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You don’t have to be a modern-day Clark Griswold to enjoy captivating holiday lights this Christmas season. Upcoming tree lighting ceremonies, drive-through experiences and walking adventures all offer festive opportunities for the family to take in the awe and wonder of thousands of twinkling bulbs arranged in creative displays. Below are several fun options for viewing holiday lights in the greater Severna Park area and beyond.
Sandy Point State Park
November 24 – January 1
Sunday – Thursday from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Friday and Saturday from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Celebrating three decades of illuminating the Chesapeake Bay, this beloved local holiday tradition invites kids and kids at heart to drive through brilliant light displays at Sandy Point State Park. Experience the joy and wonder of the season while supporting furry friends who need a home – proceeds benefit the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Lights on the Bay is open every evening, even on holidays, and offers nightly kids’ scavenger hunts.
Info and tickets: www.lightsonthebaymd.org
Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm
8109 Telegraph Road, Severn
Select dates, November 29 – December 29, from 4:30pm to 8:00pm
Enjoy a self-guided adventure to the North Pole at this annual holiday trail that features festive lights and many stops along the way to meeting Santa in the Garden Cabin. The North Pole Fairy will send you on your way, through garden flowers and arctic animals to the North Pole Palace. After meeting Santa, take photos in his magical sleigh. Pets are not allowed, but service dogs are welcome.
Info and tickets: www.willowoakherbs.com
25 Market Space, City Dock, Annapolis
Sunday, December 1, from 4:00pm to 5:30pm
On the heels of Thanksgiving, the City of Annapolis will illuminate the town Christmas tree with the help of Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elfie to ring in the holiday season in the state capital. The Grand Illumination will kick off with dancing and carols by local groups and culminate in the tree lighting. Hot cocoa, candy canes and kids’ crafts will be available. The event is free and open to all.
Info: www.visitannapolis.org/events
Greater Severna Park And Arnold Chamber Of Commerce
1 Holly Avenue, Severna Park
Friday, December 6, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm
The first Friday in December will be a magical evening in the heart of Severna Park. Community members are invited to gather at the chamber of commerce office for entertainment, cookies, cocoa and ice cream, and visit with Santa and the Grinch. Attendees can visit the neighboring model train club depot. A countdown will lead to the big event – illuminating the tree to kick off the holiday season.
Info: web.gspacc.com/events
Annapolis Harbor
Saturday, December 14, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
A beloved Annapolis tradition will celebrate its 42nd anniversary of delighting onlookers and spreading Christmas cheer: the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade. This year, dozens of boats creatively decked out with holiday lights will again cruise the waters of the Annapolis Harbor. The lights parade is free and will be visible from Annapolis City Dock, the Spa Creek Bridge, pocket parks in Eastport and Murray Hill, and many downtown Annapolis streets that end at the water.
Info: www.eastportyc.org/lights-parade
200 125th Street, Ocean City
Wednesday through Sunday, November 21 – December 22, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Daily, December 23-31, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Entering its 32nd season, Ocean City’s Winterfest Of Lights is a walk-through holiday wonderland spanning the 58-acre Northside Park along the bay side of the beach town. Stroll through hundreds of light displays and enjoy hot chocolate, a bonfire, interactive games, visits with Santa, family crafts and a holiday gift shop. Pets are welcome on Wednesdays.
Info: www.ococean.com/winterfest
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro
November 29 – January 1, from 5:00pm to 9:30pm nightly
For nearly 40 years, this three-mile lights experience, enjoyed from the comfort of vehicles, has enchanted audiences in nearby Prince George’s County. Last year’s event featured dazzling displays with more than 2.5 million lights. The festival will open early, on November 24 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, for Bikes and Lights, a unique opportunity to enjoy the whimsical holiday displays while riding through on your bicycle. Helmets and registration are required.
Info and tickets: www.pgparks.com
Merriweather Post Pavilion
10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
November 29 – January 4, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm weekdays, from 5:00pm to 10:00pm weeknights
More than 300,000 bulbs make up the lighted holiday displays at this time-honored Howard County-based tradition, set in the iconic Merriweather Post Pavilion near The Mall in Columbia. A few special walking nights are sprinkled into this event, which is primarily a drive-through experience. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Howard County General Hospital.
Info and tickets: www.merriweatherlights.com
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