Winter Festival Of Lights Opens Nov. 26 In Prince George's County

RIVERDALE, MD — Prince George’s County will host the 2021 Winter Festival of Lights for its 35th year. With more lights, displays, and entertainment, it is the biggest of its kind in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

New this year, the entrance for the festival will be located on Route 202/Largo Road, across the street from the Riverdale Baptist Church, 1133 Largo Road, in Upper Marlboro. The entrance on Route 193 will be closed.

Directions to the new festival entrance are:

• From the Capital Beltway, I-495 – take Exit 17A on to Route 202/South toward Upper Marlboro and continue for about 5 miles. The park entrance is on the left, before you reach the traffic light at Route 193. You can make the left from the turn lane.
• From Route 301, turn onto Marlboro Pike/Route 725 and then right onto Route 202, for about 4.5 miles. The park entrance is on the right, just past the traffic light at Route 193.

“We know it’s the holiday season when the Winter Festival of Lights begins. The Festival of Lights gets better every year. There’s always something new to see,” said Bill Tyler, director of the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, in a news release. “This year we are making an adjustment to create a better experience for the community by utilizing the park entrance on Route 202. We are also offering discounts for online ticket purchases. We want to ensure the best possible experience for visitors and their families this holiday.”

Drive through three miles of lights and celebrate the magic of the season from the comfort of your vehicle. This year’s event features displays with more than 2.5 million LED lights and a 54-foot LED musical tree.

Organizers ask visitors to bring a canned good to donate to local food banks.

WHAT: 35th Annual Winter Festival of Lights
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 2, daily from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774
COST: Admission fees based on vehicle type and method of payment

Face coverings are required when interacting with Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission staff.

Online registration is encouraged. Purchase tickets in advance online and pay $8 for cars ($10 standard admission). Visit pgparksdirect.com and search keyword "Festival" under "Ticketing.” Check the ticket code and fees listed.

Bring a little twinkle to your holidays at this spectacular drive-through event. Come celebrate the season with the Department of Parks and Recreation.