Behind the Scenes: Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg (VIDEO)

PHOTO | City of Gaithersburg

Did you know it takes between ten and twelve people six weeks to create the annual Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg?

Winter Lights Festival is a 3.5 mile drive past more than 380 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes. Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, and the North Pole are some of the theme areas along the drive. Seneca Creek State Park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, just a few miles west of the intersection with I-270.

The festival opens Nov. 24, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and work starts early in October to create Winter Lights.

Take a look at this city of Gaithersburg’s video for a behind the scenes look at the work required to transform the park.

The Winter Lights Festival is open nightly from Nov. 24 – Dec. 31. The festival is closed on Christmas Day.

There are several special events planned this year, including Wine Under the Lights, Run Under the Lights, S’more Lights and Trolley Rides, and Leashes and Lights. Some of these special events have already sold out.

Fees for Winter Lights

• Cars, SUV’s, Mini-Vans Monday – Thursday: $12
• Cars, SUV’s, Mini-Vans Friday – Sunday: $15
• Limos and 20-Passenger Vans: $20
• Mini-buses: $30
• Buses (30 seats or more): $70

Spirit of Giving

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit local nonprofit organizations including Upcounty Community Resources, Donation Nation, Inc., Metropolitan Ballet Theatre & Academy, Montgomery County Muslim Foundation, and Campus Kitchen at The Universities at Shady Grove.

You can find out more on the city’s website, here.

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