Holidays in Howard County, Maryland
The holidays are a magical time to create cherished memories and traditions with your loved ones. In Howard County, Maryland, you can experience the season in a unique and memorable way. Whether you're a local resident or visiting from afar, Howard County offers a delightful array of festive activities, top-rated hotels, mouthwatering dining experiences, and local shopping opportunities that will make your holiday season truly special.
Mark Your Calendar for These Unforgettable Holiday Events in Howard County, Maryland!
HoCo Holiday Lights: All Season Through January 31, 2026
Explore dazzling light displays across the county, including the brilliant Bollman Bridge, the Columbia Lakefront, and Main Street of Historic Ellicott City! Don't miss the incredible light displays at the Merriweather Symphony of Lights!
Howard County's annual holiday lights map is now live! This is your guide to the most festive light displays across our community. See the map HERE.
Plan your trip now to visit family-friendly spots bursting with vibrant colors, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer.
Merriweather District Ice Rink
The Color Burst Ice Rink in the Merriweather District will open for the winter season on November 21st, 2025 and have times available through December and January. 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.
B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden - Open until January 4th, 2026
This holiday season, all ages are invited to enjoy the annual display of festive train models set up throughout the historic Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum. Available during normal business hours. Extend your trip with a visit to the incredible shops decorated for the holidays in Historic Ellicott City!
Savage Mill Yuletide Festival - Saturdays and Sundays until December 21st, 2025
Stop by on Saturdays and Sundays to enjoy holiday festivities as part of the Savage Mill Yuletide Festival! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting between 11AM and 3PM for fantastic photo ops. Bring your furry friends too!
The History of Santa Heim, Merryland - Available until January 9th, 2026
Visit the New Weave Building to learn the holiday history of Santa Heim; a year-round Christmas village at Savage Mill and the surrounding area that was open from 1948-1951. Explore an exhibition of historic photographs, Christmas ornaments, and other souvenirs to learn more about this festive chapter of Maryland's History.
Merriweather Symphony of Lights at Symphony Woods
This Howard County tradition returns after over 25 years of bringing joy to Columbia, MD with more than 300,000 bulbs. Set in the historic Merriweather Post Pavilion's Symphony Woods, the Symphony of Lights is a family-oriented spectacular event. Don't miss your chance to walk or drive through this iconic holiday spectacle!
Drive through dates:
- November 29th, 2025
- December 3rd - 7th, 2025
- December 9th & 10th, 2025
- December 12th 2025 - January 3rd, 2026
Walk through events:
- November 28th, 2025: Lit at The Lights
- November 30th, 2025: Festive Families
- December 8th, 2025: Tail Lights
- December 11th, 2025: Lit at The Lights
- December 31st, 2025: Midnight at 7 Celebration
Midnight Madness and Tree Lighting in Historic Ellicott City – Dec 5th, 2025 5:30PM - Midnight
Get ready to make your holiday season merry and bright! Join us on December 5th for the Annual Midnight Madness event in Historic Ellicott City. Kick off the event in Tiber Park at 5:30PM with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring Santa Claus himself! Spend a frosty and fun evening exploring one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants decked in holiday decorations! Experience the magic of Midnight Madness with sidewalk sales, festive cocktails, mouthwatering food offerings, and specials galore. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and find unique gifts for your loved ones. Don’t miss out on this festive tradition!
Here’s what’s happening along Main Street Ellicott City:
4PM: Santa at the Log Cabin
4PM - Midnight: OEC Trolley running along Main Street
4PM - 5PM: Free wine tasting at Backwater Books
5:30PM-6:00PM: Tree lighting at Tiber Park
8PM: caroling starts up the street & moves down the hill
Until 9PM: The Holiday Train Garden at B&O Ellicott City Station Museum
… And so much more holiday cheer on every corner!
See you on Main Street for the brightest, happiest night of the season.
Michael J's Toy Mountain - December 6th, 2025 at 12PM - 2PM
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.
Annual Lighting of the Bollman Truss Bridge - December 6th, 2025 at 6:00PM
Join in the holiday magic at the annual Bollman Truss Bridge Lighting in Savage Mill! The newly restored Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge is going to shine brighter than ever before, and make for the perfect holiday photographs.
Merriweather Holiday Market - December 5th, 6th, & 7th, 2025
Get festive at the Merriweather District Holiday Market featuring unique vendors, delicious treats, plus the best dining around!
Handmade Holiday & Gift Market at Turf Valley Resort - December 7th - 14th, 2025
Find the best gift ideas and handmade holiday treasures at Turf Valley Resort! Stay the night to take advantage of the Spa at Turf Valley and enjoy some well-deserved holiday pampering.
A Crooner's Christmas featuring Good Shot Judy at Turf Valley Resort - December 7th, 2025
Good Shot Judy performs at Turf Valley Resort and 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. Book an overnight stay for the best experience!
Historic Walking Tour covering Santa Heim, Merryland: Savage’s Year-Round Christmas Village - December 7th, 2025 at 2PM - 3PM
Join in a free walking tour through Savage Mill highlighting the Santa Heim years of Savage Mill and the surrounding community. This historic region once produced a third of all hand-blown Christmas ornaments sold in the U.S.!
Champagnes for the Holidays Dinner at The Elkridge Furnace Inn & Garden House - December 11th, 2025
Dine in holiday elegance and enjoy a winter meal to remember at the historic Elkridge Furnace Inn & Garden House. Tickets required.
The Clarksville Commons Holiday Market - December 13th, 2025, 9AM-1PM
It’s the very last farmers market of the year! Swing by to shop for your feasting and your gift list! Everything sold at The Clarksville Commons Market is grown, raised, produced, or handmade in the Chesapeake region. You’ll find local produce, meats, eggs, sweet & savory treats, cut flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, adult beverages, handmade crafts, and much more!
Holiday Farm Crafter's Market at Penn Oaks Winery - December 13th, 2025, 12PM - 6PM
Get into the holiday spirit at Penn Oaks Winery’s Holiday Market! Enjoy a festive day of shopping local, sipping wine, and celebrating the season with family & friends.
Hanukkah Week-Long Celebration at Lib's Grill of Maple Lawn - December 14th to December 22nd, 2025
Celebrate Hanukkah all week long with a special menu at Lib's Grill featuring traditional favorites, festive cocktails, and warm holiday vibes for all to enjoy!
The Collective Encore's Holly Jolly Holiday Spectacular - December 15th, 16th, & 17th, 2025
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!
Ugly Sweater Party at GameOn bar+arcade - December 19th, 2025 at 8PM
Games, drinks, good food, and terrible sweaters await you at the GameOn bar+arcade holiday Ugly Sweater Party! Wear your worst festive gear and find out who will have the ugliest sweater of them all.
Winter Solstice Celebration at Backwater Books - December 19th, 2025
Enjoy drink specials, activities, food, and vendors from 4-11pm on Friday December 19 at Backwater Books & Bibliopub. Pizza will be available from Dope Dough, and a story time reading of The Winter Witch will be available for children. Come see what makes winter so special in Historic Ellicott City!
Kwanzaa Market Day - December 20th, 2025
Support Black-owned businesses this holiday season at Howard County's first Kwanzaa Market Day! Meet at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center at 12PM - 2PM to shop handcrafted art, jewelry, clothing, and more!
White Oak Tavern Ugly Sweater Party - December 20th, 2025 at 4PM - 10PM
It’s that time of year when everyone brings out their favorite and most horrific Ugly Christmas Sweaters. Dust off the sparkles, pull out the reindeer antlers, and rep your ugliest Christmas sweater at White Oak Tavern for a chance to win a White Oak Gift Card!
Holiday Pops Concert with The Columbia Orchestra - December 20th, 2025 at 10:30AM and 1:00PM
Enjoy the classic sounds of the winter season with selections from The Nutcracker, Polar Express, Hanukkah favorites and more familiar festive tunes performed by The Columbia Orchestra at Jim Rouse Theatre. Whether you’re a holiday music superfan or just love a good winter celebration, this concert is a perfect way to kick off the season with warmth, joy, and a little extra sparkle.
Stella Notte's Christmas Dinner Buffet - December 22nd, 2025 at 4PM - 9PM
Enjoy a variety of delicious dining options at Stella Notte's Christmas Dinner Buffet. Enjoy starters, a carving station, entrees and desserts all in their beautifully decorated restaurant. Adults are $56.99, Children (ages 6 - 10) are $18.99. Make your reservations in advance for this special night!
Jazzy Christmas Eve at The White Oak Tavern - December 24th, 2025
Listen to jingles and jazz at The White Oak Tavern for a Christmas Eve that is cozy, memorable, and highlighted with delicious dining. Live Jazz Music available from 11AM - 2PM & 4PM - 7PM.
Find more winter and holiday events on the Visit Howard County events calendar!
Explore Beyond Howard County
One of the many advantages of spending your holidays in Howard County is its central location. Situated between Washington D.C., Baltimore, and BWI Airport, you have easy access to explore the entire Capital Region. Whether you want to tour the iconic monuments in Washington D.C., enjoy the lively atmosphere of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, or catch a flight from BWI, Howard County serves as a convenient and welcoming home base for all your holiday adventures.
This holiday season, make Howard County your destination for creating lasting memories, experiencing unique traditions, and enjoying the warmth of the community. Explore the charm of our local shops, savor delectable cuisine, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit that abounds throughout the county.
