Winter Lights Return to Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights takes place at Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road Nov. 29 through Dec. 31. The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted woodland setting includes more than 365 illuminated vignettes and 65 animated displays that light up the night. Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole, and much more. Sunday through Thursday hours are 6 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Cash-only admission at the gate is $12 per car Monday through Thursday and $15 per car Friday through Sunday. Credit cards are only accepted for advance sales.

Enjoy the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival in three unique ways during special event nights.

Bring your favorite canine and the whole family out for an invigorating 3-mile stroll at Leashes ‘n’ Lights on Nov. 17. Take the opportunity to bond with your four-legged friend as you experience more than 380 magical light displays. The walk takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. The rain date for this event is Dec. 2.

The festival features S’more Lights Nov. 24. You’ll be whisked away to the magic of Toyland in an open air trolley or hay wagon, where you can toast marshmallows and create a S’more sandwich. This event also runs from 5 to 8 p.m. No dogs are allowed at this event. The rain date for this event is Dec. 2. S’more Lights is sponsored in part by Whole Foods Market – Kentlands.

New at this year’s festival is Walk Under the Lights on Dec. 2 and 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. Take your exercise routine outdoors and give your body an energy boost as you take a 1 or 3-mile walk in the fresh air of Seneca Creek State Park. The rain date for the Dec. 2 Walk is Dec. 9.

Pre-registration is requested for all special event nights. The cost for each is $8 per resident, $10 per nonresident. Registration at the event is $10 per person. Children under four and dogs are free. Register online using RecXpress at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/recxpress, or visit Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival for more information.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit local charities. A complete list will be available on the festival website at Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival soon.

Winter Lights is sponsored in part by 97.1 WASH FM, the Gazette Newspapers, Washington Parent, Falun Dafa Assn. of D.C. presents Shen Yun, and Whole Foods Market – Kentlands.

For more information and group admission rates please call 301.258.6350.

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