While the holiday season brings lots of preparation, don’t miss a chance to enjoy the city and all its festivities. This weekend offers the Union Square Christmas Cookie Tour, a storied rendition of the Messiah and a new twist on the Nutcracker. Plus, check out local markets to keep crossing folks off your list.
Slave Streets, Free Streets: Early Baltimore On-Line: 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, virtual. UMBC history professor Dr. Anne Sarah Rubin presents her digital project “Slave Streets: Visualizing the Landscape of Early Baltimore.” It’s part of the Virtual Histories series from Baltimore Architecture Foundation and Baltimore Heritage.
Making History: Introducing Baltimore Living Archives: 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, at SNF Parkway Theatre. Head to Station North for the introduction of a new artist in residence program. It’ll feature artist talks with writer and journalist Lawrence Burney and visual artist, photographer and educator SHAN Wallace. Plus, there will be a panel discussion, live performances and more.
Under $500 2021: Dec. 10-11, Maryland Art Place. Maryland Art Place presents the annual affordable art sale, with works on view in a virtual exhibition. The main event takes place Dec. 10 from 6-10 p.m. The theme is tinsel. Programming also includes a second chance event to see the artwork in person on Dec. 11, and a virtual exhibition.
Lil Baby and Friends: 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, at Royal Farms Arena. The critically-acclaimed rapper headlines a show at the downtown arena with Yung Bleu, Moneybagg Yo and Lil Boosie.
Interactive Movie Night: Die Hard: 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, at Creative Alliance. This movie night lets you shout out the lines, and there will be games and drink specials. Come in 80s/90s holiday office attire for a chance to win prizes.
Paul Carr & Friends: 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, at An Die Musik Live! Carr, a saxphonist, leads a quartet in a program titled “Home for the Holidays.”
Station North Holiday Market: 1-5 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 11 at the North Ave. Market. Made in Baltimore presents an afternoon of locally-made gifts for browsing, plus food from Mera Kitchen and music from some of Baltimore’s favorites.
Cirque Nutcracker: Dec. 11 & 12 at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Troupe Vertigo joins the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, setting the classic Tchaikovsky work alongside acrobats, jugglers and aerialists.
Billy Basement, Megafauna, Schmoozetown, Cult Counselor: 8 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 11, at The Depot. Head to Station North for a lineup of bands playing indie rock, electronic and experimental music.
Night Market & Anniversary Party: 4-9 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 11 at Mount Royal Soaps. Head to Remington for local gift browsing, food from Urban Oyster, complementary beverages and a celebration of the Baltimore soap company.
Period Perfect Messiah: Dec. 11-12. The Handel Choir of Baltimore performs the holiday masterwork with two concerts: Sat., Dec. 11, at Grace United Methodist Church in Baltimore and Sunday, Dec. 12 at Saint Mark Church in Catonsville.
Community Day at the BMA: 12-5 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 12, at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The museum’s first floor reopens with invitation for all to come enjoy it. There will be performances, art-making and African storytelling. It’s all inspired by the exhibition “A Modern Influence: Henri Matisse, Etta Cone, and Baltimore,” as well as new galleries dedicated to the art of Africa, Oceania, and Ancient Americas.
36th Annual Union Square Christmas Cookie Tour: 12-4 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 12 in Union Square. A tradition since 1985, the Southwest Baltimore neighborhood’s annual home tour offers a chance to take in the architecture of the historic homes. It helps that homemade cookies are offered, as well.
An Evening with Steve Gunn & Jeff Parker: 7:30 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 12 at Creative Alliance. The acclaimed guitarists are touring together this month, and will play each play solo sets in Southeast Baltimre.
San Holo: 8 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 12, at Rams Head Live. The Dutch DJ comes to Baltimore on a tour in support of the new album bb u ok?
Thank you for including the Paul Carr & Friends to be part of the 15 Things To Do in Baltimore this weekend.