Baltimore is abuzz this week with holiday festivities, opportunities to shop (and eat), and much more. Here’s a look at what’s coming up: Culinary Architecture on the move Beloved shop Culinary Architecture is moving operations from Pigtown, where it has been located for years, to Lit tle Italy. The new space will open in January 2026. Holiday themes Over the past few years, Baltimore has seen a candy cane-striped spike in holiday-themed bars and restaurants. This year, there are more festive decorations, cocktails, and specials than ever. One of the big new additions to the holiday lineup is Bar Santa in Hampden. The festive spot, which opened Thursday in the former home of Paulie Gee’s, is a collab between the crews from The Charmery and Big Softy. Expect Detroit-style pizzas, thematic cocktails, and lots of sparkle. You’ll find a lot of sparkle at a few other spots around town, too, including Sally O’s, Ale Mary’s, Prima Dopo, and Raw Refined. Winter on the Waterfront This weekend promises to be full of fun in downtown Baltimore, with multiple events scheduled around the city, including Fells Point Old Tyme Christmas (including Santa photos at Pendry Baltimore, tons of holiday brews on tap at Max’s, and more), Family Weekend at the Christmas Village in West Shore Park, and the Holiday Makers Market in Harborplace. To make the weekend even more fun, the water taxi will be running a free Holiday Harbor Connector service between stops – making it easy to hit multiple events without driving. Whitehall Mill Holiday Market On Saturday, Dec. 7, True Chesapeake and Greater Goods team up for a festive Holiday Market featuring a pop-up bar, oysters, wagyu hot dogs from Glizzy’s, Sophomore Coffee, and more. Vivian’s at the Pagoda On Sunday, keep your eyes peeled for the team from Vivian’s at the Patterson Park Pagoda Lighting. The crew from the new spot, which is just around the corner from the Pagoda, will be selling drinks and snacks at the event – and hosting an Apple Cider Afterparty. CookHouse x Alma On Monday, the team from CookHouse heads to Alma Cocina Latina to partner with Chef Fernando Bertelsen for an intriguing collaboration including cocktails and small bites. Cosima classes This week, Cosima is hosting two holiday-themed classes. On Wednesday, Chef Donna Crivello will share her expertise and advice on preparing the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes. And on Friday, John Brown hosts a holiday-oriented cocktail class. The Study at Johns Hopkins + Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra On Wednesday afternoon, The Study at Johns Hopkins is opening its doors from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a holiday open house featuring a live performance from the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra, as well as guided tours and complimentary drinks and snacks from the onsite restaurant, Dear Charles. Holiday Wish Drive at MWT On Wednesday, Santa – along with Ed Norris – will make a happy hour appearance at the Mt. Washington Tavern. The duo will be on hand to spread cheer and to collect gift cards and other donations for Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital. Caviar at Bunny’s Also on Wednesday, Bunny’s hosts a luxe six-course dinner featuring caviar in every dish. The menu includes treats like a mini waffle with lemony cream and paddlefish, a savory caviar doughnut with yuzu cream, and a fried chicken steam bun with wild salmon roe. Each course comes with a specially-paired whiskey cocktail to match. Cookies at Midlina On Thursday evening, Midlina welcomes Live Love Cakes for a fun Christmas cookie decorating class. Tickets include hands on instruction in decorating five different Christmas cookies – plus an appetizer and a cocktail. Ekiben x Café Dear Leon Orders are open now for the hotly anticipated winter feast collab between Ekiben and Café Dear Leon. The pair are teaming up on a prix-fixe, take home menu designed to serve three or four people, and available for pickup on Dec. 14. The menu sounds terrific – think whole roasted chicken, crab mac and cheese, and milk bread rolls (among other things). Gifting opportunities ‘Tis the season to shop for the ones you love. And if they love local restaurants and food, that’s even better. Several spots area already offering good deals and special items for the holiday season. From now through the end of the year, Atlas Restaurant Group will give you an extra $25 electronic gift card for every $100 egift purchased. At Miss Shirley’s, guests will receive a $10 bonus card and a card for a free short stack of specialty pancakes for every $75 in gift cards purchased. From now through Christmas Eve, for every $100 in Petit Louis, Milton Inn, gift cards purchased, the buyer will receive a $10 bonus gift card and up to $50 back in holiday rewards. At Wicked Sisters, Papi’s Tacos, and Alexander’s Tavern, every $50 gift card purchase comes with a free bottle of wine. Foraged’s sweet cookie tins are back for the season. They’re $20 a tin and available with just 24 hours lead time – a great gift to have on hand for friends (or to treat yourself). Planning for the future Mark your calendars for: December 17: Best of the Best Wine Dinner December 19-21: Full Sensory Muppet Christmas Carol at The Charmery December 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Costiera ...read more read less