Winter Lights Festival
Visitors experience a 3.5-mile drive through the park featuring more than 450 illuminated displays and decorated trees. Guests remain inside their vehicles throughout the route and can listen to festive holiday music on the car radio as they tour the lights.
What to Expect
3.5-mile drive-through light show with over 450 illuminated displays.
Event Details
Duration
The drive-through takes about 25–30 minutes with light traffic and can take 1.5–2 hours on busier nights.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
City of Gaithersburg
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and groups looking for an easy holiday outing
Vibe
Festive and relaxed
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: One ticket per vehicle. Monday–Thursday: $15; Friday–Sunday: $25; 15+ passenger vehicles: $35. The FAQ also says vehicles with 15+ passengers can purchase a $30 ticket valid any open night. Orders of 30 or more tickets qualify for a 20% discount and are valid Monday–Thursday.
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday: opens 6 PM, last entry 9 PM; Friday and Saturday: opens 6 PM, last entry 10 PM.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your ticket online in advance for a specific night, because there are no sales at the gate, daily quantities are limited, and nights can sell out.
- Go Monday through Thursday and arrive early for lighter crowds, since weekends and the days just before Christmas are the busiest nights.
- Fill your gas tank, bring a car phone charger and use the restroom before leaving home, because busy nights can take up to two hours.
- Pack snacks and hot chocolate, then tune to 97.1 WASH FM or play your own holiday playlist as you drive past more than 450 displays.
- To change nights, email winterlights@gaithersburgmd.gov at least 72 hours ahead, since tickets are nonrefundable and can't be exchanged at the admission booth.
Special Events & Promotions
- S'more Lights Enchanted Evening on November 20, before the route opens to cars. Advance online tickets only.
- MCRRC Run Under the Lights on November 21, before the drive-through season begins.
- Sip & Sparkle Enchanted Evening on November 22. Advance online tickets only.
- Walk & Wag on November 23, before the route opens to vehicles.
- Orders of 30 or more tickets get 20% off. Valid Monday through Thursday, by phone with a ticketing manager.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive through the display?
With light traffic, the drive takes about 25 to 30 minutes, but it can take 1.5 to 2 hours on busier nights.
Can visitors exit their vehicles to take photos?
No, attendees must remain inside their vehicles throughout the drive, but photos may be taken from inside the car.
Are restrooms available during the visit?
Port-a-johns are available near the park entrance/exit and just beyond the admission booth.
Does the event operate in bad weather?
The festival operates rain or shine, though guests should check the City's website for updates if snow or ice is in the forecast.
Can tickets be exchanged for a different date?
Ticket exchanges can be requested by email at least 72 hours before your scheduled visit, subject to availability.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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