Details on This Year’s Winter Lights Festival in Gaithersburg

Winter Lights Festival, which has always been the perfect socially distancing holiday event, welcomes visitors back for its 26^th spectacular season. Due to a significant increase in the popularity of this event, tickets must be purchased in advance & are only good for the specific date listed on the ticket. These changes have been made to ensure a positive & safe experience for all visitors, event staff, & those who live near the Festival venue. Tickets can be purchased online here.

The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly November 26 through December 31, Sunday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. Please note that 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.

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. Note that vehicle drivers are required to wear a mask at the admission booth.

Enjoy Winter Lights on foot with Walk Under the Lights on Friday & Sunday, November 19 & 21, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The magic of Winter Lights reveals itself up close when you explore it with family and friends on a crisp winter’s evening. Opt for a robust 3.5-mile trek or a more leisurely 1-mile loop, all while sipping on a complimentary hot chocolate. Food will be available for purchase. Leashed dogs are welcome. Masks are required at check-in, during hot chocolate pick-up, and while interacting with food vendors. The last entry is at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person; children ages 3 & under are free. Advance online purchase is required; tickets will not be available onsite.

The 3.5-mile drive through the enchanted woodland setting of Seneca Creek State Park that opens on November 26 takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays & beautifully strung trees that light up the night. Festival favorites include a Fairytale Castle, Winter Woods, Victorian Village, Mermaid Lagoon & an enchanting Fantasy theme.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. As a sponsor, you have the opportunity to display your company name in lights for the full run of the festival, have your logo on promotional materials, receive complimentary entrance tickets to share with your employees & clients, and have the opportunity to share digital coupons with thousands of visitors. Review our sponsorship opportunities here.

For complete details & admission rates for large vehicles, please visit the Winter Lights Festival page.