Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.
EAT
Dec. 22: Sundays Bakehouse
Cross Street Market, 1065 S. Charles St. Tues.-Sat. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 410-609-3162.
The holiday season is a time for indulgence, meaning that it won’t hurt to sneak in a couple extra calories, especially if they come from doughnuts on a visit to Sundays in Cross Street Market. From the mastermind behind Dooby’s and Sugarvale, this temporary pop-up is launching regular hours this weekend to serve up inventive doughnut flavors along with breakfast favorites. While the made-to-order egg and fried chicken sandwiches are delectable, the star of the morning show is their rotating selection of light-as-air brioche doughnuts. If you’re feeling sweet, treat yourself to holiday specials like the eggnog, dusted in cinnamon sugar and filled with a boozy milk cream, or the Raspberry Almond, a nod to the traditional thumbprint cookie. But if savory is more up your alley, don’t miss out on the NY Bagel, stuffed with jalapeño and scallion cream cheese and sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning.
DRINK
Dec. 23: Santa’s Last Stop Sip-N-Shop
The Point in Fells, 1738 Thames St. 3-6 p.m. Free. 410-327-7264.
Last-minute holiday shopping might be causing you some stress, but browsing through local vendors with a glass of wine in hand might be your perfect solution. If you couldn’t make it to any of those holiday markets we suggested in the last few weeks, fear not—here’s another one, but with a twist. As you peruse local goods by a plethora of artisans—from clothing and jewelry to dream catchers and crystals—enjoy a complimentary wine and cheese tasting hosted by The Point in Fells. If that’s not enough to convince you to stop by, there will also be $4 wines and select draft beers, along with a discounted food menu for cheers all around.
SEE
Dec. 22-23: Cirque de la Symphonie: Holiday Spectacular
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 3 & 8 p.m. Prices vary. 410-783-8000.
At this dazzling circus, watch as the world-class acrobats of Cirque de Soleil dangle from the rafters of the hallowed Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. For two nights in Mt. Vernon, gymnasts will contort into impossible angles and dancers will move to the seasonal scores performed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. This holiday treat is a perfect last-minute gift for the entire family, with drinks, snacks, and even Santa in the front lobby before the show.
HEAR
Dec. 23: Legends of Et Cetera
Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 8 p.m. $10. 410-662-0069.
If you’re getting tired of the same holiday jingles, it’s time for a change in musical scenery. On Saturday evening, get into the festive spirit with Legends of Et Cetera, Baltimore’s rising indie-rock trio, along with Fractal Cat, FuzzQueen, and Matt Ellin. Although they’re yet to release their second album, Cardboard City, due out next month, these School of Rock graduates will fill the Ottobar with their wide sonic range, tight guitar rhythms, rollicking drums, and emotionally raw lyrics. Consider Legends a band to watch in 2018, as these teenagers and twentysomethings already released a debut album and sold out shows at WTMD.
DO
Dec. 23: It’s a Wonderful Life Food Drive
The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. 10 a.m. Free. 410-323-4424.
It’s been 71 years since Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life premiere at the Global Theatre, yet millions of people still watch this sentimental classic when the holiday season comes around. This Saturday, relive the film’s magic with an annual screening and food drive inside the historic Senator Theater. Seating is first-come, first-served, but in lieu of admission, they’re collecting at least $5 worth of non-perishable food items to benefit the GEDCO Cares Food Pantry, applying one of the most important lessons of George Bailey’s sobering story—selflessly giving back to those in need. After all, as he says on the big screen, “All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.”