It's the holiday season and there is nothing more appropriate for this time of the year than holiday lights! Below we have compiled a nice list of our top 10 places to enjoy some amazing light displays with your family in Maryland, DC, and Virgina area that are also
Covid-19 friendly.
Number 10: Zoolights Express - Nov 27th through Dec 19th
Zoolights Express a part of Washington D.C.’s beloved Smithsonian’s National Zoo holiday is number 10 on our list. Traditionally, this beautiful glowing display is held on site however due to covid-19 precautions, this show will pack up and hit the road in a 24-foot Zoolights Express truck festively decorated with light displays featuring “Panda Claws". The truck will visit one ward in Washington D.C., each Friday and Saturday night from 6-8 p.m. Which is great if you can catch one, click here for specific details on the locations of each ward. However if you are looking for something more stationary to tickle your holiday light fancy keep reading the others that top our list!
Number 9: Festival of Lights - Nov 27th through Jan 1st
Number 9 on the list is the Festival of Lights, located at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro Maryland open daily from 5:00pm to 9:30pm. One of the things we really like about this one is that it last up until Jan 1st 2021 . Some other great things about this light show is that it features more than 2.5 million lights throughout the park and a giant, 54-foot LED musical tree! Like most drive through light shows there is a fee per car which is $8 for the typical family car, for more information about how to visit and purchase tickets click here. But if Upper Marlboro is a bit of a hike, you may want to check out some of the other great places on our list of the Top 10 in the Maryland area below.
Number 8: Lights on the Bay - Nov 20th through Jan 2nd
Number 8 on our list is perfect for those of you who are looking for a little flair in your light show viewing this year. Lights on the Bay located at Sandy Point State Park has more than 60 animated stationary displays along a scenic drive along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. One of our favorite things about this drive through light show is that for an extra $5 you can purchase 3D classes to get a truly amazing experience. However, as with most things the beauty here does come at a cost. Price per vehicle is on the pricier side compared to the others on our list starting off at $20 per car for detailed information and to purchase tickets click here. However if you are still exploring your options check out number 7 on our list.
Number 7: Winterfest of Lights - Nov 27th through Dec 31st
Continuing on our scenic trip the Winterfest of Lights located in Gaithersburg Maryland is quite a sight to see with an enchanted woodland setting set on a 3.5 mile drive through beautiful Seneca Creek State Park. There is also a number of themes through the park such as Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, North Pole, Toyland and Penguin Cove, more information can be found here. The only snafu is that this festival is closed on Christmas day.
Number 6: North Pole Lights Walk - Nov 27th through Dec 23rd
If your interested in getting a little exercise while viewing lights then the North Pole Lights Walk on Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm in Severn Maryland may be right up your alley!
This Farm offers a self-guided tour where you can enjoy walking through an array of light displays leading up to Santa. Learn more by clicking here.
Number 5: Garden in Lights - Nov 27th through Jan 1
Transformed grounds of Annmarie Sculpture Garden located in Solomons Maryland has turned 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 wild animals, wintery wonderlands, musical holiday scenes, deep sea treasures, magical creatures, glowing trees, All held outside! For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
Number 4: Yuletide Village -Nov 27th through Jan 3rd
Located in Upperco, Maryland and hosted by Upper Co. Volunteer Fire Co., is a beautiful drive-through display of lights open Thursday through Sunday until Jan 3rd 2021. Bonus is Seniors and First Responders receive discount admission. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
Number 3: Williamsport Christmas Parade - Dec 2nd through Jan 4th
Located in the town of Williamsport Maryland, Williamsport's Byron Memorial Park becomes a brightly lit holiday paradise from December 2nd to January 4th. Admission is free and it is very kid friendly for more information click here.
Number 2: Bull Run Festival of Lights - Nov 6th through Jan 10th
Number 2 on our list goes to the Bull Run Festival of Lights located in Centerville, Virginia. This festival of lights is 2.5 miles of illuminated by holiday light displays, which can all be witnessed from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow. The best part is they have added three additional weeks to this year’s show, as well as online ticketing to provide minimal contact and promo code of discount on tickets, find out more information here.
Number 1: Merriweather Symphony of Lights -Nov 25th through Jan 2nd
Our number 1 spot goes to the Merriweather Symphony of Lights located in the historic Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia Maryland. Here you will find a true winter wonderland with over 300,000 lights and larger than life animated holiday creations not to mention a 150 foot screen! There is also both drive through and walk through options, there is a $20 fee per car and required advance purchase of tickets for walk through. For detailed information and to purchase tickets check out their website here.
So there you have it our top 10 list of great places in the area to view holiday lights, go ahead and check out a few different ones with your family this year. Have some great pictures from the light festivities? Feel free to tag us at our Instagram or Facebook Pages.
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