Illustration of a couple and children walking through a tunnel of twinkling white lights in the snow (Winter Lights Festival)
Christmas Lights

Winter Lights Festival

Visitors experience a 3.5-mile drive through the park featuring more than 450 illuminated displays and decorated trees. Guests remain inside their vehicles throughout the route and can listen to festive holiday music on the car radio as they tour the lights.

Nov 27 – Dec 31, 2026 All ages

Website / Tickets

See more Christmas lights near Gaithersburg

Illustration of a couple and children walking through a tunnel of twinkling white lights in the snow (Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens) Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens Wheaton · 13 mi Illustration of a crowd looking up at a town hall lit in coloured light as snow falls (Symphony of Lights) Symphony of Lights Columbia · 21 mi Illustration of two small figures in knitted hats and a snowman in a red scarf on a snowy street lined with lit houses (Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights) Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights Vienna · 14 mi Illustration of neighbours admiring a cottage yard full of lit snowmen and candy canes (Winter City Lights) Winter City Lights Olney · 9 mi Illustration of a couple and children walking through a tunnel of twinkling white lights in the snow (Smithsonian's National Zoo ZooLights) Smithsonian's National Zoo ZooLights Washington · 18 mi Illustration of a snowy street at dusk with glowing string lights on houses and trees and a family and snowman by a fence (Light Yards) Light Yards Washington · 23 mi

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

One ticket per vehicle. Monday–Thursday: $15; Friday–Sunday: $25; 15+ passenger vehicles: $35. The FAQ also says vehicles with 15+ passengers can purchase a $30 ticket valid any open night. Orders of 30 or more tickets qualify for a 20% discount and are valid Monday–Thursday.

Hours

Sunday–Thursday: opens 6 PM, last entry 9 PM; Friday and Saturday: opens 6 PM, last entry 10 PM.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Seneca Creek State Park · 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and groups looking for an easy holiday outing

Vibe

Festive and relaxed

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Buy your ticket online in advance for a specific night, because there are no sales at the gate, daily quantities are limited, and nights can sell out.
  • Go Monday through Thursday and arrive early for lighter crowds, since weekends and the days just before Christmas are the busiest nights.
  • Fill your gas tank, bring a car phone charger and use the restroom before leaving home, because busy nights can take up to two hours.
  • Pack snacks and hot chocolate, then tune to 97.1 WASH FM or play your own holiday playlist as you drive past more than 450 displays.
  • To change nights, email winterlights@gaithersburgmd.gov at least 72 hours ahead, since tickets are nonrefundable and can't be exchanged at the admission booth.

Special Events & Promotions

  • S'more Lights Enchanted Evening on November 20, before the route opens to cars. Advance online tickets only.
  • MCRRC Run Under the Lights on November 21, before the drive-through season begins.
  • Sip & Sparkle Enchanted Evening on November 22. Advance online tickets only.
  • Walk & Wag on November 23, before the route opens to vehicles.
  • Orders of 30 or more tickets get 20% off. Valid Monday through Thursday, by phone with a ticketing manager.

Links & Contact

Run by City of Gaithersburg

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive through the display?

With light traffic, the drive takes about 25 to 30 minutes, but it can take 1.5 to 2 hours on busier nights.

Can visitors exit their vehicles to take photos?

No, attendees must remain inside their vehicles throughout the drive, but photos may be taken from inside the car.

Are restrooms available during the visit?

Port-a-johns are available near the park entrance/exit and just beyond the admission booth.

Does the event operate in bad weather?

The festival operates rain or shine, though guests should check the City's website for updates if snow or ice is in the forecast.

Can tickets be exchanged for a different date?

Ticket exchanges can be requested by email at least 72 hours before your scheduled visit, subject to availability.

View More FAQs

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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