When it comes to enjoying fun and family holiday events in Columbia, you've definitely got your fair share of choices.

The 2012 Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Post Pavilion is one of these.  Leading the pack with a dazzling assortment of more than 75 animated and stationary holiday lights, the Symphony of Lights provides a one of a kind and quite affordable holiday event experience for people of all ages in and around Columbia.

Symphony of Lights kicks off on Saturday, November 17and remains open 7 days a week from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. excluding New Year's Eve (for the separate Midnight at 7 event) until Friday, January 6.  This annual Christmas display takes place near Merriweather Post Pavilion at the intersection of Brokenland Parkway and Hickory Ridge Road, off of Route 29 at Exit 18B.

Best of all, the Symphony of Lights can be enjoyed from the comfort and convenience of one's car where guests can take a slow drive through a 1.4-mile-long display of moving and stationary holiday lights.

There will be a handful of festivities taking place at the Symphony of Lights.  The event kicks off with the Dazzle Dash Weekend on November 17th and 18th.  The Dazzle Dash Weekend will allow guests to walk or run through the 1.4-mile display of lights for a fitness-friendly celebration featuring games and activities for kids, food, entertainment, giveaways, and more.

In addition, Symphony of Lights will host Blinkin' Binkies on Tuesday, December 6 where families of all ages can take a stroll through the display; Tail Lights on Tuesday, December 11 where guests can bring their dogs; and Midnight at 7 on New Year's Eve which will feature a vibrant fireworks display and other entertaining activities at the Symphony of Lights.

Admission to the 2012 Symphony of Lights is $20 for cars, $45 for vans, and $125 for busses with proceeds going toward the Campus Development Plan for Howard County General Hospital.  For more information on this event, visit the official Symphony of Lights website.