CALIFORNIA, Md. — The holiday season is a great chance to get together with family — and what better way than walking around a magical path full of flashy spectacles and holiday ornaments? There are a variety of light shows taking place within Maryland in 2025, so here are 10 you shouldn’t miss this holiday season.

Garden In Lights – Solomons, MD

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 they even host special events on certain nights.

You’ll be able to visit the Garden in Lights until Jan. 1, so make sure to attend the holiday fun for shopping and a beautiful display.

Address: Annmarie Sculpture Garden, 13470 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD 20688

Light show at Annmarie Sculpture Garden
Photo Credit: Annemarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center Website

Holly Jolly Light Trail – Southern Maryland

The Southern Maryland Holly Jolly Light Trail has returned this year to brighten neighborhoods across St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties through Dec. 30, 2025.

Hosted by The Southside Group Real Estate, the annual event invites families to tour decorated homes, follow an interactive regional map and vote for standout displays. The free, family-friendly activity has become a popular tradition in Southern Maryland, drawing steady participation throughout the holiday season. Prizes are awarded for the top displays, and the trail offers a festive way to explore neighborhoods across the region.

View the map of locations on Google Maps.

southern maryland holly jolly light trail 2025
Source: Southern Maryland Holly Jolly Light Trail Facebook

Winter Festival of Lights – Upper Marlboro, MD

The Winter Festival of Lights is back at Watkins Regional Park in Prince George’s County, bringing holiday magic to life with a drive-through display full of whimsical, glowing scenes. The event runs nightly from 5 to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 1, and tickets must be purchased online by 4 p.m. each day.

Admission is $15 per car or van when purchased online, or $20 at the gate for vehicles with up to six passengers. Hayride tickets are also available for $10 per person.

Address: Watkins Regional Park, 1130 Largo Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Winter Festival of Lights is back at Watkins Regional Park
Source: pgparks.com

Lights On The Bay – Annapolis, MD

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, as 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 holiday 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, while 3D glasses are available for an extra $5. You can visit the show until Jan. 1.

Address: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409

Light show at Sandy Point State Park
Photo Credit: Lightsonthebaymd.org

Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular – Timonium, MD

The Holiday Light Spectacular is a huge trail in Timonium that spans half a mile, with thousands of distinct lights to view with your friends and family. A Swiss Holiday Village makes its debut this year, offering visitors a place to shop and grab a bite to eat from food trucks throughout the magical night.

Admission ranges between $10 and $25, depending on the date and time. The Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular runs until Dec. 30.

Address: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093

light show Maryland State Fairgrounds
Photo Credit: Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular

Winterfest Of Lights – Ocean City, MD

During the holidays, the beach may not be on your mind, but the Winterfest of Lights should be on your light show list for 2025. Located in Ocean City, Marylanders can enjoy a 58-acre attraction at Northside Park.

For only $5 to $7, guests can enjoy the dazzling light display until Dec. 31. Between the expansive Field of Lights and the Santa Claus’s Reindeer attraction, everyone can find a favorite display.

Address: Northside Park, 200 125th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842

light show ocean city md
Photo Credit: Ococean.com

North Pole Lights Walk – Severn, MD

If you’ve always wanted to take a trip to the North Pole, this Severn light show is a great choice this holiday season. At Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm, you’ll guide yourself through a trail filled with eye-popping colors.

Adult tickets cost $12, while children’s tickets are $8. The show runs until Dec. 28, so make sure to visit Polar Bear Central before the festivities end.

Address: Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD 21144

light show Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm
Photo Credit: Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm

Garden Of Lights – Wheaton, MD

Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County offers a public garden and nature center with a stunning light display between November and January. The Garden of Lights transforms the park’s trails into a winter wonderland of sparkling lights and statues.

Running until Jan. 4, Brookside Gardens opens its doors to visitors. Tickets cost $13.99 to $16.99, depending on the day of the week, for all guests over age 5.

Address: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902

light show Brookside Gardens
Photo Credit: Garden of Lights

Sailing Through The Winter Solstice – Frederick, MD

You’ll find an enchanting light show at Carroll Creek Park until March 14, offering over three months to attend the nautical event. Boats covered in sparkling displays are available to view, with over two dozen vessels in total — including schooners and pirate ships.

If you love boats and lights, the Sailing Through the Winter Solstice event will feel like a holiday dream come true.

Address: Carroll Creek Linear Park, 50 Carroll Creek Way, Frederick, MD 21701

light show frederick md
Photo Credit: Downtownfrederick.org

Lights By The Mountainside – Cumberland, MD

For those in western Maryland, Lights by the Mountainside provides the perfect night of fun this holiday season. Snacks and hot drinks are available, and family-friendly performances are part of the entertainment lineup.

The display runs until Dec. 28, with a $5 entrance fee per car. Driving through a light show has never been more fun — especially if you live near Allegany County.

Address: Allegany County Fairgrounds, 11490 Moss Avenue, Cumberland, MD 21502

light show Allegany County Fairgrounds
Photo Credit: Wmdjaycees.org

Join the festivities and the conversation: When do you begin decorating for the holidays?


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Katie Callander, a born and raised St. Mary’s County native, has deep roots in Southern Maryland, growing up in Callaway and spending her childhood by St. Mary’s Lake. She has a passion for connecting...

Michael Caruso is a passionate journalist with a focus on environmental issues and new technologies. A lifelong resident of the Southern/Central Maryland area, he currently lives in Silver Spring. Michael...

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