Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular
Visitors explore a self-guided half-mile walking trail illuminated by over a million holiday lights, a space display, and oversized snow globes with live performers. The experience includes in-person visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a petting zoo, and a winter carnival featuring a Ferris wheel, carousel, train, and slide. Guests can also stop midway through at the Swiss Holiday Village for vendor shops, food trucks, and seasonal drinks.
What to Expect
Half-mile walk-through light trail with a million lights and carnival rides.
Event Details
Duration
45 to 90 minutes, at your own pace.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Drink Eat Relax Events, LLC
Food & Drink
Rotating food trucks and vendors serve food, hot and cold seasonal drinks, and seasonal alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Kids ages 4–13: $10 plus fees, any time; ages 3 and under: free. Adults ages 14 and older: $20 plus fees from 5:30 to 7:30 PM; everyone is $10 after 7:30 PM. Family 4-Pack: $50 plus fees for four Any Day admission tickets ($12.50 each), with no date to pick in advance; limited availability. Any Day ticket: $25 plus fees, good any night the event is open. VIP: $39 plus fees, including the VIP Lodge and Heated Holiday Bar, souvenir mug, bottomless hot chocolate, VIP washrooms and entrance line. Winter Carnival Rides add-on: $20 for four ride tickets, each good for one attraction; prices go up on site. Advance prices are lower than gate prices; on-site tickets are available at higher prices to cover all taxes and fees. Special group rates are available for qualifying groups, but no amount is stated. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5:30 to 9:30 PM in the main event schedule; 5:30–10PM in the page header and footer. The page also says it closes early Christmas Eve, without specifying the time.
- Parking: Free on-site parking with no fee, shuttle or reservation. The Light Rail stops at Timonium Fairgrounds, at the gate.
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible grounds with ADA restrooms, rest seating, and pathways over decking, gravel, and asphalt with slight elevation changes.
- Pets: Service animals only.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets and the Ride Book in advance, because advance prices are lower than at the gate and some nights sell out.
- Weekends before Christmas are the busiest nights, so come on a weeknight or late in the evening for more room and the Late Rate.
- Wear warm layers and check the forecast, because the show runs in all temperatures and weather and tickets are non-refundable.
- Bring a small bag and some cash, since every bag is searched at the security checkpoint and a few vendors may not take cards.
- Come by December 23 if the kids want to see Santa and the snow globe performers, and on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday for the petting zoo.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: a space display and 30% more larger-than-life scenes than last season.
- Late Rate every night: later in the evening, everyone gets in at the kids' price, adults included.
- Family 4-Pack: four Any Day tickets at a lower price per person, good any night the show is open. Limited availability.
- VIP admission adds the VIP Lodge and Heated Holiday Bar, a souvenir mug with bottomless hot chocolate, VIP washrooms and a separate entrance line.
- Winter Carnival Ride Book, sold separately: four ride tickets for the Ferris Wheel, Magical Carousel, Santa Train or Slide. Prices go up on site.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a drive-through light show?
No. You park and walk a half-mile trail of more than a million lights at your own pace.
How long should we allow?
Most guests spend 45 minutes to an hour and a half between the trail and the attractions.
What food and drink is there?
Rotating food trucks and vendors serve hot and cold seasonal drinks. Cocoa huts offer a spiked option, and alcoholic drinks are for guests 21 and over. You can also bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, but all bags and coolers are searched.
Is the trail accessible?
Yes. The grounds are ADA accessible and have ADA restrooms. The trail crosses decking, gravel and asphalt with slight elevation changes. There's seating in the pre-show zone and a rest stop halfway, and strollers and wagons are welcome.
Are there rules for the carnival rides?
Every rider needs a ride ticket, including children. Kids under 36 inches must ride with a parent or guardian. The Santa Train is for children only and doesn't allow riders over 54 inches, and the Slide takes one rider at a time.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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.