Annual Symphony Festival Of Lights Will Return For The Holidays

COLUMBIA, MD — The 27th annual Symphony of Lights, a time-honored tradition in Howard County, will be held this year at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Comprised of more than 300,000 LED lights and larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations spanning more than a mile, this year's event will have special coronavirus-related precautions put in place. This year, there also will be new lights along with a laser light show and 3-D holiday video projected on a wall more than 150 feet tall.

The holiday event kicks off Nov. 25 and will run through Jan. 2. It will be open weekdays 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. and weekends from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Merriweather Post Pavilion is located at 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway. Tickets are $20 per vehicle. Military nights are on Thursdays at a charge of $10 with a valid military ID. Guests in vehicles can tune in to 105.5 FM to listen to holiday tunes as they drive through the display. The entrance to the course is at the intersection of Broken Land Parkway and Hickory Ridge Road.

On Festive Families Night Nov. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., this stroller and wagon-friendly event is a fun way for families to get up close to the display. Tickets cost $12 when bought online and families will be admitted in 10-minute intervals. Children ages three and under can get in for free.

For Tail Lights, dogs are able to enjoy the holiday lights. There even will be a doggie costume contest and pup caricatures. Tail Lights will be held Dec. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets cost $10. Children ages three and under are admitted for free.

During Midnight on the Hour, celebrate this New Year's Eve starting at 5 p.m. along with a fireworks display at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs for viewing. Tickets are $15 and must purchased them in advance. A family of four can buy a pack of tickets for $50. Children ages three and under are admitted for free.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and for the safety of guests, Symphony of Lights organizers have made changes to our ticketing system:

• All tickets must be purchased in advance due to limited capacity.
• When you choose a time slot, you are only allowed to enter during that 10-minute window. Remain in vehicles until the allotted time arrives.
• Face coverings are mandatory at all times.
• No food trucks or extra family activities are available this season.
• Want to know where to park? Merriweather lots 2-4 are designated lots for this night, view the map here: http://bit.ly/SOL-map