The city of Gaithersburg’s popular Winter Lights Festival returns for the 28th season on Friday, Nov. 24. The annual display is open nightly through Dec. 31, and for the third year, all tickets must be purchased in advance online.
The 3.5 mile drive through Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees that light up the night. Winter Lights is drive-through only meaning no walking or biking is allowed.
Admission is $15 per car Monday through Thursday and $25 per car Friday through Sunday. Tickets may be purchased online at the 2023 Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park web page.
🎟️TICKETS ON SALE NOW🎟️
The annual Winter Lights Festival welcomes visitors back for its 28th spectacular season. Due to increased popularity, tickets must be purchased IN ADVANCE. To purchase your tickets and learn more visit: https://t.co/5slryzZEpq pic.twitter.com/rEKP9UZNZX— City of Gaithersburg (@GburgMD) October 17, 2023
Special Event Nights
The lights display is open the weekend prior to Nov. 24 for four special events.
S’more Lights & Trolley Rides
Friday, Nov. 17 from 6 – 10 p.m.
The evening begins by roasting marshmallows over a campfire to make s’mores. Take a trolley ride through the light display, complete a holiday craft, and take a selfie with Santa while enjoying the lights. A food-truck will be available for purchase. Tickets are $12 per person, free admission for children ages 3 and under. Purchase tickets here.
Run Under the Lights
Saturday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.
The city of Gaithersburg, in partnership with the Montgomery County Road Runners Club, invites all runners and walkers to participate in a 5K Run/Walk in the magical setting of Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park. Runners and walkers will utilize the roads through the Park during the race. Roads will be closed to traffic except for Emergency Vehicles and vehicles required for race management. There will be no heated tent for the 2022 event, but there will be hot chili and hotdogs at the finish for all participants. The event will be limited to 900 registered participants. Tickets are $40 per participant. Purchase tickets here,
Sip & Sparkle
Sunday, Nov. 19 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy wine and cider tastings and a magical ride through the lights at Sip & Sparkle. Bring a blanket for a cozy 3-mile open-air trolley ride either before or after enjoying a wide variety of activities in the heated tent. Santa will be on hand to take all the fun pictures with attendees as well. Tickets are $30 per person. Purchase tickets here.
Leashes ‘n Lights
Monday, Nov. 20 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Bring your pooch to Winter Lights for a 1 or 3-mile walk. The event features dog-related vendors, hot drinks and the opportunity to take a pet selfie with Santa inside a heated tent. Tickets are $12 per person. Children ages 3 and under are free. Dog admission is free. Purchase tickets here.
The park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, just a few miles west of the intersection with I-270.
