CALIFORNIA, Md. – Light shows are a great way to get in the mood for the holiday season. Most offer a festive selection of decorations and light fixtures that dazzle the eyes, but light shows are few and far between.
There are a handful of fantastic light shows in Southern Maryland that you should visit this holiday season. If Christmas, the New Year, and winter are your cup of tea, you’ll love any of the following events. Here are the best light shows in Maryland, along with their admission fees.
Bubby’s Christmas Farewell – Flat Iron Farm
As a finale to the annual St. Mary’s County light show, Bubby’s Christmas Farewell will celebrate Bubby Knott and his local legacy in the farm’s last Christmas festival ever. Not only will entry be free for all visitors, money raised during the event will go to local charities that give back to the Southern Maryland community.
Pony rides, pictures with Santa, and an expansive light display will all be available at Flat Iron Farm from Nov. 29 until Dec. 23. The event will also include food, fireworks, and carnival games. If you want to experience the ultimate Christmas celebration in Southern Maryland, Bubby’s Christmas Farewell should be on your list.
Garden of Lights – Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens offers a public garden and nature center in Montgomery County with a plethora of beautiful flowers to discover. Between November and January, Brookside holds a light show called the Garden of Lights, which transforms the park’s trails into a stunning collection of lights and statues.
In past years, the Garden of Lights even contained light fixtures with smoke effects. From Nov. 22 to Jan. 5, Brookside Gardens opens its doors to visitors who would like to take part in the festive fun. Tickets cost $10 for all those above the age of 5, and you can find out more by visiting the Brookside Gardens website.
Garden in Lights – Annmarie
Bundle up for the Garden in Lights at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center in Calvert County. There are dozens of exciting lights and sculptures to peruse, and certain nights even host special events. You’ll be able to visit the Garden in Lights from Nov. 29 to Jan. 1.
We reached out to the Deputy Director of the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center, Jaimie Jeffrey, to help readers understand why they should be excited to visit the Garden in Lights. She responded, “Our light show is truly unlike any other. We make almost all of our light sculptures, which include animals, botanicals, celebrities, fictional characters, selfie stations, and much more. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else. Our light show also includes special nights, like Santa nights, caroling and karaoke nights, pet nights, and even Wine and Lights night. Check the schedule to see what’s happening and to pick the best night for you!”
Lights on the Bay – Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park is one of the local highlights of Anne Arundel County, and it even hosts a light show to celebrate the holiday season. Lights on the Bay is truly magical, and it’ll take you through light displays of the North Pole and a colonial town. If you live near Annapolis, Lights on the Bay is one of the best light displays to visit in Maryland.
Proceeds from Lights on the Bay benefit the SPCA, an animal protection organization. The cost of admission is $20 per car. You can only visit the show between Nov. 24 and Jan. 1, so make your way to the Lights on the Bay webpage to secure your spot today.
Christmas on the Square – Leonardtown
Christmas on the Square may be up your alley if you enjoy tree-lighting ceremonies and light shows full of bright decorations. Light fixtures set up around Leonardtown help bring the center to life, while sleigh rides, face-painting, and hot beverages contribute to the festival’s holiday cheer.
As one of the best light shows in Maryland, Christmas on the Square is free for all visitors, so you can explore the unique array of lights without paying a dime. The excitement starts at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 29, so save the date to avoid missing out on a mystical evening.
Kris Kringle Christmas Market – Charles County Fair
If you’re seeking a light show in Charles County, the Kris Kringle Christmas Market is the best of the best. Taking place through Dec. 13-15, this festive marketplace includes dazzling lights, a giant lit-up Christmas tree, homemade crafts, an assortment of delicious foods, and even holiday fireworks to kick off the winter season with a bang.
The admission fee for the Kris Kringle Christmas Market is only $5, which makes it lower priced than most light shows in Maryland. Make a plan to visit the Kris Kringle Christmas Market today to experience a night of holiday fun for the whole family.
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