Dog-Friendly Holiday Activities in Sykesville & Eldersburg, MD

‘Tis the season to make merry memories with every member of your family – including the four-legged ones! From twinkling light displays and festive photo shoots to picking out the perfect Christmas tree, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays with your dog in the Sykesville/Eldersburg area. We’ve rounded up the most pup-friendly holiday activities that are sure to get your tail wagging with joy.

Take a Walk Through a Dog-Friendly Holiday Light Show

What better way to experience the magic of the holidays than with your furry friend by your side? These three fantastic dog-friendly holiday light shows near Eldersburg and Sykesville are sure to make your pup’s tail wag with joy:

Christmas In the Corn & Holiday Light Trail

Dates: Fridays & Saturdays in December ∙ 5 pm – 9 pm
Location: Local Homestead Products (New Windsor, MD)

Enjoy a festive farm experience with your pup at Christmas In the Corn! Their corn maze has been transformed into a winter wonderland of lights and holiday decor. You can also explore the Christmas Village, and Candy Store, and don’t forget to snap a photo with The Grinch and Santa.

Cascade Lights Pup Strut

Dates: Sun, Dec 8 & Sun, Dec 22 ∙ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Coppermine Cascade Park (Hampstead, MD)

Bring your dog along for a magical night out at the Cascade Lights Pup Strut! Stroll through the park’s twinkling lights and enjoy the festive atmosphere with your pup by your side. The MDSPCA will be on site accepting donations, along with their cuddle bus, featuring animals for play and/or adoption.

Tail Lights

Date: Mon, Dec 9 ∙ 5:30 pm – 8:00
Location: Merriweather Symphony of Lights (Columbia, MD)

Experience the magic of Merriweather’s dazzling light display with your four-legged friend at this special dog-friendly evening. Take a leisurely stroll through the spectacular Symphony of Lights while dressed in your holiday best – costumes are encouraged for both pups and their people! A portion of the proceeds benefits Howard County General Hospital.

For more holiday light fun with your dog, don’t miss our guide to Dog-Friendly Holiday Light Shows in Maryland, featuring a list of the most dazzling and pup-friendly light displays in the area.

Get a Photo of Your Dog with Santa or the Grinch

Capture the magic of the season with a festive holiday photo shoot featuring your furry friend all while supporting local rescues! Here’s a dog-friendly holiday photo shoot in Sykesville, as well as three others nearby so you can get that pawfect photo for your holiday cards:

Pet Nights with Santa

Dates: Mon, Nov 25; Mon, Dec 2 & Mon, Dec 9 ∙ 5 pm – 7 pm
Location: Town Mall of Westminster (Westminster, MD)

Capture holiday memories with your pet at the Town Mall’s special Santa photo nights! The Humane Society of Carroll County will be there collecting donations and giving out treats for your furry friends. Make the season merry for both your pet and animals in need!

Pictures with the Grinch & Cindy Loo

Date: Sat, Dec 7 ∙ 10 am – 1 pm
Location: South Carroll Dog Park (Sykesville, MD)

Get into the holiday spirit with a Whoville-inspired photo shoot featuring the Grinch (dressed as Santa!) and Cindy Lou Who. Bring your pup and the whole family join in the fun! It’s going to be a Grinch-tastic time for everyone!

Santa Pet Photos!

Dates: Sun, Dec 8 & Sun, Dec 15 ∙ 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: My Pet Store and More (Ellicott City, MD)

Bring your fur-babies for a pawsitively adorable photo with Santa Claus! For a $15 donation to Adoption Option Dog Rescue, Inc, you can take unlimited cell phone photos of your pet with Santa. Add a printed, framed picture for just $5 more. Proceeds help support foster animals in need, so get ready to spread some holiday cheer!

Pet Photos with Santa!

Date: Sat, Dec 14 ∙ 10:30 am – 4 pm
Location: Central Dawgma (Frederick, MD)

Bring your pet to Central Dawgma for a delightful holiday photo shoot with Santa! For a $20 donation to the Animal Welfare League of Frederick County, you’ll receive a framed 4×6 photo and a digital copy, making for a beautiful and impactful holiday memory.

For more holiday photo opportunities for your furry friend, be sure to check out our Complete List of Pet Photos with Santa in Central Maryland.

Pick Out the Perfect Tree with Your Pup

Make choosing your Christmas tree a family adventure – four-legged members included! These three dog-friendly Christmas tree farms near Eldersburg and Sykesville welcome leashed pets to join in the holiday tradition:

Wolfe’s Pine Valley Farms

Location: 1150 Fannie Dorsey Rd, Sykesville, MD

Explore 110 acres of beautiful Christmas trees with your furry friend at this family-owned farm. Choose from Fraser and Douglas Firs, then warm up with hot chocolate or cider in their cozy Christmas barn. Don’t forget to check out their selection of wreaths and decorations!

Greenway Farms Christmas Trees

Location: 15097 Frederick Rd, Woodbine, MD

Bring your pup along to help pick from over 15,000 trees at this 20-acre farm. Choose between cut-your-own Canaan Fir and White Pine, or select a fresh-cut Fraser Fir. Enjoy hot drinks while browsing their selection of poinsettias, wreaths, and local honey.

Freezers Farm

Location: 3700 Wards Chapel Rd, Marriottsville, MD

Take a peaceful stroll with your dog through this small, family-owned farm known for their naturally grown trees. Choose from Norway Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce, White Pine, or Fraser Fir varieties. They’ll even wrap your selected tree in netting for easy transport home.

For more local tree farms that welcome dogs, see our list of Dog-Friendly Christmas Tree Farms in Carroll County, MD.

Make Merry Memories with Your Four-Legged Family This Holiday Season

Whether you’re strolling through sparkling light displays, capturing holiday portraits, or searching for the perfect Christmas tree, including your furry friend in these seasonal traditions makes them even more special. We hope this guide helps you create pawsitively wonderful holiday memories with your four-legged family members this year!

Remember to keep your pet’s comfort and safety in mind during these activities – bring water, treats, and warm gear if needed. Happy Holidays from Ready Pet Go!