If you’re a light show fanatic looking to hit as many shows as possible this season, worry not. After hitting all the Northern Virginia and DC light displays, Maryland has plenty of shows to offer just across the river. Take a drive over the bridge and get ready for festive, holiday fun at these locations.
Luminocity Festival
Through–January 1, 2026
Step into six sparkling immersive holiday scenes like Prehistoric Adventure, Underwater Voyage, Zoofari Funland, and more. Along with tons of light displays and characters, this festival also features family-friendly fun like an LED dance floor, train rides, a fossil hunt, and a playground with LED seesaws. Montgomery County Fairgrounds: 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, Maryland, starting at $30
Garden of Lights
November 21–January 4, 2026
Stroll through a half-mile magical light exhibit with handwoven light displays and LED tunnels across the 50 acres of Brookside Gardens. The light displays depict natural elements like a giant caterpillar, a wolf howling, a stream, a dancing tree, and more. If you’ve visited this festival before, enter up to four photos from previous events in the photo contest to win four tickets to this season’s show. Brookside Gardens: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, Maryland, $13.99–$16.99
Lights on the Bay MD
November 23–January 1, 2026
This dazzling holiday tradition features a 2-mile drive along the Chesapeake Bay with around 70 light displays. Within the light show is a nightly scavenger hunt where guests can search for hidden items in the displays and enter into a drawing for prizes. On Thanksgiving Day, Santa also makes a special visit to the show. Sandy Point State Park: 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis, Maryland, $20–$50 per vehicle
Winter City Lights
November 28–December 29
Grab your warmest coat and step into an illuminated world with festive attractions like a 52-foot lit Christmas tree with a 200-foot diameter canopy of twinkling lights coordinated to holiday songs. Several light displays are scattered around the event, including giant snowmen, ornaments, and illuminated sleds. Grab a bite to eat from one of the several food vendors before sliding down the eight-lane Penguin Plunge Snow Tubing ride. 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd., Olney, Maryland, $20–$34
Winter Lights Festival
November 28–December 31
For the 30th year in a row, this 3.5-mile drive-thru show features 450 light displays and decorated trees. The festival includes special themed experiences on certain dates like Sticker Night on December 17, where guests receive a limited-edition Winter Lights 30th Anniversary sticker while supplies last. Bring your pup along on December 11 on Dog Night, where all dogs receive a special treat. Seneca Creek State Park: 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, Maryland, starting at $15 per vehicle
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
November 28–January 3, 2026
A tradition for over 25 years, this light show features holiday scenes and over 300,000 holiday lights, with both drive-thru and walk-thru dates. Tune in to 105.5 FM for holiday music throughout the mile-long drive and find the secret phrase to win four lawn tickets to any 2026 concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion. A portion of proceeds of this holiday wonderland also support Howard County General Hospital. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, Maryland, $25 per vehicle for drive-thru dates, $15 per person for walk-thru dates
Lights by the Mountainside
December 5–28
Drive through this annual fundraising light show benefiting local non-profit groups and scholarships. Along with several festive light displays, this event has winter treats, warm drinks, and special holiday performances every weekend. Allegany County Fairgrounds: 11490 Moss Ave., Cumberland, Maryland, $5 per vehicle
Hagerstown City Park Lighting
December 5–31
Drive through City Park and tune in to 90.3 FM to enjoy a synchronized lights and music show. Enjoy festive and family-friendly activities on opening night like local food vendors, a petting zoo, craft vendors, fire dancing, and ice sculptures. Hagerstown City Park: 501 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, Maryland, free
Baltimore Lighted Boat Parade
December 6, 5:45–8 p.m.
This annual boat show is a part of Fell’s Point’s Old Tyme Christmas. Visitors can watch as festive and colorfully decorated boats make their way from the Anchorage Marina in Canton to the Inner Harbor. Enjoy the other holiday events like strolling carolers, lighting of the neighborhood tree, an eggnog contest, and pictures with St. Nick. Fell’s Point: 1710 Thames St., Baltimore, Maryland, free
Feature image of Winter City Lights by Michele Kettner
