If you’re looking for some amazing places to celebrate the holiday season with festive lights, there are many to choose from within an hour drive from Towson. Check out this list of six Christmas light displays that you’ll enjoy with your family and friends.
1. Miracle on 34th Street
The Hampden neighborhood in Baltimore City is probably most famous for its annual light display, Miracle on 34th Street. Each home in the block becomes a holiday spectacle with unique themes chosen and designed by the homeowners themselves. From now through January 1 take your loved ones on this magical walk through the neighborhood.
2. Symphony of Lights
If you’d prefer to enjoy the amazement of holiday lights from the comfort and warmth of your car then the Symphony of Lights Drive Through in Columbia is a great choice. Now until December 30 the Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods transforms into a colorful winter wonderland. The one-mile scenic drive is loaded with 300,000 LED lights. Tune your radio to 105.5 FM to listen to the accompanying seasonal music.
3. Winter Festival of Lights
Now until January 1, Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro will host the Winter Festival of Lights. Just about an hour from Towson, this holiday drive-through display features more than a million spectacular lights. Every year there are new displays that continue to excite returning and newcomers alike, including a 54-foot LED musical tree.
4. Sailing Through Winter Solstice
Ⓒ The Frederick News Post
Head west from Towson to Frederick for Sailing Through Winter Solstice. This is a nautical take on a winter tradition with lighted boat displays in Carroll Creek Linear Park. About seven sailing boats are adorned with enchanting holiday light designs. You have until February 3 to see these dazzling maritime displays from dusk until dawn.
5. Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park
With Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park, the shore of the Chesapeake Bay becomes a fabulous show of holiday spirit. Animated and still displays will delight your entire family and help set the tone for a magical holiday season. The show runs through January 1.
6. McDaniel College Holiday Light Show
Another college town just north of Towson is home to its own festive lighting event. The McDaniel College Holiday Light Show is held throughout the season at the school’s Kenneth R. Gill football stadium. From Thursday to Sunday through December 30 you can drive right up to the stadium to see 5,000 lights choreographed to some of your favorite holiday music. Tune into 96.5 FM to get the full experience.
7. Lighting the Washington Monument
Ⓒ Baltimore Sun
On Thursday, December 6 one of Baltimore’s most recognizable statues gets a holiday makeover at the annual Monument Lighting event. See the George Washington monument in Mt. Vernon become a sparkling spectacle. The evening concludes with a fireworks display that will light up the night in holiday joy.
8. Parade of Boats
Head back to the water for the Fells Point Parade of Lighted Boats in Baltimore. This year marks the 31st anniversary for this cruising Christmas light display. On December 1, the boats will set sail from the anchorage marina to the Inner Harbor; adorned with Yuletide brilliance.
9. Winter Lights Festival
The City of Gaithersburg presents the Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park. This 3.5-mile ride of winter wonder takes place nightly until December 31, with the exception of Christmas night. Driving through more than 450 illuminated displays is the perfect way to turn a brisk night into an exciting adventure.
10. Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
A 40-minute drive from Towson will get you to the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton. Your loved ones will marvel at the sight of all the original artwork and hand-crafted elements on display. Plus, after you’ve checked out the lights in the garden you can go inside the conservatory to see the model trains as they travel through a seasonal-themed landscape.
11. Walk to the North Pole
While we wouldn’t suggest walking to the actual North Pole, you can drive over to Severn for the Holiday Lights Walk to the North Pole. Visit the Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm to take a tour of a fun take on what Santa’s hometown might look like. You’ll find a family of polar bears, Santa’s personal cabin, and a gingerbread house.
12. Christmas Village
Ⓒ German American Marketing, Inc.
It’s Christmas with German flair. Christmas Village in Baltimore is much more than just sensational lights. It’s a Christmas city within the heart of the Inner Harbor. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere, complete with lights, a delicious selection of traditional German foods, and live performances.
