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 plan your trip to explore excitement in Columbia, adventure in Ellicott City, and enchantment in Savage, Maryland.
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, 2025, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: 250th Anniversary of the Army Marines and Navy (Elkridge, MD)
In 2025, we proudly celebrate 250 years of the United States Army, Marine Corps, and Navy—a historic milestone that honors centuries of service and sacrifice. Join in this momentous celebration at the Belmont Manor & Historic Park to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of our nation’s military.
November 1st, 2025, 10:30 AM & 1:00 PM : Young People’s Concert with The Columbia Orchestra (Columbia, MD)
Bring the whole family on November 1st for a Young People’s Concert filled with music and imagination. The Columbia Orchestra will take you on a playful journey with the beloved tunes of Bluey and the timeless classic Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev.
Pumpkin Catapult at Clark's Elioak Farm
November 1st & 2nd, 2025: Pumpkin Chucking Weekend at Clark’s Elioak Farm (Western Howard County, MD)
Give your pumpkin the triumphant ending it deserves with a special pumpkin launching catapult at Clark’s Elioak Farm. Celebrate a great day with your family to close out the Halloween season 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 6th, 2025, 7:00 PM: Furbearers in Focus: Maryland's Mammals at Howard County Conservancy (Woodstock, MD)
Join in an engaging discussion with a Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologist at the Howard County Conservancy about local fur bearing mammals and the important role in our region’s history and culture. Make a day of it by exploring the area’s scenic trails before the event.
November 7th, 2025 - January 4th, 2026: Elf The Musical at Toby’s Dinner Theatre (Columbia, MD)
Follow the classic Christmas tale of Buddy as he helps New York remember the true meaning of Christmas and warms hearts with his playful charm. Embrace your inner elf this holiday season and join in the celebration!
November 8th & 9th: Maryland Fleece and Alpaca Festival 2025 (West Friendship, MD)
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 creative skills!
November 8th, 2025 at 9PM - 12AM: The Reagan Years 80’s tribute band performs at Reckless Shepherd Brewing Co. (Columbia, MD)
Get ready to rock all night long at the Reckless Shepherd Brewing Co. as The Reagan Years bring the unforgettable sounds of the 1980s to life with spot-on renditions of iconic Pop, Rock, New Wave, and Heavy Metal hits.
Fall Flavors at The Elkridge Furnace Inn & Garden House
November 13th, 2025, 6:30PM - 9:30PM: Normandy Regional Wine & Spirits Dinner at The Elkridge Furnace Inn & Garden House (Elkridge, MD)
Enjoy an elegant evening exploring the tastes of Normandy, featuring France's finest wines and spirits paired with exquisite regional cuisine at The Elkridge Furnace Inn & Garden House.
November 15th, 2025, 6:30PM - 8:30PM: An Evening with Nashville Songwriters at Turf Valley Resort (Ellicott City, MD)
Join in a special evening on November 15th at Turf Valley Resort, where hit songwriter Mark Irwin and rising country artist Mark Taylor bring the heart of Nashville to Ellicott City. Enjoy original songs, hear the stories behind the lyrics, and experience an intimate night of music and storytelling.
November 16th, 2025, 12:00PM - 3:00PM: Chai Indian Tea at The Elkridge Furnace Inn & Garden House (Elkridge, MD)
Cozy up for the perfect fall afternoon with chai and friends at The Elkridge Furnace Inn & Garden House. Prepare for delicious tea, tasty treats, and great conversation!
November 16th, 2025, 5:30PM: Disney Bingo & Milkshakes at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar (Historic Ellicott City, MD)
Grab a sweet milkshake and join in a day of Disney filled fun! Put your Disney knowledge to the test and win playful Disney themed prizes. This is the perfect event for the old, the young, or the young at heart. All ages are welcome!
November 21st, 2025, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Murder Mystery Night at Turf Valley Resort (Ellicott City, MD)
Step into an evening of intrigue at Turf Valley Resort with an Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner, hosted by The Dinner Detective, America’s largest interactive murder mystery show. Enjoy a delicious meal while unraveling clues and uncovering secrets. Make it a night to remember with a special package for an overnight stay that includes your tickets, accommodations, and breakfast for two at Alexandra’s American Fusion.
November 22nd, 2025, 11AM: Unwind and Uncork Yoga at Penn Oaks Winery
Stretch and sip your way into the weekend with a relaxing yoga session and wine tasting at the beautiful venue at Penn Oaks Winery.
November 22nd, 2025, 7:30PM - 10:30PM: Musical Aviary with the Columbia Orchestra
Take flight with a concert celebrating music’s winged inspirations. Enjoy Respighi’s The Birds, Weber’s lively Bassoon Concerto, and Haydn’s playful “Hen” Symphony for an evening filled with charm, character, and musical wit.
Fall Feasts & Thanksgiving Events
Discover fall flavors with delicious local dining, farm produce, and great group-dining options for your family gatherings. Enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving with Howard County feasting opportunities!
Celebrate Thanksgiving on November 22, 2025 in Howard County with a Farm Friendsgiving Dinner at Mary’s Land Farm that captures the heart of harvest season. Guests will savor a farm-to-table feast featuring locally raised meats, seasonal produce, and artisan flavors, all enjoyed in the warm glow of a countryside evening.
November 27th, 2025, from 12PM - 5PM, gather with family and friends to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving Buffet at Alexandra’s American Fusion 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.
Enjoy fine dining at The King’s Contrivance with their warm and welcoming Thanksgiving Menu for 2025. Featuring fall flavors like a roasted butternut squash soup with maple cinnamon cream, roast turkey dinner with sausage-sage dressing, and delicious whipped sweet potatoes. Seatings are available from 12 - 7PM.
Escape the hustle and bustle with cozy charm at Blackwall Barn & Lodge this Thanksgiving. Explore a holiday menu for their thanksgiving buffet that will deliver an unforgettable dining experience with a carving station, a seafood station, and delicious sides all included! If you’re hosting at home, consider their Thanksgiving to-go option!
For the perfect opportunity to catch up and chill out, check out the annual Thanksgiving Eve Bash at White Oak Tavern. On November 26th, 2025 you can enjoy craft cocktails and good company all night long. Live music will begin at 8PM featuring Mallow Hill.
Fall Feasting at Victoria Gastro Pub
Victoria Gastro Pub has Thanksgiving covered with mains and sides ready to order before November 20th, 2025. This year their menu features cider brined turkey, maple mustard glazed ham, and roasted balsamic brussel sprouts. Bring home a little luxury for this year’s Thanksgiving meal when you enjoy it in Howard County!
Stock up before your feasts at a Thanksgiving themed Farmers Market at The Clarksville Commons on November 22nd, 2025. Find all sorts of locally made goods and farm fresh additions to complete your dinner table, or to make perfect holiday gift ideas!
Adventurous 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 and great bites at Sapwood Cellars 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!
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!
Color Burst Park Tree Lighting & Ice Rink Opening: November 21st at 5:30 - 8:30PM
Get ready for the Merri-est time of year at the Merriweather District in Columbia! Visit Color Burst Park on November 21st at 5:30PM for the Annual Tree Lighting (7PM). This year’s celebration features festive music, hot cocoa from The Charmery, and a special performance by the Columbia Figure Skating Group on the Color Burst Ice Rink.
The Color Burst Ice Rink in the Merriweather District will open for the winter season on November 21st, 2025. Expect to experience plenty of winter fun with regular themed events, as well as music and pop-up food and beverage vendors. Reserve your tickets online in advance for $12 per person + tax.
Mistletoe at Midday Maker’s Mart at Robinson Nature Center: November 22nd, 2025
Shop for sustainable wares and handmade goods at vendors both inside and outside of the Robinson Nature Center! Find the perfect handmade gift for everyone on your list. $3 for admission, which includes exploration of the nature center exhibits.
Merriweather Symphony of Lights: November 29th 2025 - January 3rd 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!
Don’t miss out on special event dates in November with Lit at the Lights (Nov 28th, 2025) and Festive Families (Nov 30th, 2025).
Savage Yuletide Festival: Saturdays & Sundays, November 29th, 2025 - December 21st, 2025
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.
Find more festive events and gift ideas in Howard County on the HoCo Holidays Page!
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!
