Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Bel Air: Parade, Tree Lighting, Festive Displays

BEL AIR, MD — There are plenty of things going on around Bel Air and across Harford County to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

A menorah lighting in Bel Air includes the Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Shamrock Park, Lee Way and Hickory Avenue.

Christmas parades, often complete with Santa Claus, festively decorated floats and marching bands, are a holiday tradition, both nationally and locally. Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a bucket list item for many families. If you can’t be in New York City, the parade will be livestreamed on NBC and Peacock, the network’s streaming service, from 8:30 a.m. to noon Eastern Time.

Parades in Bel Air may not be able to match that in size, but the heart behind them is just as big. On Dec. 3 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. will be the Bel Air Christmas parade and tree lighting along with holiday music, food trucks and more.

Holiday lighting displays are another holiday favorite. Some to catch in Harford County include:

The Cedar Lane holiday light show at 1111 Cedar Lane will kick off Dec. 2 starting at 5:30 p.m. The light show is held annual as a fundraiser for JDRF.

Winter Wonderland in Bel Air includes a light display nightly from 5 to 11 p.m. now through Jan. 6 in historic downtown Bel Air.