Charm City Lights is canceled this year, but there’s plenty of other holiday lights twinkling across Maryland.
The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks said the drive-through light display in Druid Hill Park is taking a “planned pause” as officials build out the experience. It’s expected to return in 2026.
But several other light festivals have kicked off around the state as days get shorter and the weather gets chilly. Even near The Banner offices in Baltimore, city workers have strung lights along the piers at the Inner Harbor.
If you’re looking to take in some holiday cheer (or just like things that sparkle), here’s where to see light displays around Maryland, whether you want to walk, drive or go on a hayride.
If you want to walk...
The Miracle on 34th Street
The lit-up rowhomes in Hampden are a must-see for every Baltimore resident, at least once. Homeowners on the block must agree to partake in the tradition, and it never disappoints.
Where: 700 block of 34th Street, Baltimore.
Read More
When: From Saturday after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day.
How much: Free
If you want to drive...
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
This decades-long Howard County tradition has more than 300,000 lights and “holiday scenes that twinkle, dance, and dazzle,” according to its website. The course is about 1 mile long.
The course is also open for pedestrians on select days.
Where: Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. Enter at the intersection of Broken Land Parkway and Hickory Ridge Road.
When: Nov. 28 through Jan. 3. Drive-through is open most nights; walk-through is available on some nights.
How much: $25 per car. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Lights on the Bay
This is a two-mile drive with 70 light displays along the Chesapeake Bay. For a more immersive experience, tune into 97.1 FM for holiday tunes and purchase 3-D glasses at the entrance.
Where: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis.
When: From Nov. 23 through Jan.1. 5-9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, 5-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
How much: $20 per car
If you want to go on a hayride...
Festival of Lights
The Upper Marlboro festival is mostly drive-thru, but hayrides are available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Sales for hayride admissions end daily at 4 p.m. There’s a high demand for the ride, so there are no refunds, cancellations or rescheduling.
Make sure to arrive 45 minutes to an hour before your reserved time slot.
Where: Watkins Regional Park, 1130 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro.
When: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays starting Nov. 28 through Jan. 1. 6-9 p.m.
How much: $10 per person.
If you want to see some boats...
Parade of Lighted Boats
Boats with lots of lights will travel along the waterfront from the Anchorage Marina in Canton to the Inner Harbor. Follow the boats or wait for them at the Broadway Square as they pass by Fells Point.
Where: From Canton to Inner Harbor.
When: Dec. 6 from 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How much: Free
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice
Every November, boats set sail on the Carroll Creek between Market Street and Carroll Street in Frederick and light up from dusk till dawn. Visitors can vote for their favorite boat by donating $5, and all proceeds go to a designated charity.
There are 28 sailing boats this season and one land/locked boat, according to their website.
Where: Carroll Creek, Frederick.
When: Nov. 22 to March 14, 2026.
How much: Free.




Comments
Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. Please review our community guidelines.