December in Baltimore is filled with music, joy, and the rich traditions that define the city’s Black arts community. From Motown rhythms and gospel choirs to jazz legends and stand-up comedy favorites, this month offers a vibrant tapestry of celebrations that close the year with style, soul, and spirit.
Theater: A Motown Holiday Tradition
At Baltimore Center Stage, the holiday season takes center stage with Santa Claus Is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue (Dec. 10–24). This joyful production reimagines holiday classics through the irresistible sound of Motown, complete with powerhouse vocals, choreography, and live musicians that bring the golden era of soul to life.
Visual Art: Amy Sherald’s Baltimore Homecoming
The Baltimore Museum of Art continues its major exhibition Amy Sherald: American Sublime, showcasing the internationally acclaimed Baltimore-born painter whose portraits reframe Black identity with elegance, nuance, and humanity. Running all month long, the exhibition remains a must-see for art lovers across the region.
Music: A Month of Concerts, Choirs & Holiday Soul
Holiday Festivals & Community Celebrations
Baltimore’s holiday season officially kicks off on December 4 with the Monument Lighting at Mount Vernon Place. Featuring live performances, choirs, local musicians, food vendors, and a fireworks finale, the beloved tradition transforms downtown into a glowing celebration of community and culture.
Gospel & Choral Traditions
The city’s choral heritage shines with two major concerts:
- Morgan State University Annual Christmas Concert
Dec. 14 at 4 PM — Gilliam Concert Hall, Murphy Fine Arts Center
The world-renowned Morgan State University Choir fills the hall with classical, gospel, and seasonal favorites. - Come Unto Him: Annual Christmas Concert
Dec. 21 at 4 PM — Israel Baptist Church
Featuring the Community Concert Choir of Baltimore, this free concert brings together sacred music, community joy, and a Jubilee holiday reception.
Jazz, Soul & R&B at Keystone Korner
Keystone Korner Baltimore, the city’s premier jazz club, delivers a powerful December lineup featuring legends, rising stars, and holiday favorites:
- Take 6 — Holiday Show | Dec. 5–7
The Grammy-winning sextet blends jazz, gospel, and pop harmonies into an electrifying holiday performance. - Baltimore School for the Arts Jazz Ensembles & Big Band | Dec. 10
Baltimore’s next generation of jazz talent steps into the spotlight. - Kindred the Family Soul | Dec. 12–13
The beloved R&B duo brings their signature blend of soul, storytelling, and love. - Tammy McCann — “Merry Christmas, Baby!” | Dec. 18
A rich, soulful holiday set from one of jazz’s most compelling vocalists. - Marcus Johnson — Holiday Celebration | Dec. 23–24
Smooth jazz keyboardist and composer Marcus Johnson returns with festive groove and seasonal warmth.
Classical & Crossover Concerts
- Leslie Odom, Jr. — The Christmas Tour
Dec. 5 at the Meyerhoff
The Tony- and Grammy-winning performer brings holiday classics and soulful renditions to Baltimore.
(Note: The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra does not appear on this program.)
Comedy: Closing the Year with Laughter
The Baltimore Comedy Factory brings a full slate of national and local favorites to the stage, ensuring December is as funny as it is festive:
- Luenell — Dec. 5–6
- Cocoa Brown — Dec. 12–14
- Petty Side of Comedy — Dec. 18
- Mark Curry — Dec. 19–21
- Tommy Davidson — Dec. 26–28
- Tommy Davidson NYE Shows — Dec. 31 (7:30 PM & 10:15 PM)
From sharp comedic storytelling to warm holiday humor, these performers keep Baltimore laughing all month long.
A City Wrapped in Creativity
December’s arts season reflects Baltimore at its best—rooted in tradition, alive with innovation, and led by the Black artists, choirs, musicians, and cultural institutions that define the city’s creative legacy. Whether you’re bundled up at the Monument Lighting, singing along at a Motown revue, or catching a late-night jazz set, Baltimore’s arts community offers countless ways to celebrate the spirit of the season.
For monthly arts updates, follow @BaltimoreBlackArt or visit baltimoretimes-online.com.
Event Listings
Theater
• Santa Claus Is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue — Baltimore Center Stage | Dec. 10–24
Visual Art
• Amy Sherald: American Sublime — Baltimore Museum of Art | All month
Music — Holiday / Community
• Monument Lighting 2025 — Mount Vernon Place | Dec. 4
• Morgan State University Annual Christmas Concert — Murphy Fine Arts | Dec. 14
• Come Unto Him: Annual Christmas Concert — Israel Baptist Church | Dec. 21
Music — Jazz / R&B / Soul
• Take 6 Holiday Show — Keystone Korner | Dec. 5–7
• Baltimore School for the Arts Jazz Ensembles — Keystone Korner | Dec. 10
• Kindred the Family Soul — Keystone Korner | Dec. 12–13
• Tammy McCann — “Merry Christmas, Baby!” — Keystone Korner | Dec. 18
• Marcus Johnson Holiday Celebration — Keystone Korner | Dec. 23–24
Music — Classical / Crossover
• Leslie Odom, Jr. — The Christmas Tour — Meyerhoff | Dec. 5
Comedy — Baltimore Comedy Factory
• Luenell — Dec. 5–6
• Cocoa Brown — Dec. 12–14
• Petty Side of Comedy — Dec. 18
• Mark Curry — Dec. 19–21
• Tommy Davidson — Dec. 26–28
• Tommy Davidson NYE — Dec. 31
Harold Booker Jr.
Harold Booker Jr. is the founder and principal of DrewJenk Consulting, a boutique firm that specializes in project management, technology, and community engagement. He is also a frequent contributor to the Baltimore Times, writing about arts, culture, and social issues that connect personal history with community impact.