November in Howard County, Maryland, is the peak time for a wonderful fall getaway, and the perfect time to make holiday plans. Breathe in the crisp fall air while enjoying enchanting festivities and opportunities for family fun. As the fall season transitions into the holiday spirit, this charming county offers many events and activities to keep you entertained.
This month is filled with exciting events, from holiday celebrations to live music, craft markets, and wellness activities. So, let's dive into the excitement that awaits you in Howard County this November!
Fall Festivals and Events
November 1st, 2024, 7:00PM - 10PM: Savage Fall Dance at Carroll Baldwin Hall
Come hear the retro-country sound of Karen Collins and the Backroads Band and join in dancing on the beautiful wooden floors at the historic Carroll Baldwin Hall! A dance lesson will be available from 7:00-7:30 pm. Tickets $10 cash at the door.
November 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2024, 9AM - 5PM (Ends at 4PM on Sunday): Howard County Crafts Spectacular
Explore handmade treasures and art made by over 375 featured artists at the Howard County Crafts Spectacular at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland. Attendees can enjoy free door prizes, free gift wrapping, package checking, free parking, free courtesy shuttles back to your vehicle. Catch entertaining Magic Shows on Saturday & Sunday at 11am and 12:30pm. Admission $5 or $7 for a multi-day pass. Children under 10 get free admission
November 2nd, 2024, 7:30PM: Rebirth performed by the Columbia Orchestra
Experience an evening of enchanting and thought provoking live music with The Columbia Orchestra at the Jim Rouse Theatre for the powerful and compelling performance entitled “Rebirth”.
Pumpkin Catapult at Clark's Elioak Farm
November 2nd & 3rd, 2024: Pumpkin Chucking Weekend at Clark’s Elioak Farm
Give your pumpkin the ending it deserves with a special pumpkin launching catapult at Clark’s Elioak Farm. Celebrate a great day with your family while taking place in a 20-year tradition on the farm. Bring your own pumpkin or use one of theirs and see how far it will fly!
November 2nd, 2024, 6PM - 10PM: 27th Annual Celebration of the Arts
Support the arts in Howard County at this wonderful annual celebration of the arts being held at Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on artwork from the Art Auction and indulge in the delicious creations of some of Howard County’s best culinary artists. Enjoy entertainment from Howard County’s best performing artists as part of the Rising Star Competition. Tickets are available for $50 and $100 (includes the performance).
November 7th, 2024, Northern Italian Wine Dinner at The Elkridge Furnace Inn
Enjoy the rich flavors of Italian cuisine this November with a wine dinner at The Elkridge Furnace Inn that will take your senses on a trip to Northern Italy!
November 9th & 10th, 2024: Maryland Fleece & Alpaca Festival
Come experience this great fall festival with live animals, fiber, FREE demos, and FREE seminars being held at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Whether you knit, crochet, spin, weave, or just love to shop, there is something for you. Stock up now for your winter projects with unique yarns and fibers from alpaca, wool, mohair, and angora rabbit, and all blends in between. Find those one-of-a-kind project supplies, get new ideas, and learn creatively!
November 15th 2024 - January 12th, 2025: Toby’s Dinner Theatre Presents The Sound of Music
Come experience one of the most beloved musicals of all time at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Maryland! Enjoy the incredible performance and a delicious meal at this unforgettable musical dining experience.
November 16th 2024: "Pull Up A Chair and Share" at the African Art Museum of Maryland (AAMM)
Join in meaningful discussions about the richness of African heritage and artwork from 1PM - 3PM at the African Art Museum of Maryland.
November 21st, 2024: Native American Wine Dinner at The Elkridge Furnace Inn
Experience a culinary celebration featuring Native American cuisine paired with carefully selected American wines at The Elkridge Furnace Inn.
Fall Flavors at The Food Market Columbia
Fall Feasts & Thanksgiving Events
Celebrate fall flavors with local delicacies, farm produce, and great dining options for your family gatherings. Enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving with Howard County feasting opportunities!
This November 28th from 12PM - 6PM, gather with family and friends to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving Buffet at Alexandra’s Restaurant with all your holiday favorites, but without the fuss of preparing it yourself! You can also order their “Turkey-To-Go” option to enjoy your family feast at home.
This Thanksgiving, treat your friends and family to the unforgettable Chef’s Table Dinner Experience at The Blackwall Barn & Lodge. Enjoy a worry-free Thanksgiving dinner as you enjoy a farm-fresh family style meal in a cozy private dining room. Gather a minimum of 8 guests to enjoy the delicious menu they have prepared that features options like roasted beet salad, bacon-wrapped seared scallops, and lemon chicken linguine.
Victoria’s Gastro Pub has Thanksgiving covered with mains and sides ready to order before November 20th. This year their menu features cider brined turkey, stout braised beef, and citrus sweet potato puree. Bring home a little luxury for this year’s Thanksgiving meal when you enjoy it in Howard County!
On November 27th, find a little pre-Thanksgiving excitement and prepare for your big feast at The Collective - Encore with a Thanksgiving Eve Celebration, with energizing performances from Sons of Pirates and the Big Buffett Beach Band that will make you feel like you’re enjoying margaritas at the beach.
Foodies will love the fall feasting available in Koreatown and Columbia. Find unique fall flavors at places like The Food Market Columbia and Bonchon Ellicott City.
Craft Beverages
This November, explore the #HowardOnTap Brew Trail taking you through the incredible collection of distilleries and breweries Howard County has to offer! Find exciting events at Lost Ark Distilling Co. or swing by GameOn bar+arcade for games and cocktails in the Merriweather District. Plan a trip to catch a show at The Reckless Shepherd Brewery with your friends and try one of their specialty fall craft beverages and delicious dining options!
On November 1st, 2024 from 2 - 5 PM stop by Manor Hill Brewing for the First Friday + Ravens Rally event where you can meet the Raven's Mascot and cheerleaders! The next day, (November 2nd, 2024) Manor Hill Brewing will have a chance to meet with Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue for horse petting and pictures between 12 - 4PM.
Tree Lighting at Color Burst Park
Holiday & Winter Events:
November and December are filled with enchantment as all of Howard County begins celebrating the winter holiday season. Find family-friendly activities, magical light displays, and chances to meet Santa Claus himself!
Tree Lighting & Ice Rink Opening: November 22nd 5:30PM
Get ready for the Merri-est time of year at the Merriweather District in Columbia! Visit Color Burst Park on November 22nd at 5:30PM for the Annual Tree Lighting and celebration of the Ice Rink reopening for the 2024-2025 season.
Howard County Arts Council Holiday Maker Mart: November 23 - December 5th
FInd unique handmade wares for holiday gift giving at the Annual Holiday Maker Mart organized by Howard County Arts Council. This holiday pop-up shop will feature incredible local art pieces.
Merriweather Symphony of Lights: November 29th 2024 - January 4th 2025
Come get dazzled by over 300,000 bulbs at the spectacular Merriweather Symphony of Lights! This family oriented event has been enjoyed for over 25 years and features new displays every season. Purchase your tickets in advance to drive through ($25 per vehicle) or walk through ($12-$15 per person) this unforgettable experience at the Merriweather Post Pavilion with your friends and family this holiday season!
Savage Yuletide Festival: November 30th, 2024 - December 22nd, 2024
Experience small business specials and historic holiday charm at the Savage Mill Yuletide Festival. This is the perfect stop for your holiday shopping and gift preparations! Enjoy the Holiday Makers Market, live music, historic walking tours, and meetings with Santa, as you take in the warmth and wonder of the beautiful lights and decorations.
Wellness
Stay healthy and balanced in November with events like the Clarksville Farmer's Market and meeting cuddly farm animals at Mary's Land Farm. Enjoy the beauty of the fall foliage by taking a hike in locations like Patapsco Valley State Park and other parks and playgrounds around the county.
Take some time to unwind with a good book from Backwater Books in Historic Ellicott City, where you can order a drink to accompany your next relaxing read.
Stay Overnight
To fully immerse yourself in the November magic of Howard County, consider staying overnight at one of the local hotels, including Comfort Suites Columbia Gateway. This way, you can make the most of your visit and explore all the wonderful experiences the county has to offer.
Howard County, Maryland, is the place to be in November. With a mix of holiday festivities, live music, family-friendly events, workshops, and wellness activities, there's something for everyone. So, gather your loved ones and make the most of this delightful time in Howard County. Don't forget to check the events page for more details and plan your visit today!
