6 MD Holiday Light Shows That Are Coronavirus-Friendly

MARYLAND — Holiday light displays across Maryland have flipped the switch to celebrate the holiday season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The socially-distanced and family friendly light shows range from drive-through shows to zoo visits. All of them will get you into the holiday spirit.

This list is courtesy of the Maryland Office of Tourism.

Zoo Lights, Baltimore

Dates: Nov. 20 - Sunday, Jan. 3, Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

What: Drive or walk through a festival of lights shaped like wildlife and support the zoo’s animal care and conservation work. Advanced reservations are required and zoo members save on all ticket types.

Hours for drive-through:

• Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
• Fridays & Sundays from 5:00 – 8:00 PM
• Does not run Thanksgiving or Christmas Day
• Guests (age 2+) must wear masks when interacting with Zoo staff

On Saturdays, travel the course by foot and visit Zoo Central for snacks, hot chocolate, and free carousel rides (weather permitting).

• Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 are sold out
• 4:30 – 7:30 PM
• Free parking
• Masks must be worn by guests (age 2+) except when enjoying food or drink

Lights On The Bay, Annapolis

• Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis
• Open 5–10 p.m. through Jan. 2
• The 2-mile drive in the park on the Chesapeake Bay features 60 displays.
• Tickets are $20 per car, $30 per large van and mini-bus and $50 per bus. Proceeds benefit the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.

North Pole Lights Walk, Severn

Bring the family for a walk to the North Pole: Willow Oak flower and Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Road in Severn. Walk through lighted gardens and see the Artic animals, forest animals and more. Santa is outside to visit with children.

Tickets are timed this year and should be purchased in advance. Masks are required and social distancing is observed. Groups must keep a social distance of 6 feet apart.

Winterfest of Lights, Ocean City

Dates: Nov. 19-Jan. 2, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Open Wednesday through Sunday nights, closed Monday and Tuesday

This walking tour takes you through thousands of sparkling holiday lights and many animated light displays in Northside Park. Sip hot chocolate, take a photo with Santa, walk through the array of holiday exhibits, and see the 50-foot Christmas tree.

Admission is $5 for guests 12 years and older and free for kids 11 years and younger.

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

• Dates: Nov. 27-Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25)
• Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg
• 6 - 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 6 - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• The 3.5 mile drive takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and lit trees.
• Tickets range from $12 to $30 based on day and vehicle type.

Merriweather Symphony of Lights Drive Through, Columbia

• Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 2. Hours: Weekdays: 6 to 10 p.m. Weekends: 5 to 10 p.m.
• Where: Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
• Tickets: $20 per vehicle, Cash + credit cards accepted Military Nights (Thursdays) $10 with valid military ID
• The Symphony of Lights has been a tradition for more than 25 years. Set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion and made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this drive-through display of animated and stationary holiday light creations includes a 150 foot screen.