SOLOMONS, Md. — Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center kicks off its 2025 holiday season Friday, November 28, transforming the 30-acre site into a walk-through light display featuring new immersive zones, interactive installations, and more than 50 nightly and daytime events through January 1, 2026.
The annual Annmarie Garden in Lights runs select evenings from 5-8 p.m. or 5-9 p.m., closed on certain dates including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Advance tickets are required for all evening visits and can be purchased at www.annmariegarden.org.
This year’s light show introduces themed areas including a trip around the world, an underwater ocean journey, cryptid creatures, a Dino-Verse, a Retro Zone with gaming nostalgia, and an expanded Guess Who? experience. Visitors will also find glowing sculptures, photo stations, food trucks, face painting, live music, and indoor exhibits such as the Holiday Train Display and LEGO Holiday Village.
PNC Bank returns as premier presenting sponsor, joined by co-presenting sponsors Garner Exteriors, Lockheed Martin, and Katie Watts.
Daytime holiday shopping events begin Black Friday, November 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., continuing with Small Business Saturday on November 29 and Artist Sunday on November 30. The Main Gallery and outdoor ornament trees feature works from more than 65 regional artists, with complimentary Artsfest 2025 shopping bags offered while supplies last.
Two Saturday daytime Holiday Markets — December 6 and December 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — bring more than 50 outdoor vendors selling handmade jewelry, pottery, art, food items, and decor. Admission to the market area is free.
Special evenings include Local Heroes Appreciation Nights on December 4, 12, 18, and January 1, offering free entry to first responders, active-duty military, veterans, and educators with ID. Scout caroling is scheduled for December 4.
Nighttime Christmas Markets with regional artisans take place December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20 during regular light-show hours.
Santa and holiday character appearances are set for select nights: Calvert Santa on November 30 and December 18, Santa Gregory on December 7 and 14, Santa Terrence on December 20, the Snow Princess on December 12 and 28, and the Grinch on December 21. Photo opportunities are first-come, first-served and included with admission.
A Special Needs Night on December 10 from 5-7 p.m. closes the garden to the general public, providing a quieter environment with free entry for guests with disabilities plus one companion.
The popular Holiday Wreath Making Party returns December 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with advance registration required. A Raku Winter Trees firing fundraiser on December 6 supports expansion of the community clay studio.
Adults 21 and older can add a Wine & Lights tasting experience on December 19 for $50, including five tastings inside the Arts Building.
Teens ages 13-19 get exclusive access during Teen Night on December 30 from 8-10 p.m. for $5 with school ID. The season closes January 1 with Pet-Friendly Night, allowing leashed pets on the grounds.
Located off Route 2-4 on Dowell Road in Solomons, the garden is open daily for regular visitors. All programming is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council.