February 4th, 2026
Elkton Lights Up February with Winter Events and Downtown Fun
After a January marked by heavy snow, icy conditions, and more time spent digging out than going out, Elkton is offering residents a reason to bundle up and head downtown. February brings a lineup of seasonal events designed to brighten winter evenings, support local businesses, and encourage the community to reconnect.
During a recent Cecil TV interview, Alicia Calhoun of the Elkton Alliance highlighted Winter Lights: Cecil Nights, a countywide initiative led by Cecil County Tourism that runs through January and February. The program transforms local municipalities with white lights, creating a festive atmosphere long after the holiday decorations have come down. Elkton is once again participating, lighting up downtown to make winter outings more inviting.
One of the signature February events is First Friday, taking place on February 6, which features Elkton’s popular Soup Contest. Local merchants prepare a variety of soups for residents and visitors to sample as they stroll through downtown. Participants can pick up ballots and maps at the Elkton Alliance office, vote for their favorite soup, and enjoy warming up while exploring local businesses. Typically, eight to ten soups are featured, offering plenty of variety for attendees willing to brave the cold.
To help keep everyone comfortable, organizers will provide hand and foot warmers, making the evening both festive and practical. The event encourages foot traffic downtown while turning winter weather into part of the experience rather than an obstacle.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Elkton is also bringing back horse-drawn carriage rides, now scheduled for Friday, February 13. The complimentary rides will run through downtown in the early evening, with no advance registration required. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to sign up, as the horses can only operate for a limited time. The evening will also feature hot chocolate and photo opportunities, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere just in time for Valentine’s weekend.
With streets carefully managed and the community accustomed to sharing the road with horse-drawn traffic, organizers say past events have gone smoothly and safely. The carriage rides are intended to draw people downtown while highlighting Elkton’s unique charm and walkable business district.
Looking ahead, Calhoun also noted that while February is focused on getting through winter, spring celebrations are already on the horizon, including St. Patrick’s Day festivities in March. For now, February offers a welcome chance to shake off a long January, enjoy the lights, and support Elkton’s downtown merchants during the colder months.
