Tree Lighting in Ellicott City Happening Friday

Ellicott City will kick off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting and Midnight Madness event on Friday, Dec. 5.

Carolers, live music, tree lighting and shopping specials will round out the evening, during which many stores will be open until midnight. This year marks the 37th annual Midnight Madness.

Below are some of the activities planned. For a complete rundown that includes business specials—such as free champagne and an appearance by Elvis—see this list compiled by Visit Ellicott City.

Festival of Trains—11a.m. to 10 p.m. at the B&O Railroad Museum; 2711 Maryland Avenue. See toy and model train layouts. Drop off a new unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots and receive 50 percent off admission.

Santa’s Workshop—4 to 8 p.m. at the Thomas Isaac log cabin; Main Street and Ellicott Mills Drive. Bring a camera and stop by for a pic with Santa. There will be a mailbox outside where people can put letters to Santa until Christmas Eve.

Tree Lighting Ceremony—6 p.m. at Howard County Tourism Center; 8267 Main Street. Remarks and tree lighting ceremony.

Parents Night Out Childcare Services—6 to 10 p.m. at Roger Carter Center; 3000 Milltowne Drive. Children 5 to 14 years old can do rock climbing, crafts, gym activities and have popcorn and a movie for $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is required; call 410 313-2764.

Strolling Entertainers—Pride of Baltimore Chorus, Mt. Hebron Madrigal Choir, Frosty the Snowman and the Heart of Maryland Chorus will wander around town during Midnight Madness.

Howard County Tourism, the Ellicott City Business Association and the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation are partners in organizing the signature seasonal event, with M&T Bank as the sponsor.

There will be additional parking at the George Howard Building and Circuit Court, with a free shuttle taking people between the parking lots and downtown between 6 p.m. and midnight.

Image courtesy of Ellicott City Midnight Madness/Facebook.

Related: Ellicott City Restricts Parking on Main Street Friday