Illustration of a tree lighting scene (Armory Illumination)
Other Christmas Activities

Armory Illumination

Gather outside the Laurel Armory to join the Mayor and City Council for this annual holiday tradition. The festivities include a community holiday parade and festival alongside the lighting ceremony. Visitors can also step into the Winter Wonderland to meet and take photos with Santa and friends.

What to Expect

Annual community lighting tradition with a holiday parade and Santa visits.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

City of Laurel Parks and Recreation

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and communal

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Laurel Armory
422 Montgomery Street, Laurel, MD 20707
Laurel, MD
20707

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE.
  • Hours: Illumination around 5:15pm.
  • Accessibility: Laurel Parks and Recreation welcomes people with disabilities and makes reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Tips & Advice

  • Catch the Holiday Parade as it leaves City Hall, then make your way to the Laurel Armory on Montgomery Street for the Illumination out front.
  • Take the kids into the Winter Wonderland at the Holiday Festival for pictures and visits with Santa and Friends.
  • If the weather turns bad that day, look at the Laurel Parks and Rec Facebook page, @LaurelParksRec, for cancellation news.
  • Groups that want to march or ride in the Holiday Parade need to fill out the Parade Participation Form ahead of time.
  • Dress warmly, because the Illumination happens outdoors in front of the Armory on an early December evening.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at the Armory Illumination?

The Mayor and City Council light up the Laurel Armory to kick off the holiday season. The lighting happens right out front of the Armory on Montgomery Street.

Can the kids see Santa?

Yes. Santa and Friends are in the Winter Wonderland at the Holiday Festival at the Armory for pictures and visits.

Is there a parade too?

Yes. The Holiday Parade leaves from City Hall before the Illumination.

How can my group be in the parade?

Fill out the Holiday Parade Participation Form or the Holiday Parade Application from the City of Laurel.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The City of Laurel can close facilities for bad weather. Cancellation news goes up on the Parks and Rec Facebook page, @LaurelParksRec.

Tags

community celebrationparadestree lightingholiday traditionfamily friendly

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team