If you are one of those people who drives around town looking for creative Christmas light displays, look no further.
This year?s 13th annual Symphony of Lights in Columbia is the perfect place for families, couples and people who just want a taste of the holiday. Since its inception, the Symphony of Lights has seen more than one million visitors.
The display includes more than 70 large light displays and takes eight weeks for a 24-person staff to construct. The 1.5 mile drive takes around 20-25 minutes to drive through.
Some of the displays, which include everything from playful teddy bears to chugging trains to Santa?s elves, are more than 25 feet high.
Dietrich and Leonard Brown, of Ellicott City, took their 7-year-old grandson to the event last year. “We liked the various light displays, the easy maneuverability from one display to another and the fact that there seemed to be just the right number of displays,” she said.
“It’s a fun family outing, although I would still enjoy it just as much on my own,” said Heidi Tracey, of Catonsville. “The size and intricacy of the displays is amazing and you find yourself excited to see what?s next as you drive through. It always gets me excited about Christmas.”
“You can dial into a certain radio station and listen to carols while watching the show. We all oohed and aahed. There is even a word game to play while driving,” said Perry Hall resident Claire Schram.
Last year, the display raised more than $316,000, and proceeds go directly to the Howard County General Hospital.
“People come in from Pennsylvania and Virginia,” said Sheila Mackall, spokesperson for the Howard Hospital Foundation. “There have even been some reported military people that come in while they are in the area.”
“I think the most important aspect, although it does get people into the holiday spirit, is that the money is going back to the community hospital,” she said.
“By participating in the light display, you are helping to support the health and welfare of the community.”
