It is once again the most wonderful time of the year. As residents are celebrating this winter season, downtown Columbia is alight with holiday fun. Despite this year posing challenging experiences for the entire world, strife has not stopped the flurry of activities available to the Howard County community. If you are searching for ways to indulge in the holiday spirit, there are plenty of opportunities for excitement that are safe as well as enjoyable for all ages.

 Organizations such as the Howard Hughes Corporation, Downtown Columbia Partnership, Merriweather Post Pavilion and the Downtown Columbia Arts & Culture Commission have collaborated in hosting some popular events this holiday season. The presence of COVID-19 has encouraged local businesses to pivot their methods of operation for the wellbeing of the local community. Finding the balance between honoring the past and reimagining the future, these organizations have sought to bring joy and good tidings to Columbia’s residents.

One of the most cherished Columbia holiday traditions is the Symphony of Lights, a popular holiday drive-thru light show located at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Celebrating its twenty-seventh year, guests can become enraptured by travelling through the incredible array of animated and stationary light creations, experiencing the beauty of more than 300,000 lights over a mile-long trek. The executive director of the Downtown Columbia Partnership, Phillip Dodge, shares his love for the event, both personally and professionally. “This is one of the few good things we get to do in 2020,” Dodge jokes. “It’s a predominantly driving event, and my family and I love driving through the light show.” There are even games that guests can play on their tour, from attempting to find the elusive single pink bulb to finding secret holiday messages. They also can win prizes, including four lawn tickets for any 2021 concert and gift certificates to local restaurants. Even if you would like to stretch your legs, the Symphony of Lights has certain days for walking guests (with mandatory face coverings), along with a firework show beginning at 6 PM.

Whether there’s rain or shine, there will be an opportunity to visit the Merriweather Post Pavilion until January 2nd. Not only does the Symphony of Lights provide an awe-inspiring evening for families and friends, the event also gives back to the community. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales is donated to Howard County General Hospital, as well as the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission. This commitment to the betterment of Columbia showcases the love poured into the community. 

 Another winter activity that Columbia residents can experience is visiting the brand new Color Burst Ice Rink, which is now open for season. Howard Hughes’ Vice President of Marketing, Vanessa Rodriguez, is extremely proud of the work her team has done in establishing the rink: “[Color Burst Ice Rink] is such a beautiful space. It has incredible holiday decor, and it really brings some magic in a time where people are starving for it.” shares Rodriguez. In fact, the Color Burst Ice Rink is the only outdoor rink in the Columbia area. 

Located in Color Burst Park, the Howard Hughes Corporation had a direct hand in the development of the rink. In order to ensure an adherence to safety measures, the 6,000 square foot rink currently operates at half capacity. Guests can reserve their tickets online to stagger wait times every seventy-five minutes in order to keep crowds at a minimum. Dodge, of the Downtown Columbia Partnership, shared that the idea for the rink has been considered for years, and COVID-19 provided the opportunity for local organizations to move forward with its completion in November. 

 “This was a good way of developing something that is outside where people can social distance, and it brings something fun and positive to the community,” he said And, if you have worked up an appetite while skating, food and drinks are served from local pop-up shops on certain days. Delicious holiday snacks and drinks will be available for purchase on Fridays through Sundays in December, barring Christmas Day. “Since we couldn’t do our annual Cocktail Crawl due to COVID restrictions, we’re partnering up with restaurants like Cured and 18th and 21st to host the DTC Cocktail Pop-up,” said Dodge. “They’ll have mulled wine, light beer, and featured cocktails. You can enjoy a drink after skating with the kids or watching them from the sidelines.” The aspect of the winter events that Rodriguez, of Howard Hughes, is most thankful for is the rekindling of hope. “These events are important. They are able to spread joy in a time when it is difficult to keep your head up,” she says. After a long year of uncertainty, Downtown Columbia is ending the year on a positive note for its residents. The festivities occurring this month emphasize the love of old traditions and the beginning of new ones. Even in the darkest, coldest nights of the year, joy still manages to shine through in Howard County.