News

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces the 37th Annual Winter Festival of Lights

November 28, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 22, 2023

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Riverdale, MD – Today, the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County announces the 2023 Winter Festival of Lights. Now in its 37th year, the festival is a staple in local holiday traditions. With more lights, displays, and entertainment, it is the biggest of its kind in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Drive through three miles of whimsical lights and celebrate the magic of the season from the comfort of your vehicle. This year’s spectacular drive-through event features dazzling displays with more than 2.5 million LED lights throughout the park and a giant, 54-foot LED musical tree. New this year are hayrides!

Hayrides – Sit cozied up with your loved ones as you ride behind a tractor through the festival. Don’t forget your hats, gloves, and a blanket. Hayrides are offered every Saturday at the top of the hour. Preregistration is required.

“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,” exclaims Bill Tyler, Director of the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation. “This year we are happy to offer hayrides for attendees. We want to ensure the best possible experience for visitors and their families this holiday season,” says Tyler.

WHAT: 37th Annual Winter Festival of Lights

WHEN: November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024, daily from 5 – 9:30 pm

WHERE: Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774

COST: Admission fees based on vehicle type and method of payment

Online registration is encouraged. Purchase tickets in advance online and pay only $10 for cars ($15 standard admission). Please bring a canned good to donate to local food banks. Preregistration for hayrides is required, since availability is limited, available through https://www.pgparks.com/742/Festival-of-Lights.  

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

About the Department
With over 28,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds and more – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for residents in Prince George’s County and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s facilities and programming continue to evolve and expand to keep pace with the needs of its vibrant community. For more information, visit www.pgparks.com.