Tail Lights Walk Through with Dogs: A Festive Outdoor Experience in Columbia, Maryland
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels including children and older adults, as it’s a slow-paced walking event.
Overview
Celebrate the holiday season in Columbia, Maryland with Tail Lights—a festive, dog-friendly walk-through light display that’s fun for all ages and supports a great cause. Discover why this unique outdoor adventure brings the community together in glowing style.
Tail Lights: Walk Through w/ Dogs!
2.5 Hours • All Ages • Dogs Like Lights Too • Book Now!
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About This Adventure
Join us for Tail Lights, a festive walk through dazzling lights with your family, friends, and leashed pups! Embrace the fun by dressing up in costumes, while supporting a great cause—proceeds benefit Howard County General Hospital. Enjoy a leisurely stroll at your own pace in this unique, memorable experience!
Dogs like the Lights too! Join us for Tail Lights and walk through the Lights with your family, friends, and pups! Costumes encouraged for both dogs and humans. All dogs must be leashed.
A portion of proceeds from this event benefit the Howard County General Hospital.
Festive costumes welcome! Dogs not mandatory.
Duration
2.5 Hours
More info
The course is approximately 1 mile. Children 3 and under are free. Strollers and wagons are welcome.
Q: Do we have to arrive when the event begins or can we start our walk at any time the event is open? A: You can start your walk any time the event is open. We close the course 30 minutes before the listed end time to give everyone ample time to walk through.
Q. Do I have to purchase a ticket for my child who is under 3 years old? A: No.
Q. How much time do we have to go through the course? A: You can go as fast or as slow as you want. Please just keep social distance and be respectful of everyone's space!
Q. Where is parking? A. Merriweather lots 2 and 3.
Q: Will there be food and drinks? A: Yes. A complete list will be on our website soon.
Q: What is the refund policy for walk through nights? A: Refunds are not available for any Symphony of Lights events.
Adventure Tips
Bring a leash for your dog
Keep your dog leashed at all times to ensure their safety and the comfort of other walkers.
Wear comfortable shoes
The walk is leisurely but covers some ground; sturdy shoes make all the difference for a pleasant experience.
Dress warmly for winter evenings
Temperatures can drop after sunset, so layering is key to staying comfortable throughout the stroll.
Plan for limited parking
Arrive early or consider carpooling as parking near the event can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer often spotted in nearby parks
- Winter songbirds such as chickadees and cardinals
History
Columbia, Maryland, was designed in the 1960s as a planned community to blend neighborhoods with natural spaces, making it a distinct blend of urban and outdoor experiences.
Conservation
The event emphasizes responsible use of parkland and encourages waste-free participation to protect local green spaces.
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Adventure Hotspots in Columbia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm layered clothing
Keeps you comfortable during chilly evening temperatures.
winter specific
Flashlight or headlamp
Helpful for extra visibility moving between light displays in dim areas.
winter specific
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is important, even on cold evenings.
winter specific
Dog waste bags
Ensure you clean up after your pet to keep the area enjoyable for everyone.
winter specific