Lights To Remember
This Year, The Annual Festival of Lights May Mean More Than Ever
By Cecil Merkerson III
It’s one of the few attractions currently available in its natural form in spite of COVID-19 and for 34 years it has always been one of the finest.
The Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park is for the very young and the young at heart. It’s a charming outdoor holiday experience that has thrilled hundreds of visitors for over three decades. Hosted by the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), the annual Festival of Lights has been a part of the county’s cultural tradition for a generation of holiday season lovers.
“No matter what your age, you can’t help but be uplifted when you drive through this park. It’s just amazing. It becomes more creative with each passing year,” says Chairman of the Prince George’s County Planning Board Elizabeth M. Hewlett.
This year, the festival may be especially appealing. Because visitors drive through the winding paths of light, it’s organically COVID-safe but still invites an opportunity for extended family and friends to gather (each family in their own vehicle). For hundreds of first-time visitors, it’s an electrifying opportunity to get out of the house and get into the spirit of the season. For those who haven’t visited the park since childhood, it’s an opportunity to rekindle a flood great memories and enjoy the new attractions. In either case, the festival inspires a welcome sense of normalcy.
“If your spirit needs a boost, this is the perfect [source of] family entertainment,“ Hewlett said.
The experience is a winter wonderland that features over 2.5 million twinkling lights as you drive through the park. If you’re into music and love the holiday cheer, the park also includes a 54-foot LED musical tree that moves to the beat of the music. The lights flicker and twinkle as visitors enjoy the spectacle along the path. While you watch the light show, you might also find the park displays to be just as impressive.
People from across the country seem to enjoy the festival as well. Hewlett takes family and friends to the festival whenever they visit the metropolitan area.
“I’ve had visitors come to stay with me for the holidays from California, Texas and Chicago. I always take them through and they always marvel at it,” Hewlett says.
“It’s safe and you never have to get out of your car. You can [maintain] social distance either by yourself or [with members of] your household and drive through and enjoy the lights and displays.”
The festival includes an internationally recognized Wonderful World of Oz playground at Watkins Park (which includes displays of Dorothy, the Wicked Witch, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the cowardly Lion and, of course, Oz himself). Santa Clause, Candy Cane Lane and The Dancing Reindeer are also a part of the park’s exhibits.
Located at Watkins Regional Park, the festival is currently open to the public (5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) and runs through January 1. Its managers recommend visiting the park on Monday through Wednesday evening to avoid long lines.
Tickets are $10. On Christmas Day, admission is free.
