Winter Wonderland In Bel Air Dazzles Amid Difficult Time

BEL AIR, MD — Bel Air Town Commissioner Kevin Bianca said joy was written on his child's face the first weekend in December upon seeing the light display in downtown Bel Air.

"It was really something special to see, just the sheer joy on a lot of young kids' faces this year — I think they really needed it," Bianca said, noting he was speaking from the perspective of a parent during the pandemic. "Winter Wonderland was certainly fantastic. I'm looking forward to probably going again next weekend."

A sea of lights greets visitors upon coming into town, from the moment they drive down Main Street outside the courthouse down to the Bel Air Reckord Armory.

The courthouse is aglow and features a custom sleigh that people can pose with for pictures.

Outside the Armory, people can sign up for free carriage rides with two horses leading the way.

Bianca shared his experience with Winter Wonderland at Bel Air's virtual Town Hall meeting Dec. 7, after Bel Air Mayor Amy Chmielewski thanked volunteers and staff for making it a reality.

"We thank you all ... for making it possible and allowing [people] to come out and enjoy the season when things seem so grim," Chmielewski said. "Knowing that people feel safe coming to Bel Air and coming into the restaurants just speaks volumes."

Volunteers strung more than 60,000 lights before Thanksgiving for the Winter Wonderland.

"You're welcome to come and look at those lights," Chmielewski said to the public.

Lights are on nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. from Nov. 28 to Jan. 1. Carriage rides will be 5 to 9 p.m. Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas with hot cocoa from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturdays.

Free on-street metered parking is available from Dec. 12 to Jan. 2.

See Also:

• Winter Wonderland In Bel Air: Lineup Of 2020 Events
• Free Parking In Bel Air Offered For Holiday Season
• Christmas In Bel Air Website Has Events Listings For Season
• Festival Of Lights On MD 22 Sets Opening Date For 2020