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! Plan your trip now to visit family-friendly spots bursting with vibrant colors, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer.
Merriweather District Tree Lighting and Ice Rink Opening - November 21st, 2025 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Kick-off the Merri-est time of the year with a holiday celebration in Color Burst Park! Join the Merriweather District community for the Annual Tree Lighting celebration and opening of the Color Burst Park ice rink.
This year’s Merriweather Tree Lighting will take place at 7PM and the celebration features festive music, hot cocoa from The Charmery, and a special performance by the Columbia Figure Skating Group.
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.
B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden - November 28th, 2025 to Jan 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 - November 29th to 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!
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!
Michael J's Toy Mountain - December 6th, 2025 at 10AM - 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.
Bollman Bridge Lighting - December 6th, 2025 at 6PM
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive kick-off at the Bollman Bridge Lighting! Local government officials will be visiting to celebrate and spread a little extra holiday magic as this historic landmark is lit up for the holiday season.
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 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.
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 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!
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 DC, Baltimore, and BWI Airport, you have easy access to explore the entire Capital Region. Whether you want to tour the iconic monuments in Washington DC, 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.
