CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 2009

April - December 2009
Historic Ellicott City Sites Open
Saturday and Sunday, 1-4pm
410-465-8500
www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP/RAP_HistoricalSites.htm

Thomas Issac Log Cabin - free - donations gratefully accepted
Howard County Firehouse Museum - free - donations gratefully accepted
Ellicott City Colored School Restored - free - donations gratefully accepted
Heritage Orientation Center - free
Patapsco Female Institute - admittance fee

My Way – A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra
Offered selected dates through January 1st, 2010 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre Columbia. Great songs combined with a witty and charming dialogue; $; 410-730-8311; www.tobysdinnertheatre.com

December 1-20, 2009
A Dickens of a Carol
Patrons are transported back to 1843 as they enter the beautiful Belmont Manor House and become "guests" of Charles Dickens himself! Enjoy a candlelight dinner by a roaring fire, while hearing Dickens' words brought to life. Reservations: www.repstage.org or 410-772-4900.

December 1, 2009 - January 2010
Holiday Festival of Trains
Wednesdays - Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Holiday celebration of toy trains and model railroading including an O-gauge layout in the car house, the Museum's permanent HO-gauge layout in the freight house, an N-gauge layout, and a miniature Thomas the Tank Engine layout! Please note that the Museum is closed on Christmas Eve & Day and New Year's Day. Please note the Museum is open on New Year's Eve. & O Railroad Museum – Ellicott City Station. 410-465-1945; www.ecborail.org

December 1, 2009 -January 3, 2010
Holiday Festival of Trains at the B&O
Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m, Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Holiday celebration of toy trains and model railroading layouts.
Please note: The Museum is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Please note that the Museum will be open on New Year's Eve.
Baltimore B & O Railroad Museum; 410-752-2490; www.borail.org

December 4th, 2009
Midnight Madness
Start the holiday season off with late night shopping in some of the best shops in Maryland! Customers will enjoy extended hours of business and entertainment during this annual holiday event. There are plenty of stores, restaurants and activities to amuse all age groups. 410-313-1900

December 4th through January 1st
Holiday Window Contest
Stroll through the Ellicott City historic district and view the holiday window decorations as shop owners compete for the best window prize. Public votes determine the winner of the People's Choice Award. Ballots may be picked up at stores in town and at the Howard County Tourism Visitors Information Center, 410-313-1900, 8267 Main Street, Ellicott City Restoration Foundation; www.ecrestoration.org

December 5, 2009
Santa Parade in Historic Ellicott City
Be sure to be in the historic district at Noon on Saturday, December 5th to see Santa arrive by fire engine. Stay to shop in fantastic stores and enjoy a bite to eat in our many fine restaurants and eateries. Entertainment and surprises throughout town. 410-313-1900

December 5, 2009
Breakfast with Santa
Père Noël, better known as Santa to the non French, will again be visiting Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant to entertain and delight the little ones; $5.00 for children under 5 and $7.00 for all others; 410-465-4004; www.tersiguels.com ; 9:30AM, 10:00AM and 10:30AM seatings available. Reservations Required.

December 5, 2009
Holiday Mart
New Location: Glenwood Community Center
Join us for the 37th year of this favorite annual Howard County event! You’ll find seasonal gifts and merchandise created by 130 juried artisans. We will have door prizes and a children’s craft corner. Discerning shoppers know this is the place to find unique handcrafted items and home decor. You’re sure to find something for everyone on your list and don’t forget yourself! For more information call Heather Sites at 410-313-4622.All ages; Glenwood Community Center / $4 per person. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap for more information and receive a 50% off admission coupon and directions to the event.

December 5, 2009
Natural Holiday Sale & Nature Crafts
The Howard County Conservancy will host its annual holiday sale with unique local hand crafted items, nature crafts and decorations demonstrations. Children and adults can make whimsical critters from cones, pods and seed heads. 10am - 4pm. The Howard County Conservancy. 410-465-8877.
www.hcconservancy.org

December 5 & 6, 2009
Breakfast with Santa
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join the B&O Railroad Museum for our annual Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a delicious breakfast, have your photo made while visiting with Santa, take a train ride and enjoy the holiday train layouts! Tickets go on-sale November 2, 2009. Baltimore B & O Railroad Museum; 410-752-2490; www.borail.org

December 19 & 20, 2009
Breakfast Buffet with Santa
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, have your photo taken while visiting with Santa, take a train ride and enjoy holiday train layouts. Tickets go on-sale November 2, 2009.
Baltimore B & O Railroad Museum; 410-752-2490; www.borail.org