The name of the holiday season game is hustle. As soon as December rolls around, the obligations are in full effect, sometimes leaving little time to embrace the comfort that this time of year promises. If you’re looking for a way to take a step back and enjoy some of the season’s simple pleasures, how about admiring the enchanting holiday lights around town?
From new displays to twinkling traditions, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get in the spirit. Bundle up, grab your friends and family, and head out to one of these ongoing illuminated events, which can be viewed while on foot or from the comfort of your car.
Monument Lighting at Mount Vernon Place
This beloved first-Thursday-in-December tradition brings throngs of Baltimoreans to Mt. Vernon to witness the Washington Monument glow with thousands of LED lights, against the backdrop of shooting fireworks. After hitting your favorite neighborhood bar for drinks beforehand, head to Mount Vernon Place to shop local vendors, groove to live performances, and hear remarks from city dignitaries before the countdown begins.
Baltimore Parade of Lighted Boats
Bundle up tight and grab a warm beverage before parking yourself along the water to catch a glimpse of this annual holiday procession the first weekend in December. Setting sail from the Anchorage Marina on Boston Street, the festively illuminated vessels are typically visible from Canton, Fells Point, Harbor East, the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, and Locust Point.
Winter Lights at the Observatory
The annual kickoff to the holiday season in Patterson Park (typically the first Sunday in December) features live music, food trucks, a toy drive, and even a visit from Old Saint Nick—all leading up to the special lighting of the Patterson Park Observatory, which you can view in all of its holiday glory all winter long.
12/5-12/30: Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular
This winter wonderland at Maryland State Fairgrounds is back in its second year. The main attraction is a walking trail boasting more than one million lights, massive Maryland-themed decorations, and installations like snow globes and holiday trees. But families can also look forward to visits from Santa, food trucks with holiday treats, a Swiss shopping village with wares by local makers, and a winter carnival ride for an extra fee. Maryland State Fairgrounds. 2200 York Rd. Timonium. $10-40
TO 12/31: Miracle on 34th Street
In Hampden, on the 700 block of W. 34th Street between Keswick Road and Chestnut Avenue, the annual Miracle on 34th Street runs through New Year’s Eve. The time-honored winter tradition features more than two dozen Baltimore rowhomes and front lawns decked out with over-the-top light displays. With so much creativity and possibility, you never know what you might discover along this Hampden sidewalk. 700 W. 34. St.
TO 1/3: Merriweather Symphony of Lights
More than 300,000 bulbs are used to light up Merriweather Post Pavilion for this Howard County tradition. With the exception of designated walk-through nights (which highlight fun for families and dogs, as well as fireworks fun on New Year’s Eve), the holiday spectacular is open to cars from 6-10 p.m. on weekdays and 5-10 p.m. on weekends. 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia. Drive-thru entrance on Broken Land Pkwy / Hickory Ridge Rd. $25 per car.
To 12/28: Upperco Yuletide Village
Bundle up and make a trip out to Baltimore/Carroll County, where this mesmerizing drive-thru installation, lighted walking trail, and holiday hayride awaits—courtesy of the Upperco Volunteer Fire Co. Complete with everything from twinkling lights and a train garden to a Santa-ready reindeer station helmed by Rudolph, the experience is open weekends through Dec. 28. 16020 Carnival Ave. Upperco. Prices vary.
TO 1/1: Lights on the Bay
This holiday drive-thru has been lighting up Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis for three decades. Open evenings from 5-10 p.m., the annual fundraiser for the SPCA of Anne Arundel County allows cars to travel through illuminated archways and experience shining sleighs, stars, castles, and, of course, installations dedicated to our furry friends. Plus, bring the youngsters for a kids-only scavenger hunt and prize raffle based on items in the light show. The price of admission varies by the size of your vehicle and visitors also have the option to purchase 3-D glasses. 1100 E. College Pkwy, Annapolis. $20-50.
TO 3/13/2026: Sailing Through the Winter Solstice
Delight your favorite sailor with a road trip to Downtown Frederick to enjoy this ever-growing fleet of holiday-themed vessels, which will be on display through March 2026. Feast your eyes on an array of glowing pirate ships, gaff-rigged ketches, sparkling schooners and yawls. Plus, be sure to cast a vote for your favorite one. Proceeds from each vote are set to benefit Color on the Creek and other Frederick county-based initiatives. 35 E. All Saints St. $5 per vote
To 12/29: Winter City Lights
With more than 1 million lights across 18 acres, this light festival’s season promises to deliver a breathtaking experience. Take a walk down the illuminated 1.5-mile trail that transforms the woods into an enchanted forest, or take in the majesty of a 52-foot Christmas tree. Visitors can also look forward to food, bonfires, snow tubing, and nightly “snowfall” to put you in the ultimate holiday mindset. 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Road, Olney. $39-$48.