Straight down I-83 from York County
Christmas Lights Near York, PA: The Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular
York County's closest big walk-through light show is 40 minutes down 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.
Worth the drive south
One highway from York County to a million lights
If you are in York, Shrewsbury, or New Freedom, you already live on the road that leads to the Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular. I-83 South runs door to door, and waiting at the bottom of the hill:
- More than a million lights on a half-mile walking 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 York County
Take I-83 South across the Maryland line and exit at Timonium Road. The fairgrounds entrance is at 2200 York Road, with the free lot right inside the gate. Full details on our directions and parking page.
Make it a full evening: gates open at 5:30PM, so you can leave after work and school, walk the trail, ride the carnival, and still be home at a reasonable hour. After 7:30PM, everyone gets in for $10.
Simple tickets, open 5:30 to 9:30PM
Select nights December 3 to 30, closed Christmas Day. Last entry 9PM.
York County questions, answered
How far is the Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular from York, PA?
About 35 miles. From downtown York it is roughly a 40 minute drive straight down I-83 South to the Timonium Road exit. Shrewsbury and New Freedom are about 25 minutes away.
Is it a walk-through or drive-through show?
Walk-through. You see the half-mile trail on foot at your own pace, with food, carnival rides, and Santa along the way. See our FAQ for what to bring on a cold night.
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 make the drive.
See you on the trail
One highway. A million lights.
Pick your night, head down I-83, park free, and walk the biggest light trail in the region.