Brookside Gardens' Garden of Lights returns Nov. 20 with more than a million lights along a half-mile paved trail in Wheaton, and tickets are on sale now.

The annual winter display, run by Montgomery Parks, features glowing displays of flowers, animals, insects and other natural elements. It opens Friday, Nov. 20, and runs nightly through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027. Timed entry begins at 5 p.m. The event runs in rain, snow or clear skies.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance at the Garden of Lights website. Pricing breaks down by day of the week:

  • Sunday through Thursday: $13.99 per person (includes a $1.99 service fee)
  • Friday and Saturday: $16.99 per person (includes a $1.99 service fee)
  • Children under 5: Free

Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another date if space is available. The display will be closed Nov. 23-26, Dec. 24 and 25, and Jan. 1, 2027.

Free Garden Railway returns Nov. 28

Families looking for a daytime outing can visit the Garden Railway, a free exhibit of G-scale model trains running through miniature versions of Maryland landmarks. The Washington, Virginia, Maryland Garden Railway Society helped plan the display.

The Garden Railway opens Saturday, Nov. 28, inside the Conservatory. Hours run 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. daily through Jan. 3, 2027. It is closed Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1. The railway is not open during evening hours because the grounds close at 4 p.m. and reopen at 5 p.m. for ticketed visitors only.

What to know before you go

The trail is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. A limited number of wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

There will be no live music this year; recorded music will accompany some displays. Hot drinks and light refreshments will be available from an outdoor vendor. Outside food and drink, other than bottled water, are not permitted. Only service dogs may enter.

The Visitor Center, restrooms and Gift Shop will be open during the event. Personal photography is allowed, but special-occasion photo shoots require a permit.

Brookside Gardens is at 1800 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton. Ticket and schedule details are on the Garden of Lights page.