Discover 13 verified christmas lights in Columbia and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Columbia Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city comes alive with festive cheer each winter. Whether you're a local or visiting, Columbia Christmas lights offer a warm, glowing backdrop to the season’s celebrations.
Among the beloved neighborhood favorites are the Magic Tree in the Village of Cherry Hill and the Candy Cane Crib at Logboat Brewing Company, both near Columbia and perfect for family outings. These displays bring a special local charm to holiday light viewing.
This guide covers everything from free neighborhood displays to ticketed events, including drive-through lights and walking trails. Discover the best spots and make the most of your holiday visit in Columbia.
Drive-through holiday light spectacle
Embark on a magical journey through the Symphony of Lights, a breathtaking drive-through holiday spectacle. This immersive experience transforms the night into a wonderland of animated and synchronized light displays, all set to the enchanting sounds of holiday music. It's...
Intricate holiday train displays by community volunteers
Step into a winter wonderland at the Ellicott City Holiday Train Garden. This beloved annual event features meticulously crafted model train displays winding through charming holiday scenes and miniature villages. Created by over 50 dedicated volunteers from the fire department...
Over 1 million twinkling lights in a technologically advanced Christmas light show.
Step into a dazzling wonderland at Winter City Lights, a premier Christmas light festival near Washington DC. This immersive experience boasts over a million twinkling lights across 10 acres, featuring a spectacular 52-foot programmable Christmas tree and a mesmerizing canopy...
Historic railroad museum celebrating holidays with trains
Celebrate the holidays with a magical Festival of Trains at the B&O Railroad Museum. This beloved event features enchanting model train layouts, festive holiday decor, and hands-on crafts for all ages. Meet Santa Claus for photos, enjoy a special ride...
Enchanting outdoor light displays in a botanical garden setting.
Experience the magic of the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens, where the 50-acre horticultural gem is transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Wander through a half-mile outdoor path illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and unique, glimmering displays. This...
Festively decorated trolley tour of Baltimore's holiday lights
Experience the magic of the holiday season on the Holly Jolly Trolley Tour in Baltimore. This 90-minute family-friendly journey showcases dazzling light displays across the city, including the famous 34th Street Festival of Lights in Hampden and the Inner Harbor...
Rooftop winter village with ice skating and private dining cottages.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore's Winter Village. Glide across the rooftop ice rink, savor exquisite meals in private heated cottages with harbor views, and indulge in festive Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. Nearby,...
Annual holiday tree lighting and festive train rides
Harbor East transforms into a winter wonderland with The Magic of Merryland. This festive celebration features enchanting train rides, delightful holiday treats, and activities for the whole family. Don't miss the spectacular tree lighting ceremony and a chance for memorable...
Over 500,000 lights and global nativity scenes
The Washington D.C. Temple Festival of Lights transforms the grounds into a winter wonderland with over 500,000 dazzling lights. Visitors can explore a global collection of nativity scenes, admire beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and enjoy daily holiday performances. This free...
Half-mile light display with interactive scenes and carnival rides.
Step into a dazzling half-mile holiday wonderland at the Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular. This immersive experience features over 1 million twinkling lights, interactive scenes, and mystical snow globes set to enchanting music. New this year, explore the Cosmic Christmas Heat...
Over 100,000 lights and projection mapping show
Step into a winter wonderland at Jeff's Christmas Light Show Spectacular, a dazzling free event featuring over 100,000 lights. Experience a captivating 15-minute projection-mapped show on the house, and explore an expansive walk-through display with movie-themed scenes and a Ferris...
A 3.5-mile drive-through light display with over 450 illuminated scenes.
Embark on a magical journey through Seneca Creek State Park at the Winter Lights Festival. This beloved annual event transforms the park into a dazzling wonderland with over 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees along a 3.5-mile drive. Explore...
Enchanting winter wonderland with illuminated lantern animals.
Step into an enchanting winter wonderland at ZooLights, the Smithsonian's National Zoo's annual holiday light spectacular. Wander through festive pathways illuminated by dazzling lantern animals and immersive displays. Enjoy live musical performances, take a magical ride on the train or...
See the location of all christmas lights around Columbia and nearby areas
Open Map →Some of the top displays include the Magic Tree in the Village of Cherry Hill, the Candy Cane Crib at Logboat Brewing Company, and the Veterans United Bright Lights Holiday Nights drive-through event. Warm Springs Ranch near Boonville also offers a spectacular display featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Drive-through displays like Veterans United Bright Lights Holiday Nights allow you to enjoy lights from the comfort of your car, ideal for families or larger groups. Walkable options, such as the Winter Wonderland at Shelter Gardens and the Magic Tree, offer a more immersive experience where you can stroll among the lights and enjoy close-up views.
Most major displays in Columbia begin lighting up around late November, often starting the day before or on Thanksgiving Eve, and continue through early January. For example, the Magic Tree lights up from Thanksgiving Eve through January 6th.
Yes, several free displays are available, including neighborhood light displays tracked by local groups and public areas like the Boone County Courthouse Plaza. Additionally, some events like Holidays in the District offer free carriage rides and light displays downtown.