Celebrate the season in Columbia with our ultimate holiday guide. For Columbia residents and newcomers, our guide is your key to the festive season.
One of the highlights of the holidays is the US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains, where visitors can marvel at exquisite seasonal displays coupled with enchanting model trains winding through a botanical wonderland. Another must-see is the Downtown Holiday Market, known for its charming local vendors offering unique gifts and tasty treats. And the German Christmas Village in Baltimore is something you definitely don’t want to miss, boasting authentic German crafts, festive foods, and twinkling lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Columbia Discussion!
See the Latest Holiday News for Columbia!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Columbia
- US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains (Washington D.C.)
- Downtown Holiday Market (Washington D.C.)
- German Christmas Village in Baltimore (Baltimore)
- City Center Christmas Tree Lighting (Washington D.C.)
- Free Holiday Events at Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.)
- Merriweather Symphony of Lights
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor)
- ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (National Harbor)
- Gaylord National Hotel Show (National Harbor)
- 50th Annual Baltimore Holiday Parade (Baltimore)
See these and even more events listed below!
Columbia Holiday Light Displays
Merri & Bright Celebration
What to Expect:
Annual tree lighting and ice rink opening.
Description:
The Merri & Bright Celebration marks the opening of the holiday season with the annual tree lighting and the debut of the ice rink, transforming Merriweather District into a vibrant winter scene.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Merri & Bright Celebration
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling display of holiday lights with new additions each year.
Description:
Merriweather Symphony of Lights is a family-oriented holiday spectacle featuring over 300,000 bulbs in larger-than-life animated and stationary light creations at historic Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Lighting of the Bollman Bridge
What to Expect:
Historic bridge lighting with community participation and special guests.
Description:
The Lighting of the Bollman Bridge features carolers, a cheermeister from Bollman Bridge Elementary, and special guests including Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, all contributing to a festive atmosphere as the bridge is illuminated.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: Lighting of the Bollman Bridge
City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Dazzling 75-foot tree and live music performance.
Description:
Join CityCenterDC for its 10th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring a joyful music performance by The Revels, balloon artists, face painters, and holiday treats. NBC4's Eun Yang will host the official tree lighting ceremony and countdown. Enjoy the dazzling 75-foot tree, visit the two resident 25-foot reindeer, and capture the holiday spirit with a photo under the Palmer Alley Dream Closet art installation.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
National Harbor Tree Light Show
What to Expect:
Spectacular RGB tree light show with holiday music.
Description:
The National Harbor Tree Light Show features a 60-foot RGB tree that comes to life nightly with a breathtaking light show dancing alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: National Harbor Tree Light Show
Columbia Holiday Markets and Shopping
Natural Holiday Sale at Howard County Conservancy
What to Expect:
Whimsical critter crafts and live music.
Description:
The Natural Holiday Sale at Howard County Conservancy features beautiful gifts inspired by nature, crafted by local artisans. Kids can create whimsical critter crafts using natural materials, while live music and raffles add to the festive atmosphere. A mural unveiling and hot cocoa are also part of the event.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Natural Holiday Sale at Howard County Conservancy
Merriweather District’s Annual Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with regional vendors and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Merriweather District’s Annual Holiday Market offers a variety of holiday pop-ups from regional vendors, warm hot cocoa, and an outdoor wine chalet. Enjoy carolers while checking off your holiday shopping list.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Merriweather District’s Annual Holiday Market
German Christmas Village in Baltimore
What to Expect:
Authentic German market with a wide selection of mulled wine and European cuisine.
Description:
German Christmas Village in Baltimore features over 60 local and international vendors offering unique holiday gifts and authentic European cuisine, including mulled wine and traditional German dishes, all set amidst the Inner Harbor's festive atmosphere.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: German Christmas Village in Baltimore
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse local vendors and community activations.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter-Chinatown offers a diverse array of local vendors, artisans, and community activations. Expect upgraded vendor kiosks, fresh artisanal goods, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Columbia Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gaylord National Hotel Show
What to Expect:
"Larger-than-life ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides."
Description:
The Gaylord National Hotel Show features a spectacular holiday celebration with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels, all set amidst extraordinary Christmas decorations.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show
ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
What to Expect:
Immersive ice sculpture exhibit with live carvings.
Description:
ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is an immersive holiday attraction showcasing larger-than-life ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides. Over 40 master artisans hand-carve approximately 6,000 blocks of ice to create 14 immersive scenes, including a nativity scene and Snoopy's doghouse. Visitors can crawl through Snoopy's doghouse and slide down two-story ice slides while enjoying live ice carving demonstrations.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
50th Annual Baltimore Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with diverse entertainment.
Description:
The 50th Annual Baltimore Holiday Parade features colorful floats, local personalities, and lively bands, culminating with Santa Claus along a 2.5-mile route through Hampden and Medfield.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: 50th Annual Baltimore Holiday Parade
Free Holiday Events at Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center
What to Expect:
Free weekly performances featuring world-class art.
Description:
The Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center offers a diverse array of free performances, including live music and film screenings, showcasing world-class art with no cost admission. These events feature a range of genres and artists, from chamber music to jazz and film classics, providing something for every audience.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: Free Holiday Events at Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center
Columbia Other Holiday Activities
B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden
What to Expect:
Historic train models in a preserved 19th-century railroad station.
Description:
The B&O Ellicott City Station Museum features intricate train models set up throughout the historic station, including the year-round exhibit in the Freight House.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden
US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
What to Expect:
Model trains showcasing pollinator sculptures in the outdoor gardens.
Description:
The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator sculptures made from plant parts, along with festive lights, poinsettias, and DC landmarks crafted from plants.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with festive floats and tree lighting.
Description:
The 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is a cherished community event featuring festive floats, holiday music, and the lighting of the town's iconic Christmas tree.
Where: Bel Air | More Info: 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Ellicott City (3 miles)
- Ilchester (4 miles)
- Catonsville (6 miles)
- West Elkridge (6 miles)
- Hanover (7 miles)
- Scaggsville (7 miles)
- Arbutus (8 miles)
- Woodlawn (8 miles)
- Milford Mill (8 miles)
- Randallstown (9 miles)
- Lochearn (9 miles)
- Laurel (10 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (10 miles)
- Severn (10 miles)
- Pikesville (11 miles)
- South Laurel (12 miles)
- Baltimore (13 miles)
- Glen Burnie (13 miles)
- Eldersburg (13 miles)
- Owings Mills (13 miles)
- Fairland (13 miles)
- Odenton (13 miles)
- Olney (14 miles)
- South Gate (14 miles)
- Reisterstown (16 miles)
- Greenbelt (16 miles)
- Pasadena (17 miles)
- Aspen Hill (17 miles)
- Towson (17 miles)
- Dundalk (17 miles)
- Wheaton (18 miles)
- Crofton (18 miles)
- Parkville (19 miles)
- College Park (19 miles)
- Montgomery Village (20 miles)
- Cockeysville (20 miles)
- Severna Park (20 miles)
- Silver Spring (20 miles)
- Carney (20 miles)
- Rockville (20 miles)
- Essex (20 miles)
- North Bethesda (20 miles)
- Gaithersburg (21 miles)
- Chillum (21 miles)
- Hunt Valley (21 miles)
- Bowie (21 miles)
- Landover (21 miles)
- Middle River (22 miles)
- Bethesda (23 miles)
- Arnold (23 miles)
- Perry Hall (23 miles)
- Potomac (25 miles)
- North Potomac (25 miles)
- Annapolis (26 miles)
- Washington (26 miles)
- Suitland (27 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (28 miles)
- McLean (28 miles)
- Arlington (29 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (31 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (32 miles)
- Edgewood (32 miles)
- West Falls Church (32 miles)
- Alexandria (32 miles)
- Reston (33 miles)
- Frederick (33 miles)
- Clinton (33 miles)
- Bel Air North (33 miles)
- North Bel Air (33 miles)
- Bel Air South (33 miles)
- Lincolnia (33 miles)
- South Bel Air (34 miles)
- Annandale (34 miles)
- Rose Hill (34 miles)
- Herndon (35 miles)
- Oakton (35 miles)
- Sterling (35 miles)
- Springfield (36 miles)
- Fairfax (37 miles)
- Oak Hill (37 miles)
- Ashburn (37 miles)
- Fort Washington (38 miles)
- West Springfield (38 miles)
- Burke (39 miles)
- Woodlawn (39 miles)
- Leesburg (40 miles)
- Chantilly (40 miles)
- South Riding (42 miles)
- Centreville (42 miles)
- Waldorf (43 miles)
- St. Charles (44 miles)
- Saint Charles (44 miles)