55th Annual Washington Monument Lighting & Street Festival

About this adventure

Baltimore officially rings in the holiday season with the historic 55th Annual Washington Monument Lighting in the heart of Mount Vernon Place. The first architectural monument dedicated to George Washington, standing 178 feet tall in the historic square, is strung from base to pinnacle with thousands of sparkling holiday lights. As evening descends, the surrounding historic cobblestone plazas close to motor traffic, turning into a festive pedestrian street carnival. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Mount Vernon Place's surrounding streets are closed to traffic and feature smooth, wide asphalt and paved walkways suitable for strollers and wagons. • Family Fun: The celebration features live holiday musical performances by the Morgan State University Choir and local elementary school choruses, costumed stilt walkers, local artisan booths, hot chocolate stations, and free photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the North Park square. • The Grand Illumination: At 7:45 PM, a joyful community countdown triggers the dramatic simultaneous illumination of the monument and a spectacular pyrotechnic fireworks show dancing above Mount Vernon Place. • Sensory Tips: The fireworks finale is bright and boisterous; parents with toddlers or sound-sensitive children are encouraged to bring noise-canceling earmuffs or view from the quieter South Park square.