There’s something truly special about the holiday season in Southern Maryland—and few places capture that magic quite like Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons. Each year from Thanksgiving through the New Year, this beloved local destination transforms into a glowing woodland wonderland known as Annmarie Garden In Lights, offering one of the most enchanting holiday experiences in the region.

Whether you’re a longtime local, new to the area, or visiting Southern Maryland for the season, Annmarie Garden In Lights is a must-see tradition that blends art, nature, and community into a festive experience for all ages.

A Twinkling Wonderland in the Woods

As dusk settles over the garden, Annmarie’s peaceful forest trails come alive with thousands of lights, imaginative sculptures, and whimsical installations. Carefully designed light displays wind through the woods, creating an immersive experience that feels both magical and calming. Every turn reveals a new scene—perfect for lingering strolls, quiet moments, and plenty of photo opportunities.

What makes Annmarie Garden In Lights especially unique is its locally inspired creativity. Many displays reflect community themes, current trends, and artistic storytelling, making each year feel fresh while still honoring beloved favorites visitors look forward to seeing again.

Guests are encouraged to take their time, soaking in the glow while enjoying the crisp evening air. It’s the kind of experience that invites you to slow down—hot chocolate (or even an adult beverage) in hand—and simply enjoy the season.

A Nightly Schedule Full of Holiday Cheer

One of the highlights of Annmarie Garden In Lights is its robust nightly schedule, offering far more than just a walk through the lights. Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy a rotating lineup of festive experiences designed to delight kids, adults, and everyone in between.

From visits with Santa and special holiday characters to interactive exhibits and themed nights, no two visits are exactly the same. This makes Annmarie an easy destination to return to again and again throughout the season.

Inside the Arts Building, the magic continues with indoor light displays, special exhibits, and warm spaces to explore—perfect for chilly evenings.

NEW for 2025: Holiday Characters Take Center Stage 

This year brings exciting new additions with Holiday Character Nights, featuring appearances by Santa, the Snow Princess, and even the Grinch. These family-favorite characters are available on select nights, offering guests the opportunity to take festive family photos and create lasting holiday memories.

Character visits are included with the cost of admission and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on the weather, characters may be located inside the Arts Building or in the outdoor Holiday Tent—adding a bit of surprise to the experience.

For families with children, these evenings are often a highlight of the season and a wonderful way to combine holiday traditions with a creative, outdoor setting.

A Nostalgic Favorite: The Holiday Train Display

Another can’t-miss feature is the Holiday Train Display, open on select evenings in the Arts Building. This charming exhibit features a beautifully detailed “O” scale model train display, showcasing trains from the 1950s through today as they wind through a miniature holiday landscape.

Beloved by both kids and adults, the train display evokes memories of Christmases past while introducing younger visitors to the joy of model trains. New elements are added each year, making it a favorite worth revisiting.

Celebrating Community at Annmarie Garden In Lights

At its heart, Annmarie Garden In Lights is about community, and that spirit shines through in its special themed nights. These evenings highlight the diverse people and stories that make Southern Maryland unique, creating opportunities to honor local heroes, welcome those with special needs, and celebrate cherished traditions.

Local Heroes Appreciation Nights

Select evenings throughout the season honor first responders, healthcare workers, educators, active duty military, and veterans with free admission as a thank-you for their service. These nights are a meaningful reminder of the people who make Southern Maryland such a special place to call home.

Special Needs Night

Annmarie also hosts a dedicated Special Needs Night, offering a sensory-friendly holiday experience for guests with disabilities and special needs. This evening is closed to the general public and thoughtfully designed to ensure a comfortable, joyful visit for all participants.

Scout Caroling Night

Local scouting groups fill the air with holiday music during Scout Caroling Night, adding a nostalgic soundtrack to the glowing trails and enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Grown-Up Fun, Too: Wine, Lights & More

While Annmarie Garden In Lights is incredibly family-friendly, adults have plenty to enjoy as well. Wine & Lights Night offers a 21+ evening featuring tastings from local wineries, breweries, and distilleries alongside the illuminated trails. With music, shopping, and festive ambiance, it’s a favorite date-night or friends-night-out experience.

Other special evenings include:

• Teen Night, reserved just for teens to enjoy the lights with friends
• Jeep Parade Night, featuring decorated Jeeps collecting donations for local food banks
• Pet-Friendly Night, where leashed pets are welcome for the final night of the season

These creative additions make Annmarie Garden In Lights one of the most dynamic holiday events in Southern Maryland.

Extra Experiences That Make the Season Brighter

On select nights, guests can also enjoy:

• Petting zoo visits, pony rides, and holiday photo ops
• Festive face painting
• Golf cart tours for guests with mobility needs
• A LEGO Holiday Village Exhibit, built by community members and open through the end of the season

Many of these experiences are available for an additional fee, while others are included with admission, giving families the flexibility to tailor their visit.

Shop Local & Make a Night of It

Before heading home, be sure to stop by Annmarie’s gift shop, filled with handmade ornaments, artwork, and unique gifts created by local artists. It’s a wonderful place to find meaningful holiday presents while supporting the local creative community.

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is also conveniently located near restaurants in Solomons and throughout Calvert County, making it easy to pair your visit with dinner before or after the light show.

Plan Ahead for a Magical Visit

Due to its popularity, advance tickets are required for most nights and are sold in timed entry slots. Planning ahead ensures a smooth, stress-free experience and helps you choose the evening that best fits your schedule.

A Holiday Tradition Worth Experiencing

Annmarie Garden In Lights is more than a seasonal attraction—it’s a celebration of art, nature, and community that captures the heart of the holidays in Southern Maryland. Whether you’re visiting with family, planning a festive date night, or continuing a cherished tradition, this twinkling woodland wonderland offers memories that last long after the lights dim.