Best time to go to Maryland

Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Park 2023

An impressive family-friendly Christmas display

Dates: November 25, 2023–January 1, 2024

Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Park
Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Park
Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Park
Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Park
Santa's reindeer pull a sleigh through the night sky
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Each winter, Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, invites visitors to see the amazing drive-through holiday light show with over two million twinkling lights. The festival features many new displays such as a 54-foot (16-m) LED musical tree. Flaring holiday flamboyance is sponsored by The Department of Parks and Recreation and is one of the most affordable light festivals in the area. The attractions in the park include Old Maryland Farm, the Chesapeake Carousel, the miniature train, and Watkins Nature Trail.

Drive-through a spectacular trail that matches perfectly your car radio playing the Christmas favorites. The most popular displays include reindeer, colorful snowflakes, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, candy canes, and, of course, Santa Claus. Stop by a dazzling life-size Gingerbread House and an enchanting Carousel of Lights. Get yourself a pair of complementary 3D glasses to enjoy the light installations event more!

The park creates a family-friendly environment and fun for all ages. Make sure to drop by the Watkins Nature Center to warm up by the fire, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and see how the animals decorate for the holidays!

Practical info

Hours

Daily from 5 to 9:30 pm Show more

Admission fees

Car or Van: $8 advance purchase; $10 at the gate; Multi-Visit Pass: 3 visits (car or van) $20; Mini-Bus or Limo: $20; Multi-Visit Pass: 3 visits (mini-bus or limo) $40; Bus: $30. Show more

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Last updated: by Olha Savych