what's up for the weekend: nov 18-20

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... There are TONS of events going on this weekend. So much that we're a little bummed to be out of town and missing the fun. So with a bit of envy (simply because you all get to partake in the action and we have to live vicariously through you on Facebook), we present our top 5 picks for family fun in and around Charm City this weekend:

The Polar Express at The Aquarium: The Polar Express is stopping by the National Aquarium at Baltimore this Friday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Catch a special screening of “Polar Express” in their 4D Theatre with cookies and hot chocolate, and an appearance from the Conductor  himself.

Winter Wonderland: Charm City families will be walking in a Winter Wonderland at West Shore Park from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM on Saturday. Sponsored by The Waterfront Partnership, this FREE event includes live music, 'reindeer' pony rides, gingerbread cookie decorating, holiday crafts with Port Discovery, ornament making with the Charm City Circulator team, face painting, strolling magicians, Christmas plate decorating, and the play masters from KneeBouncers! Your fav food trucks will be there too, complete with Wine Garden!

Holiday Lantern Parade: Join families and organizations from all over Baltimore at the Inner Harbor this weekend for the city's first Holiday Lantern Parade, this Saturday at 5:30 PM. Lights and luminance spark first at West Shore Park, continuing around the Harbor to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Didn't get a chance to make a lantern at one of last weekend's community workshops? No worries. You'll have another opportunity this Saturday afternoon at Winter Wonderland. {{Yes -- your kids CAN WALK in the parade. Wouldn't that be a fab way to kick off your holiday season?}}

Zoo Zoom: IT'S BACK! The 2011 running of the Zoo Zoom 8K is returning Sunday, November 20th. You and your family can run with the animals inside the Maryland Zoo. All proceeds will support The Maryland Zoo and its many conservation project efforts. Family Walk & Kid's Fun Run happens at 9:30 AM.

Charm City Kids Club Open House: Have you been wanting to check out CCKC, but haven't had the time? Stop by Sunday November 20th from 10 am- noon for a FREE open house. Sample a minishakers class, play in their play town and check out their new schedule of classes. Take advantage of great specials when you sign up that day!

PS - We really DO want to see your pics of all the fun on Facebook. Just post them to our wall!