Train garden
The annual "Holiday Festival of Trains" is on display through Jan. 29 at the B&O Railroad Museum, 2711 Maryland Ave. The exhibit features custom-built model train layouts. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, (closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1). Admission is $5, $4 for seniors 60 and older, $3 for children 2-12, free for B&O members. Information: 410-461-1945.
Free parking
Metered parking in Historic Ellicott City is free through Jan. 2. There are four metered parking areas downtown, offering more than 140 spaces. Signs will be posted notifying customers of the free parking at parking lot entrances. Parking on Main Street, which is not metered, is limited to two hours.
Around town
Exercise program A stroke exercise program will be held from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Road. Information: 410-313-1425.
Genealogy class Use the Census to help trace ancestors from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.
'Songs for the Holidays' with Leo Bianco and Lynn Huber takes place at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at the Ellicott City Senior Center.
Table tennis Play pingpong from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.
Cards Play pinochle from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.
Billiards Play pool from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.
Needlework club Bring knitting, sewing or needlework projects and supplies to the Ellicott City Senior Center at 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Free.
Workshop Madline Taylor hosts a journaling workshop at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.
Blood pressure screenings Stop in from 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at the Ellicott City Senior Center for free blood pressure readings by a registered nurse. Information: 410-313-1425.
Chess The Elkridge branch of the Howard County Public Library, 6540 Washington Blvd., sponsors a chess club for ages 13 and older from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Players of all abilities are welcome. Information: 410-313-7723.
Holiday bake and gift sale Event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at the Elkridge Senior Center, 6540 Washington Blvd. All are welcome. Information: 410-313-5192.
English conversation The Miller branch of the Howard County Public Library, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, offers "Let's Get Together: English Conversation Club," a chance for those for whom English is a second language to practice speaking and understanding English in a group setting. The club meets at 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Register with the library before your first meeting. Information: 410-313-1950.
Kiwanis meets The Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City meets at 6:45 p.m. Mondays at 3300 Norberts Way. Information: 410-418-8218 or ellicottcitykiwanis.com.