ADVENT WEEKEND · BALTIMORE · BY RAIL AND BUS
Advent weekend in Baltimore: getting there, where to stay and a two-day plan
Baltimore works well for a weekend without a car. Light Rail runs from BWI Airport towards downtown, MARC trains arrive at Penn or Camden Station, and the free Circulator links the station, Mount Vernon and the harbour. Here is a two-day plan built around Christmas Village and, on 12 and 13 December, Holiday Heap.
How do you plan an Advent weekend in Baltimore?
Start with the least flexible part: Holiday Heap on 12 December, or a booked museum. From BWI Airport, take Light Rail from beside Concourse E towards downtown; a local single fare is $2 and a day pass $4.60. MARC's Penn Line runs to Penn Station and the Camden Line to Camden Station. Stay near the Inner Harbor for the market, or towards Mount Vernon if you arrive at Penn Station. Plan one paid main visit per day plus market time, and fix your return train before the last drink.
- From BWI
- Light Rail, $2 single
- By train
- Penn or Camden Station
- In town
- Free Charm City Circulator
- Best craft weekend
- 12–13 Dec 2026
How do you get to the Baltimore Christmas market without a car?
Check which station your ticket names. Baltimore has several arrival points with similar names.
Light Rail from BWI
The Light Rail station is just outside the lower level of the terminal, next to Concourse E. Published downtown stops include Camden Station/Camden Yards and Convention Center. The MTA local single fare is $2 and a day pass $4.60; these fares do not apply to MARC or Amtrak.
Penn Station or Camden Station
MARC's Penn Line links Washington Union Station with Baltimore Penn Station (1500 North Charles Street) via BWI Rail Station. The Camden Line arrives at Camden Station (301 West Camden Street). MTA publishes a separate Penn Line weekend timetable, so look up your actual outbound and return trains.
Charm City Circulator
These free city buses add to the paid MTA network. The Purple Route serves the corridor from Penn Station through Mount Vernon to the harbour; the Banner Route serves Key Highway and its museums. Check the stop for your direction, as return buses may stop on the other side of the street.
Where should you stay for the Baltimore Christmas market?
Choose a location around your day plan rather than a neighbourhood name.
Near the Inner Harbor
If the market and harbour attractions are your focus, start your search around the Inner Harbor and compare real walking routes. Check entrances, crossings and the route with luggage. A room with a view is a different thing from an easily reached location.
Towards Mount Vernon or Penn Station
For an arrival at Penn Station or a focus north of the harbour, a hotel along the connection towards Mount Vernon may suit you. For Holiday Heap, the journey to St. Paul Street matters as well as the trip back to the harbour.
What to check
Compare the total price for your dates including displayed fees, then cancellation, baggage storage, parking and breakfast. Market parking discounts are day offers only, so a weekend with a car needs its own hotel parking. If you arrive late, confirm check-in arrangements.
Two days in Baltimore: a craft weekend on 12 and 13 December
An editorial plan for the Holiday Heap weekend. On other weekends, swap day one for an indoor attraction and a short market visit.
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Sat morning
Holiday Heap
Start at 2640 St. Paul Street once public hours are confirmed. The Early Bird hour needs a separate advance ticket.
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Sat midday
Drop bags and eat
Take larger purchases to your hotel first, then check a current connection from St. Paul Street to the harbour.
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Sat evening
Christmas Village
An optional harbour finale. Saturday closing is 9 pm, but plan around your energy rather than staying to the end.
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Sun 10:00
One museum
The American Visionary Art Museum opens at 10 am, the Museum of Industry at 9 am. Choose one.
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Sun afternoon
Market with a purpose
Browse for a gift linked to something you saw that morning. The market closes at 8 pm on Sundays.
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Sun evening
Travel home
Collect stored bags and reach your station with a buffer. An 8 pm market close does not guarantee a later train.
Weekend checklist
Your Baltimore weekend in one PDF
The guide covers the arrival from BWI and by MARC, the Circulator routes, where to look for a hotel and six ready-made routes including a two-day plan. It is a planning aid, not an organiser's publication.
- Arrival from BWI, Penn Station and Camden Station
- Two-day plan and holiday-week calendar
- Budget examples with published prices
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from BWI Airport to the Baltimore Christmas market?
Take Light Rail from the station outside the terminal's lower level, next to Concourse E. Downtown stops include Camden Station/Camden Yards and Convention Center; choose the one nearest your hotel or market entrance and check the walk. A local single fare is $2. Drop heavy luggage before heading to the market if you can.
Can I visit the Baltimore Christmas market as a day trip from Washington?
Yes, by MARC train. The Penn Line connects Washington Union Station with Baltimore Penn Station, and the Camden Line arrives at Camden Station. Settle your return train before you go: an evening market closing time does not guarantee a suitable later train. Check holiday service notices too.
Which weekend is best for an Advent trip to Baltimore?
For handmade gifts, 12 and 13 December, because Holiday Heap takes place on Saturday 12 December. For the market alone, any open weekend works; note that adults may need a $5 tent pass on selected weekend days, while the Preview Weekend on 21 and 22 November is free under the published rule.
Do I need a car for a weekend at the Baltimore Christmas market?
No. Light Rail, MARC trains and the free Circulator cover the arrival and the routes in the guide. If you do drive, the market lists day parking offers at Harbor Court Garage and Lockwood Place Garage, but these are not for overnight stays, so arrange hotel parking separately.
More for your Advent trip
Research status 29 October 2026; Tabiara is an independent guide, so check official timetables and organiser pages before you travel.