Winter City Lights
Through Dec 28Nov 27 – Dec 28 · 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM · Select nights Nov 27 – Dec 28, 2026 (open Fri–Sun early season; nightly mid-Dec to Dec 28). Gates open 5:30 PM; last entry 9:00 PM. Timed-entry online tickets mandatory.
Fishermen's Country Club Grounds4501 Olney-Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD 20832 · 18.9 mi approx. from Washington, DCDirections
All ages (children under 3 free; gravel and wood-chip walking paths, rugged all-terrain strollers recommended)
From $20Tickets start at $20–$39 (varies by date; peak weekends higher); children under 3 free. Parking is free. Snow tubing add-on available.
About this adventure
Ranked among the largest walk-through holiday light spectacles in the mid-Atlantic, Winter City Lights spreads across 18 wooded acres in Olney, Maryland. The centerpiece of the enchanted forest is a colossal 52-foot programmable musical Christmas tree paired with an overhead canopy of over 200,000 sparkling lights that dances to upbeat seasonal anthems. Nightly artificial snow storms shower visitors with gentle, fluffy flakes every 30 minutes, creating unforgettable photo opportunities for children. The 1.5-mile illuminated forest trail weaves through whimsical light tunnels, animated woodland animal scenes, and glowing Christmas villages. Adventurous kids and parents can race down the 8-lane Penguin Plunge Snow Tubing hill, while 30 cozy outdoor bonfires provide warm gathering spots to roast marshmallows and sip warm cider, hot chocolate, and seasonal craft brews. Paths consist of packed gravel and wood mulch, so sturdy all-terrain strollers or baby carriers are best suited for the terrain.
Similar picks in Washington, DC
- Christmas lights
Same dayThrough Jan 1
Watkins Regional Park Winter Festival of Lights
Watkins Regional Park
From $20All ages
- Christmas lights
Through Jan 3
Brookside Gardens: Garden of Lights
Brookside Gardens
From $13.99All ages
- Christmas lights
Same dayThrough Dec 31
Winter Lights Festival 2026 — Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek State Park
From $15All ages
All 174 Christmas picks in Washington, DC →All 57 Thanksgiving break picks in Washington, DC →More options ↓
Loading organizer reviews…
Questions & tips
Ask other families about this activity or share a tip. Comments don’t count toward the organizer’s rating; for anything official, check with the organizer.
Loading comments…