November 27, 2019
Media Contacts:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Howard County Executive Calvin Balls’ 4th Annual ‘Toys For Tots Campaign
November 12 thru December 13, Weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Various locations throughout the County
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is encouraging residents to donate new, unwrapped toys to children in need this holiday season. In 2016, County Executive Ball, then a Councilmember, partnered with Toys For Tots to launch the inaugural Howard County campaign. Toys For Tots provides free toys to our families in need (children up to 14 years old) attending Howard County public schools. Over the years, the donations have helped make the holidays brighter for thousands of families. This year toy donations will be accepted through Friday, December 13th at 12:00 p.m. Click HERE for a list of drop-off locations.
Contact: Scott Peterson, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
November 27 thru January 1, Open weekdays 6:00-10:00 p.m., weekends 5:00-10:00 p.m.
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, Merriweather Drive, Columbia
Howard County's time-honored holiday tradition is back for another year. 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. For more information about this year’s dazzling event, visit www.merriweatherlights.com/.
Contact: Brad Canfield, Promoter Representative & Production Manager, 410-715-5550, Brad@930.com
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum Train Garden
November 29 through January 5; Open during museum operating hours
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Avenue, Ellicott City
This holiday season, the model trains are returning to the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum. Free for all ages, LEGO® trains, plus N gauge and O gauge models, will be on display. Open during museum operating hours, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/Baltimore-Ohio-Station-at-Ellicott-City for more information.
Contact: Jake Feirson, Department of Recreation & Parks, 410-313-2922, jfeirson@howardcountymd.gov
Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department Open House & Annual Holiday Train Garden
November 30 thru January 1 (closed Christmas Day, December 25); Wednesday through Friday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department, Station #2, 4150 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City
Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department’s annual holiday train garden event is back for its 22nd year. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. The Department is also collecting new, unwrapped toys for needy children November 30th through December 20th. Toys can be dropped off at the Train Garden or any Howard County Fire Station. Exceptions to the above dates and times are as follows: OPEN on Christmas Eve from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CLOSED on Christmas Day and OPEN on New Year’s Eve from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visit www.ellicottcityvfa.com/content/train/ for more information. To schedule a group tour, call the Community Outreach Hotline at 410-313-2036.
Contact: Train Garden Hours, Directions & Special Group Tours, 410-313-2036 (recording)
Holiday Train Garden at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center
December 2 through January 3, Open during center operating hours
Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 MD 97, Cooksville
Visitors of all ages are invited to come enjoy an interactive exhibit of accessories and sounds provided by train enthusiast Dennis Moore. The layout features four continuously operating trains through an eight by eight-foot scenic garden. For information call 410-313-4840.
Contact: Christine DiGioia, Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 410-313-4843, cdigioia@howardcountymd.gov or Heather Sites, 410-313-4845, hsites@howardcountymd.gov
Age-Friendly Howard County Initiative Launch
Tuesday, December 3, 9:00 a.m.
Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, Room 4, 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia
Join the Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, the Department of Community Resources and Services and the Office on Aging and Independence for the launch of the County’s new initiative, “Age-Friendly Howard County.” This new initiative is geared towards ensuring that Howard County is not only a great place for people to grow older, but also a great place to grow up.
Contact: Kim Henry, Department of Community Resources and Services, 410-313-6531, kahenry@howardcountymd.gov
Champions of Change
Wednesday, December 4, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, December 5, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel, 10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the County’s Department of Community Resources and Services to the second annual “Champions of Change: Engage, Equip, Empower” conference, geared towards nonprofit directors and staff, local government officials and employees, and other human service providers. This two-day conference will feature a networking reception and panel discussion on December 4 and an opening address, breakout sessions and closing plenary on December 5.
Contact: Kim Henry, Department of Community Resources and Services, 410-313-6531, kahenry@howardcountymd.gov
Holiday Maker-Mart
Thursday, December 5, 5;30 to 8:30 p.m.
Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City
Join the Howard County Arts Council for its annual Holiday Marker-Mart, showcasing local artists and artisans offering their unique handmade works for holiday gift-giving. Cross a few items off your list and enjoy light refreshments and holiday music as you browse the mart. When done shopping, be sure to explore the Center for the Arts’ resident artists and organizations, whose studios are open to the public during the festivities.
Contact: Howard County Arts Council, 410-313-2787, info@hocoarts.org
Midnight Madness
Friday, December 6, 4:00 p.m. to midnight
Main Street, Old Ellicott City, MD 21043
A tree lighting ceremony, strolling carolers, Santa, a Winter Holiday Market, live music, merriment, dining and shopping are what you’ll find at this year’s 41st annual Midnight Madness event in Old Ellicott City.
Contact: Alicia Jones McLeod, Ellicott City Partnership, 410-533-0111, alcia.jones@visitoec.com
Holiday Mart
Saturday, December 7, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Gary J. Arthur Community Center at Glenwood, 2400 MD 97, Cooksville
Come celebrate the 47th year of this annual event that features unique and unusual handcrafted items and home decor presented by 130 crafters. There will be door prizes, a children's craft corner, horse and carriage rides, coat and package check, food for purchase and a shuttle service running to and from Bushy Park Elementary School and Western Regional Park. Tickets are $5.00 per person. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HolidayMart for more information.
Contact: Christine DiGioia, Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 410-313-4843, cdigioia@howardcountymd.gov or Heather Sites, 410-313-4845, hsites@howardcountymd.gov
7th Annual Bollman Bridge Lighting & Magic at The Mill
Saturday, December 7, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Bridge Lighting at 6:30 p.m., Pictures with Santa 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Historic Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry Street, Savage
Join Historic Savage Mill as they officially kick-off the holiday season at The Mill. Enjoy free Santa pictures, deals, live music and more, and be sure to stick around for the 7th annual lighting of the Historic Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge. Outfitted with more than 15,000 LED lights and a giant bow, the bridge will be lit for the season from December 7th through December 24th. After the bridge lighting, there will be a community tree-lighting celebration at the historic Carroll Baldwin Hall Commons.
Contact: Sarah Asseng, Historic Savage Mill, 410-792-2820 ext. 13, sarah@savagemill.com
Deer Santa
Sunday, December 8, Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia
Delight in an afternoon of "reindeer games" that test your skills against those of 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 3:00 p.m.! Adults and children over the age of one must register to participate; to register, call 410-313-0400. For more information, including costs, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/deersanta.
Contact: Robinson Nature Center, 410-313-0400
Santa Cares Day
Sunday, December 8, 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
The Mall in Columbia, 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Lower level Lord & Taylor Court, Columbia
Children within all spectrums of special needs and their families are invited to this sensory-friendly event to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit and photos with Santa at The Mall in Columbia. In the spirit of the season, Lifetime will be providing complimentary photo packages to all guests during this event. To reserve your complimentary ticket, visit www.themallincolumbia.com/en/events/santa-cares-lifetime.html.
Contact: Howard County Autism Society, 410-290-3466, info@howard-autism.org
County Executive Ball’s 1st FY21 Citizens’ Budget Hearing
Monday, December 9, 7:00 p.m.; Sign-up up for testimony beginning at 6:00 p.m.
George Howard Building, Banneker Room, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will hold his first Citizens’ Budget Hearing for the FY 2021 budget cycle. Residents may submit testimony or sign-up to testify at the hearing by going to www.howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony. Residents who do not wish to sign-up on line, will still be able to sign-up in person on the night of the hearing beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Holly Sun, Office of Budget 410-313-2077
Coffee with a Cop
Wednesday, December 11, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Eggspectation, 6010 University Boulevard, Columbia
Join Howard County Police Department (HCPD) for its monthly Coffee with a Cop. Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers in an informal and neutral space to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee at a time. As always, coffee and conversation are on the house.
Contact: HCPD's Community Outreach Division, 410-313-2207
Department of Housing and Community Development Grants Public Hearing
Wednesday, December 11, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia
Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development invites all interested residents, community groups, agencies and organizations to attend a public meeting to obtain your comments regarding the development of the Budget and Funding Strategy for the FFY2020-2024 Consolidated Plan/FFY2020 Annual Action Plan. The Consolidated Plan is the five-year plan that is required by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development that outlines broad goals and objectives designed to meet the County’s major housing and community development needs. The Annual Action Plan is the County’s yearly application for funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program and the Home Investment Partnerships Program.
Contact: Department of Housing and Community Development, 410-313-6318
Recreation and Parks’ Advisory Board Public Hearing
Wednesday, December 11, 7:00 p.m.
Recreation & Parks Headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia
Recreation and Park’s Advisory Board will hold a public hearing to consider the department’s draft FY2021 Capital Budget and draft FY2021-2030 Capital Improvement Program for the acquisition and development of park and recreation lands. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/advisoryboard to view the draft budget, to sign-up to speak at the hearing or provide online testimony. Residents who do not wish to sign-up online will still be able to sign-up in person on the night of the public hearing beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Anna Hunter, Department of Recreation & Parks, 410-313-4686
Wonderful Wrapping Event
Saturday, December 14, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Mall in Columbia, 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
Join The Mall in Columbia for a magical gift-wrapping event hosted by a contestant from the new Freeform TV series, Wrap Battle. Celebrate the season with gift wrapping tutorials, over $5,000 in giveaways, holiday treats, themed photo opportunities and more! For more information, visit www.themallincolumbia.com/en/events/merry-bright-bash-30563.html.
Contact: Barbara Nicklas, The Mall in Columbia, 410-992-6121, Barbara.Nicklas@brookfieldpropertiesretail.com
Christmas in the Park
Saturday, December 14, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Centennial Park South, 10000 Route 108, Ellicott City
Come kick-off this holiday season with Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, Department of Recreation & Parks, Santa, Buddy the Elf, Elsa, Olaf, the Gingerbread Man and myself at this year’s Christmas in the Park. There will be caroling brought to us by the Recreational Licensed Child Care Choir, a tree lighting ceremony, refreshments and more. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/christmasinthepark.
Contacts: Phil Bryan, Department of Recreation and Parks, 410-313-1668, pbryan@howardcountymd.gov or Anna Hunter, 410-313-4686, ahunter@howardcountymd.gov
Belmont Manor Holiday Open House
Sunday, December 15, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Belmont Manor and Historic Park, 6555 Belmont Woods Road, Elkridge
Join Belmont Manor and the Howard County Conservancy as they take a step back in time to celebrate the holidays while touring the circa 1738 Belmont Manor. This 18th century Manor, surrounded by historic outbuildings and a cemetery on 68 acres of farmland, is adorned for the holiday season with greens and other period decorations throughout the entire first floor. Enjoy period music and colonial reenactors as you stroll through the magnificently adorned rooms. Pick up a holiday gift at the Manor’s gift shop, say hello to Belle the Eastern Screech Owl or take a history tour of the property led by Belmont historian Fred Dorsey. Light refreshments will be available.
Contact: Belmont Manor and Historic Park, 410-313-0200, belmontmanormd@howardcountymd.gov
Ice and Fire Festival: A Winter Wonderland
November 30 through December 22, Saturdays and Sundays, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, Merriweather Drive, Columbia,
A new Downtown Columbia winter tradition, come witness the magic as the Ice Fairy transforms Symphony Woods into a winter wonderland. Hosted by Inner Arbor Trust, the Ice and Fire Festival raises money for the Trust's FREE community arts events at the Chrysalis, for Community Action Council of Howard County (including the Howard County Food Bank) and select local non-profits. For tickets and more information about this event, visit http://innerarbortrust.org/events-2019/2019/12/15/ice-and-fire-a-winter-wonderland.
Contact: Becky Hawk, Inner Arbour Trust, 410-740-0029, becky@innerarbourtrust.org