Find your holiday cheer in Ellicott City with our comprehensive event guide. Whether you're rediscovering Ellicott City or seeing it with fresh eyes, this guide enhances your holiday spirit.
One highlight of the season is the Merriweather Symphony of Lights, where dazzling light displays set to enchanting music create a festive atmosphere for all. Visitors can also enjoy the Merri & Bright Celebration in Merriweather District, featuring unique local vendors and seasonal activities that bring the community together. And the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing intricate train setups that delight family members of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Ellicott City
- Merriweather Symphony of Lights (Columbia)
- Merri & Bright Celebration in Merriweather District (Columbia)
- Merriweather District’s Annual Holiday Market (Columbia)
- B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden
- Lighting of the Bollman Bridge (Savage)
- Art for the Holidays Reception
- HoCo Holiday Lights (Various, Howard County)
- Live Nativity at Mary's Land Farm (Clarksville)
- A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland
- Holiday Train Wonderland Walk
See these and even more events listed below!
Ellicott City Holiday Light Displays
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 carolers 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 coming together to light the bridge in a festive celebration.
Where: Savage | More Info: Lighting of the Bollman Bridge
HoCo Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive map highlighting over 150 registered holiday light displays.
Description:
The HoCo Holiday Lights map showcases residential and commercial holiday light displays in Howard County, providing addresses, photos, and display details for residents and visitors to plan their holiday light tours.
Where: Various, Howard County | More Info: HoCo Holiday Lights
Holiday Train Wonderland Walk
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday train scenes moving along Main Street.
Description:
The Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department's Holiday Train Garden features beautifully crafted holiday displays created by civic-minded community members. This annual event showcases traditional Ellicott City holiday train scenes moving along Main Street, offering a unique and festive atmosphere.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: Holiday Train Wonderland Walk
Ellicott City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Merri & Bright Celebration in Merriweather District
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling handmade holiday gifts.
Description:
Merri & Bright Celebration in Merriweather District features a vibrant holiday market with local makers and artisans, offering a variety of seasonal items and gifts.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Merri & Bright Celebration in Merriweather District
Merriweather District’s Annual Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with regional vendors.
Description:
Visit Merriweather District's Annual Holiday Market to support unique small businesses and explore a variety of holiday pop-ups from regional vendors. Enjoy hot cocoa, wine, and carolers while checking off your holiday shopping list.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Merriweather District’s Annual Holiday Market
Grinchmas Pop-Up
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with Grinch-themed gifts and decorations.
Description:
Join Creations By Domo at the Grinchmas Pop-Up Shop for a holiday shopping experience filled with unique gifts and decorations. Browse through a variety of items perfect for adding Grinch-inspired flair to your home.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: Grinchmas Pop-Up
Artisan Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Handcrafted gifts and local shopping.
Description:
The Artisan Christmas Market at Turf Valley Resort offers handcrafted gifts, food concessions, and a kids' corner. Shop small and local on Sundays in December from 11am to 2pm.
Where: Turf Valley | More Info: Artisan Christmas Market
Ellicott City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Art for the Holidays Reception
What to Expect:
Celebratory art event showcasing local artists' works.
Description:
The Art for the Holidays Reception features original artwork by local artists, including multimedia collages and watercolor pieces, in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: Art for the Holidays Reception
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland
What to Expect:
Traditional Irish music and dance performances.
Description:
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland features traditional Irish music and dance, celebrating the holiday season with authentic performances.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland
A Crooner's Christmas
What to Expect:
High-energy swing band performance of timeless holiday classics.
Description:
Good Shot Judy performs a tribute to Classic Christmas Crooner hits by artists like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Dean Martin with their 10-piece high-octane swing band.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: A Crooner's Christmas
Ellicott City Other Holiday Activities
B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden
What to Expect:
Intricate HO-scale model train layouts showcasing the first 13 miles of the B&O Railroad.
Description:
The B&O Ellicott City Station Museum features a Holiday Train Garden with intricate train models set up throughout the museum, including the year-round exhibit in the Freight House. This event is available during normal business hours and is suitable for all ages.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden
Live Nativity at Mary's Land Farm
What to Expect:
Heartwarming portrayal of the first Christmas with live characters and animals.
Description:
Live Nativity at Mary's Land Farm features a heartwarming portrayal of the first Christmas with live characters and animals, creating cherished memories for families and friends.
Where: Clarksville | More Info: Live Nativity at Mary's Land Farm
Sunday S’More at the fire pit
What to Expect:
Cozy waterfront s’more experience with a wood-burning fire.
Description:
Gather around the wood-burning fire at Camp Wharf for a delightful Sunday S’more experience. Enjoy marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, and roasting sticks in a cozy waterfront setting.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: Sunday S’More at the fire pit
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Ilchester (2 miles)
- Columbia (3 miles)
- Catonsville (4 miles)
- Arbutus (5 miles)
- Woodlawn (5 miles)
- West Elkridge (6 miles)
- Milford Mill (6 miles)
- Hanover (6 miles)
- Lochearn (6 miles)
- Randallstown (7 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (7 miles)
- Pikesville (8 miles)
- Scaggsville (10 miles)
- Baltimore (10 miles)
- Severn (10 miles)
- Owings Mills (11 miles)
- Glen Burnie (12 miles)
- Laurel (12 miles)
- Eldersburg (12 miles)
- South Gate (13 miles)
- Odenton (14 miles)
- South Laurel (14 miles)
- Towson (14 miles)
- Reisterstown (14 miles)
- Dundalk (15 miles)
- Fairland (16 miles)
- Parkville (16 miles)
- Pasadena (16 miles)
- Olney (16 miles)
- Cockeysville (17 miles)
- Carney (17 miles)
- Essex (18 miles)
- Hunt Valley (18 miles)
- Greenbelt (19 miles)
- Severna Park (19 miles)
- Crofton (19 miles)
- Aspen Hill (20 miles)
- Middle River (20 miles)
- Perry Hall (21 miles)
- Wheaton (21 miles)
- College Park (21 miles)
- Montgomery Village (22 miles)
- Silver Spring (23 miles)
- Arnold (23 miles)
- Bowie (23 miles)
- Rockville (23 miles)
- North Bethesda (23 miles)
- Gaithersburg (23 miles)
- Chillum (23 miles)
- Landover (24 miles)
- Bethesda (26 miles)
- Annapolis (26 miles)
- Potomac (28 miles)
- North Potomac (28 miles)
- Washington (29 miles)
- Edgewood (29 miles)
- Suitland (30 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (30 miles)
- Bel Air North (30 miles)
- North Bel Air (30 miles)
- Bel Air South (30 miles)
- South Bel Air (31 miles)
- McLean (31 miles)
- Arlington (31 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (34 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (34 miles)
- Frederick (34 miles)
- Alexandria (35 miles)
- West Falls Church (35 miles)
- Clinton (35 miles)
- Reston (36 miles)
- Lincolnia (36 miles)
- Annandale (37 miles)
- Rose Hill (37 miles)
- Herndon (38 miles)
- Oakton (38 miles)
- Sterling (38 miles)
- Springfield (39 miles)
- Fairfax (40 miles)
- Ashburn (40 miles)
- Oak Hill (40 miles)
- Fort Washington (41 miles)
- West Springfield (41 miles)
- Burke (41 miles)
- Woodlawn (42 miles)
- Leesburg (42 miles)
- Chantilly (43 miles)
- South Riding (45 miles)
- Centreville (45 miles)