If you’re looking to be marveled by the glow of millions of lights, then make sure these six Montgomery County, Maryland, light experiences are at the top of your list this holiday season.
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
Step into a magical winter wonderland illuminated with more than one million dazzling colorful lights shaped into hand-crafted, original art forms of flowers, animals and other natural elements. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, fountains, sparkling snowflakes overhead and more.
The Garden of Lights is open now through January 1, 2018 (Open every night except December 24 & 25) at Brookside Gardens. The cost is $25 per car/van (Sunday-Thursday) and $30 per car/van (Friday-Saturday).
Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg
The City of Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival welcomes visitors for its 22nd spectacular season. The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted woodland setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes visitors past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees that brighten the night. Festival favorites include a fairytale scene, Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Toyland, Victorian Village, and the North Pole.
The wondrous display of lights is open nightly through December 31, Sunday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. Please note that the festival will be closed on December 25. Admission at the gate is $12 per car Monday through Thursday and $15 per car Friday through Sunday, payable by cash or credit card.
Holiday Laser Light Show at King Farm Village Center, Rockville
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at King Farm Village Center’s second annual Holiday Laser Light Show on Thursday, December 7 from 6 pm – 9 pm! Get ready for the shining lights and watch a dazzling laser light animation by Lloyd Dobler Effect.
This family-friendly event is FREE and the entertainment doesn’t stop with the laser displays and light show experience. Guests can expect special guest appearances by costumed characters, free holiday glow sticks, balloon sculpting and complimentary hot chocolate from Coffee Republic.
Good Energy Tree, Downtown Silver Spring
This year’s holiday art installation in Downtown Silver Spring focuses on the power and possibilities of the bicycle. At the base of the Good Energy Tree, Montgomery County Commuter Services and Capital BikeShare have provided 12 bikes, each attached with a 300w generator, for visitors to ride and charge their cell phone. The energy generated from the riders also help recharge battery banks that power the lights on the tree.
After the holidays, the bicycles on the tree will go to A Wider Circle, a non-profit group that helps families in need throughout the D.C. area. Also, if you take a picture of the holiday tree or anywhere in Downtown Silver Spring and post it on social media using the hashtag #ChooseCheer, $1 will be donated to A Wider Circle.
Festival of Lights at the Washington, D.C. Temple, Kensington
The Festival of Lights at the Washington D.C. temple is one of the D.C. area’s great community traditions. This impressive church and its surrounding grounds shine brightly with more than 650,000 sparkling Christmas lights. The Festival features free performances nightly in the comfortable, state-of-the-art theater located in the Visitors’ Center. A different performing artist or group is showcased each night, including bell ensembles, choirs, orchestras, and more! Each performance is presented twice nightly and it’s all FREE!
Shadowland Laser Adventures, Gaithersburg
If you’re looking for a competitive kind of festive light experience, consider taking your family to Shadowland Laser Adventures in Gaithersburg. ShadowLand’s unique laser adventures provide a fantastic “whole group” activity for families, friend gatherings and corporate groups. More than just ‘laser-tag’ – ShadowLand’s adventure system creates a rich, diverse playing environment where players’ intellect is more important than physical skills and where strategy-setting is key to advancing your position and winning the game Strap on a light-weight, high-tech suit, enter the huge multi-level arena and have fun!
Promotions and prices mentioned in this article are valid as of the date it was published.
