Excitement is building for the holidays in Columbia! Use our guide to discover all the festive fun. For Columbia experts and beginners alike, our guide reveals both hidden treasures and popular attractions.
For a twinkling wonderland, be sure to visit the Symphony of Lights, showcasing over 100 animated and stationary light displays. Marvel at the uniquely decorated trees and gingerbread houses featured at the Festival of Trees. And Miracle on 34th Street is something you definitely don't want to miss, where a whole block transforms into a dazzling spectacle of holiday lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Columbia
See these and even more events listed below!Columbia Holiday Light Displays
Symphony of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display synchronized to holiday music
Description:
Columbia's Symphony of Lights transforms Merriweather Post Pavilion into a dazzling spectacle. This drive-through experience synchronizes over 300,000 LED lights with holiday tunes, creating a multi-sensory journey. Visitors can tune their car radios to a dedicated station for the full effect. The event, which began in 1994, has raised millions for Howard County General Hospital. As you wind through the 1.4-mile route, you'll encounter animated displays and towering light sculptures that bring holiday cheer to life.
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Nearby Events
Festival of Trees (Timonium)
What to Expect:
Hundreds of uniquely decorated trees and gingerbread houses
Description:
The Festival of Trees in Timonium bursts with creativity and holiday spirit. Hundreds of uniquely decorated trees and gingerbread houses fill the Maryland State Fairgrounds, each telling its own story. Visitors can stroll through this forest of imagination, marveling at the intricate designs. The event, benefiting the Kennedy Krieger Institute, has been a Maryland tradition since 1990. You can participate in silent auctions to take home your favorite tree or creation. The festival also features live entertainment and a holiday gift boutique, making it a comprehensive seasonal experience.
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Miracle on 34th Street (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Entire neighborhood block decorated by residents
Description:
Baltimore's Miracle on 34th Street illuminates the Hampden neighborhood with a grassroots holiday spectacle. Residents of this block have been decorating their homes since 1947, creating a vibrant community tradition. The street comes alive with eclectic displays, from traditional lights to quirky Baltimore-themed decorations. Visitors can walk the block, taking in the unique personality of each home. The air buzzes with excitement as thousands flock to this beloved local attraction. This event showcases Baltimore's charm and community spirit, transforming a residential street into a holiday destination.
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Zoo Lights (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays in a zoo setting
Description:
Zoo Lights at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore reimagines the animal kingdom in luminous form. Over 150 animal-themed light displays illuminate the night, creating a wildlife-inspired winter walk. Visitors can spot glowing versions of their favorite zoo residents while strolling through the grounds. The event, which began in 2019, offers a unique after-hours zoo experience. You'll encounter twinkling penguins, radiant lions, and other glowing creatures. This innovative approach to holiday lights combines wildlife education with seasonal cheer, offering a fresh twist on traditional light displays.
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Christmas at the B&O (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebrations in a historic railroad museum
Description:
Christmas at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore merges holiday cheer with railway history. The museum's roundhouse transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring model train displays and holiday decorations. Visitors can ride the Mile One Express, a festive train journey around the museum's campus. The B&O, founded in 1827, was America's first commercial railroad, adding historical significance to the celebrations. Towering Christmas trees complement the museum's impressive collection of locomotives. This event offers a unique blend of holiday spirit and industrial heritage, creating a memorable experience for train enthusiasts and holiday revelers alike.
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Christmas Village in Baltimore (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Authentic German-style Christmas market
Description:
The Christmas Village in Baltimore's Inner Harbor brings a slice of European holiday tradition to Maryland. This authentic German-style Christmas market features over 50 vendors in traditional wooden huts. Visitors can savor the aroma of mulled wine and German delicacies as they browse handcrafted gifts. The event, inspired by the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg, has been a Baltimore staple since 2013. You'll find unique ornaments, artwork, and jewelry alongside traditional German foods. Live performances and a festive atmosphere make this market a standout holiday destination, offering an international flair to Baltimore's seasonal celebrations.
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Christmas Village in Baltimore
Winterfest of Lights (Ocean City)
What to Expect:
Beachside holiday light display
Description:
Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights transforms the coastal town into a sparkling winter retreat. This seaside spectacle features over one million holiday lights spread across Northside Park. Visitors can hop aboard the Winterfest Express, a tram that winds through illuminated fairy tale and holiday-themed displays. The event, which began in 1992, has become a cherished Eastern Shore tradition. You'll witness glowing sea creatures alongside traditional holiday scenes, creating a unique blend of beach town charm and winter magic. This coastal light show offers a distinctive holiday experience, proving that even beach destinations can embrace the winter spirit.
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The Nutcracker (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Professional ballet performance of a holiday classic
Description:
The Baltimore Ballet's production of The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece to life. Professional dancers grace the stage with their elegant movements, transporting audiences to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. Visitors can marvel at the intricate costumes and elaborate set designs that bring the story to vivid life. The Nutcracker has been a holiday staple in Baltimore since the 1960s, evolving into a cherished local tradition. You'll be swept away by the iconic score performed by a live orchestra. This classic ballet offers a refined and artistic approach to holiday entertainment, showcasing the city's cultural prowess.
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Merry TUBACHRISTMAS (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Mass tuba ensemble performing holiday music
Description:
Merry TUBACHRISTMAS in Baltimore fills the air with the rich, resonant tones of tubas and euphoniums. This unique concert brings together brass players of all ages to perform holiday classics. Visitors can experience the surprising versatility of these often-overlooked instruments as they tackle familiar carols. The event, part of a worldwide celebration started in 1974, honors the late tuba virtuoso William J. Bell. You'll be amazed by the harmonious blend of hundreds of tubas playing in unison. This unconventional approach to holiday music offers a fresh and memorable take on seasonal concerts, showcasing the tuba's unexpected starring role.
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Holiday Train Garden (Baltimore)
What to Expect:
Elaborate model train displays with miniature holiday scenes
Description:
The Holiday Train Garden at the B&O Railroad Museum delights visitors with intricate miniature worlds. Meticulously crafted model trains weave through tiny holiday scenes, bringing nostalgia and wonder to life. Visitors can spot miniature versions of Baltimore landmarks alongside whimsical winter vignettes. This tradition, deeply rooted in Baltimore's history, dates back to the 1800s when local firefighters created displays during downtime. You'll be captivated by the attention to detail in each tiny building and figurine. The train garden offers a charming blend of railroad history and holiday cheer, creating a uniquely Baltimore holiday experience.
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Holiday Makers Market (Ellicott City)
What to Expect:
Local artisan market in a historic mill town setting
Description:
Ellicott City's Holiday Makers Market showcases the talents of local artisans in a picturesque setting. The historic mill town's Main Street comes alive with pop-up shops featuring handcrafted goods. Visitors can browse unique gifts while soaking in the charm of this 250-year-old town. The market, a relatively new addition to Ellicott City's holiday celebrations, supports local creators and small businesses. You'll find everything from hand-poured candles to locally made jewelry and artwork. This event combines holiday shopping with community support, offering a personalized alternative to mass-produced gifts in a setting steeped in Maryland history.