Holiday lights for toddlers, 2026
Toddler tip: drive-throughs work for early bedtimes and car-seat naps; go right at 5pm opening.
ZooLights – Smithsonian's National Zoo
Washington, DC
- Dates: Select nights, Nov 20, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
- Hours: 5–9pm Mon–Sat, 5–8pm Sun
- Cost: $10 general (2 & under free per Zoo announcement); parking extra
Official site →
Garden of Lights – Brookside Gardens
Wheaton · Montgomery
- Dates: Nov 20, 2026–Jan 3, 2027 (closed Nov 23–26, Dec 24–25, Jan 1)
- Hours: Timed entry from 5pm
- Cost: $13.99 Sun–Thu, $16.99 Fri–Sat; ages 4 & under free. Online advance tickets only. Walk-through, ~½ mile — stroller pace.
Official site →
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Columbia · Howard
- Dates: Nov 27, 2026–Jan 2, 2027
- Cost: $25 per vehicle (drive-through — great for car-seat nappers). Walk-through nights Nov 29 & Dec 7, $15/person, 3 & under free.
Official site →
Lights on the Bay – Sandy Point State Park
Annapolis · Anne Arundel
- Dates: Nov 23, 2026–Jan 3, 2027, nightly
- Hours: 5–9pm Sun–Thu, 5–10pm Fri–Sat
- Cost: $25 per car (drive-through)
Official site → Get 2 ready-made toddler plans every Thursday
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