It’s a perfect week to chill, whether that’s outside in the cold, or inside with the heat on, or somewhere in between. Here are seven things to do in Baltimore County this week.

Christmas stroll

8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day and New Years Day

Valley View Farms is always a stunner. But there may be no better time of year to visit this northern Baltimore County nursery than right now. Christmas is about more than poinsettias and firs here. The aisles are filled with twinkling lights, fun ornaments, and a sense of joy. The nursery looks beautiful if we get a snowfall, and the staff is helpful. Pick out a gift or just have a look at a winter wonderland. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day with a half-price sale on Dec. 26.

Holiday lights and history

Through Jan. 5

The Hampton National Historic Site is a former plantation that has endeavored, over the years, to take a hard look at the history of the prominent families who lived there. Through Jan. 5, the main house at Hampton will be decorated for Christmas and welcomes the public for tours. You can’t enter the mansion unless you have a ticket, so be sure to get one if you want to see this home decorated. You can also explore the vast grounds.

Holiday train garden

Through Jan. 5

The train garden at Kenilworth Mall does not disappoint, with amazing miniatures and special touches that have delighted children and adults alike for decades. It’s great to see the tiny houses and malls and bookshops nestled within the garden, but also fun to watch the children on their parents’ shoulders trying to get a better look. Another delight: the pizza at Italian Gardens and the cookies across the way and Gundalow Gourmet. The train garden is free.

Cookie decorating

2-3 p.m. Thursday

The Owings Mills Branch of the Baltimore County Library is hosting this event. Do you have any space left for cookies after Christmas? Maybe not, but who can resist an excuse to get out of the house with the children and do something fun that will not mess up your kitchen again? Take an afternoon and unleash your inner artist.

Fire trucks

12-4 p.m. Saturday

The Fire Museum of Maryland is a gem of a museum. No one will complain they are bored with this variety, which includes train gardens, fire trucks old and new, and beautiful photographs of what it was like to fight fires in days gone by. Bring your inner child as well as your children to delight in these collections. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children.

Trail walk

8 a.m. Saturday

This NCR Trail Walk begins at the Ashland Road entrance of the northern Baltimore County bike and hiking trail. The NCR Trail Snails is a Baltimore-based running club, and they organize a Christmas morning walk every year at 8 a.m. Get a jump on your New Year’s resolutions, and get outside with this fun crew.

Bluegrass concert

2:30-5:30 pm Sunday

Banjos, ukeleles, fiddles and more excite bluegrass and country music fans who love the Olde Time Jam at at Manor Mill. The setting is also fitting: a country-style mill in beautiful Monkton, lovingly restored as an arts venue. Try to carpool or arrive early as parking is tight. Free.