Illustration of a family gazing at houses and trees covered in string lights on a snowy street at dusk (Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular)
Christmas Lights

Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular

Visitors explore a self-guided half-mile walking trail illuminated by over a million holiday lights, a space display, and oversized snow globes with live performers. The experience includes in-person visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a petting zoo, and a winter carnival featuring a Ferris wheel, carousel, train, and slide. Guests can also stop midway through at the Swiss Holiday Village for vendor shops, food trucks, and seasonal drinks.

Dec 3 – Dec 30, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Kids ages 4–13: $10 plus fees, any time; ages 3 and under: free. Adults ages 14 and older: $20 plus fees from 5:30 to 7:30 PM; everyone is $10 after 7:30 PM. Family 4-Pack: $50 plus fees for four Any Day admission tickets ($12.50 each), with no date to pick in advance; limited availability. Any Day ticket: $25 plus fees, good any night the event is open. VIP: $39 plus fees, including the VIP Lodge and Heated Holiday Bar, souvenir mug, bottomless hot chocolate, VIP washrooms and entrance line. Winter Carnival Rides add-on: $20 for four ride tickets, each good for one attraction; prices go up on site. Advance prices are lower than gate prices; on-site tickets are available at higher prices to cover all taxes and fees. Special group rates are available for qualifying groups, but no amount is stated.

Hours

5:30 to 9:30 PM in the main event schedule; 5:30–10PM in the page header and footer. The page also says it closes early Christmas Eve, without specifying the time.

Food & Drink

Rotating food trucks and vendors serve food, hot and cold seasonal drinks, and seasonal alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older.

Parking

Free on-site parking with no fee, shuttle or reservation. The Light Rail stops at Timonium Fairgrounds, at the gate.

Accessibility

ADA-accessible grounds with ADA restrooms, rest seating, and pathways over decking, gravel, and asphalt with slight elevation changes.

Pets

Service animals only.

Location

Maryland State Fairgrounds · 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Buy tickets and the Ride Book in advance, because advance prices are lower than at the gate and some nights sell out.
  • Weekends before Christmas are the busiest nights, so come on a weeknight or late in the evening for more room and the Late Rate.
  • Wear warm layers and check the forecast, because the show runs in all temperatures and weather and tickets are non-refundable.
  • Bring a small bag and some cash, since every bag is searched at the security checkpoint and a few vendors may not take cards.
  • Come by December 23 if the kids want to see Santa and the snow globe performers, and on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday for the petting zoo.

Special Events & Promotions

  • New this year: a space display and 30% more larger-than-life scenes than last season.
  • Late Rate every night: later in the evening, everyone gets in at the kids' price, adults included.
  • Family 4-Pack: four Any Day tickets at a lower price per person, good any night the show is open. Limited availability.
  • VIP admission adds the VIP Lodge and Heated Holiday Bar, a souvenir mug with bottomless hot chocolate, VIP washrooms and a separate entrance line.
  • Winter Carnival Ride Book, sold separately: four ride tickets for the Ferris Wheel, Magical Carousel, Santa Train or Slide. Prices go up on site.

Links & Contact

Run by Drink Eat Relax Events, LLC

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 website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a drive-through light show?

No. You park and walk a half-mile trail of more than a million lights at your own pace.

How long should we allow?

Most guests spend 45 minutes to an hour and a half between the trail and the attractions.

What food and drink is there?

Rotating food trucks and vendors serve hot and cold seasonal drinks. Cocoa huts offer a spiked option, and alcoholic drinks are for guests 21 and over. You can also bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, but all bags and coolers are searched.

Is the trail accessible?

Yes. The grounds are ADA accessible and have ADA restrooms. The trail crosses decking, gravel and asphalt with slight elevation changes. There's seating in the pre-show zone and a rest stop halfway, and strollers and wagons are welcome.

Are there rules for the carnival rides?

Every rider needs a ride ticket, including children. Kids under 36 inches must ride with a parent or guardian. The Santa Train is for children only and doesn't allow riders over 54 inches, and the Slide takes one rider at a time.

Browse Christmas in Cockeysville

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.

Contributors & Updates

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