15 minutes from downtown Baltimore
Christmas Lights Near Baltimore: The Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular
The biggest walk-through Christmas light show near Baltimore is 15 minutes up I-83 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. A million lights, the winter carnival, live Santa, and free parking, select nights December 3 to 30, 2026.
The light show Baltimore drives to
A half-mile trail you walk, not a line of cars
Baltimore has lights of its own, from Hampden's rowhouses to the harbor. But when city families want the full night out, they head to the Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular, where you walk the trail at your own pace, cocoa in hand:
- More than a million lights on a half-mile trail
- Winter carnival with a Ferris wheel
- Live Santa nightly through December 23
- Swiss Holiday Village shops and food trucks
- Horseland petting zoo every Friday to Sunday
Getting here
Drive times from around Baltimore
From anywhere in the city, take I-83 North to the Timonium Road exit. The fairgrounds entrance is at 2200 York Road, with the free lot right inside. Full details on our directions and parking page.
Or skip the car entirely: the Light Rail runs from Camden Yards, Convention Center, and Penn Station straight to the fairgrounds, with a stop at the gate.
Simple tickets, open 5:30 to 9:30PM
Select nights December 3 to 30, closed Christmas Day. Last entry 9PM.
Baltimore questions, answered
How far is the Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular from Baltimore?
About 12 miles north of downtown at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Most of the city is 15 to 25 minutes away via I-83 North, and the Light Rail stops at the fairgrounds gate.
Is it a drive-through or walk-through light show?
Walk-through. You see the half-mile trail on foot at your own pace, with food, rides, and Santa along the way. See our FAQ for what to bring.
What nights is it open?
Select nights December 3 to 30, 2026: Thursday through Sunday for the first two weeks, then nightly from December 17, closed Christmas Day. Check the full schedule before you pick your night.
See you on the trail
A million lights, 15 minutes from the city
Pick your night, ride the Light Rail or park free, and walk the biggest light trail near Baltimore.