Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Park 2024-2025 in Maryland

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. This holiday season, bring the family together for a magical experience. Wander through illuminated trails filled with fairytale characters and be dazzled by the sparkling Christmas lights.

Winter Festival of Lights Program

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 perfectly matches 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 even 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.

Festival Hours and Tickets

The drive-through runs from 5 to 9.30 pm. Admission for a car is $10 with advance purchase and $15 at the gate. A multi-visit pass costs $20 for three visits. The fee for a mini-bus or limo is $20, while a multi-visit pass (3 visits) is $40. Bus admission is $30.

On December 25th, Prince George's County residents can enjoy free admission to Parks and Recreation facilities as a thank-you for their support throughout the year. Donating canned goods to help local families is encouraged to make a difference this holiday season.

Location

Winter Festival of Lights takes place at Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD, 20774, United States. During your holiday vacation to the nation's capital, it is a good side trip since it is less than half an hour from Washington, DC.