Community Corner

What's Open / Closed for the Holidays in Howard County

Some retail stores will be open on Christmas, while most county buildings and services will be closed on Christmas and New Year's Day.


Here's what will be closed for Christmas and New Year's in Howard County:

Howard County buildings and services:


  • Government offices - closed - Dec. 25 to Jan. 1
  • Senior centers - closed - Dec. 25 to Jan. 1
  • County parks - closed Dec. 25
  • Gary J. Arthur Community Center - closed Dec. 25, Jan. 1
  • Historic sites - closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31, Jan. 1
  • Kiwanis Wallas Community Center - closed Dec. 25, Dec. 31, Jan. 1
  • Robinson Nature Center - closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31, Jan. 1
  • Roger Carter Community Center - closed Dec. 25, Dec. 31, Jan. 1
  • Landfill - closed Dec. 25, Jan. 1
  • Courts - closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31, Jan. 1
  • Animal shelter - closed Dec. 25, Dec. 28, Jan. 1
  • Central MD Regional Transit & Howard Transit - no service Dec. 25, Jan. 1

Trash and Recycling


  • Christmas Day Recycling & Trash - There will be NO collection on Wednesday, December 25, 2013. Wednesday through Friday trash, recycling and yard trim collections will slide and be made one day later. Alpha Ridge Landfill will close at 2pm on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 and will reopen Thursday, December 26, 2013.

  • New Year’s Day Recycling & Trash - There will be NO collection on Wednesday, January 1, 2014. Wednesday through Friday trash, recycling and yard trim collections will slide and be made one day later. Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed on New Year’s Day.


  • Retail Stores


    • Most Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS stores will be open on Dec. 25
    • Walmart, Macy's and Toys 'R' Us will have extended Christmas Eve, Dec. 25, hours for last-minute shoppers

    This list may be updated as we receive more information.

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