2020 Illuminations
Twinkling holiday lights fill Chesapeake Country with dazzling winter wonderlands of animated lights, hidden images and luminous seasonal spirits.
26th Annual Lights on the Bay
Lights on the Bay transforms Sandy Point State Park into a gleaming winter world with over 70 elaborate animated displays. Cruise through two sparkling miles to see North Pole scenes, penguins, a colonial village, a giant red teddy bear, midshipmen, Chessie and more; purchase 3D glasses for extra effects ($5). Benefits Anne Arundel SPCA. Daily thru Jan. 2; 5-10pm rain or shine, Sandy Point State Park, $20/car, $30/passenger van or mini-bus, $50/bus: www.lightsonthebay.org.
Zoo Lights at the Maryland Zoo
Zoo Lights is a seasonal spectacle after-hours event that begins at Eagle Gate and proceeds down Buffalo Yard Road as guests follow a lit winding path past dazzling displays including some favorite animals reimagined as light sculptures. Guests can walk the event on foot every Saturday (4:30-7:30pm) or drive-thru Wednesday-Sunday (5-7pm, extended hours on wkd). Thru January 2, $45 for drive-thru, $20 for walk-thru; advanced timed ticket req’d: www.marylandzoo.org/ZooLights.
Symphony of Lights
This dazzling display of holiday lights is still on for 2020. See more than 100 larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations, made up of over 300,000 bulbs. On Dec. 7 bring your dog to walk the path during Tail Lights (5:30pm, $10/person, timed entry). Welcome 2021 with early fireworks displays Dec. 31 (timed entries, 5-9pm, $15/person or $50 for family of 4). Drive thru daily thru Jan. 2 (except on walk-thru nights), M-F 6-10pm; SaSu 5-10pm, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, $20/vehicle, RSVP: https://www.merriweatherlights.com/
North Pole Lights Walk
Walk through the glittery Winter Wonderland to see Santa’s Cabin and make your requests. See flower fairies decorate the gazebo, visit Polar Bear Central, the Gingerbread House, the Train Garden Gazebo and the Enchanted Fairy Garden. Santa visits children outdoors. Thru Dec. 23; FSa 4:30-7pm, Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, Severn, $7 w/ discounts: www.willowoakherbs.com.
Annmarie Garden in Lights
Stroll a path thru woods glittering with illuminated one-of-a-kind light sculptures and illuminations handmade by artists. All activities are outside this year, including admissions, new outdoor holiday market, food & drink; Arts Building open for shopping only; masks req’d, timed ticketed entry only. Dogs welcome Pet Night (F Jan. 1). Thru Jan. 1; Closed Dec. 7-8, & 24-25. 5-9pm, Annmarie Garden, Solomons, $12 w/discounts: www.annmariegarden.org.
Watkins Festival of Lights
Cruise a 2.5-mile loop through Watkins Regional Park’s winter wonderland. Over a million lights form dazzling displays of archways, fairytale characters and holiday scenes. Bring canned goods donation to aid local food banks. Thru Jan. 1; Nightly 5-9:30pm, Watkins Park, Upper Marlboro, $10/car w/discounts; free Dec. 25; RSVP: www.pgparksdirect.com
Winterfest of Lights
Make the drive to Ocean City for this walk-thru illumination and see how the beachfront town sparkles. Walk through animated light displays along a paved path, sip hot chocolate, take a photo with Santa, visit the gift shop and walk through the array of holiday exhibits. Come see the 50-foot Christmas tree put on a show and soak up all of the holiday spirit. Leashed dogs welcome on Wednesday nights. Thru Jan. 2, W-Su 5:30-9:30pm, 127th Street & Jamaica Ave., Northside Park, Ocean City, $5 w/discounts, RSVP: https://ococean.com/.
–Kathy Knotts