Best Christmas Lights In Maryland 2017

MARYLAND — This is the perfect time for scoping out holiday light displays around Maryland. We asked and dozens of readers responded with their favorite festive shows around the state.

Check out these displays, and if you know of any others we should add to our list, click on the survey form at the bottom of this article. You can also email pictures to elizabeth.janney@patch.com.

Abingdon — 2977 Harrogate Way, Abingdon, MD 21009. The Vogt family has been decorating its home in Harford County for years and raises money for Ryan Leung, a neighbor with autism, so that he can go to summer camp. See the Vogt Family Lights Facebook page.

Annapolis — Lights on the Bay, Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409. The show is sponsored by the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Its 2-mile route along the Chesapeake Bay features 70 displays, including a colonial village inspired by Annapolis, Naval Academy midshipmen, North Pole Village and Enchanted Fairy Tales. The show is open to drivers each night, including holidays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $15 per car. Large passenger vans, mini buses and trolleys are $30. Buses are $50. The display runs through Jan. 1, 2018.

Baltimore — Miracle on 34th Street, 720 West 34th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211. The entire block is decked out for the season. Several have themes, such as the "Peace" house. Others are just ridiculously stocked with holiday cheer, and owners who invite people up to see the various festive treasures in store. It's open from 5-11 p.m. nightly until Dec. 31. Admission is free.

_{Photo by Elizabeth Janney.}

Bel Air — St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 1200 East Churchville Road, Bel Air. There are 100,000 lights synchronized to music. Park your car, tune your radio and watch the show. It starts every night at 6 p.m. and has hot cocoa, cookies and a train garden every weekend Friday through Sunday.

_{Photo courtesy of Jim Kurtz via Flickr.}

Bel Air — Brad's Christmas Light Show, 1722 Edwin Drive, Bel Air, MD 21015. Tune in to 92.7 FM for the 15-minute show. The display runs from 5:30-11:00 Fridays and Saturdays and 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday. Show creator Brad Paulsen encourages people who enjoy the lights and want to give back to donate to Make-A-Wish. The goal is to raise $5,000 and so far he has raised $50 per the online donation site as of Dec. 17. There is also a place where people can donate at his h ouse. Last year he raised more than $3,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This is his fifth year for the show, which is weather-permitting; check the Brad's Christmas Light Show Facebook page for updates.

Clarksville — 6426 Onward Trail, Clarksville, MD 21029. The lights at this house in Howard County are set to bluegrass music.

Columbia — Symphony of Lights, Broken Land Parkway and Hickory Ridge Road, Columbia, MD 21044. This drive-through display features 100 larger-than-life creations made of 300,000 bulbs. The show is open Tuesday to Sunday. Hours are 6:10-10 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Symphony of Lights will be closed on New Year's Eve but will be open on New Year's Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Organized by the Howard Hospital Foundation, Symphony of Lights is the largest fundraiser for Howard County General Hospital. More than 2 million people have visited the attraction over the 21 years that Symphony of Lights has been in existence, raising $7.5 million for the hospital.

Crofton — 1699 Urby Drive, Crofton, MD 21114. Readers say lights, animation and blow-up characters await.

Ellicott City — Ellicott City Lights, 4802 Red Hill Way, Ellicott City, MD 21042. The show runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly until Dec. 31. Ellicott City Lights is collecting food for the Howard County Food Bank. Drop off non-perishables under the "Believe" sign at the entrance to the light tunnel. To get to the show, turn onto Red Hill Way from Route 103; the house will be on your right. Park facing downhill on both sides of the street as if Red Hill is a one-way road. Don't turn around on Red Hill. As you exit, just keep following Red Hill and make a right at the traffic circle. This will take you up Brampton Parkway and back to Route 103. Do not exit on Red Hill Way. There is no traffic light and there have been several accidents over the last couple years.

Gaithersburg — Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park, 19950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. Sponsored by the city of Gaithersburg, this festival is in its 22nd season. The 3.5-mile drive-through display features more than 380 displays and 65 vignettes such as Teddy Bear Land, Victorian village and the North Pole. It will be closed on Christmas. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; and 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cars are $12 Monday to Thursday and $15 Friday to Sunday; and $15 from Friday to Sunda. Limos and 20-passenger vans are $20, while mini buses are $30. Buses with 30 or more seats are $70.

Halethorpe — 5713 1st Avenue, Halethorpe, MD 21227. Watch the spinning Christmas tree, train display, angels and other attractions at this home, described as a "destination." There are tons of other homes nearby that will dazzle as well, thanks to a decorating contest with judging slated for Dec. 26.

Pylesville — A Newton Noel: Christmas Light Show, 2111 Telegraph Road, Pylesville, MD 21132. Listen to 107.1 FM while watching the light show. The 30-minute display features a giant snowflake wall, nativity scene and mega tree. Donations are accepted for distribution to local charities.

Severn — Mamulaville, 1545 Ringe Drive, Severn, MD 21144. Readers say this is arguable the "best light display in the state," with 29 inflatables, 64 strands of C9 lights and 15-plus reindeer.

Wheaton — Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902. More than one million lights have been shaped into flowers, animals and other natural elements filling gardens with twinkling tree forms, fountains, sparkling snowflakes overhead and more. Open every night except Dec. 24 and 25. Hours through Jan. 1 are 5:30-9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday; and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The last car admitted is 30 minutes before closing time. Tickets are $25 in advance at the gift shop (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily). Otherwise admission is $25 per vehicle Sunday to Thursday, and $30 per vehicle Friday and Saturday.

Upper Marlboro — Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. Described as a "drive-through wonderland," this display showcases more than one million lights, themed displays and one of the tallest tree displays in Maryland, organizers say. There will be a canned good collection for local food banks. Hours are 5-9:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 per car, $20 per minibus and $30 per bus. It runs through Jan. 1.

What's your favorite holiday display in Maryland? Let us know in the comments!

See Also:

• Best Christmas Lights In Baltimore County
• Best Christmas Lights In Harford County
• Best Holiday Lights In Howard County

If we missed any, please fill out the form here: Where In Maryland Are The Best Christmas Lights?

Main image of 34th Street by Elizabeth Janney.