Watkins Regional Park Winter Festival of Lights

About this adventure

Celebrating its landmark 40th anniversary season in 2026, the Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro is Prince George's County's signature holiday drive-through tradition. Covering more than three scenic miles of parkland roads, this sparkling exhibition features over one million twinkling, eco-friendly LED lights and more than 100 animated displays. Highlights include a towering 54-foot musical Christmas tree dancing to holiday rhythms, illuminated gingerbread houses, animated toy trains, galloping reindeer, and cascading crystal canopies. Families can turn up their car heaters, play their favorite holiday soundtrack, and marvel at the glowing spectacles from the comfort of their own seats. The drive-through format eliminates stroller hassles and keeps children cozy regardless of winter rain or snow. Visiting on weeknights (Monday through Thursday) offers significantly shorter vehicle queue times than peak December weekend evenings. Bringing non-perishable canned food goods to donate at the gate supports Prince George's County food pantries.