It’s the most wonderful time of the year and right outside the doors of Hampton Plaza Apartments, there’s plenty to do to celebrate. Towson comes alive during the holiday season, with opportunities to shop, dine and embrace the season in every way. Whether you’re 2 or 102, there’s fun to be had in Towson this month.

Here’s a look at what’s coming up in Towson during the holiday season:

The tree-lighting is a fun family event; it starts at 6 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. It features musical and dance performances, hot chocolate and cookies and the arrival of Santa on a fire truck. Plus, of course, the main event: when the tree starts to glow.

See the Lights & Sights
Downtown Towson is a beautiful, bustling place during the holidays. This year, it will glow especially bright on Friday, December 6, when the tree in Olympic Park at Towson Circle is lit.

The magic doesn’t end with the lighting of the tree, either. Head back to downtown Towson on Friday, December 13 for Fire & Ice, a fun family night and window decorating contest for downtown businesses. Windows will be adorned with excellent decorations and there will be fire pits for the congregation. Plus, while you window shop (and regular shop) you can enjoy free hot chocolate and s’mores and might even run into a holiday personality or two.

Shop, Shop, Shop
Starting on Black Friday – November 29 – and lasting all month long, shops in downtown Towson, Dulaney Plaza and at the Towson Town Center will offer holiday season promotions and sales.

Procrastinator’s Shopping Night
Thursday, December 11, downtown Towson shops will offer specials for “Procrastinator’s Shopping Night.” The two-hour event starts at 5 p.m. After you shop, visit The Greene Turtle for free gift-wrapping (and dinner and a drink or two) and to support their annual Tips for Tots night, during which all tips earned go toward buying gifts for Toys for Tots.

Toast the Season
On Saturday, December 7, Towson Town Center welcomes local artisans for its fourth annual Local Makers Event, featuring all kinds of handmade goodies created by people from the area. The market takes place at Level 3 in the mall’s rotunda and lasts from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Ugly Sweater Happy Hour
On Thursdays in December – the 5th, 12th and 19th – don your ugliest, most festive sweater and head to happy hour in downtown Towson. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. each evening, local bars and restaurants will offer drink and food specials to people wearing their tackiest holiday gear.

Visiting the Big Guys
Who’s your favorite holiday season personality? Buddy the Elf? The Grinch? The Snow Queen? Santa Claus himself? No matter who you choose, there’s an opportunity for a meet-and-greet in Towson this season.

Santa has already made himself at home on Level 1 of the Towson Town Center. He’s there for photos through Christmas. If pictures of your pet with Santa are on your list, head to the mall on Mondays between November 19 and December 16. Each Monday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Santa will be available for fun pet pics.

Buddy the Elf and Grinch
Buddy the Elf and Grinch fans can meet their idols at Charles Village Pub on Saturday, December 7. Both characters will be there for a family-friendly breakfast; the event is from 9 a.m. to noon.

Santa will be on hand at The Point in Towson from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The first hour will be reserved for pet pics; after that, it’s time for kids to visit with Mr. Claus. The event benefits toys for Tots.

Also at The Point: on Saturday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to noon, the restaurant will host the Snow Queen for breakfast, picture and craft event.

And for breakfast with Santa himself, head to Nacho Mama’s on December 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include a breakfast buffet, a picture with Santa, a picture frame craft and a holiday cocktail for the adults. No word (yet) if Santa prefers his margaritas with or without salt…or in a hubcap.