Can you feel the HoCo holiday season coming around the corner? Perhaps you hear the sound of jingle bells in the distance, and the sweet smells of gingerbread and peppermint in the air.
That means it’s time for holiday shopping, festive feasting, and of course a traditional visit with Santa Claus for a photo! Whether you were Naughty or Nice this year, you can spot Santa and get a photo with him as he visits Howard County, Maryland, throughout November and December. Be sure to check with businesses in advance to confirm details and Santa’s arrival time.
Find Santa visits in Columbia, Ellicott City, Savage, and more! Make it a full and festive day with winter events, special holiday offers, and Christmas lights and activities across the county. With so many fun things to do you’ll want to book at one of the beautifully decorated hotels to extend your holiday stay.
Santa Photo Ops and Magical Visits in Howard County
Santa Meet & Greets in Howard County
Photos with Santa at Manor Hill Brewing
Dates: November 28th (9AM - 7PM), December 6th (9AM - 2PM), December 7th (10AM - 6PM), December 14th 2025 (10AM - 6PM) (All dates by appointment only)
Times: The farm and tasting room will be open from 12-7pm. Photo times are by reservation only.
Join Manor Hill Brewing for their annual Black Friday Celebration on November 28th, 2025 and kick off the holiday season on their beautiful farm! Enjoy 13 farm-brewed beers, indoor seating, a covered tent, and plenty of outdoor space to spread out.
Photos with Santa are available on select dates in November and December in the Private Event Barn, right behind the brewery and next to the goats and chickens. Book your photo with Santa in advance, enjoy a beer with pizza and gelato, and visit with the friendly farm animals for this unique holiday photo opportunity.
Midnight Madness in HIstoric Ellicott City
Midnight Madness and Tree Lighting in Historic Ellicott City (with Santa as a special guest!)
Date: December 5th, 2025
Time: Tree Lighting at 5:30PM
Gather on December 5th for the Annual Midnight Madness event in Historic Ellicott City. Kick off the event with a community Tree Lighting Ceremony in Tiber Park at 5:30PM featuring Santa Claus! Enjoy a frosty and fun evening exploring Main Street and stopping at one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants decked in holiday delights.
Breakfast with Santa and the Wilde Lake Community Association
Dates: December 6th, 2025
Times: 9AM - 12PM
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, watch classic holiday cartoons, and take a special photo with Santa at the Slayton House in Wilde Lake. Kids can also visit the Secret Santa Shop for some festive shopping (prices range from 50 cents to 10 dollars). Tickets are $15 per person, including breakfast and one photo with Santa.
Meet Santa at the Reckless Shepherd Maker's Market
Dates: December 6th, 2025
Times: 11AM - 2PM
Join us for a holly-jolly afternoon of festive fun at Reckless Shepherd Brewery. Enjoy free photos with Santa (12 PM – 2 PM) and shopping at a unique Makers Market, featuring specialty gifts, crafts, and holiday goodies. Kids can enjoy free crafts and games, and the whole family can cozy up with hot cocoa and enjoy delicious food & drinks from Reckless Shepherd’s kitchen and bar. Admission is free for the whole family! (Please note: a food purchase is required.)
Breakfast with Santa at Smashing Grapes
Dates: December 6th, 2025
Times: 9:30AM - 12PM
Whether you've been naughty or nice, now is your chance to meet Santa at Smashing Grapes in the Merriweather District. Santa’s coming to town on December 6th and he’s bringing pancakes, crafts, and all the holiday cheer. Perfect timing to enjoy the Merriweather District Holiday Market!
Free Photos with Santa- Pups too! At Black Flag Brewing Co.
Dates: December 7th, 2025
Times: 12PM - 3PM
Enjoy your favorite brew while getting your annual photo with Santa at The Black Flag Brewing Co. Bring your furry friends for a photo with Santa Paws! Keep an eye out for the sneaky Grinch. Come for the cheer, stay for the beer.
Breakfast with Santa at the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department
Dates: December 7th, 2025
Times: 8AM - 12PM
Meet the holly jolly man himself, and some hometown heroes at this special holiday breakfast, hosted by the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department.
Meet Santa at Mary's Land Farm
Dates: December 6th & 7th, 2025 & December 13th & 14th, 2025.
Times: 2M - 5PM
Bring the kids to meet Santa inside the cozy heated greenhouse at Mary's Land Farm! Enjoy holiday crafts, train rides, story time, and all the Christmas magic you'll need for a magical memory-making afternoon.
Meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus at the Savage Mill Yuletide Festival
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, from November 29th to December 21st, 2025
Time: 11AM - 3PM
Santa is making a special visit to Savage Mill at their “New Weave Commons” each weekend of the Yuletide Festival. Explore the incredible holiday decor while getting all your gift-shopping done for the season! Find a variety of local vendors, shops, and artists with gifts for everyone on your list.
Bring the whole family by for festive fun, great shopping, entertainment, and photo opportunities. You can even bring your furry family members to meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus, as Savage Mill is dog-friendly!
Breakfast with Santa at The Blackwall Barn & Lodge
Date: December 20th, 2025
Time: 9:30AM - 12PM
Reserve your spot for a delicious brunch with pancakes, crafts, holiday cheer: and Santa himself! Enjoy a festive breakfast and your chance to get the perfect holiday photos with Santa at The Blackwall Barn & Lodge in Merriweather District, Columbia.
Santa Brunch at Alexandra’s Restaurant at Turf Valley Resort
Date: December 7th, 14th, & 21st, 2025
Times: Seatings at 9AM, 9:30AM, 11:15AM, 11:45PM, 1:30PM, 2PM, 3:45PM & 4:15PM. Reservations required.
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive brunch at Alexandra's Restaurant! Savor a delightful buffet that's perfect for everyone, and don’t miss your chance to visit Santa in the Fairway Lounge. $58 for Adults, $28 for Children (Ages 4-11), Ages 3 & Under Free. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.
Brunch & Dinner with Santa at The White Oak Tavern
Brunch Details:
Dates: December 6th, December 13th, December 20th, December 21st (10AM), 2025
Times: 11:30AM - 3PM
Dinner Details:
Dates: December 16th, December 17th, December 18th, 2025
Times: 5PM - 8PM
Experience a magical holiday brunch or dinner with Santa at The Tavern! This is your perfect opportunity to try this year's winter menu at The White Oak Tavern this December. Get your Christmas photo while enjoying a delicious holiday meal with the ones who matter most.
The Santa Project with Blossoms of Hope
Ho Ho Ho! Santa is coming! Thanks to generous sponsors in our community and the team at Blossoms of Hope, Santa and his elves help spread holiday cheer to the community with a bag of goodies, a naughty and nice list, and warm smiles for everyone. 2025 information coming soon!
Must-See Holiday Events in Howard County
While you're visiting with Santa, plan ahead to keep the memory making going with some of these fantastic holiday and winter events in Howard County. These seasonal events are sure to leave you smiling!
Ice Rink at Color Burst Park
Color Burst Park Ice Rink Opens
Dates: Open through December & January
The popular Color Burst Park Ice Rink in the Merriweather District of Columbia, Maryland is returning for another holiday season! See the grand opening and tree-lighting ceremony on November 21st, and stop by during available dates in November and December for ice-skating fun.
Merriweather District Holiday Market
Dates: December 5th, 6th, 7th, 2025
After your photoshoot with Santa Claus, visit this unique holiday market in the Merriweather District where you can find incredible art pieces and gift ideas made by local artists.
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Dates: November 28th, 2025 - January 4th, 2026
Experience a spectacular display of more than 70 larger-than-life light creations lighting up the Merriweather Post Pavilion with magical bright sights. Drive through, or walk through on select nights! Special nights are available for families with children under 5 and even dogs and their owners!
Christmas Suite at The Turf Valley Resort
Extend Your Stay with a Holiday Hotel
After all your excitement meeting Santa Claus and exploring the holiday festivities in Howard County, you'll want to relax and unwind. Book a stay at one of the fantastic holiday hotel rooms available to keep the holiday magic alive even while you're sleeping.
Check out the variety of themed Christmas Suites available at Turf Valley Resort, where you can find the perfect room for whatever merry mood you feel. Another festive option is the gorgeously decorated DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia, where Christmas trees and wreaths fill the hotel lobby space with warmth and holiday spirit.
These decorated hotels are merry, bright, and just right for your holiday getaway in Howard County. You'll love every moment of this holiday adventure.
