Arts and culture

Photo rewind: Sights and scenes from the holiday season

Published 12/23/2022 11:19 a.m. EST, Updated 12/23/2022 5:51 p.m. EST

Fireworks ignite the sky at the 51st Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon Thursday night, kicking off the start of December’s holiday season, seen from Topside in hotel Revival in Baltimore.
Fireworks ignite the sky at the 51st Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)

From the Washington Monument lighting, the Today’s Show’s feature on 34th street to the lighting of the menorah at the Inner Harbor, here are a selection of the best holiday photos from The Baltimore Banner staff and freelancers.

Hundreds of people gather to celebrate the 51st lighting of theMount Washington Monument in Baltimore City, Md., on December 1st, 2022.

Hundreds of people gather to celebrate the 51st lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon. (Paul Newson/The Baltimore Banner)

The Today Show filmed a live segment on Hampden's famous 34th street on December 7, 2022. Baltimore Hon Kendra Keizer takes a selfie in the snow.

Baltimore Hon Kendra Keizer takes a selfie in the snow during a live segment on The Today Show featuring Hampden’s famous 34th Street. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)

Menorah in Baltimore's McKeldin Square, Sunday, December 18, 2022.

The menorah in Baltimore’s McKeldin Square. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)

Every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas, Todd Coleman and Mike Santoro dress as Santa, strap Christmas Trees on their bikes, fill their backpacks with pulled pork sandwiches and deliver them to various neighborhoods.

Every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas, Todd Coleman and Mike Santoro dress as Santa, strap Christmas Trees on their bikes, fill their backpacks with pulled pork sandwiches and deliver them to various neighborhoods. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)

Kayla Howard, of Baltimore, looks at a pickle Ornament at Myroslavas Creations at Baltimore’s Christmas Village, Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Kayla Howard of Baltimore looks at a pickle ornament at Myroslavas Creations at Baltimore’s Christmas Village. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)

Tuba, sousaphone, and euphonium players play through a piece of music during the 37th TubaChristmas at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, in Baltimore, Saturday, December 17, 2022

Tuba, sousaphone, and euphonium players play through a piece of music during the 37th TubaChristmas at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)

Richard Spittel, of Baltimore, performs with other musicians through a piece of music during the 37th TubaChristmas at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, in Baltimore, Saturday, December 17, 2022

Richard Spittel of Baltimore performs with other musicians through a piece of music during the 37th TubaChristmas at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)

A Shalom drink coaster and a number of dreidels are arranged in a Hanukkah scene inside Baltimore's City Hall.

A Shalom drink coaster and a number of dreidels are arranged in a Hanukkah scene inside Baltimore’s City Hall. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)

The Today Show filmed a live segment on Hampden's famous 34th street on December 7, 2022.

The Today Show filmed a live segment on Hampden’s famous 34th street. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)

Jimmy Pelletier, from DC Wheels Charity, wows the crowds with skateboard moves at Hampden's Annual Holiday Parade on December 4, 2022.

Jimmy Pelletier, from the DC Wheels Charity Team, wows the crowds with skateboard moves at Hampden’s Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)

Scenes from Hampden's Annual Holiday Parade on December 4, 2022.

Scenes from Hampden’s Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)

A kinara holds seven candles for Kwanzaa celebrations in a display inside Baltimore's City Hall.

A kinara holds seven candles for Kwanzaa celebrations in a display inside Baltimore’s City Hall. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)

A house is for sale on Baltimore's famous 34th Street, home to the Christmas lights tradition where the entire block is lit up. Longtime resident Patsy Dailey passed away and a memorial sits on her porch of the home which is now for sale.

A house is for sale on Baltimore's famous 34th Street, home to the Christmas lights tradition where the entire block is lit up. Longtime resident Patsy Dailey passed away and a memorial sits on her porch of the home which is now for sale. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)

Cassidy Reigel poses for a portrait at Baltimore School for the Arts, in Baltimore, Tuesday, December 13, 2022.

Cassidy Reigel poses for a portrait at Baltimore School for the Arts. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)

The Today Show filmed a live segment on Hampden's famous 34th street on December 7, 2022. Mayor Brandon Scott takes selfies with residents and speaks on Baltimore's local gem.

Mayor Brandon Scott takes selfies with residents and speaks about Hampden's famous 34th Street during a Today Show taping. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)

Photos are from Morton Street Dance Center's performance of The Nutcracker, cast--particularly cast members of color who are in lead positions. The Snow Queen and The Nutcracker should be highlighted. (The Prince) Armani Réy Colón Dances with (Snow Queen) NaTori Blackman-Gray.

The Prince, Armani Réy Colón, dances with Snow Queen NaTori Blackman-Gray during Morton Street Dance Center’s performance of The Nutcracker. (Kirk McKoy/The Baltimore Banner)

Santa Kevin asks Leo Phair, 5, want he wants for Christmas at Hampden's Annual Holiday Parade on December 4, 2022.

Santa Kevin asks Leo Phair, 5, want he wants for Christmas at Hampden's Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)

Fireworks ignite the sky at the 51st Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon Thursday night, kicking off the start of December’s holiday season, seen from Topside in hotel Revival in Baltimore.

Fireworks ignite the sky at the 51st Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)

The Baltimore Lighted Boat Parade moves past Canton, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

The Baltimore Lighted Boat Parade moves past Canton. (Steve Ruark for the Baltimore Banner)

Andrew Herr, who lives in Lancaster, Pa. but spends most of his weekends in Baltimore, waits in his boat at Anchorage Marina in Canton for the start of the Baltimore Lighted Boat Parade, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

Andrew Herr, who lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania but spends most of his weekends in Baltimore, waits in his boat at Anchorage Marina in Canton for the start of the Baltimore Lighted Boat Parade. (Steve Ruark for the Baltimore Banner)