Looking for something fun and festive to do with your dog this holiday season? From enchanting light walks to cheerful parties, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of events in central Maryland that are sure to have your pup’s tail wagging with joy. So grab your furry friend and your holiday spirit and head out to one of these great events!
All dog-friendly holiday events have ended for 2025. Check back in November when we’ll post dog-friendly holiday for 2026 or subscribe to our newsletter below to stay updated.
See Past Dog-Friendly Holiday EventsPast Dog-Friendly Holiday Events
Lights & Leashes
Fri, Nov 21 & Sat, Nov 22 ∙ 5 pm – 9 pm
Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis, MD)
Kick off the holiday season with your furry friends at the most spectacular seaside event of the year! For two enchanting nights only, experience the light displays at Sandy Point State Park on foot before Lights on the Bay opens for vehicles. It’s the holiday event for your four-legged companions you don’t want to miss!
Event Highlights:
~ Stroll under the sparkling holiday lights with your pets
~ Pet-friendly vendors and holiday shopping
~ Photos with Santa
~ Meet adoptable pets at the SPCA Mobile Unit
~ Fully handicap accessible with a paved pathway
Gather your family, friends, and pups for an unforgettable night of holiday magic—all while supporting the SPCA of Anne Arundel County!
Pawliday Village
Sat, Nov 22 ∙ 11 am – 3 pm
Baltimore Peninsula (Baltimore, MD)
Kick off the holiday season with the Maryland SPCA at our 3rd Annual Pawliday Village! Put a leash on your dog, pack up the kids and enjoy fun for the whole family. Bring your pets to take photos with Santa and the Grinch! Shop at a variety of vendors, meet adoptable pets and participate in fun, festive activities. This event is pet-friendly and free to attend! Some activities will require payment to participate.
Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival Walk & Wag
Mon, Nov 24 ∙ 6 pm – 9 pm
Seneca Creek State Park (Gaithersburg, MD)
Treat your pooch or grab your friends and family and walk through more than 450 magical light displays.
Christmas In the Corn & Holiday Light Trail
Fridays & Saturdays, Nov 28 – Dec 27 ∙ 5 pm – 9 pm
Local Homestead Products (New Windsor, MD)
Head to the farm for our fifth annual family friendly Christmas Light Trail with over 1.5 million lights throughout the farm!
Our corn maze has been transformed into a winter wonderland of lights and holiday decor!
The Christmas Light Trail features lights, inflatables galore AND pictures with The Grinch and Santa for FREE!!
Christmas in the Corn is TWICE the size as last year through the corn led by holiday decorated tractors while riding on a musically and light filled wagon!
See some of the most amazing light shows including the tallest Santa in the county plus fun farm vehicles all lit up for the holidays!
Dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash.
Pets with Santa Happy Hour!
Thurs, Dec 4 ∙ 5 pm – 7 pm
Raw & Refined (Baltimore, MD)
Pets with Santa happy hour makes its way to Baltimore’s newest Christmas pop up bar! Join us at our Winter Wonderland!
Raw & Refined has turned into Baltimore’s newest Christmas pop up bar! And this year we’re bringing in Santa to meet your pets!
Tickets include:
- Complimentary drink ticket
- Pup cups overload
- Photo with Santa by our photographer
Human & dog menu available!
Santa ‘PAWS’
Sat, Dec 6 ∙ 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Monocacy Brewing (Frederick, MD)
It’s the most paw-some time of the year! Bring your pets (and your holiday spirit) to Monocacy Brewing for Santa Paws.
How it works:
With the purchase of a beer, you’re welcome to take your own photos with Santa. BUT a professional photographer will also be on-site capturing all the festive fun!
Access to the professional photos is easy!
We’re accepting donations to Frederick Friends of Our County Animal Shelters in exchange for downloadable, high-quality images sent to your email.
The Alley Wagon will be here serving up tasty eats, and we’ll have plenty of holiday cheer on tap.
Mark your calendar, grab your pup, and we’ll fill your cup. Come celebrate the season for a great cause!
Pictures with Santa Paws
Sat, Dec 6 ∙ 1 pm – 3 pm
Mobtown Brewing Company (Baltimore, MD)
Santa Paws is coming to town!!! Bring your pup over to Mobtown Brewery on Saturday December 6th for pictures with Santa! There will goodie bags, drinks, snacks and fun for the whole family! Admission is free
Help Us Spread Holiday Cheer!
While you’re snapping adorable photos with Santa Paws, consider bringing a canned or non-perishable food item to support local families in need this season. Every donation makes a difference — thank you for helping us share the love!
Holiday Paw-ty & Adoption Event
Sun, Dec 7 ∙ 12 pm – 3 pm
Crownsville Canine (Crownsville, MD)
Celebrate the holidays with fellow dog lovers. Rescue dogs, dog lovers, and animal advocates will all gather to spread holiday cheer.
Come join us at Crownsville Canine for a festive day filled with furry friends and holiday cheer. Whether you’re looking to adopt a new pet or just want to celebrate the season with fellow animal lovers, this event is perfect for you.
Meet adorable adoptable dogs, enjoy holiday cookies, and participate in fun activities for the whole family. Don’t miss out on this paws-itively amazing event!
We’re expecting to have:
- Photos with Santa
- Ugly sweater contest
- Hot chocolate & cookies available for purchase
- Adoptable dogs from rescues across MD
Rescue partners: Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland, Maryland SPCA, Humane Rescue Alliance, Furever Home Animal Rescue, Saving Grace Animal Rescue, and Senior Dog Animal Sanctuary.
Cascade Lights Pup Strut
Sun, Dec 7 & Sun, Dec 21 ∙ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Coppermine Cascade Park (Hampstead, MD)
Bring your dog along for a magical night out at the Cascade Lights Pup Strut! Stroll through the park’s twinkling lights and enjoy the festive atmosphere with your pup by your side.
Tail Lights
Mon, Dec 8 ∙ 5:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Merriweather Symphony of Lights (Columbia, MD)
Bring your furry friend along for a festive evening at Tail Lights! Walk through the lights with your family, friends, and pups. Costumes encouraged for both dogs and humans. A portion of proceeds from this event benefits the Howard County General Hospital.
Hot Cocoa and Pictures with Santa
Thurs, Dec 11 ∙ 6 pm – 8 pm
VCA Calvert Veterinary Center (Pasadena, MD)
Join us for Hot Cocoa and Pictures with Santa at VCA Hospital Pasadena on Thursday, December 11 from 6–8 PM, where VCA is generously hosting an evening of cozy hot cocoa, snacks, holiday crafts for kids, festive photos with Santa and your pet, raffle baskets, Scentsy goodies, sugar-sweet treats, a BARCS information table, and plenty more to brighten the season.
Santa Paws: Pets with Santa
Sat, Dec 13 ∙ 11 am – 1 pm
Charles Village Pub, Patio & Rooftop (Towson, MD)
Bring your furry friends for pictures with Santa and join in our most Festive Pet Contest!
**Welcome to Santa Paws: Pets with Santa!**
Join us on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Charles Village Pub & Patio in Towson for a festive event with your furry friends. Bring your pets to meet Santa Claus and take adorable holiday photos! Enjoy a fun day filled with pet-friendly treats. Don’t miss this paw-some opportunity to celebrate the holidays with your beloved pets!
Please RSVP so we can estimate the turnout.
– Pictures with Santa are free of charge.
– Take part in our Most Festive Pet Costume Contest!
We hope to see you there!
Chasing Pets 2nd Annual Grinchmas
Sat, Dec 13 ∙ 11 am – 2 pm
Robbies Bar and Grill (Sparrows Point, MD)
It’s that time again!
Join us for Chasing Pets LLC’s 2nd Annual Grinchmas!
Vendors • Food & Drinks • Flash Tattoos • Adoptable Pups • Pup Cups • Raffle Baskets • Pool Tournament
Vendors: 11AM-2PM
Grinch Photos: 11AM–1PM
Best Dressed Pet Contest: 1:15PM
(Win a $50 PetSmart Gift Card!)
All friendly, leashed dogs are welcome to meet Mr. Grinch! Donations will be accepted for Adopt a Homeless Animal Rescue Inc
Come have some holiday fun for a great cause!
Christmas Pet Photos with Santa
Sat, Dec 13 ∙ 11 am – 3 pm
Meadows Farms Nurseries (Burtonsville, MD)
Get ready for some festive fun! Bring your furry friends (and your family, too!) for holiday photos with Santa. Capture the magic of the season while helping support CHARM Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to saving lives and finding forever homes for animals in need.
Photos by @lisarobinphotography
What to expect:
• Professional photos with Santa
• Holiday treats for pets and people
• Fun raffles and rescue merch
• Meet adoptable dogs and learn how you can foster or volunteer
Pets with Santa
Sun, Dec 14 ∙ 12 pm – 2 pm
El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen (Baltimore, MD)
Bring your furry friends and join the holiday fun in El Bufalo’s heated tent! $10 tickets include a photo with Santa, and proceeds go to BARCS to benefit dogs & cats in need. Enjoy brunch with bottomless drinks, a special dog & human menu, and a festive photo opportunity with Santa!
Santa Paws and Reindog Pawrade
Sat, Dec 20 ∙ 12 pm – 2 pm
Christmas Village (Baltimore, MD)
BARCS is bringing the Reindog Pawrade to the Christmas Village in Baltimore! Join us for a dog parade and photos with Santa.
Happy Holidays from Ready Pet Go!
We hope this guide has inspired you to go out and create some special memories with your pup this holiday season. Whether it’s getting festive photos with Santa, romping together at a light walk, or socializing at a yappy hour, sharing holiday joy with your furry friend makes the season all the brighter. Be sure to check our site for more local activities as dates are finalized. Wishing you and your dog the very best holidays ahead – enjoy every precious moment together!
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