The City of Gaithersburg’s 29th annual Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park runs from November 29 to December 31, featuring over 450 illuminated displays. Additional details below courtesy the City of Gaithersburg:
“The City of Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival welcomes visitors back for its 29th spectacular season. Due to the popularity of this event, tickets must be purchased in advance and are only good for the specific date listed on the ticket. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online here.
The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly November 29 through December 31, Sunday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. The Festival will be closed on December 25. The park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, just a few miles west of the intersection with I-270.
The 3.5-mile drive through the enchanted woodland setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully strung trees that light up the night. Festival favorites include a Fairytale Castle, Winter Woods, Victorian Village, Mermaid Lagoon, and an enchanting Fantasy theme.
Admission
Advance online ticket purchase is required; tickets will not be available at the admission booth. Admission is $15 per car Monday through Thursday and $25 per car Friday through Sunday. Tickets must be purchased for a specific date and are only good for that date. Exchanges are available in advance only, subject to availability. This event is likely to sell out; early ticket purchase is highly recommended.
Enchanted Evenings at Winter Lights
Special themed experiences for visitors, available before Winter Lights opens to vehicle traffic.
S’more Lights & Trolley Rides
Friday, November 22, 6 – 9 p.m.
Begin your adventure with family and friends as you roast marshmallows over a campfire and make delicious s’mores in a beautiful woodland setting. At your leisure, take a trolley ride through a wonderland of sparkling trees, illuminated arches and animated vignettes that include traditional favorites and fantasy displays. A heated tent features live music from Phil Kominski and Javi Godinez of The Breakaways, activities, and local vendors. Maria’s Kitchen food truck will be on-site with Mexican and Puerto Rican food available for purchase. Take selfies with Santa while enjoying hot beverages and collect a holiday craft to take home.
Please note this is a trolley event only. No walking will be permitted through the lights during this event. Children ages 3 and under are free but must have a ticket to enter the event. Registration is required per person. No dogs allowed. Purchase tickets here.
Sip & Sparkle with Trolley Rides
Sunday, November 24, 6 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy wine and cider tastings and a magical and cozy 3-mile open-air trolley ride through the lights. Tastings from local makers, hot chocolate, s’mores, live music, photos with Santa, and a selfie station with fun props will all be waiting for you inside a heated tent. Food will be available for purchase. Featured vendors include Saints Row, Clear Skies Meadery, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, Metzger Winery, and Linganore Vineyard. Please note this is a trolley event only. No walking will be permitted through the lights during this event. This event is for ages 21+. Purchase tickets here.
Walk & Wag Dog Walk
Monday, November 25, 6 – 9 p.m.
Treat your pooch or grab your friends and family and take a leisurely 1-mile stroll or an invigorating 3-mile walk at Walk & Wag. Experience more than 450 magical light displays up close. Enjoy hot drinks and take a selfie with Santa (bring your own camera). Maria’s Kitchen food truck will be on-site with Mexican and Puerto Rican food available for purchase.
Please note this is a walking event only. Trolley rides through the lights will not be available during this event. If you are interested in taking a trolley through the lights, please consider purchasing tickets for Friday’s S’more Lights event or Sunday’s Sip & Sparkle event (over 21 only). Purchase tickets here.
For complete details and admission rates for large vehicles please visit www.gaithersburgMD.gov.”