Symphony of Lights 2026: Holiday Lights Near Arbutus
1 November 2026
Merriweather Symphony of Lights returns to Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia from November 27, 2026 through January 2, 2027, with more than 300,000 lights you can enjoy without leaving your car. Admission is 25 dollars per vehicle, and on Thursdays, military families save 10 dollars with a valid military ID. It's an easy holiday outing from Arbutus for the whole family.
When is Symphony of Lights 2026?
The drive through runs nightly from Friday, November 27, 2026 through Saturday, January 2, 2027, except on a few nights set aside for walk through events. It goes on rain, shine or snow. Dates and hours are posted on the official Symphony of Lights visit page.
| Detail | Drive through nights |
|---|---|
| Season | November 27, 2026 to January 2, 2027 |
| Weekday hours | 6 to 10 p.m. |
| Weekend hours | 5 to 10 p.m. |
| Closed to cars | November 29 and 30, December 1, 7, 10, 14 and 31 |
| Price | 25 dollars per vehicle, cash or card |
| Military Thursdays | 10 dollars off with a valid military ID, at the entrance only |
Where do I line up?
Symphony of Lights is at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. On most nights, the drive through line starts at the intersection of Broken Land Parkway and Hickory Ridge Road. Lines can change quickly on busy nights, so follow the directions of Howard County police when you arrive. Limos, buses and dual axle vehicles aren't allowed.
Can I walk through the lights instead?
Yes, on a handful of special nights the drive through closes and the lights open to walkers. Walk through tickets are 15 dollars per person, and kids 3 and under are free. Here's the schedule posted on the visit page. The site's pages don't all show the same walk through dates, so please confirm on the Symphony of Lights website before you go.
| Walk through night | Date | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Festive Families | Sunday, November 29 | 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. | Strollers and wagons welcome |
| Tail Lights | Monday, December 7 | 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. | Leashed dogs only, costumes encouraged |
| Lit at the Lights | Thursday, December 10 | 6 to 9 p.m. | Beer and cocktail samples, 45 dollar sampling ticket or 15 dollar walk through |
| Jingle and Jam | Monday, December 14 | 5 to 7 p.m. | Toddler dance party |
| Midnight at 7 | Thursday, December 31 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Fireworks at 7 p.m., 50 dollar family 4 pack |
Does the event support a good cause?
It does. A portion of the proceeds supports Howard County General Hospital, and the show has been a Howard County tradition for more than 25 years. There's even a game for the car: spot the glowing letters along the route and unscramble the secret phrase for a chance to win.
What does this mean for families living in Arbutus?
Living in Arbutus means big holiday traditions are close by in every direction, from the lights in Columbia to the Catonsville Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. It's one of the reasons so many first time buyers fall in love with this area. If you're new here, our Moving to Arbutus guide is a great place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Symphony of Lights open in 2026?
The drive through opens Friday, November 27, 2026. It runs through Saturday, January 2, 2027.
How much does Symphony of Lights cost?
The drive through is 25 dollars per vehicle, and cash and credit cards are accepted. Walk through nights are priced separately, starting at 15 dollars per person.
Is there a military discount at Symphony of Lights?
Yes, on Thursdays there is 10 dollars off with a valid military ID. The discount is only available at the entrance.
What are the drive through hours?
Weekday hours are 6 to 10 p.m., and weekend hours are 5 to 10 p.m. The drive through is closed on walk through nights.
Does Symphony of Lights happen in bad weather?
Yes, the event goes on rain, shine or snow. Check the official website before you go for any updates.
Disclaimer: Details are from the Merriweather Symphony of Lights website, as of 1 November 2026. Dates, hours and prices can change, so check the official website before you go.
Make Arbutus Your Home for the Holidays
If you'd love to be close to holiday traditions like this one, I'd be happy to help you find your place in Arbutus. Call or text me at 443-421-6855.
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