4 Hours • All ages • Tickets are per vehicle • Book Now!
Discover Merriweather Lights, Maryland’s beloved holiday drive-through experience with over 300,000 dazzling bulbs and festive scenes. Perfect for families and groups, this longstanding tradition illuminates the winter nights near Columbia’s historic pavilion.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; accessible for all ages and activity levels.
Wildlife
History
The Merriweather Post Pavilion, established in 1967, is a historic concert venue that now hosts this long-standing holiday tradition, combining music and light artistry.
Conservation
Organizers emphasize LED lighting to reduce energy consumption and encourage guests to responsibly reduce waste during their visit.
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
4 Hours • All ages • Tickets are per vehicle • Book Now!
Merriweather Symphony of Lights is a seasonal holiday light experience held at the historic Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. For more than 25 years the event has presented dazzling holiday displays featuring over 300,000 bulbs, combining traditional and contemporary lighting designs to create family-friendly drive-through and walk-through experiences.
The event offers multiple ways to attend: a Drive Through General Admission route designed for cars and families; Tail Lights, a walk-through evening that welcomes leashed dogs and encourages costumes; and Midnight @ 7, a New Year's Eve walk-through with a fireworks display at 7 PM suitable for families with young children.
A portion of proceeds from ticket sales benefits Howard County General Hospital and local healthcare initiatives, reinforcing the event's community focus. Guests can expect new light elements each season while enjoying familiar displays, making it a repeatable holiday outing for families and groups.
Operations are staged at Merriweather Post Pavilion, a recognized performance venue in Columbia, Maryland, which provides accessible parking and clear routes for the drive-through experience. Walk-through nights allow guests to stroll at their own pace and bring chairs to sit during the Midnight @ 7 fireworks show.
The Symphony of Lights emphasizes a family-oriented atmosphere, seasonal entertainment, and charitable support. It appeals to visitors seeking holiday lights, community-focused events, and inclusive programming such as dog-friendly walks and early fireworks. Accurate event dates, ticket details, and accessibility information are published each season by the event organizers. Plan visits early to secure preferred dates, ticket types, and parking options.
Years Running
25+ Years
A long-standing holiday tradition
Total Lights
300,000+ Bulbs
Over three hundred thousand bulbs
Charity Support
Benefits Howard County Hospital
Portion of proceeds donated
Dog-Friendly
Tail Lights Walks
Leashed pups welcome on walks
Choose drive-through, Tail Lights dog-friendly walks, or Midnight @ 7 New Year's Eve — create holiday memories and support Howard County General Hospital.
Book tickets in advance
Secure your preferred time slot online to avoid long waits during peak holiday evenings.
Drive slowly for best viewing
Maintain a slow, steady pace so you don’t miss any intricate displays along the route.
Keep windows up for sound quality
Enjoy the synced festive music by keeping your car windows closed during the drive.
Dress warmly for after the drive
While inside the car is warm, bundle up if you plan to stroll or gather outside afterward.
Warm layers
Stay comfortable if you step outside your vehicle before or after the drive.
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Camera or smartphone
Capture the dazzling light displays and festive moments along the route.
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Charged phone
Use for ticket confirmation and navigation to the event location.
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Snacks and drinks
Enjoy inside your car while watching the displays, especially with kids.
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