Light up the holidays with some of the best Christmas displays the Old Bay region has to offer!

Here are our picks of must-see Christmas light displays in Baltimore. We assure you they're worth standing in the cold for!

Symphony of Lights

Courtesy of Facebook

WHERE: Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods | 10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD
WHEN: November 22 – December 30 | 6-10 PM

One of the most popular light shows in the region, Symphony of Lights is a natural crowd-pleaser. Located on the sumptuous grounds of Merriweather Post Pavillion, the outdoor venue transforms into a winter wonderland with the help of over 300,000 LED lights. Drive through the scenic landscape and watch festive figures like hard-working elves and toy soldiers come to life. There's also an ice skating rink and concessions available for purchase. The proceeds benefit the Howard County General Hospital, making it one of the biggest fundraising events of the year. We recommend going during the week or early in the season to beat the crowds.

 

Benefit for Baltimore Food Banks Christmas Light Display

Courtesy of Facebook

WHERE: 22 Kitzbuhel Road, Parkton, MD
WHEN: November 22-December 28

At this point, Chuck Greason might be the king of home Christmas displays. For over 20 years, he's been bringing holiday magic to the region with his imaginatively intricate light displays, but even more impressive is the work he does in helping families in need through local food banks. His mission is simple: bring some canned food and enjoy the plethora of decorations. Your donation is your admission. When you're done, warm up by the fire pit and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

 

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Courtesy of montgomeryparks.org

WHERE: 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
WHEN: November 16, 2018 – January 1, 2019

The lovely Brookside Gardens are known for their impressive horticultural collection, but come winter, the gardens bloom into a dazzling display of animals, flowers, and anything you would find in a garden! Watch the million-plus lights light up the charming hand-crafted displays, or hit the conservatory to catch the G-scale model trains.  Step into the visitor center to enjoy a hot beverage, or pick up a trinket from the gift shop. Click here for more information regarding admission prices, parking, and more!

 

Winter Festival of Lights

Courtesy of visitprincegeorgescounty.com


WHERE: Watkins Regional Park | 301 Watkins Park Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
WHEN: November 23, 2018 – January 1, 2019

With over one million lights, this drive-through wonderland features the familiar Christmas favorites, like reindeer and gingerbread men, as well as some unexpected suspects, including a 54-foot musical tree (we hope it takes requests)! Explore the life-sized gingerbread house or the twinkling merry-go-round of lights. Don't forget to get your festival spectacles so you can see the holographic images (they're only $1)! Since it's drive-through only, the admission depends on the type of vehicle you're driving. More information on admission prices can be found here.

 

Holly Jolly Trolley

Courtesy of christmasstreet.com


WHERE: Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore | 550 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
WHEN: Goes until December 31, 2018.

"Have a holly jolly"... trolley? Tour the sights of Baltimore at Christmas with a guided trolley tour! The tour begins at the swanky Royal Sonesta hotel and will tour distinct areas like Fells Point and Harbor East. Visitors can experience the festive light displays and soak in some local history about the neighborhoods they see. The tour includes the dazzling Christmas on 34th Street Annual Christmas Festival of Lights, as well as a stop at the George Washington Monument in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. Click here for more information regarding ticket prices, dates, and more!

What's your favorite light display in Baltimore? Is there one we didn't include that you would add to this list? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

Heading to Annapolis? Here are some of the best ways to celebrate the holidays there!

or ...

Head over to the Our Community Now Maryland home page for all the cool stuff we're talking about!

 

 

Brianna Persons
Brianna is an Oregon native who made her home in the DMV over two years ago. She loves scouting out new restaurants and drooling over Van Gogh’s landscapes in the National Gallery’s East Building. When she isn’t writing for Our Community Now, she’s tackling short fiction and working her baking magic in the kitchen. She resides in Maryland with her husband Nick and their black cat Sable.
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