EAT
Abbey Burger’s AYCD and Eat Happy Hour Raffle
Uptown Abbey: Abbey Burger Mt. Washington. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. $10.
They’ve been there to satisfy quarantine cravings with flat-top patties and signature tots. Now, Abbey Burger needs the community’s help to give their staff a well-deserved Christmas bonus. To do that, the owners are selling raffle tickets for diners to win an all-you-can-eat-and-drink happy hour (redeemable when indoor dining resumes) for 15 people. Enter by making a $10 donation to Abbey Burger via PayPal, Cash App, or Zelle. Then, on Tuesday, tune into Facebook Live at 5 p.m., when a lucky winner will be announced. Proceeds from the raffle will be shared between the restaurant’s front-of-house staff. And while you’re at it, head to one of the beloved bistro’s locations in Federal Hill, Fells Point, and Mt. Washington this weekend to fill up on burgers and savory bar fare. Build your own creation (your choice of meat, bun, cheese, and toppings comes served with a side of chips) or feast on fan favorites like the “Simply AJ10” burger topped with pepper jack cheese and chili pepper mayo, then piled high with avocado, jalapeños, and bacon.
DRINK
Festive Winter Beverages at Area Eateries
Various locations.
Whether served piping hot in a paper cup, or cold from a local bottle or can, we can’t get enough of our favorite winter beverages this time of year. Luckily, these area spots are serving up seasonal sips and libations in almost every variety, from frothy lattes and housemade hot chocolates to spicy gingerbread stouts. This weekend, warm up with something sweet, like Cafe Dear Leon’s housemade hot cocoa, chocked with Valrhona white chocolate and cocoa powder. Make all your TikTok dreams come true with a custom-made chocolate bomb from Sacré Sucré, or take the edge off with something festive, like a bottle of signature Coquito from Dooby’s and Sugarvale ($28 for four servings.) With warm notes of nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon, this Puerto Rican take on a classic eggnog pairs Hamilton Pimento Dram with Plantation white rum.
SEE
Dec. 20: Window Solstice on Butchers Hill
Patterson Park Pagoda. 27 S Patterson Park Ave. 6 p.m.
Now in its second year, this Butchers Hill tradition of bright lights and themed displays will take on a virtual twist. Gather your loudest pots and pans—and be sure to grab a map—before venturing around the neighborhood this Solstice Eve for a self-guided walking tour to view the winter-inspired windows. Feast your eyes on a glowing spectacle of festive fixtures and window silhouettes, available for viewing through New Year’s Day.
HEAR
Dec. 20: Tis the Season Holiday Musicale
Zoom. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
What better way to help lift our spirits ahead of the holidays than with seasonal sing-along? Join the artists of Baltimore Musicales for a virtual evening of festive tunes and classic carols. Grab your $10 ticket online in advance (proceeds benefit the artists directly) before tuning into Zoom at 6:30 p.m. for an hour of snowy standards and Christmastime favorites. Soak up the sounds of local greats, like Jason Widney, Nigel Rowe, Claire Galloway, and more. Then stick around for the after party and join the artists for a virtual toast.
DO
Dec. 19-20: Bmore Mindful Market
Earth Treks Timonium. 1930 Greenspring Drive. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $10-50
This holiday season is all about supporting our favorite small businesses. And thanks to the crew at Bmore Mindful Market, shopping small (and COVID-safe) has never been easier. In compliance with social distancing, this two-day event featuring live music and local makers will be staggered in 30 minute time intervals. Visit Squarespace to purchase a timed ticket (choose your own slot for $50, or pay what you can on a sliding scale to receive a random slot.) Then head to Earth Treks in Timonium for your fix of shopping fun. Outside the climbing center, makers and crafters will be safely stationed in spaced-out booths to serve groups of guests no larger than six. In search of a last-minute stocking stuffer? Try one of Cane Collective’s craft cocktail mixers in festive flavors like Cranberry Fizz. Score holiday bars and winter bon-bons from Charm School Chocolate, or gift your artsy friend or loved-one with a hand-knotted hanging from Reyshi Designs. Once you’re done, warm up—and chill out—with some heated hand sanitizer in one of the market’s holiday hang spaces.