M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation’s Festival of Lights Celebrates its 40th Annual Season in Prince George’s County
A beloved family tradition lighting up generations of memories
RIVERDALE, Md. – The Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park is celebrating its 40th annual season this year. M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County will kick off the 2026 season on Friday, November 27, 2026, with new light displays and the same cherished tradition enjoyed by families throughout the Washington metropolitan region for four decades.
“For 40 years we’ve been spreading holiday cheer through dazzling light displays at Watkins Regional Park,” said Darius A. Stanton, director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “This is where holiday memories are made. Many visitors grew up coming to the Festival of Lights and now bring their own children, creating traditions that span generations.”
The 2026 season will feature more than 90 new LED displays, a 15-foot custom anniversary arch, a 52-foot LED musical tree, and exciting new theme sections, including Big Top Circus, Dinosaurs, and more. More than five million lights will illuminate the park’s three-mile driving trail, creating a magical holiday experience for visitors of all ages. For a unique experience, you can enjoy the light displays aboard a hayride, offering a memorable holiday outing for guests. Advance online registration for the hayrides is required.
“Coming to the Festival of Lights is a tradition for a lot of families, whether you are from Prince George’s County, Montgomery County or another part of the state,” said Essence Smith, Principal Recreation Specialist with M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation. Smith has been a part of the Festival of Lights team for more than 20 years, helping bring the displays to life each holiday season.
Since its debut in 1987, the Festival of Lights has become one of the region’s most treasured holiday attractions. What began as a gift to the people of Prince George’s County in honor of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s 60th anniversary has grown into a destination event that welcomes over 50,000 visitors each year, bringing families together to celebrate the spirit of the season.
DATES: Friday, November 27, 2026 through Friday, January 1, 2027, daily from 5-9:30 pm.
WHERE: Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
COST: Admission fees based on vehicle type
Visitors are encouraged to donate new hats, scarves, gloves, and socks to help community members in need. Donations can be dropped off at the entrance ticket booth.
