylor Sijan (NJ), Olivia Tani (MN), Caleb Zouhary (OH)

At VLP, we honor lifelong learning and understand the importance of starting early and making it fun. We hope you join us for our return to in-person Tots Tuesday Storytime for toddlers & preschoolers!