Historic Ellicott City is a favorite holiday shopping destination for many in Maryland. Even after two historic, devastating floods, the town is open with tons of original gift-shops, events, and fun stops for kids.
This former mill town feels tucked away from the rest of the world, with narrow streets lined with historic buildings. Even after the historic floods in 2016 and 2018, antiques shops, galleries, clothing boutiques, artist galleries and posh restaurants have rebuilt and line the quaint Main Street. There you’ll find special one-of-a-kind holiday finds and activities for the kids—including the B&O Railroad Museum Ellicott City Station, which hosts an annual Holiday Festival of Trains.
Ellicott City is kicking off its 2020 Holiday Season with socially distant fun events including the big Midnight Madness on December 4, continuing with the Merry Main Street Marketplace on Dec. 5–6. Here’s what’s happening this season in Ellicott City. Mask up and have fun!
2020 Ellicott City Holiday Events
Midnight Madness
Dec. 6, 6 p.m.–midnight.
The annual Midnight Madness Celebration festures 70+ one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants that have decked their halls, and stocked their shelves with treasures to make your holiday merry and bright. Find sidewalk sales, festive cocktail & food offerings, plus specials galore. Plus you can take the Holiday Train Wonderland Walk, the beloved Howard County Fire & Rescue display reimagined on Main Street in 7 different windows. Use the QR code at each window to access a scavenger hunt you can see on your smart phone.
DJ Kopec at Midnight Madness
Head to EC Pops for some live DJ Kopec action, and while you’re there, buy a toy for his Stuff the Train toy drive!
Art for the Holidays Reception
Dec. 8, 2–4 p.m.
Artists’ Gallery celebrates the season with an annual show of diverse works to inspire gift giving. “The Gift of Art” is an all-member show that will feature two and three dimensional art work, including wooden bowls and boxes, ceramic pieces, jewelry, small paintings and photographs and other interesting works with gift-giving in mind. Online shopping is available. artistsgalleryec.com
Merry Main Street Marketplace
Inspired by European outdoor holiday markets, this mini version hosts rotating local artisans and small businesses offering their gift-able creations. Warm-up at the fire pit and grab your favorite holiday-themed hot drink, soup, or sandwich from Little Market Cafe while you shop. On Sundays, treat yourself to a Sunday S’More at the fire pit! Hot’s not your thing? Park Ridge Creamery has gelato sammies and pints to go! The Marketplace runs every Saturday & Sunday, November 21 through December 20, 11 am – 5 pm in The Courtyards adjacent to Parking Lot D just off Main Street.
To learn more about Historic Ellicott City, visit visitellicottcity.com.