Together With
Hello Friends—
Welcome to the 174 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community!
I just put my lights up yesterday around the outside of the house. Is it too early? Too late? When do you put yours up? I only had one Clark Griswold-esque meltdown when I couldn’t find a flat spot to put the ladder after the 15th try. Anyways.
No shortage of events this week… Winter Wonderland Opening Night is Saturday @ 5PM… Tons of businesses in Downtown Bel Air are participating in Small Business Saturday… and the Best of Harford 2025 winners were just announced.
Congratulations to our sponsor, Tar Heel Construction Group for winning best in Roofing and Home Improvement!
Feeling extra grateful for you this week — thanks for being part of this newsletter and this community. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Your Neighbors All Say the Same Thing About Tar Heel Construction Group…
In Bel Air, it’s rare to get everyone to agree on anything… except this.
When it comes to roofs, siding, and gutters, Tar Heel Construction Group is the name homeowners trust.
They’ve earned a flawless 5.0⭐ rating, completed 1,000+ local projects, and won Best of Harford five SIX years straight — not by chance, but by doing what other contractors won’t:
• Clear, honest pricing
• Jobs done right the first time
• A crew that shows up on time
• Cleanup that leaves your yard spotless
• Warranties + workmanship guarantees that actually mean something
If you’ve been putting off repairs, this is your sign.
Call (410) 638-7021 or click here to schedule your inspection with Tar Heel Construction Group today.
P.S. Tell them “Matt from Bel Air Brief” sent you!
Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas
Food & Drink
🏃♂️ Y Turkey Trot After-Party @ Independent Brewing Co. (Free)
📅 Thursday, November 27th | 8AM–12PM
📍 Independent Brewing Co., 418 N Main St, Bel Air
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with beer, breakfast, music, and a lively post-run celebration under the heated tent.
🍷 Sip & Snap @ Harford Vineyard & Winery ($)
📅 Saturday, November 29th | 11AM–5PM
📍 Harford Vineyard & Winery, 1311 West Jarrettsville Rd, Forest Hill
Snap festive photos with a vintage holiday camper and enjoy wine, food truck bites, and a cozy holiday atmosphere.
🎅 Santa & Shop @ Falling Branch Brewery (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 29th | 12PM–4PM
📍 Falling Branch Brewery, 825 Highland Rd, Street
Browse local vendors, snap photos with Santa, enjoy fresh beer and food, and celebrate the season in a festive, family-friendly setting.
🍺 Small Brewery Sunday @ Double Groove Brewing (Free)
📅 Sunday, November 30th | 12PM–6PM
📍 Double Groove Brewing, 1659 Robin Cir, Forest Hill
Celebrate local craft beer with merch-themed discounts, live music, and a food truck serving all afternoon.
Family Fun
🎁 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.
🛍️ Small Business Saturday (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 29th | All Day
📍 Downtown Bel Air
Spend the day shopping local and discovering unique gifts, goodies, and handcrafted finds from Bel Air’s small businesses.
🎅 Santa Photos @ Wild Bill’s (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 29th | 12–4PM
📍 Wild Bill’s, 142 A N. Bond St, Bel Air
Swing by for free festive photos with Santa — kids, adults, and even pets are welcome.
🐴 Deck the Stalls @ Harford County Equestrian Center (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 29th | 12PM–8PM
📍 Harford County Equestrian Center, 608 N Tollgate Road, Bel Air
Browse festive vendors, explore the Festival of Trees, and enjoy a cheerful holiday event with a possible North Pole guest.
🎄 Winter Wonderland Opening Night (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 29th | 5PM–8PM
📍 Downtown Bel Air
Enjoy Main Street lights, carriage rides, carolers, Santa visits, and festive holiday magic throughout downtown.
🎄 Jarrettsville Community Tree Lighting (Free)
📅 Sunday, November 30th | 3PM–7PM
📍 3719 Norrisville Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084
Enjoy firepits, food trucks, Santa photos, caroling, and a festive tree lighting capped off with a fireworks surprise.
Music & Entertainment
Josh Christina w/ Matt Kelley @ Independent Brewing Co
📅 Friday, November 28th | 6-9PM
📍 Independent Brewing Co., 418 N Main St, Bel Air
Crack the Sky 50th Anniversary Celebration ($)
📅 Friday, November 28th | 5-11PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Bel Air Rd, Fallston
Triple Rail Turn @ Looney’s Pub
📅 Saturday, November 29th | 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:
Steppingstone Teddy Bear Christmas Tea, Dec 6, Havre de Grace
Harford Holidays @ Ripken Stadium, Dec 4-6 & 12-13, Aberdeen
Polar Express Parent Cafe, Dec 11, Green Ridge
A Very Merryland Holiday Concert, Dec 13, Joppatowne
This Week in the Community…
Best of Harford 2025 Winners Announced
Harford County’s top businesses and personalities revealed! The annual Best of Harford Awards have crowned this year’s standout restaurants, shops, services, and community favorites across dozens of categories. From dining to healthcare to local makers, the list highlights the people and places residents love most. Read more…
Mistletoe Mayhem Happy Hour & Toy Drive
On December 2, ConnectPro Harford & the Fallston Barrel House are hosting a festive happy hour and toy drive where guests are encouraged to bring one new unwrapped toy to support local families. The first 100 attendees with a toy will earn a chance to win a $500 door prize, with live music, complimentary appetizers, and a full cash bar rounding out the night. It’s a spirited way to kick off the season while giving back to the community. Read more…
Holiday Open House at the Liriodendron Mansion
The Liriodendron Mansion is opening its doors for a festive Holiday Open House filled with seasonal décor, music, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore the beautifully decorated historic mansion, enjoy holiday shopping from local artisans, and take in the warm, old-world charm of this annual tradition. It’s a perfect chance to step into the season in one of Harford County’s most iconic settings. Read more…
Ugly Sweater Christmas Karaoke for a Cause
On December 6 from 8–11 PM, the community is invited to a festive night of holiday karaoke to support the Breathe 379 Hope Center. Guests can sing, mingle, and enjoy a night of ugly sweaters and cheer — with door prizes for attendees and bonus raffle tickets for anyone who brings stocking-stuffer donations. All proceeds help Breathe 379 provide meals, pantry goods, and clothing for Harford County residents in need. Read more…
Pet Of The Week: Presented by Our Friends at Shannon’s Pretty Paws Pet Grooming
We are more than just groomers, we’re a family!
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).
This week’s reader submission is: Kasie
“Just hanging out with dad while he’s building Xmas gifts”
Kasie, the best supervisor!
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.
Real Estate Corner
Are you a realtor (or know one) who is looking to expand your local visibility & feature your active listings in this section to 5,200+ locals? Click here to submit your interest.
Date Spot Of The Week
Enotria Restaurant & Grill (Forest Hill)
📍 2 Newport Dr, Forest Hill, MD 21050
This week’s date night pick takes us to Enotria Restaurant & Grill, recently crowned Best Italian Restaurant in Harford County — and the moment you walk in, you’ll see why. Warm lighting, rustic touches, and a welcoming neighborhood vibe make it perfect for couples who want a relaxed but elevated night out over truly comforting Italian cooking.
Start with classics like the Fried Calamari or Bruschetta Enotria before moving into rich, house-made favorites such as the Chicken Parmigiana, Lobster Ravioli, or their signature Penne alla Vodka. Pair your entrées with a bottle from their thoughtfully curated wine list, then finish strong with Tiramisu or Cannoli.
Thanks for reading the Bel Air Brief today! Share this with the person you know who has already done their Christmas shopping.
Matt | Bel Air Brief
Our Community Partners are local businesses and organizations that have committed to growing with us in the Bel Air community. If you’re interested in what it looks like to be a Community Partner, let’s talk.
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