HoCo Happenings: Dec 20 - Jan 2
Here’s your round up of events happening around Howard County in the next two weeks. Enjoy!
KIDS AND FAMILY
DRIVE THROUGH THE LIGHTS
Merriweather Symphony Lights: 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia 21044
November 27-January 1 | 6-7:30pm | $10 in advance, $15 at entrance, under 3 free | all ages
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion. Made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. A portion of proceeds from this event benefit the Howard County General Hospital.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum: 12985 Frederick Rd, West Friendship, 21794
November 27-January 1 | 6-7:30pm | $10 in advance, $15 at entrance, under 3 free | all ages
Come by and check out a part of local history!! Stop by the Hebb House between 12pm-3pm to view our holiday train garden, enjoy some light refreshments, and take a tour through The Museum. Step back in time to see how our community used to live. Fun for the whole family!! Free admission
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET - HAMPDEN LIGHTS - OPENING NIGHT
Miracle on 34th Street: 700 W 34th St, Baltimore, MD 21211
November 30-January 1 | 6-7:30pm | $10 in advance, $15 at entrance, under 3 free | all ages
One of Baltimore's most-popular annual events, Miracle on 34th Street / Hampden Lights, kicks off Saturday, November 30 and runs through December 31. Inflatable snowglobes, musical trains and blinking angels adorn homes. A few even allow visitors to peek inside. Lights are on every night from Thanksgiving weekend to January 1, including Christmas Eve.
POLAR EXPRESS KIDS NIGHT
My Gym: 6905 Oakland Mills Rd, Stuie C, Columbia 21045
Friday December 20 | 5:30-8:30pm | prices vary | Child must be independently potty trained
Kids night is an action packed evening of fun. Children will participate in tumbling, games, relays, obstacle courses and other fitness based activities. Friday night has never been so much fun! Our December Kids Night will have a Polar Express theme. Pizza will be served.
BREAKFAST WITH THE SANTA COW
Chick-fil-A: 6395 10 Oaks Rd, Clarksville, 21029
Saturday December 21 | 8-11am | free | All ages
Share the gift of quality time with your loved ones. Come in and enjoy breakfast and pictures with the Santa Cow. Get creative and make holiday crafts and write holiday letters!
FAMILY HOLIDAY CONCERT
Columbia Orchestra: 5460 Trumpeter Rd, Columbia 21044
Saturday December 21 | 10:30am or 1pm | Child - $10, Adult - $15 | All ages
Enjoy Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs, music from A Charlie Brown Christmas, and highlights from The Nutcracker with our friends from Dance Connections, Inc. This program is a great fit for audiences of our Young People’s Concerts, but patrons of all ages are sure to enjoy these holiday classics!
SANTA VISITS THE B&O
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum: 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City 21043
Saturday December 21 | 12pm | Free | All ages
Visit Santa at the B&O Ellicott City Station! If you missed Santa at Midnight Madness, come ready to share your holiday wishlist with him during the holiday festivities in the historic district. Bring your camera; that perfect shot for your holiday greeting card is waiting! Information: Emily Mosher, emosher@howardcountymd.gov, or 410-313-0419.
BOWL WITH SANTA
Bowlero: 7100 Carved Stone, Columbia 21045
Saturday December 21 | 1-3pm | prices vary | All ages
Santa Claus is coming to town and making a stop on the lanes! Roll in and bowl with old St. Nick and have some holiday fun.
ICE AND FIRE: A WINTER WONDERLAND
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods:10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Maryland 21044
Saturday December 21 | 5-8pm | prices vary | All ages
Join us for an enchanted stroll and witness the magic as the Ice Fairy transforms Symphony Woods into an illuminated Winter Wonderland. Bring the whole family to witness the magic of the Ice and Fire Festival as we raise money for FREE community arts programming, Community Action Council of Howard County (including the Howard County Food Bank), and additional non-profits on select nights. Stroll through the Light Forest, get lost in the Light Maze, and be enthralled by the Ice Fairy and her friends as they transform Symphony Woods into a Winter Wonderland. Wander towards the Chrysalis where you will find a lighted dragon, fire pits, and a make your own s'mores station (additional purchase required). Visit Santa on the Chrysalis stage. Meet a variety of visitors from the fairy (and other) realms. Marvel at the 30 foot Tree of Light. Please note that this is a walking event over a variety of surfaces including paved paths, mulch, grass, and gravel.
HOLIDAY JAZZ MUSIC AT HISTORIC SAVAGE MILL
Historic Savage Mill: 8600 Foundry Street, Savage 20763
Sunday December 22 | 12pm-2pm | free | All ages
The Not 2 Cool Jazz Band will perform a selection of jazzy holiday music at Historic Savage Mill. Free admission, free parking, great shopping, family friendly.
FREIGHT HOUSE FILMS: THE POLAR EXPRESS
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum: 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City, 21043
Sunday December 22 | 3-5pm | free | All ages
What better place to view your favorite holiday train film than America’s oldest surviving railroad station! Come early to view the holiday model trains throughout the museum. Pre-registration required. Info: Emily Mosher, 410-313-0419 or emosher@howardcountymd.gov
MIDNIGHT NOON
Maryland Science Center: 601 Light Street, Baltimore 21230
Tuesday December 31 | 10am-2pm | free with paid admission | All ages
Celebrate the ball drop before bedtime at the Maryland Science Center at Midnight Noon. Join in the festivities before we rock in the New Year to the tunes of the popular kids band, Milkshake. The entire science center will be open and ready for you to explore. All activities are free with paid admission and completely free to members.
ADULTS
FESTIVE FRIDAY
Downtown Columbia Lakefront: 10275 Wincopin Circle, Columbia 21044
Friday December 20 | 6-8pm | Free | All ages
A live ice sculptor, holiday-themed photo booth, popcorn, cotton candy, cookies and milk, arts and crafts, strolling characters, music and dance will be featured Dec. 20, from 6-8 p.m., at the Lakefront. Admission is free, but RSVP through Evenbrite to let us know you're coming.
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN BALTIMORE
West Shore Park: 401 Light Street, Baltimore 21230
Friday December 20 - Tuesday December 24 | times vary | free, tent activities require admission | All ages
The Christmas Village features 50 vendors selling authentic European food,, ornaments and arts & crafts from all over the world.
OUTDOOR ROOFTOP SKATING RINK
Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore: 200 International Drive, Baltimore 21202
Friday December 20-Sunday January 5 | 2-7pm | $20-30 | All ages
The Hotel's fifth floor Harbor Terrace will transform into a 1,800 square foot synthetic ice skating rink boasting expansive views of both the historic Inner Harbor and city skyline. The rink will be filled with holiday sights and sounds featuring hundreds of twinkling lights, festive holiday decor and lively music. Guests can also warm up with holiday favorites, including rich, decadent European style hot chocolate topped with house made flavored marshmallows and hot toddies. Hours of operation are Friday through Sunday from 2:00-7:00 pm, through January 5, 2020. Forgot your skates? We've got those covered with complimentary skate rentals available.
HANDMADE HAPPY HOUR
Meltdown DIY Art Studio: 1708 Liberty Road Suite 3, Eldersburg, Maryland 21784
Friday December 20 & 27 | 5-10pm | Prices vary | All ages
Join us for Handmade Happy Hour! On Friday, arrive after 5 PM to create and get 15% off* your project. Feel free to BYOB and munchies for a creative night out; perfect for date night, team outings, girls’ night out, and more. As an added bonus, our neighbors Carrolltown Liquors typically do a tasting every Friday from 4-7 PM. Plan to head next door to taste some yummy beverages and even purchase some to bring over to Meltdown DiY Art Studio while you get creative! All ages welcome, but must be 21+ to BYOB.
HOLIDAY FARMERS MARKET
Clarksville Commons: 12250 Clarksville Pike, Suite A, Clarksville MD 21029
Saturday December 21 |10am-2pm | free | All ages
Stock up for your feasts and the long winter ahead at our last farmers market of the year! Most of our usual Commons vendors will be on the plaza, plus some special guests: Hensing's Hilltop Acres, LLC, BlueDyer Distilling Co., Pong's Orchard, Not Your Grandma's Goodies, Dimitri Olive Oil; Neat Nick Preserves, Real Food Real Tasty, and Clark's Elioak Farm. For extra festive fun, Calvin Thomas will be leading a community holiday singalong from 12-2pm, all voices welcome! The River Hill High School Girl Up club will be having a bake sale to raise funds for girls' education in Uganda and Ethiopia.
