Winter is a magical time of year in Montgomery County, Maryland, and the City of Gaithersburg’s drive-thru Winter Lights Festival is a shining example of the magic you can experience. Take a 3.5-mile drive through Seneca Creek State Park, where more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully stung trees that light your way through enchanted woodlands. Along the route, discover scenes ranging from Fairytale and Winter Woods to Victorian Village, Mermaid Lagoon and Fantasy.
Know Before You Go
The Winter Lights Festival now back for its 31st season, is open nightly from November 27 through December 31 (closed on December 25) during the following hours: Sunday through Thursday – 6 p.m. with last entry at 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday – 6 p.m. with last entry at 10 p.m. You can expect to spend about 25-30 minutes driving through the festival in light traffic and about 1.5-2 hours on busier nights. It is recommended to arrive early around 5:30pm for the best experience, follow all traffic laws to avoid blocking intersections, and have your tickets ready when you enter the park.
Make sure to tune into 97.1 WASH FM for holiday music to accompany you during your visit!
We recommend attending Monday through Thursday for lighter crowds. Weekends and the days just before Christmas tend to be the busiest. Arriving as close to 5:30 p.m. can also help avoid long waits.
The park is located at 11950 Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, just a few miles west of the intersection with I-270. Access is now even more convenient with the Watkins Mill Interchange on I-270.
Winter Lights operates rain or shine. In case of snow or ice in the forecast, please check the City’s website for updates.
Admission & Fees
Due to the popularity of this event, all tickets must be purchased in advance online. Only one ticket per vehicle is required – $15 per car Monday through Thursday and $25 per car Friday through Sunday. Vehicles with 15 or more passengers are $35. Enjoy this special holiday event with loved ones! For complete details and admission rates for large vehicles please visit city of gaithersburg’s website.
Enchanted Evenings
Make sure not to miss special events during enchanted evenings including S’more lights, MCRRC Run under the lights, Sip and Sparkle, and the crowd favorite Walk and Wag. Treat your pooch or grab your friends and family and take a leisurely 1-mile stroll or an invigorating 3-mile walk to experience Winter Lights up close. Enjoy a hot drink and stop by to take a selfie with Santa!
Experience the magic early! Ride your bike along the 3.5-mile paved park trail and enjoy more than 450 illuminated holiday displays during S’more Holiday Lights before the festival opens to vehicle traffic.
It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance online as there will be no tickets available on site. Please note the walk & wag event is walking only and the sip and sparkle event is available to those of drinking age only. Please check the website for the latest details.
