Santa's Back In Howard County For Christmas: Where To See Him

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Santa Claus will be back in Howard County this holiday season after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they’ve been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families’ holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. Santa arrived Nov. 12 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

In Howard County, kids have several opportunities to see Santa at The Mall in Columbia. Be sure to make a reservation to guarantee a spot. Santa Cares offers special visits with Santa at the mall in a sensory-friendly environment for children and families with special needs. Reservations are required. Pet Night at the mall allows your four-legged loved one to get a photo snapped with Santa. Donations will be collected on behalf of The Humane Society of the United States.

Clark's Hardware in Columbia offers the opportunity for kids to see Santa and snap a photo in its Christmas Village on Sundays through Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Furry friends are welcome to visit Santa, too.

Santa also will be at Doc Taylor's Toy Emporium, 8197 Main Street in Ellicott City, Dec. 3-4. Donations will be accepted for the Stuff the Train Toy Drive.

The Wilde Lake Community Association offers breakfast with Santa Dec. 3 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Buy your ticket here.

Every year, Santa visits the residents of Ellicott City atop a fire engine. His route has not yet been released but when ready, it can be seen here. Santa also will be having breakfast with the community Dec. 11 at the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department's Station 2. There will be two shifts. Tickets can be bought here.

The White Oak Tavern also will be hosting a brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 from noon to 3 p.m. Be sure to reserve a seat.

Photos can be taken with Santa at The Other Barn the morning of Dec. 3. There will be treats and crafts. The Other Barn is located at 5851 Robert Oliver Place in Columbia.

Santa Claus is coming to town to take photos with pets and kids at Black Flag Brewing Company, 9315 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Girl Scout Service Unit 660 Troop 10179 for Breakfast with Santa Dec. 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Glen Mar Church, 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City. The event is free but reservations are requested.

Enjoy the Yuletide Festival at Savage Mill through Dec. 18 and see Santa on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18 from noon to 4 p.m.