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!
HoCo Holiday Lights: All Season Through January 31, 2025
Explore dazzling light displays across the county with the HoCo Holidays Lights Map! This interactive guide highlights must-visit residential displays with detailed descriptions, helping you plan stops at family-friendly spots bursting with vibrant colors, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer.
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.
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.
Turf Valley Resort Holiday Events & Packages
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 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.
These Events Have Already Taken Place. Enjoy Them Next Year!
Merriweather District Tree Lighting and Ice Rink Opening
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.
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.
- Festive Families: A Walk Through Symphony of Lights
- Lit at the Lights: Walk Through with Drinks
- Tail Lights: Dog Walk Through Symphony of Lights
Small Business Saturday in historic Ellicott City
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
