Solomons, MD – Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center will transform into a holiday wonderland with its annual “Annmarie Garden in Lights” exhibit, illuminating the season in Southern Maryland. Running from November 29 to January 1, the exhibit brings a variety of experiences to visitors, including interactive displays, themed nights, and extensive holiday shopping.
This year, visitors can experience a “road trip across America” through creative light installations and stroll through four seasons of displays. Other themed sections include an undersea voyage, a Zen Garden, and a glowing PEACE forest. With new features every year, “Annmarie Garden in Lights” aims to offer fresh excitement for returning visitors and newcomers alike.
Tickets are available for advance purchase only, ensuring guests can enjoy the lights with limited crowds. “We want each night to be a memorable experience, and timed entry helps us achieve that,” organizers said. The ticketed events run most evenings, with occasional closures and special ticket requirements for select nights.
Diverse Holiday Calendar with Themed Events
The holiday season at Annmarie Sculpture Garden isn’t limited to lights. This year’s event calendar kicks off with Black Friday Holiday Shopping on November 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can browse gifts in the Main Gallery’s seasonal transformation into a shopping haven, featuring over 45 regional artists. Another holiday shopping opportunity follows on Small Business Saturday, November 30, offering an array of handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor, toys, books, and more.
Annmarie Garden’s holiday shopping events continue on December 1 with Artist Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m., celebrating local artisans’ works. Complimentary tea or coffee will be offered to shoppers, along with a souvenir Artsfest shopping bag, while supplies last.
In addition to shopping, the “Garden in Lights” show opens on the evening of November 29, operating from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can anticipate holiday-themed food trucks, face painting, and a petting zoo on select evenings, adding family-friendly attractions alongside the light installations.
Weekly Highlights and Specialty Nights
Throughout December, themed nights will bring unique attractions to the garden. A fan-favorite, Pet-Friendly Night, returns on December 3, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along for an evening under the lights, including pet photos with Santa. Local Heroes Appreciation Night, scheduled for December 4, invites local law enforcement, firefighters, and other community service members for a night dedicated to their contributions.
Annmarie Garden also offers a sensory-friendly Special Needs Night on December 10, providing a quieter and more accessible experience for guests with disabilities. This evening will be closed to the general public, ensuring a comfortable environment tailored to the needs of visitors.
For adult guests, Wine & Lights Night on December 30 offers a festive evening with wine tasting stations spread across the light displays. This event is restricted to guests 21 and over, with tickets priced at $50, covering both entry and tasting fees. “Wine & Lights” will feature live music, a specialty market, and ample photo opportunities against the vibrant backdrop of holiday lights.
Train Display, Lego Village, and Santa’s Visits Add to Festivities
Alongside nightly lights, Annmarie Garden has crafted special experiences for families and children. The Holiday Train Display will open on December 4, with intricate, model-train landscapes that transport viewers through whimsical winter scenes. December 21 marks the opening of the Lego Holiday Village, bringing popular building block figures to life in holiday scenes crafted by local artists.
Santa Claus is scheduled to make multiple appearances, starting on December 1. Families are encouraged to bring cameras to capture moments with Santa and enjoy additional holiday photo opportunities, available at the face painting and petting zoo area.
Ticketing, Accessibility, and More Information
Timed-entry tickets are required to ensure a smooth flow of guests. Available online at www.annmariegarden.org, tickets provide access to most exhibits, though face painting, Christmas photos, the petting zoo, Teen Night, and Wine & Lights Night require separate fees or ticket types. Event hours, pricing, and details about each night’s activities are also available on the Annmarie Garden website.
The Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center has grown to become a community staple in Southern Maryland, with corporate sponsors and community donors supporting the event. PNC Bank serves as the Premier Presenting Sponsor, with contributions from local organizations including Calvert Health and Asbury Solomons, underscoring the event’s role in celebrating the holiday season with community backing.
With interactive features like shadow walls, themed shopping nights, and live music, Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center’s Garden in Lights offers something for every holiday enthusiast. The center promises a memorable experience, stating, “We’re excited to welcome the community to explore, connect, and celebrate with us.”
