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 Throughout the Season!

Merriweather District Tree Lighting and Ice Rink Opening – Nov 22, 2024 starting at 5:30pm

It’s the Merri-est time of the year! Join the Merriweather District community for our Annual Tree Lighting celebration and opening on the ice rink. More details coming soon!

Merriweather Symphony of Lights at Symphony Woods – Nov 29, 2024 - Jan 4, 2025

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.

Dec 1 from 5:30 - 8 pm: Festive Families: A Walk Through Symphony of Lights
Dec 3 from 6 - 10 pm: Lit at the Lights: Walk Through with Drinks
Dec 9 from 5:30 - 8 pm: Tail Lights: Dog Walk Through Symphony of Lights

Small Business Saturday in historic Ellicott City – Nov 30, starting at 9:30 am

The official kick-off begins at 9:30 am at the Little Market Cafe, which will include musical entertainment, giveaways, and special guest remarks. Grab your shopping lists and get ready to be amazed by the abundance of unique, one-of-a-kind gift possibilities in historic Ellicott City. From local art and ceramics to handmade jewelry, trendy and classic fashion, modern housewares, gourmet foods, toys and games for all ages, record albums, wines and spirits, antique treasures, and unforgettable experiences like ghost tours and axe throwing. Celebrating SMALL has never been this much fun! Join us in supporting our beloved small businesses, and let’s make today a day to remember.

Small Business Saturday at Savage Mill – Nov 30, starting at 11:00 am

The official kick-off begins at 10:30 am in The New Weave Building, which will include musical entertainment, giveaways, special guest remarks, and Santa! Grab your shopping lists and get ready to be amazed by the abundance of unique, one-of-a-kind gift possibilities at Savage Mill. From local art and ceramics to handmade jewelry, trendy and classic fashion, modern housewares, gourmet foods, toys and games for all ages, record albums, wines and spirits, antique treasures, and unforgettable experiences like ghost tours, spa treatments, fencing lessons, and artisan classes. Celebrating SMALL has never been this much fun! Join us in supporting our beloved small businesses, and let’s make today a day to remember.

Santa Photo Ops and More at Mary's Land Farm – Every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, 1PM - 7PM

After Thanksgiving, experience Mary's Land Farm in all its Christmas glory. The event pavilion will host Christmas photo-ops with Santa, crafts, bonfires, concessions, and games. The barnyard, lit and decorated for Christmas, with friendly animals of all kinds awaiting your visit. Hop on the Polar Express train or take a holiday ride on the wagon up to the animal barns, color maze, play areas and Megaslide. Activities vary by day. Please view their website for more information.

WPOC 93.1 Today's Best Country, Michael J's Toy Mountain – Dec 7, 12 - 2:00 pm

Saturday, December 7th, from 12 - 2:00 pm, 93.1 WPOC's Michael J will be at the Howard County Welcome Center in Old Ellicott City collecting toys for the @toysfortots and building Michael J's Toy Mountain. #WPOCToyMountain. Prizes, Surprises and FUN guaranteed! Bring a new, unwrapped toy, and something great will happen for you!

Savage Mill Yuletide Festival – Nov 30 to Dec 22 2024

Annual event featuring the historic Savage Mill area, including the Bollman Bridge lighting, Tree lighting at the Baldwin Common, live music, Santa Meet & Greet, and a Holiday Makers Market that kicks off on Small Business Saturday.

B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden - Nov 29 to Jan 5, 2025

This holiday season, enjoy train models set up throughout the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, including our year-round exhibit in the Freight House. Available during normal business hours.

Festive Fridays by Columbia Association - Throughout December

Celebrate the season with Festive Fridays at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront, a cherished annual tradition now in its 10th year! Stroll along the lake and enjoy ice sculptures, capture holiday memories at the themed photobooth, and experience live choral music, arts, and activities in the craft tent.

This family-friendly event offers free entry, with seasonal snacks, drinks, and S’mores kits available for purchase.

For parking, attendees are encouraged to use the upper or lower levels of the Wincopin Garage, the Lakehouse parking garage, the lots at Sterrett Place, or The Mall in Columbia. Festive Fridays run throughout December.

Midnight Madness in Ellicott City – Dec 6, 2024 starting at 5:30 pm

Get ready to make your holiday season merry and bright! Join us on December 6th for OEC’s 46th Annual Midnight Madness. Our 80+ one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants will be decking their halls and stocking their shelves with treasures that are perfect for the holiday season. 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!

Merriweather District Holiday Market – Dec 6 – 8, 2024

Local makers and artisans showcase their items. Shop local and support the community for the holiday season.

Dec 6: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Dec 7: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Dec 8: Noon – 3:00 pm

Turf Valley Resort Holiday Events & Packages

A Crooner's Christmas – Dec 1, 2024

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. Doors open at 3:30 pm and music begins at 4pm. Cash Bar & Lite Fare available for purchase. Tickets are $50 per person. Show is open to all ages, tickets are required.

Artisan Christmas Market

Visit and shop the Artisan Christmas Market at Turf Valley Resort on Sundays in December from 11 am to 2 pm.

Sunday, December 1st
Sunday, December 8th
Sunday, December 15th

The Market is open to the public and will feature handcrafted gifts, food concessions and a kid's corner. Entry is free. Shop small, shop local!

Christmas Movie Showings

Friday, December 13, 6 PM: Elf
Saturday, December 14, 6 PM: The Polar Express
Sunday, December 15, 6 PM: Dr. Suess' The Grinch
Friday, December 20, 6 PM: How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Saturday, December 21, 6 PM: Elf
Sunday, December 22, 6 PM: The Santa Clause

Santa Brunch at Turf Valley – Sundays in December

Join a jolly good time at Santa Brunch on Sundays throughout December! Santa will be there to spread holiday cheer, take photos, and listen to your Christmas wishes. Reservations required.

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. How do you HoCo? Holiday Style!