It’s that time of year for dazzling holiday light displays that range from strings of lights to spectacular animated displays are signs of the Maryland holiday season.
Find holiday light shows around Annapolis, Baltimore, and D.C., and the Eastern Shore.
Annmarie Garden in Lights – 2023
Through Jan. 1 | Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Solomons
Join us for the most magical time of year as the grounds of Annmarie Sculpture Garden are transformed into an outdoor twinkling wonderland. Annmarie Garden In Lights will transport you and your family to an enchanted world where they will discover glowing “light sculptures” and wondrous light installations. Discover magical creatures, wintery wonderlands, musical holiday scenes, deep sea treasures, and glowing trees. $15 per person, ages 2 and under free. 5–9 p.m. Advance timed-entry tickets required for all guests.
Festival of Lights – 2023
Through Jan. 1 | Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro
Holiday drive-through event features more than 2.5 million twinkling lights and a giant 54-ft LED Tree. Drive-through a spectacular trail that matches perfectly your car radio playing the Christmas favorites. Popular displays include reindeer, colorful snowflakes, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, candy canes, and Santa Claus. Stop by a dazzling life-size Gingerbread House and an enchanting Carousel of Lights. Other attractions in the park include Old Maryland Farm, the Chesapeake Carousel, the miniature train, and Watkins Nature Trail. $10–$20. 5–9:30 p.m.
Garden of Lights at Brookside – 2023
Through December 31 | Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
Walk through the outdoor twinkling lights and glimmering displays that dot the paths and flowerbeds throughout the 50 acres in Wheaton. More than one million dazzling and colorful LED lights are handwoven into original works depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements. 5:30pm-9:30pm. Advanced ticket purchase required. $10 (under 5 are free).
Holiday Candlelight Stroll – 2023
Fridays and Saturdays, Through December 30 | Downtown Annapolis
Stroll through Annapolis alongside a colonial guide and learn about holiday traditions. Includes tour inside the historic Hammond Harwood House for additional seasonal spirit. Departs Info Booth at City Dock; Friday and Saturday only. $14-$25. 7-8:30 p.m.
Homestead Gardens’ Christmas – 2023
Homestead Gardens, Davidsonville
Witness a spectacular display of Christmas lights illuminating as you listen to sounds of the season. Find seasonal treasures to last a lifetime in our holiday shop, enjoy our train display, then head outside when it’s time to flip the switch! Christmas lights will illuminate our entire property.
Lights on the Bay – 2023
Through Jan. 1 | Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis
Driving through “Lights on the Bay” at Sandy Point State Park has become a tradition for many families for the past decade. The Lights on the Bay display is a scenic drive along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay with more than 60 spectacular animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway. Our holiday light show is sponsored by the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. $20 per car/$5 3-D glasses. Open daily, 5-10 p.m.
lightsonthebay.org
North Pole Lights Walk 2023
Select dates through Dec. 30 | Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, Severn
Take a self guided walk to the North Pole! Let the North Pole Fairy send you on your way through the garden flowers and arctic animals to the North Pole Palace. Visit Santa in the Garden Cabin. New scenes are added every year! 4:30–7:30 p.m. $10 adults; $5 children.
Nightly Holiday Tree Light Show at National Harbor – 2023
Through Dec. 30 | National Harbor
On Saturdays, ignite your holiday spirit with the nightly lighting of the 56-foot tree and two million twinkling lights in the National Harbor Waterfront District and enjoy Festive Fireworks at 5:30pm after the tree lighting.
The POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN Ride at the B&O Railroad Museum – 2023
December 1-3, 8-10 & 15-19 | B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore
Climb aboard The Polar Express to create a Christmas memory that you and your family will cherish forever! Come in your pajamas as a family to watch the live performance of The Polar Express. Once on the train, the classic Christmas tale will be performed and little ones will have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive their first gift of Christmas! Santa’s helpers will greet you upon arrival to the North Pole, where you can take pictures with Santa and have lots of holiday fun.
Symphony of Lights – 2023
Select Dates Through Jan. 1 | Symphony Woods, Columbia
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition enjoyed by many for over 25 years. Set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion and made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights every year, your time through our course guarantees to be a night to remember.
Winterfest of Lights – 2023
Through Dec. 31 | Northside Park, Ocean City
The Winterfest of Lights takes you through thousands of sparkling holiday lights and many animated light displays located along a paved path in Northside Park. Sip hot chocolate, take a photo with Santa, visit our gift shop and enjoy the array of holiday exhibits – including the 50-foot Christmas tree. $6 (11 and under are free). Wed.–Sun. 5:30-9:30 p.m.