Midnight Madness Takes Over Ellicott City's Historic District Friday

Ellicott City's annual holiday shopping tradition is Friday night.

There will be Christmas lights, colorful window displays, free parking, carolers and the annual tree lighting ceremony to kick off the event at 6 p.m.

The stores along Main Street will be open until midnight and the following activities are planned (just a reminder, rain is forecasted, so be prepared, but don't let it keep you away.)

The following is courtesy of Visit Ellicott City

Start a new family tradition as you sip hot cider while strolling the town, listening to carolers and visiting our unique shops decorated for the holidays. Shop local this season and find that perfect gift at more than 50 shops, galleries and artist studios. Restaurant dinner and drink specials will be available all evening as well. Stores and restaurants open until midnight. Don't forget to visit Santa in his workshop!

Trolley Shuttle beginning at 5pm and running til 1:00am. It will pick up and discharge at the Circuit Court Lot, the District Court Lot (Martha Bush Drive), the County Office Complex and the Welcome Center.

Strolling Entertainers
Choir groups from the local churches, Pride of Baltimore Chorus, and the Mt. Hebron Madrigal Choir will be strolling up and down Main Street throughout the evening

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony 6pm
The Welcome Center with County Executive Ken Ulman and Council Woman Courtney Watson

Main Street Window Decorating Contest officially starts Dec 6th.
Visitors are asked to vote for their favorite window decorations using ballots available at businesses and the Howard County Tourism office at 8267 Main Street. Judges' winners will be announced the week of Dec. 9th, while the people's choice winner will be announced on Jan. 3rd!

Santa's Workshop 4 - 9pm
Stop in for a free gift and photo with Santa. Parent welcome to take their own, so be sure to bring a camera! Located in the Thomas Isaac log cabin at Main St & Ellicott Mills Drive.

Magical Winter Wonderland in the Courtyards of Tonge Row (Lot D)
Peek-a-boo snowman boards! HOT chocolate, chef inspired sandwiches, savory soups, Wood-fired Pizza, Pit Barbecue, and live music by Colamiles!!!! Great Family Fun! 

Santa’s Mail Box will be at the Cabin Friday night and Saturday it will be at the Fire House Museum. After that he will move it to the Welcome Center where letters can be left until December 20th. All letters to Santa will be picked up by USPS for prompt delivery to the North Pole.

Festival of Trains 11am - 10pm
Toy and model train layouts include a custom-built, 360 degree multi-tiered O-scale layout, a miniature Thomas the Tank Engine G-scale layout, and more! Bring a new unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots and receive 50%off admission. Located at the B&O Railroad Museum.

Raffle for gift baskets valued at around $500.00 – tickets on sale in front of the Welcome Center. Sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America to benefit the Ellicott City Historic District Partnership Beautification Fund. Money raised will go to the purchase of more benches for the historic district. The Modern Woodmen will match whatever amount is raised in the raffle up to $2,500.00

*NEW* The Roger Carter Center will be offering 'Parents Night Out' childcare services 6-10pm for kids ages 5 - 14 yrs. Activities include a rock climbing, crafts, popcorn and a movie plus gym activities. $15/members $20/non-members Pre-registration is required.


http://www.visitellicottcity.com/midmad/