What's Open, Closed For Christmas 2025 In Columbia

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Christmas falls on a Thursday this year and many businesses, community centers and other places will be closed in recognition of the holiday.

On Christmas Eve, the Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers and the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center will close at 5 p.m. The Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closing at 2 p.m. and the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum will be closed.

Howard County Government offices, courts, 50+ centers, animal shelter, Alpha Ridge Landfill, Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Robinson Nature Center, Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, and county historic sites will be closed Dec. 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Since there's won't be curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on Christmas Day, the county's holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect. For an explanation of the schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule.

County park gates will be open Dec. 25; however, there will not be any staff on duty. The Howard County Library System will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Howard County Public School System will be closed for the winter break Dec. 24 through Jan. 2.

State offices and courts will be closed Dec. 25. Post offices are closed Dec. 25.

The Regional Transportation Agency buses will operate on a limited schedule Christmas Eve and will not operate Christmas Day. Howard County parking fees will not be enforced Dec. 25. The 9-1-1 Center, police and fire departments will remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies, call 410-313-2200.