Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park

Gaithersburg’s Christmas Light Display

By Rachel Cooper

Updated 10/05/17

© David & Eric Schulzinger

Winter Lights is a magical Christmas light display at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Maryland. See more than 350 illuminated displays and along a 3.5-mile drive through the park. Driving through the enchanted forest setting, you will experience an array of displays that light up the night. Making its debut this year is a new frog prince display, nestled amongst traditional festival favorites that include a Fantasy Castle and magical unicorn fountain, Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, and the North Pole.

  Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole and much more. The 2016 Winter Lights benefits local charities including Baby’s Bounty, Rebuilding Together Montgomery County, Kentlands Community Foundation, Girls on the Run of Montgomery County, and Women Who Care Ministries. See Photos of Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park.

Location

Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road Gaithersburg, Maryland. From I-270, take Exit 10, Clopper Road (Route 117). Turn right at the light, proceed for approximately 2 miles. The park is on the left. 

Dates and Hours

November 24 through December 31, 2017 (closed December 25)
Sunday - Thursday 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 6 – 10 p.m.

Admission

$12 per car Monday-Thursday, $15 per car Friday - Sunday. Cash or credit accepted. 

Special Events

  • S’more Lights - Friday, November 17, 2017, 6-10 p.m. Begin your adventure with family and friends as you roast marshmallows over a campfire and make delicious s’mores in a beautiful woodland setting. At your leisure, take a trolley or wagon ride through a wonderland of sparkling trees, illuminated arches and animated vignettes that include traditional favorites and a new frog prince display. Take selfies with Santa under a heated tent while enjoying hot beverages. Admission is $14. 
  • Wine Under the Lights - Sunday, November 19, 2017, 5:30- 9:30 p.m. Bring a blanket for a cozy 3-mile open-air trolley ride either before or after you enjoy wine tasting from three local vineyards, food bites, live music and a scenic selfie station with fun props inside a heated tent. The tasting package costs $28 and includes 12 tasting tickets, a souvenir glass, light snacks, hot drinks, live music, and a trolley ride. A non-tasting package is available for $18 and does not include wine tasting tickets.  Preregistration is strongly recommended as admission is limited. 
    • Leashes ‘n’ Lights - Tuesday, November 21, 2017, 6-9 p.m. Bond with your favorite canine as you experience more than 450 magical light displays. Browse dog-related vendors, enjoy hot drinks and take a pet selfie with Santa under a heated tent. Admission is $10.
      This is one of many spectacular holiday light displays in the capital region. For more places to celebrate the season, see a guide to Christmas Light Displays in the Washington DC Area