You don't need long in Old Ellicott City to understand why people love it here. Maybe it's the historic stone buildings. Maybe it's the winding Main Street lined with boutiques and glowing shop windows. Maybe it's the simple fact that everywhere you look, something charming is waiting to be found.
With more than 70 boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, museums, and even hiking trails, this little historic town manages to deliver all the charm you're hoping for, and then some! It's cute. It's quirky. It's walkable. And no matter what captures your attention first, you'll quickly understand why visitors return again and again.
During the holiday season, Old Ellicott City feels like it was cast in a Hallmark movie with twinkling lights over Main Street, festive storefronts, and small businesses bustling. It's the kind of place where you can finish your gift list and have fun doing it!
Midnight Madness: A Beloved Holiday Tradition
This Friday, December 5th, Old Ellicott City kicks off one of its most cherished traditions: Midnight Madness & Tree Lighting. It's a night filled with music, lights, hometown cheer, and shops staying open until the stroke of midnight.
The evening begins with Santa greeting families at the Log Cabin, followed by the annual Tree Lighting in Tiber Park featuring performances from local school choirs. Throughout the evening, you'll find holiday train gardens, carolers filling the streets with music, special treats, festive photo ops, and shops and restaurants welcoming visitors late into the night. It's a magical mix of small-town charm and holiday excitement you won't want to miss.
Shuttle Transportation from Turf Valley Resort
Turf Valley Resort is just 6 miles from Old Ellicott City and to make the evening completely stress free, Turf Valley Resort is offering a complimentary shuttle service for overnight hotel guests.
Departures from Turf Valley Resort to Main Street:
5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm, 10:30pm
Departures from Main Street back to Turf Valley Resort:
6:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:00pm, 9:00pm, 10:00pm, 11:00pm, 12:00am
Please note: If you miss the final midnight shuttle, you'll need to arrange your own transportation back to the resort—our sleigh does not circle back after 12:00am.
Shopping Highlights:
There's no shortage of shops to discover in Old Ellicott City, but here are just a few from our recent visit. Of course, the real fun is wandering and stumbling across your own favorites!
Backwater Books & Bibliopub
A cozy independent bookstore with great reads, cozy nooks, live entertainment, and a bar. It's the perfect place for book lovers to linger.
Sweet Elizabeth Jane
A two-story wonderland featuring home decor, clothing, seasonal merchandise, and holiday magic. The first floor currently looks like Santa's Workshop, while the upstairs boutique offers stylish clothing finds.
Doc Taylor's Toy Emporium
A dreamland for kids (and nostalgic adults) featuring everything from plush friends and games to Bruder trucks and unique toys.
Explore the History of Old Ellicott City
Old Ellicott City is a storyteller's paradise, layered with centuries of history, culture, and character. During a recent visit with Howard County Tourism, we explored some of the town's enlightening historical stops.
Howard County Welcome Center
Located inside a beautifully restored 1939 post office, this charming welcome center offers visitor info, local insights, and original New Deal-era murals. It's an ideal first stop for getting your bearings.
Maryland History Tours: Haunted Main Street
If you enjoy a good ghost tale, this guided tour dives into 250 years of legends, stories, and spirited encounters from Ellicott City's past.
B&O Railroad Station Museum
This is the oldest surviving railroad station in America and once served as the terminus of the first 13 miles of commercial railroad in the country. During the winter holidays, their magical train garden displays are a must-see.
Museum of Howard County History & Ellicott City Children's Museum
From early mill town life to modern-day Howard County, the main museum covers a wide span of history. The Children's Museum offers interactive rooms that bring the 19th-century mill town experience to life for young visitors.
Take the Scenic Route: Number Nine Trolley Trail
For those who like to blend history with a bit of nature, the Number Nine Trolley Trail (a 3.2-mile out-and-back route) starts right in Old Ellicott City and offers a peaceful, paved path that's accessible for most visitors. The trail winds through the scenic Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum and makes for an easy, enjoyable stroll. Feeling more adventurous? Branch off to the wooded Red Trail, Yellow Trail, Orchard Trail, or the family-friendly Story Book Trail.
Whether you're here for Midnight Madness, browsing the boutiques, or soaking in the sights with a cup of something warm, Old Ellicott City is absolutely worth the short trip from Turf Valley Resort. It's charming, walkable, historic, and filled with festive cheer!
And with shuttle service running throughout the evening for our overnight guests, you can enjoy the magic without the stress of parking on one of the busiest nights of the year. Don't forget to fill out the transportation form linked in this blog if you'd like to reserve your spot. SIGN UP
Enjoy your holiday adventure in Old Ellicott City!
Learn more about holiday happenings at Turf Valley Resort, click here.