Together With

Hello Friends—

Welcome to the 202 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community!

We’ve got lots of events this week so I’ll keep this… brief. I skipped the black friday deals this year so I’m working on gifts for my family this week and I thought why not put together something for you, dear reader!

It’s a Bel Air & Harford County Holiday Gift Guide filled with meaningful, clutter-free gift ideas from local businesses—perfect if you (like me) are looking to give experiences instead of more “stuff” this year. Click here to check it out…

(It’s a running list so feel free to email me with any businesses or ideas I should add to the list!)

Now to this weekend: The Harford Holidays at Ripken Stadium are happening today thru saturday… Das Bierhalle is hosting a “Holiday Brunch with Mickey”… and the Bel Air Christkindl Markt returns on saturday afternoon… Plus much more happening in and around town.

Scroll down, make plans, and enjoy your weekend!

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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!

🎄 Harford Holidays at Ripken Stadium ($)
📅 Thursday-Saturday, December 4th–6th | 5PM–8PM
📍 Ripken Stadium, 873 Long Dr, Aberdeen
Walk through thousands of sparkling lights, visit Santa’s Workshop, enjoy sleigh rides, and explore festive displays as the ballpark transforms into a glowing winter wonderland.

🎄 Aberdeen Festival of Trees (Free)
📅 Friday, December 5th | 4PM–8PM & Saturday, December 6th | 9AM–3PM
📍 Aberdeen Activity Center, 7 Franklin St, Aberdeen
Browse beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and holiday décor created by local businesses and community groups, with items available to bid on or purchase. A portion of proceeds supports Cancer LifeNet.

🎄 KegMas Tree Lighting @ Independent Brewing Co. (Free)
📅 Friday, December 5th | 6–7PM
📍 Independent Brewing Co., 418 N Main St, Bel Air
Grab a beer and join the countdown as IBC lights this year’s KegMas Tree, then stick around for live music from Ruben Montoya on the patio.

🎅 Breakfast With Santa @ Independent Brewing Co. ($)
📅 Saturday, December 6th & Sunday, December 7th | 8:30AM–12PM (Every 30 mins)
📍 Independent Brewing Co., 418 N Main St, Bel Air
Enjoy a full breakfast buffet, digital photos with Santa, Christmas activities, vendors, and even a surprise guest — all hosted by Crossroads Bistro and IBC.

🐭 Holiday Brunch with Mickey @ Das Bierhalle ($)
📅 Saturday-Sunday, December 6th-7th | 9AM & 11AM seatings
📍 Das Bierhalle Bel Air, 119 S Main St, Bel Air
Enjoy a festive breakfast with Mickey in his holiday best, complete with photo ops and holiday cheer. Reservations required and spots are limited.

🎁 Holiday Craft Fair @ Havre de Grace High School (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 9AM–2PM
📍 Havre de Grace High School, 445 Lewis Lane, Havre de Grace
Shop handmade gifts from local crafters and enjoy food from Vagabond Sandwich Company at this community holiday fair hosted by the National Honor Society.

🎁 The Belle Aire Holiday Market (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 29th | 9AM–12PM
📍 121 S Main St, Bel Air
Shop dozens of artisan vendors for holiday gifts, décor, jewelry, and handmade goods in this festive open-air market.

🎅 Golf With Santa @ X-Golf Bel Air ($)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 9AM–2PM
📍 X-Golf Bel Air, 5 Bel Air South Pkwy, Bel Air
Enjoy 1.5 hours of golf, games, and food for up to 8 guests, plus a chocolate fountain, hot cocoa station, crafts, and photos with Santa — a festive family outing with limited time slots.

🎄 Christmas Bazaar & Spa Jingle Mingle @ Serenity Salt Spa (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 10AM–5PM
📍 Serenity Salt Spa, 2203-A Commerce Rd, Forest Hill
Shop local vendors, enjoy festive food and drinks, and experience mini spa services, raffles, readings, and special discounts — including 50% off salt therapy sessions.

🍷 Holiday Trucks N’ Tunes @ Boordy Vineyards (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 12–5PM (Music at 1PM)
📍 Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes
Sip wine in Boordy’s beautifully decorated barn, enjoy live music from Dan Haas, and grab bites from local food vendors during this festive afternoon at one of Maryland’s oldest wineries.

🧸 Christmas Teddy Bear Tea @ Steppingstone Farm Museum ($)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 12PM
📍 Steppingstone Farm Museum, 461 Quaker Bottom Rd, Havre de Grace
Kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal for tea, treats, and holiday stories at this cozy tradition perfect for ages 5 and up. Limited seating — advance tickets required.

🎅 Santa’s Big Haul @ Jarrettsville Recreation Complex (Donation Drive)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 1–3PM
📍 Jarrettsville Recreation Complex, 3820 Norrisville Rd, Jarrettsville
Drop off toys, clothes, hygiene items, diapers, and more to support Arrow Child & Family Ministries — plus enjoy holiday treats and grab a photo with Santa while helping local families.

🎄 Bel Air Christkindl Markt (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 2–7PM
📍 2 S Bond St, Bel Air
Browse 65+ local artists and small businesses, enjoy holiday food and drinks, hear carolers, and soak in the festive Winter Wonderland atmosphere at this downtown holiday market.

✨ Festival of Lights @ The John Carroll School (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 3–7PM
📍 The John Carroll School, 703 E Churchville Rd, Bel Air
Step into a magical winter wonderland with lights, an Elves Workshop, the Polar Express, and a Live Nativity — a festive, family-friendly evening you won’t forget.

🚜 Highland Holiday Tractor Parade (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 5PM
📍 Starts at North Harford High School, 211 Pylesville Rd → Ends at Falling Branch Brewery
Watch 75+ tractors decked out in dazzling holiday lights roll through the countryside, then enjoy the after-party at Falling Branch with food trucks, live music, Santa photos, kids’ activities, and festive fun for all ages.

❄️ Winter Wonderland Grande Evening (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 5–8PM
📍 Downtown Bel Air
Main Street closes to traffic for a magical night of lights, entertainment, horse & carriage rides, holiday shopping, and festive strolling — plus access to the Winter Wonderland Artisan Festival and Christkindl Markt.

🎆 Cedar Lane Holiday Light Show Opening Night (Free)
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 5:30–10PM
📍 1111 Cedar Lane, Bel Air
Kick off the season with the opening night of this massive holiday light show, featuring dazzling displays and a festive atmosphere perfect for all ages.

🕯️ Christmas Candle Workshop @ Harford Vineyard ($)
📅 Sunday, December 7th | 1–3PM
📍 Harford Vineyard & Winery, 1311 W Jarrettsville Rd, Forest Hill
Create a festive holiday candle — choose from Christmas Tree, Snowman, or Reindeer — while enjoying a guided workshop and a complimentary glass of wine or spirits.

🎄 Bel Air Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting (Free)
📅 Sunday, December 7th | 3:30–5PM
📍 Downtown Bel Air
Celebrate 35 years of this hometown holiday tradition with live music, the Christmas parade, food trucks, festive activities in Shamrock Park, and the annual tree lighting to close out the evening.

Completely Unchained - Van Halen tribute @ Fallston Barrel House ($)
📅 Friday, December 5th | 8PM-12AM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Bel Air Rd, Fallston

Bonfire @ Main Street Tower
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 8PM-12AM
📍 Main Street Tower, 29 S Main St Bel Air

Radio Hero @ Looney’s Pub
📅 Saturday, December 6th | 8PM-12AM
📍 Looney’s Pub, 312 S Main St, Bel Air

For more live music on the schedule this weekend, check out the “Harco Live Music Round Up” facebook group…

Save the dates:
Polar Express Parent Cafe, Dec 11, Green Ridge
A Very Merryland Holiday Concert, Dec 13, Joppatowne
Joppatowne Rec Council’s 2nd Annual Winter Fest, Dec 13, Joppatowne

Each week, we feature a few local Bel Air & Harford County experts sharing quick, practical advice to make your life a little easier — straight from the people who know this community best.

Local Nonprofit

Alicia Hamilton | Executive Director
Fresh Start Furnishings — Harford County’s Only Furniture Bank

Most people don’t realize it, but furniture poverty — living without basic household furniture — affects nearly 1 in 3 Americans, and thousands right here in Harford County. Families moving out of homelessness, domestic violence, foster care, or sober-living often receive housing… but no beds, tables, or dressers. Many end up sleeping and eating on the floor.

Fresh Start Furnishings is Harford County’s only furniture bank, and demand is soaring. Last year, 574 households applied, but limited space and staffing meant only 269 could be served. Yet the impact is undeniable:

Fresh Start just launched its Decade of Making a Difference Campaign to expand its warehouse, add staff, and serve 40% more families over the next two years.

Statistics You Should Know: According to the United Way of Central Maryland, there are more than 8,000 households living in extreme poverty and over 27,000 live paycheck-to-paycheck in Harford County, leaving little room to save for essentials like beds, dressers, or a kitchen table.

Pro Tip from Alicia: “Before tossing old furniture, donate locally. Your used table or bed could completely change a family’s life.”

How You Can Help: You can make a real difference by donating gently used furniture, supporting Fresh Start’s $15,000 campaign, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word so more local families learn where to turn when they need help.

Support the campaign here →

Watchtower Brewery Opens in Aberdeen
A brand-new brewery is officially pouring in Downtown Aberdeen. Watchtower Brewing Company celebrated its grand opening this week, marking a major step in the city’s ongoing effort to revitalize its historic core. The new taproom sits beside Festival Park, where recent improvements — including a new stamped concrete walkway — are helping draw foot traffic and fresh energy to the area. Read more…

‘Cake Wars’ Baker Opens New Shop in Bel Air
Acclaimed baker Tiffanee & Co. Bakery is now serving up custom cakes and cookies in Bel Air. The bakery — run by Tiffanee Blackwell, who gained renown after appearing on Cake Wars in 2015 — opened its doors on November 22 at 2225 East Churchville Road, in a former Dunkin’ Donuts location. Read more…

Full Heart SouLutions Closing After 11 Years on Main Street
A beloved Bel Air boutique is saying goodbye. After more than a decade on Main Street, Full Heart SouLutions announced it will close its doors at the end of the year. Known for its warm, creative, and community-centered space, the shop reflected on 11 years of connection, healing, and meaningful relationships with customers. The owners are encouraging the community to stop in this holiday season as they wrap up operations and sell remaining gifts and merchandise. Read more…

Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen Transforms into “Whoville Hut” for the Holidays
Natalie’s is going full Grinch this December with a month-long “Merry GRINCHmas” pop-up featuring themed cocktails, chef-crafted holiday specials, and over-the-top Whoville-inspired décor. Festivities kick off with a tree lighting at 6 p.m. and continue with Brunch with Santa, complete with photo ops and plenty of playful holiday mischief. Read more…

Give your pet the 5-star treatment & book a grooming session at Shannon’s Pretty Paws today. Your furry friend will thank you (and so will your furniture).

Click here to book an appointment with one of our experienced groomers!

This week’s reader submission is: Patches

“Patches says Happy Thanksgiving! We rescued her from a puppy mill! She will be 2 in December and such a wonderful dog!!”

Have a furry, feathered, or scaly friend you’re proud of? Send a photo and a few fun facts, and we might feature them in an upcoming issue.

Are you a realtor (or know one) who is looking to expand your local visibility & feature your active listings in this section to 5,400+ locals? Click here to submit your interest.

📍 3701 Federal Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084

This week’s date pick takes us to J’Ville Grille — a cozy, neighborhood favorite that recently earned an Honorable Mention for Best Wings in Harford County. It’s the kind of spot that feels relaxed and familiar, but still delivers food that’s a cut above typical bar fare. Warm lighting, friendly staff, and a laid-back vibe make it an easy win for a casual, no-pressure night out.

Start with something fun to share, like the Bang Bang Shrimp or the Everything Cheese Bread (a gooey, herby, crowd-pleaser) — both featured on page 1 of their menu. Their award-recognized Bone-In Wings come with sauces ranging from classic Hot and Honey Old Bay to more adventurous picks like Raspberry Habanero or Mango Habanero.

For mains, you’ve got options depending on your mood: go hearty with the Sunday Meatloaf wrapped in applewood bacon, keep it classic with Fish & Chips, or split a specialty pizza like Mr. Jalapeño or the Buffalo Chicken. And if you want something a bit more elevated, the Salmon Run — served over a roasted butternut squash hash — is one of the menu’s standout plates.

👉 Explore the menu or plan your evening…

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Looking to try a new spot? Check out 160+ Bel Air area restaurants here…

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