Merriweather Symphony of Lights

Drive It, or Walk It on Family Night

Symphony of Lights is Howard County's drive-through, more than 300,000 bulbs in Symphony Woods by Merriweather Post Pavilion. It runs from November 27 to January 2, and proceeds help Howard County General Hospital. It's $25 per vehicle, and buying ahead isn't required but they encourage it. Limos, buses and dual-axle vehicles aren't allowed.

The drive-through is closed on a few nights because they turn it into a walk-through instead: November 29, 30 and December 1, 7, 10, 14 and 31. Two of those are made for families. Festive Families on November 29 lets you walk the lights with strollers, wagons and baby carriers, and Jingle Jam on December 14 is a toddler dance party with DJ Kopec. Festive Families is listed at $15 per person with kids 3 and under free, bought in advance, but the official pages show different text in places, so double-check when you buy.

The line for the drive-through starts at Hickory Ridge Road and Broken Land Parkway. The 2026 nightly hours aren't posted yet (last year it was 6 to 10pm), so look at the site before you head out. Nearby, Merriweather District lights its tree on November 20 and opens the Color Burst ice rink the same day.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Try Festive Families. On Nov 29 you can walk the lights with a stroller or wagon.
• ✓Toddler in the house? Jingle Jam on Dec 14 is a dance party just for little ones.
• ✓Buy ahead. It isn't required for the drive-through, but they encourage it.
• ✓Check hours that day. The 2026 nightly hours haven't been posted yet.
• ✓Add the ice rink. Merriweather District opens the Color Burst rink on Nov 20.

Questions Parents Ask

When is Symphony of Lights 2026?

The drive-through runs November 27, 2026 to January 2, 2027 in Symphony Woods in Columbia, MD, except on the walk-through nights.

How much is Symphony of Lights?

$25 per vehicle for the drive-through. The Festive Families walk-through night is listed at $15 per person, with kids 3 and under free.

Can you walk through Symphony of Lights?

Yes, on select nights. Festive Families is November 29, and Jingle Jam, a toddler dance party, is December 14.

Who does Symphony of Lights benefit?

Proceeds help Howard County General Hospital.