ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball wants residents and businesses to share their festive displays of holiday spirit this season as he launched the 2026 “HoCo Holiday Lights” map today. The map is used to share the best displays and for visitors to make Howard County a seasonal destination for our holiday spirit. Since the map was created in 2021, hundreds of decorators from Columbia and Elkridge to Ellicott City and Hanover to Savage and Woodstock have registered to share their creative decorations.
As I prepare for my next chapter outside of Howard County, I am so happy to be leaving with this project of joy, celebration, and love underway. As a resident, I know I will be using this tool to create special holiday memories with my family this season. This interactive map project has just been a great example of how we can bring our community together in peace and rejoice in this season of giving.
To follow a bright path of lights, the publicly-driven website will feature displays across the county as residents and owners register their homes and businesses. Throughout the holiday season, each listing tracks the location and description of the display, display dates and hours, photos, and any special instructions for that location. Visitors can create a personalized map of holiday lights through Howard County and/or search for holiday displays by city, zip code or key word. Check back often for the latest information as neighbors add their displays to the database throughout the season.
Our creative neighbors wanting to share their festive displays are encouraged to register as early as possible. To put your home, business, or community holiday lights display on the map, fill out an online registration. If you have any questions or issues registering your holiday display, please contact HoCoHolidayLights@howardcountymd.gov.