Coronavirus Can't Stop Holiday Lights Display In Prince George's

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A surge in coronavirus cases has threatened most holiday traditions, but one will continue: the Winter Festival of Lights. The Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation announced Friday that it will press on with its lights display.

Now in its 34th year, the drive-through festival lets visitors enjoy the holidays from the comfort of their car. Masks are required when interacting with staff, but contact will be minimal.

"The socially distant nature of a drive through Winter Festival of Lights makes it possible for this family tradition to continue," Bill Tyler, the director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, said in an announcement. "With so much that has changed, it’s nice that this beloved experience of the holidays is preserved."

The highlight of the display is a 54-foot LED musical tree. Altogether, the festival has more than 2.5 million lights.

The exhibit will take place in Watkins Regional Park, located at 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. Prince Georgians can visit the display between Nov. 27 and Jan. 1, 2021.

The festival will be open each night from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Attendees can get in for free on Nov. 30 and Dec. 25.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is teaming with local food banks to collect donations at the festival. The department asks interested residents to bring canned food to donate.

More information is available at this link. Tickets are available here.

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