The City of Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival welcomes visitors back for its 30th spectacular season. Due to the popularity of this event, tickets should 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 28 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 highly recommended; tickets may not be available at the admission booth, and prices will be higher at the door if the event is not sold out. 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. Please note that tickets for the Drive-Thru and Walk & Wag are subject to higher at-the-door pricing, pending ticket availability.
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 21, 6 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy a festive evening roasting marshmallows and making s'mores with family and friends in a beautiful woodland setting. Take a leisurely trolley ride through illuminated arches, sparkling trees, and animated displays. A heated tent features live music, activities, and local vendors. A food truck will be on-site with food available for purchase. Take selfies with Santa and sip hot beverages. Last entry at 8 p.m. Last opportunity to take pictures with Santa is at 8:30 p.m. No dogs allowed.
This event is exclusively a trolley ride experience; walking the route will not be permitted. Purchase tickets here.
Sip & Sparkle with Trolley Rides
Sunday, November 23, 6 – 9 p.m.
Experience tastings, live music, selfies with Santa, and a magical trolley ride at Winter Lights' Sip & Sparkle. Bring a blanket for a cozy 3-mile open-air trolley ride before or after enjoying activities in the heated tent. 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. Attendees receive eight tasting tickets and a souvenir glass. Bottles, cans, and full pours will be available for purchase (cash only). Food will be available for purchase from a food truck.
Featured vendors will be announced soon. Last entry at 7:30 p.m. Must be 21+ with valid ID. No dogs allowed. This event is exclusively a trolley ride experience; walking the route will not be permitted. Purchase tickets here.
Walk & Wag Dog Walk
Monday, November 24, 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). A food truck will be on-site with 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.
