4 Ways to See Symphony of Lights in Columbia

The Symphony of Lights in Columbia is one of the most popular light shows in the state and made it onto Baltimore magazine’s list of top 20 holiday activities for 2014.

The light show is the largest fundraiser for Howard County General Hospital and there are four ways this month to see its glowing 70 larger-than-life light creations :

• Drive Through—6–10 p.m. daily, Wednesday to Monday until Jan. 4. It is closed to vehicles Tuesday; it is also closed Wednesday, Dec. 31, to prepare for New Year’s firework show. Driving through the light display is a 20- to 30-minute adventure. Admission is CASH ONLY at the gate: $20 for a car/van containing up to eight seats; $45 for a commercial van, limo, or minibus with nine to 24 seats; and $125 for a bus or vehicle with 25-plus seats. Editor’s note: There’s a Groupon for cars/vans offering $15 admission.
• Walk Through—7–9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16 (last admission will be at 8:45 p.m.); 4:15–5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23; and 4:15–5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30. Take a 1.4-mile stroll through the light display with a group. The walk-through is open no matter the weather. Pets are not allowed. Preregistration is required; email HCGH-Foundation@jhmi.edu with preferred date(s) and time(s) for group walk-through. Admission is $10 per walker and free for those under 3.
• Bike the Lights—4–5:45 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15 (last admission will be at 5:20 p.m.). The “Bike the Lights” event includes bicyclists and those with wagons. Riders must wear a helmet. Admission is $10 in advance, $12 at the door and free for children 12 and under.
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Lights—5–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. The “Midnight at 7” event is family friendly, and allows people to start the New Year’s celebration a bit early. There will be a DJ, face painting and ability to walk through the lights. Food will be available to purchase. A firework show is scheduled for 7 p.m., weather permitting. Admission is $15 per person and free for kids under 3. Admission will increase after Dec. 28; register here.

Symphony of Lights is at Merriweather Post Pavilion, at the intersection of Broken Land Parkway and Hickory Ridge Road in Columbia.

Have you been to Symphony of Lights? Tell us your favorite part in the comments!

Screenshot from YouTube video by Erick Antonio.