Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Post Pavilion

About this adventure

A cherished Central Maryland family tradition for more than 25 years, the Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia illuminates the 40-acre wooded grounds with more than 300,000 sparkling LED lights. The larger-than-life animated and stationary displays depict whimsical animated winter animals, racing reindeer, Maryland blue crabs in Santa hats, and a 50-foot musical holiday tree synchronized to beloved carols. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Drive-Through Comfort: Families can drive the one-mile course from the cozy, heated comfort of their personal vehicles, tuning their car radios to the festival's dedicated holiday music station—an ideal setup for infants and young toddlers. • Walk-Through Nights: On select dates throughout December, the course opens exclusively to pedestrians for 'Festive Families Walk-Through Nights.' Wide paved asphalt concourses easily accommodate strollers and wagons. • Refreshments & Restrooms: Walk-through nights include outdoor warming fire pits, hot chocolate, cider donuts, and heated indoor pavilion restrooms equipped with diaper-changing tables. • Community Benefit: Proceeds from the event support Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine.