Things to do this week
Here's our short list of things to do this weekend. There are several opportunities to make gingerbread houses -- always a fun activity. (Just don't leave your house on the back porch where the squirrels can get it...)
There are also lots of performances of The Nutcracker around town. There's a roundup of performances and times in our You and Your Weekend section today.
Thursday, Dec. 11:
Pet Photo with Santa: Four-legged family members can get in on the holiday fun by taking a picture with Santa. The Centre at Glen Burnie, Ritchie Highway, Anne Arundel. Free. 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. 410-766-6529 for more information.
What a Great Job -- Cake Decorator: Kids can learn about being a cake decorator at the Southeast Anchor branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. 3:30 p.m. Ages 6 - 12. 410-396-1580 or prattlibrary.org for more information.
Stories for Sleepyheads: Kids 2-6 can enjoy bedtime stories and activities from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Annapolis branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library. 410-222-1770 or aacpl.net for more information.
Friday, Dec. 12:
KidsArt: Kids 3-5 can receive a detailed art lesson from a professional fine arts instructor at the Howard County Library Miller branch. 11 a.m. Registration required. 410-313-1955 for more information.
Fireside Visit: Familes can hear Santa read holiday classics like The Night Before Christmas and How The Grinch Stole Christmas while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. Ages 2 and up, with an adult. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Ukazoo Books, 730 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson. 410-832-2665 or ukazoo.com for more information.
And on Saturday....
(AP Photo/Mark Moran / The Citizens' Voice)
Saturday, Dec. 13:
Ride a streetcar with Santa: This weekend and next, the Baltimore Streetcar Museum offers rides on its “tinsel trolley” with Santa to his nearby workshop, along with holiday refreshments and music. Rides take place from 1:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; the museum, at 1901 Falls Road, will open at noon. Tickets are $7; $5 for children under 12. Call 410-547-0264 or visit baltimorestreetcar.org.
"A Christmas Carol," radio style: Listen to a radio rendition of the Charles Dickens classic by the Golden Radio Buffs at 1 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Admission $7; members $5.
International Open House: Families can enjoy music, crafts, food and fun with Santa. Free. Village Learning Place, 2521 St. Paul Street. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. 410-235-2210 for more information.
Snow and a Little Ho Ho Ho: Kids can learn about snowflakes and celebrate the winter season. 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. at the Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Rd., Pylesville., for ages 6-9. Pre-registration is required. $5 for members, and $6 for non-members. 410-836-3050 or edenmill.org for more information.
Winter Warm Up: Preschool-age children can hear warm and fuzzy stories and do crafts at 10 a.m. at the Severna Park branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library. 410-222-6290 or aacpl.net for more information.
Winter Holiday Fun: Families can enjoy games, stories, food and fun while learning about the many different kinds of winter holidays. All ages (under 3 must be accompanied by an adult). 11 a.m. at the Carroll County Public Library, Taneytown branch. 410-386-4488 or library.carr.org for more information.
Crafternoon: Kids can make special crafts to take home with them. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. All ages. Anne Arundel County Public Library, West County branch. 410-222-6277 or aacpl.net for more information.
Gingerbread House Stories and Creation: Kids can listen to stories and make their own gingerbread houses at the Towson branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Ages 6 and up, with an adult. 2 p.m. Free. Registration required. 410-887-6166 or bcpl.info for more information.
Sunday, Dec. 14:
Family Holiday Concert: Listen to seasonal music from the Handel Children's Choir at 4 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 3807 N. Charles. Tickets are $10; children under 12 free. Tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com or at the door.
Make It, Take It - Gingerbread House: Familes can make their own gingerbread houses while enjoying a story and apple cider at the Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Rd., Pylesville. $8 per house. 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. Pre-registation required. Ages 4 and up. 410-836-3050 or edenmill.org for more information.
Holiday concert at the Walters: Free performances begin at 2 p.m. at the museum, including a band of strolling carolers who will sing Christmas and Hanukkah tunes. Go to thewalters.org.
