After A Year Off, Columbia's Symphony Of Lights Is Back

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A central Maryland holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever. After skipping 2015, the Columbia Symphony Of Lights is back, and organizers say it was worth the wait.

The treasured tradition had to be put on hold last year because, after two decades, the displays needed upgrading.

"Sitting out metal and wires sitting out in the worst three months in the year for weather really took a toll on them," says Brad Canfield, President of Event Consulting and Management for Merriweather Post Pavilion.

The crew spent the last five weeks setting up the upgraded displays, all while navigating three surrounding construction projects.

It's a dazzling display that stretches a mile. The 20-minute drive is packed with 300,000 glowing bulbs set to a holiday soundtrack.

The event even comes with its own radio station so visitors can listen to holiday songs along the mile-long drive.

"We have families that have brought their children, then they brought their grandchildren," says Emily Shreve, special events manager for the Howard Hospital Foundation.

"It's really family friendly. Everyone loves coming back year after year," said Shreve.

"We think that they're great!" said a young visitor.

"It was absolutely beautiful!" said another visitor.

The annual tradition went dark in 2015, as crew worked to update the light fixtures, making it all the more special for visitors this year.

"I think this year was the best one!"

This holiday, visitors can expect an even larger spectacle -- for the first time ever, there's an outdoor ice-skating rink, the only one in Howard County.

Also, "we have a new laser light show for the first time," said Shreve. "We have a 3D holiday video that's at the Merriweather stage."

"It was wonderful!" said one man.

"It was very sparkly and colorful," said another visitor.

In addition to the drive, there are nightly events, contests, and performances throughout the season.

The light display benefits Howard County General Hospital, raising more than $7 million dollars in its 21 years.

The Symphony is open five nights a week, Wednesday through Sunday. For more information CLICK HERE.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook