Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.
EAT
Dec. 2: Olde Tyme Christmas
Fells Point, Broadway & Thames St. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.
Once December hits, Fells Point transforms into a charming Christmas town, adorned with green garlands, crimson bows, and tons of glimmering lights. This Saturday, walk through the cobblestoned streets of this historic neighborhood during Olde Tyme Christmas, a winter tradition now in its 14th year. Revel in holiday activities, like the beloved eggnog-drinking contest or annual tree lighting ceremony, and along the way, treat yourself to a tasting of the local restaurant offerings. At Abbey Burger, a breakfast buffet should get you through the day with all-you-can-eat mini pancakes and breakfast sliders. On weekends, Thames Street Oyster House offers one of the best Bloody Marys in town (and oyster shooters, too). And, of course, there’s the newly renovated Jimmy’s, with the old-school diner brought into the 21st century but our favorite waitresses and delicious brunch staples still around all day. By the evening, after mussels at Bertha’s and a beer-filled jaunt at Max’s, your stomach is sure be as full as Ol’ St. Nick’s.
DRINK
Dec. 2: Mozarts & Martinis
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7-11 p.m. $30-99.
The story behind Mozart’s final masterpiece can only be defined as mysterious. As legend has it, a stranger knocked on his door and asked him to write a requiem mass—the work that would come to consume the rest of the famed composer’s life. While he never did complete it, you can still hear a rendition of this masterwork by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and University of Maryland Concert Choir, led by maestra Marin Alsop. Following the concert be sure to swing by the Gothic-inspired after-party, featuring beer, wine, $6 martinis, and dumplings from Mt. Vernon Marketplace’s Pinch in the Meyerhoff lobby. We’ll never know if it was the angel of death who commissioned Mozart’s requiem, but we’ll gladly discuss conspiracy theories over classical-music-inspired cocktails.
SEE
Dec. 1-3: Night of 100 Elvises
Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St. Fri. 7-11 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Prices vary.
Slick back your hair and hop in your flared jumpsuit for Charm City’s eclectic three-day tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. Whether you’re a fair-weather Elvis fan or a full-time Presley devotee, get your groove on at the new location of the Lord Baltimore Hotel, with live music by tribute bands, scores of impersonators, and local brews. While the music is the main event, don’t forget to admire the sights—classic cars, vintage rock-and-roll memorabilia, an ice carving of Mr. Presley himself, and, of course, the legend’s favorite snack—fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
HEAR
Dec. 2: Saturday Morning Tunes
Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. 9-11:30 a.m. $10-40.
Are your little ones tired of singing along to the same TV show theme songs or Kidz Bop soundtracks? This weekend, introduce them to the rising artists of the children’s music scene at Saturday Morning Tunes, WTMD’s local concert series tailored just for kids. Inside the historic Senator Theatre in Belvedere Square, your kiddos can listen to Lard Dog & The Band of Shy and The Rhode Tavern Troubadours as they perform their kid-friendly indie rock, or “kindie,” hits. But that’s not all—inflatable instruments, animal sketches, bicycle rides, videos on the big screen, and a holiday-themed photo booth will keep your tykes in a good mood for the rest of the day. Even if you can’t make it, you can stream the show live or turn your radio dial to 89.7 F.M.
DO
Dec. 1: Baltimore Square Dance
Ideal Arts Space, 905 W. 36th St. 7:30-11 p.m. $7-12.
Since 2013, Baltimore Square Dance has been bringing together people of all ages for a memorable night of simple dance moves and do-si-do. On Friday, this Best of Baltimore-winning event will return to Ideal Arts Space in Hampden. Forget club music and twerking and spend your evening swinging around to old-time string music with regional folk artists like Sam Gleaves and Tyler Hughes. If you’re a square dance newbie, don’t worry—steps will be taught and called throughout the night. You don’t need to show up with a partner or cowboy hat, but feel free to B.Y.O.B., especially if you need some liquid courage to get your feet moving.