Hampden Restaurant Earns Spot on NYT’s Best Dishes List

The Best Things to Do in Baltimore This Weekend...

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Eating Baltimore
December 12, 2025

Hey Baltimore—

Welcome to the 73 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community!

Here’s what we’ve got this week:

  • The Highlandtown Holiday Night Market returns tonight…

  • SantaCon at Das Bierhalle Parkville on Saturday…

  • And the 52nd Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade on Sunday…

  • Plus, this Hampden restaurant earned a spot on New York Times Best Dishes List

Scroll on, make plans, and as always — eat well, Charm City.

Maryland’s #1 Cocktail in a Can (and my personal favorite too!)

Born in Baltimore. Loved everywhere. Craft Crush delivers real-deal Crush cocktails—gluten-free, 200 cals, 6% ABV, vodka distilled 6x.

Locally owned by Stacey (yes, she’s awesome). No fake stuff. Just citrusy refreshment that actually tastes like summer.

I’ve tried all three—Orange, Mango, and Strawberry Lemon—and they’re delicious. 

Smooth, not syrupy, and somehow even better straight from the can (not typical for canned cocktails)

Perfect for: Beach days. BBQs. AC blasting on the couch. Find it at your local liquor store or visit craftcrushes.com to see where it’s stocked.

Things To Do In Baltimore & Surrounding Areas This Weekend - Holiday Edition

With so many holiday events going on over the next few weeks, I figured I’d split them into days instead of categories until the end of the year. Hope you enjoy!

Friday December 12th

Reindeer Railway Train Ride ($)
📅 Friday, December 12th | 11:30AM
📍 B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore
Climb aboard a festive holiday train ride where kids receive reindeer antlers, everyone enjoys a sweet treat, and families make cheerful memories while riding the historic rails where it all began.

Highlandtown Holiday Night Market (Free)
📅 Friday, December 12th | 4–9PM
📍 Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore
Shop 40+ local artists and makers for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at this festive night market featuring handmade art, crafts, treats, and creative goods while supporting the Highlandtown community.

Ugly Sweater Party at Peabody Heights Brewery (Free)
📅 Friday, December 12th | 6–10PM
📍 Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E 30th St, Baltimore
Break out your most outrageous holiday sweater for a festive brewery party featuring winter beers, holiday movies, music, food, and prizes for the top three ugliest sweaters.

Fire & Ice Cookie Crawl (Free)
📅 Friday, December 12th | 6–9PM
📍 Downtown Towson
Stroll through downtown Towson collecting festive cookies from local shops, then take in glowing ice sculptures, s’mores, and holiday displays during this cozy, family-friendly night out celebrating local businesses and the season.

ZOCKO! Holiday Surf Show at The Ottobar ($)
📅 Friday, December 12th | 6–9PM
📍 The Ottobar, 2549 N Howard St, Baltimore
Kick off the weekend with DC/Baltimore’s best-dressed instrumental surf band playing surfy, ZOCKO!-fied versions of holiday favorites and classic tunes during this upbeat upstairs show.

Saturday December 13th

Brunch with the Grinch at LoonAsea ($)
📅 Saturday, December 13th | 10AM–12PM
📍 LoonAsea Maryland, 207 Nanticoke Rd, Essex
Bring the family for a holly-jolly brunch featuring photos with the Grinch, a kid-friendly craft table, and festive fun — reservations recommended for this popular holiday event.

SantaCon at Das Bierhalle Parkville (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 13th | 10AM
📍 Das Bierhalle Parkville, 9527 Harford Road, Parkville
Dress up as Santa or your favorite holiday character and join Baltimore County’s annual SantaCon for all-day drink specials, giveaways, and a high-energy holiday party that goes late into the night.

11th Annual Holiday Makers Market at Green Spring Station (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 13th | 10AM–4PM
📍 Green Spring Station, 10751 Falls Road, Lutherville
Spend the day browsing 30+ local artisans and boutiques while enjoying holiday cocktails, live music, and festive vibes at this one-day shopping event. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly way to knock out your gift list and support local makers.

Chase Rice Pre-Game TailGOAT at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore ($)
📅 Saturday, December 13th | 11AM–2PM
📍 Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, 1525 Russell St, Baltimore
Kick off Army vs. Navy with a massive all-inclusive tailgate featuring a live performance by Chase Rice, a full Jimmy’s Famous Seafood buffet, and bottomless drinks. Gates open early for premium ticket holders, with music, food, and festivities rolling right up to kickoff.

The Elf Bar at The Point in Towson ($)
📅 Saturday, December 12th – Sunday, December 13th | Various Times (Family-friendly sessions Sat & Sun at 11:30AM)
📍 The Point in Towson, 523 York Rd, Towson
Step into a wildly festive Christmas pop-up filled with over-the-top décor, themed cocktails, playful games, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. It’s a high-energy holiday experience for adults at night, with special daytime sessions designed for families and kids.

Holiday Market & Adoption Event at Union Craft Brewing (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 13th | 12–5PM
📍 Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W 41st St, Baltimore
Browse 70+ local vendors at Union Collective while meeting adoptable dogs and cats from BARCS. Enjoy festive shopping, seasonal vibes, and the chance to take home a new furry friend the very same day.

A Holiday Evening with Saxl Rose at R. House (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 13th | Doors 5:30PM, Show 6PM
📍 R. House Baltimore, 301 W 29th St, Baltimore
Spend a cozy holiday evening with live saxophone from recording artist Saxl Rose at one of Baltimore’s most creative food halls. Expect a relaxed, festive vibe and great music — perfect for a laid-back night out with friends.

Sunday December 14th

52nd Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade (Free)
📅 Sunday, December 14th | 1-6PM
📍 Hampden & Medfield, 1014 W 36th St, Baltimore
Celebrate Baltimore’s longest-running holiday tradition as marching bands, festive floats, community groups, and Santa himself parade through Hampden and Medfield along a 1.5-mile route packed with seasonal cheer.

🎄 Christmas Village in Baltimore (Free)
📅 Sunday, December 14th | 12–9PM
📍 West Shore Park, 501 Light St, Baltimore
Browse dozens of vendors, enjoy German-inspired food and drinks, and soak in holiday cheer at Baltimore’s European-style Christmas market.

This Week in the Community…

Spike Gjerde to Open Spanish-Inspired Tapas Bar in Mount Vernon
Award-winning Baltimore chef Spike Gjerde is planning a new Spanish-inspired tapas bar in Mount Vernon, bringing small plates, bold flavors, and a European-style dining experience to the neighborhood. The project adds another high-profile opening to Baltimore’s evolving restaurant scene. Read more…

End of an Era: Longtime Baltimore Restaurant Set to Close
The Cheesecake Factory at the Inner Harbor is preparing to close its doors, marking the end of a decades-long run in the city’s dining landscape. Read more…

Hampden Restaurant Earns Spot on New York Times Best Dishes List
The Duchess in Hampden has landed national recognition after one of its dishes was named among The New York Times’ best in the country. Read more…

Real Estate Corner: Brought to You By Susan Carroll, eXp Realty 

Each week we’ll showcase a few standout listings from around the Baltimore area—sometimes it’s a great starter home, sometimes a smart investment, and sometimes just one we can all daydream about.

If any of these spark your interest, or you’re curious about the market in general, our partner Susan Carroll is here to help with buying, selling, or answering your real estate questions.

Date Spot Of The Week

📍 2360 W Joppa Rd #116, Timonium, MD 21093

This week’s date spot takes us to Tark’s Grill, a polished yet comfortable neighborhood favorite in Timonium that strikes the perfect balance between upscale dining and relaxed charm. With warm lighting, attentive service, and a classic steakhouse-meets-modern-American feel, it’s ideal for couples who want a refined night out without anything feeling stuffy or over-the-top.

Start with a cocktail or glass of wine and share an appetizer like the crab dip or calamari, then settle in for hearty entrées that Tark’s does especially well — think perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, or one of their signature pastas. The portions are generous, the menu has something for everyone, and the atmosphere encourages lingering conversation rather than rushing through dinner. It’s a dependable, grown-up date night spot that feels special while still being easy and familiar.

Thanks for reading Eating Baltimore today. If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, share it with someone who never misses a good holiday train garden.

Have a great weekend!

Matt | Eating Baltimore

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