HoCo Happenings: December 6-19
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.
SANTA’S WORKSHOP AT THE FIREHOUSE
The Firehouse Museum: 3829 Church Rd, Ellicott City 21043
Friday December 6 | 4-8pm | Free | All ages
Join Santa and his elves as the Firehouse Museum is transformed into a magical winter wonderland! Take a glimpse into his workshop that promises to captivate children of all ages. Bring your camera; your perfect holiday photo is waiting! Information: Emily Mosher, emosher@howardcountymd.gov, or 410-313-0419.
VISIT WITH SANTA ON THE COMMONS
The Common Kitchen: 12250 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville MD 21029
Saturday December 7 | 1-2:30pm | Free | All ages
The famous man himself will arrive at Clarksville Commons shortly after 1pm! Santa will be available for questions, casual photos, and general mingling on the plaza until about 2:30pm. Free; all are welcome! Many of the Commons food businesses will have special holiday treats on offer – stop in to see what deliciousness they’re offering in honor of Santa’s visit!
SANTA VISITS THE B&O
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum: 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City 21043
Saturday December 7 | 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.
7th ANNUAL BOLLMAN BRIDGE LIGHTING & MAGIC AT THE MILL
Historic Savage Mill: 8600 Foundry Street, Savage 20763
Saturday December 7 | 10am-6pm | Free | All ages
Join us for our official holiday kick-off! Explore The Mill all decked out for the holidays! Enjoy free Santa pictures, shopping, live music, and much more! Make sure you stick around for our 7th Annual Bollman Bridge Lighting! Watch the magic unfold before your eyes as we light the Historic Bollman Bridge.
UGLY SWEATER CONTEST AT THE COMMON KITCHEN
The Common Kitchen: 12250 Clarksville Pike, Suite A, Clarksville MD 21029
Saturday December 7 | 2:30pm | Free | All ages
Wear your best ugly holiday sweater to the Common Kitchen and see if yours is the ugliest – Santa and two other judges will determine the Best Overall and category winners! We’ll upload photos of those who want to be in the running for online community voting for People’s Choice.
Best Overall and People’s Choice will each win $50 of Common Kitchen Cash to spend at the Common Kitchen vendor(s) of their choice. Koshary by Misteka is sponsoring the Cutest Ugly Sweater Kid category, with a prize of a free Koshary meal for the winning kid and 15% off their grown-ups’ order.Scoop & Paddle is sponsoring the Best Ugly Sweater Family category, with free scoops for members of the winning family.
It’s free to enter, and all are welcome.
DEER SANTA
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044
Sunday December 8 | 12-4pm | $15 child, $7 adult, Free Under 1 | All ages
Delight in an afternoon of “reindeer games” that test your skills against our four-legged friends in this family-friendly, self-guided adventure. Create holiday crafts, enjoy festive snacks, join us for an optional guided winter walk in the woods, and get a photo with Santa (between noon and 3pm)! All adults and children over the age of 1 year must be registered to participate. No online registration, Call 410-313-0400 to register. Info:www.howardcountymd.gov/DeerSanta or 410-313-0400.
TAIL LIGHTS: WALK YOUR PUPS!
Merriweather Symphony Lights: 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Maryland 21044
Monday, December 9 | 6-7:30pm | $10 in advance, $15 at entrance, under 3 free | all ages
Explore the magical Lights on foot with your family, friends and pups. Costumes welcome! All dogs must be on leashes.
ADULTS
MIDNIGHT MADNESS
Main Street, Old Ellicott City 21042
Friday, December 6 | 6pm-12am | Free | All Ages
Catch the contagious holiday spirit at our 41st Annual Midnight Madness. Enjoy dining and shopping in Old Ellicott City with strolling carolers, Santa, the Main Street Tree Lighting and more. Come see what’s new in Old Ellicott City!
MIDNIGHT MADNESS AT THE WINE BIN
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City 21042
Friday, December 6 | 6pm | Free | 21+
Enjoy our Holiday Market in the heated tent featuring live music by Work in Progress, gifts from local and regional artisans, beer, wine, Manhattans and coffee drinks, soups and chili by Little Market Cafe and Baltimore's Snake Hill food truck! Check back soon for vendor list
SCOTCH 101
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City 21042
Friday December 6 | 7pm | $40 ($10 credit towards purchase) | 21+
“I love scotch, scotch scotch scotch!” Single Malt. Blend. Peat. No peat. To put it simply, scotch is a type of whisky that comes from Scotland with an extremely deep history. In this class we will learn about the different styles of scotch, how to taste them, and how to identify scotch you like in a shop or restaurant. Call the Bin with questions! 410-465-7802
NATURAL HOLIDAY SALE
Mt Pleasant: 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock, MD 21163
Saturday December 7 | 10AM-3pm | Free | All ages
Come enjoy our annual Holiday Sale- fun for the whole family! Browse locally crafted natural gifts while enjoying music and refreshments. Children will enjoy creating whimsical critters from cones, pods and seed heads with the help of our naturalists! 2019 Vendors include: Caldron Crafts, Cross County Garden Club, Dorsey Hall Garden Club, Eden Floral Design, Ellicott City Sauce Company and Vill’s Dills, Forever Favorites, Ginger’s Mixed Media, Howard County Beekeepers, Magnor Natural Beauty Products, Maloney Photography, Neat Nick Preserves, Patapsco Valley Pottery, Pocket Pets and Radiant Creations.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE COMMON KITCHEN
The Common Kitchen: 12250 Clarksville Pike, Suite A, Clarksville MD 21029
Thursday December 12 | 6:30-8:30pm | Free | All ages
Every Thursday is Trivia Night at the Common Kitchen! Come out for tough questions, delicious food, and fun company. Teams can consist of 1-4 players, and it’s free to play.
COCKTAIL CRAWL
Downtown Columbia Lakefront: 10275 Wincopin Circle, Columbia 21044
Sunday December 15 | 11AM-3pm | $15-$35 | 21+
Drop by after work for an artisanal cocktail and delicious nibble at each stop and tented pop-up at the Lakefront. Participating restaurants include: Clyde’s Cured and 18th & 21st GrillMarx The Soundry Tickets are $25 in advance. Take advantage of the $15 early bird deal online until November 15. Tickets will be $35 day of if available. This event sold out last year. Restricted to those 21 years and older.
HOLLY JOLLY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department: 5700 Rowanberry Drive, Elkridge, Maryland 21075
Sunday December 15 | 11AM-3pm | Free | All ages
Santa Claus is coming to Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department, and he's bringing lots of food trucks along with him! Make sure to bring your camera or phone to take a photo with Santa in front of our fire engine inside of our heated engine bay. Food trucks will be serving lunch in the main parking lot, and the hall will be open for seating. Hot and cold drinks will be for sale.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE COMMON KITCHEN
The Common Kitchen: 12250 Clarksville Pike, Suite A, Clarksville MD 21029
Thursday December 19 | 6:30-8:30pm | Free | All ages
Every Thursday is Trivia Night at the Common Kitchen! Come out for tough questions, delicious food, and fun company. Teams can consist of 1-4 players, and it’s free to play.
