Holiday Events in Howard County, MD (2026): Lights, Tree Lightings and Markets
Photo: Preservation Maryland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Howard County does the holidays with a small-town feel: a candlelit Main Street in Ellicott City, a big light show at Merriweather and an outdoor ice rink in Columbia. Here's our 2026 list for Columbia, Ellicott City and Savage, with the dates, times, costs and addresses we checked in early November. Tap any photo to go straight to the event's page.
Before you go: holiday hours and weather can change plans, so check the event's website the day you head out.
Howard County holiday events, in date order
Merriweather District Tree Lighting and Ice Rink Opening
Photo: Visit Howard County. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Friday, Nov. 20, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (tree lights at 7 p.m.)
Cost: Free. Skating $12 + tax online, $3 skate rental
Good to know: The Color Burst ice rink stays open through Jan. 31, and a holiday market runs Dec. 4 to 6.
Where: 6100 Merriweather Dr., Columbia, MD 21044
Event page: merriweatherdistrict.com/events
Holiday Train Garden at the B&O Ellicott City Station
Photo: Howard County Recreation & Parks. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, during museum hours
Cost: See website
Good to know: A favorite for little train fans, inside one of the oldest railroad stations in the country.
Where: B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, 2711 Maryland Ave., Ellicott City, MD 21043
Event page: howardcountymd.gov/holiday-train-garden
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Photo: Merriweather District. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Nov. 27 through Jan. 2. Drive-through most nights; walk-through nights are Nov. 29 and Dec. 7, 10, 14 and 31
Cost: Tickets required; see website
Good to know: On walk-through nights the drive-through is closed, so pick the night that fits how you want to see it.
Where: Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044
Event page: visithowardcounty.com/hocoholidays
Midnight Madness and Tree Lighting in Old Ellicott City
Photo: Preservation Maryland (CC BY-SA 2.0). Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Friday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m. to midnight
Cost: Free to walk around
Good to know: Shops on Main Street stay open late, and the street lights stay up all season.
Where: Main Street, Historic Ellicott City, MD 21043
Event page: visithowardcounty.com/hocoholidays
Bollman Bridge Lighting at Savage Mill
Photo: Savage Mill. Tap the photo for the event page.
When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Good to know: Savage Mill also hosts Santa on weekends; dates are on its events calendar.
Where: Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St., Savage, MD 20763
Event page: savagemill.com/a-merry-and-bright-bridge
Howard County holiday events: quick answers
When does Symphony of Lights open in 2026?
Nov. 27, 2026, running through Jan. 2, 2027 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia. Most nights are drive-through; Nov. 29 and Dec. 7, 10, 14 and 31 are walk-through nights.
Is there outdoor ice skating in Howard County?
Yes. The Color Burst ice rink in Columbia's Merriweather District opens Nov. 20 and runs through Jan. 31. Online tickets are $12 plus tax, and skate rental is $3.
When is Midnight Madness in Ellicott City?
Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, from 6 p.m. to midnight on Main Street, with the tree lighting that night.
Make it a holiday quest
How many can you check off before New Year's? A tree lighting, a lights show and a holiday market. One is Elf level, two is Reindeer, all three is Santa. Tag us on Instagram when you finish your quest.
More Maryland holiday guides
Visiting family in another county? Our Maryland holiday events guide links to every county we cover. Maryland holiday events by county
Thinking about home in Howard County?
If the holidays have you thinking about a move within Howard County or anywhere in Maryland, or you're just curious what your home is worth, we're happy to help. No pressure.
We're Steven and Jacqui Saucedo of The Saucedo Team. For more than 10 years we've helped people buy and sell homes across Maryland, and we're proud to be one of the top-performing teams in the DMV and one of the top bilingual (English/Spanish) teams in the region. Questions about your home or the market? Reach out anytime at steven@thesaucedoteam.com or (240) 778-8260.
We welcome everyone, and we follow federal, Maryland and DC fair housing laws in every home search and sale.
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