December Things To Do in 2025 in Howard County, Maryland
December in Howard County is filled with cozy moments, twinkling lights, and holiday magic for all ages! Explore bustling makers markets and winter-woodland walks on your December visit. Wrap up 2025 with events, shopping, and a perfect holiday retreat close to home.
Howard County, Maryland is just a short drive from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania making it the perfect place for a winter escape without a long trip.
HoCo Holidays are waiting for you with exciting family-friendly activities and festive events for a visit you won’t forget. This is your guide to December in Howard County, Maryland: where every visit comes with a little extra holiday magic.
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Holiday Lights in Howard County
Light up your month with seasonal glow throughout Howard County.
Historic Ellicott City has been lit up from top to bottom with storefront displays, giant garlands, and sparkling lights throughout Main Street. Find small town shopping and great dining accompanied by historic charm. Catch some of the magic at the Annual Holiday Train Garden at the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum.
Down the road, Savage Mill offers its own winter magic at the annual Savage Mill Yuletide. Elegant decorations make the perfect background for your photos with Santa, and nearby the historic Bollman Truss Bridge has been transformed into an iconic glowing wonderland wrapped in seasonal lights, perfect for photos and evening walks.
In Columbia, the holidays shimmer lakeside as the Columbia Lakefront glows with decorated trees, twinkling pathways, and waterfront reflections that feel straight out of a postcard. And nearby, one of the region’s most beloved traditions returns: The Merriweather Symphony of Lights, a drive-through (and walk-through!) experience featuring animated displays and more than 300,000 bulbs of pure holiday joy.
Find more light displays using the Howard County Holiday Lights map.
Local Shopping & Makers Markets
Looking for something special to surprise your friends and family this holiday season? Explore Howard County’s charming mix of local shops and artisan experiences to find gifts that are as thoughtful as they are memorable. Wander through Savage Mill, Maple Lawn, and Historic Ellicott City to support small businesses and discover handmade treasures, or plan a day at The Mall in Columbia for great deals and a wide selection of favorite brands.
Plus find Maker’s Marts and Holiday Craft Markets throughout December with handmade goods and artisan gifts.
No matter where you shop in Howard County, you can get cash back rewards at participating businesses! Download the Local HoCo Open Rewards app between November 29th - December 31st, 2025 for exclusive perks! New users get a $5 bonus just for signing up and shoppers automatically get double points on all purchases at participating businesses (10% cash back instead of 5%).
Color Burst Park Ice Rink in the Merriweather District
Winter Highlights
Warm up at one of Howard County’s cozy cafés or bakeries, then step into the season with frosty fun happening all month long.
Color Burst Park Ice Rink
December 2025 & January 2026
Merriweather District
Lace up your skates at the Color Burst Park Ice Rink in the Merriweather District. Reserve your ticket through December and January for afternoon fun and twinkling evening skates.
Mother Goose Production
December 6th - 14th, 2025
Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center
Celebrate the arts with Mother Goose, a whimsical production at the Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center running December 6–14.
Frozen Fest
December 13th & 14th, 2025 at 9AM - 2:30PM
Robinson Nature Center
Find family friendly frozen fun for everyone at the Frozen Fest at Robinson Nature Center. Perfect for little learners looking for hands on winter learning.
Columbia Concert Band Winter Concert
December 13th, 2025 at 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
River Hill High School, Columbia, MD
Join the Columbia Concert Band for a merry and bright program of festive originals and holiday favorites. This performance is FREE and fun for the whole family!
Merriweather District Holiday Market
Holiday Events in Howard County
From festive performances, tree lightings, and community celebrations, Howard County’s holiday season is packed with events to enjoy. Plus Santa Claus is coming to town for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. Be sure to explore our full HoCo Holiday Events Guide for the complete lineup!
Here’s a glimpse of the magic you’ll find this December.
Midnight Madness and Tree Lighting
Dec 5th, 2025 5:30PM - Midnight
Historic Ellicott City, MD
Get ready to make your holiday season merry and bright! Kick off Midnight Madness in Tiber Park at 5:30PM with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring Santa Claus himself, then spend a frosty and fun evening exploring one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants decked in holiday decorations! Don’t miss out on this festive tradition!
Michael J's Toy Mountain
December 6th, 2025 at 10AM - 2PM
Howard County Welcome Center, Ellicott City, MD
This holiday season, help WPOC and Michael J build a Toy Mountain to support local children through Toys for Tots! Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Howard County Welcome Center by December 6th, or join us live on Saturday until 2pm.
A Crooner's Christmas featuring Good Shot Judy
December 7th, 2025
Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, MD
Good Shot Judy plays tribute to the Classic Christmas Crooner hits from artists like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and many more with their 10-piece high-octane swing band. This is sure to be a swingin' good holiday show. Cash Bar & Lite Fare available for purchase. Show is open to all ages, tickets are required.
Main Street Chanukah Celebration
December 16, 2025·Tue, 6:00 PM (EST)
Historic Ellicott City, MD
Celebrate the light of Chanukah in the heart of Ellicott City! Enjoy a fire show, live music, crafts, inflatables, and classic Chanukah treats. All are welcome.
Holly Jolly Holiday Spectacular
December 15th, 16th, & 17th, 2025
The Collective Encore in Columbia, MD
Enjoy legendary music from all-star performers and merry-makers with a performance at The Collective Encore in Columbia, Maryland! This holiday benefit show will be supporting Blossoms of Hope and features the talents of Todd Wright, Jon Carroll, Cal Everett, Juliet Lloyd, and more!
Find more holiday activities at HoCoHolidays.com
New Year's Eve Events
As 2025 comes to a close, Howard County comes alive with celebrations ranging from elegant champagne toasts to lively late-night parties. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated dinner, a music-filled night out, or a family-friendly countdown, there’s a perfect event for you to welcome 2026 in HoCo.
Explore our New Year’s Eve Guide for the complete lineup of events, hotel packages, and celebrations to help you ring in the new year.
Stay & Play in Howard County, Maryland!
Make your season bright with memory making throughout the heart of Maryland. With festive events, sparkling lights, and joyful experiences throughout the season, December is the perfect time to plan a holiday escape to Howard County. Book your stay, explore our welcoming towns, and make unforgettable memories this winter. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you.
