Beginning tonight, over at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland, a new holiday tradition is about to emerge. It’s the first-ever annual Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular. And it promises to be the next big thing in the way of ultimate family-friendly holiday happenings throughout the greater Baltimore region.
Tonight’s inaugural kickoff will commence at 7 p.m. with the Grand Lighting Ceremony. Presented as a special Opening Night Preview, all proceeds from this evening’s event will benefit the House of Ruth Maryland. Festivities will continue on through the 10 p.m. closing.
Except for tonight, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, the Holiday Light Spectacular will run during the operational hours of 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. up until December 30. They will close early on Christmas Eve (at 8 p.m.) and will not operate at all on Christmas.
The Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular will be primarily presented as a massive winter wonderland walkthrough. Highlights include dozens of giant snow globes, festive holiday displays, millions of illuminating lights, elves out and about, Santa and Mrs. Claus onsite, an Alpine Avalanche Snow Tube Slide, various other carnival rides (available at additional costs), and much more. Don’t forget to check out Horseland Petting Zoo, featured on December 12 through 15, 19 through 22, and 26 through 29.
There will also be an extensive Christmas Village containing several shops and boutiques. The businesses to be showcased include Kinda Jerky Really Nutty, Chocolate Moonshine, Salty Dog & Sweet P’s Swag, Art By Barton, the Nut Cart: Bavarian Roasted Nuts, Harvey Haven Lavender Farm, Motherland Bliss, the Nobel Woman, Soldier Solutions, the Cookie Chemist, Holy Smoker, Misfit Winery, XM Beauty, Tipsy Teacher Wine Co., Drink Local MD, Cutco, Elevated Wellness, True Honey Teas, and Collective Curiosities.
Delicious food and drink will be served every night of the event, including spirited offerings for the over-21 crowd. Attending food trucks setting up shop on various nights include Fiamme del Forno, Cream To Go, Modern NY-Style Deli, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Buck N Grill, BBQ Bueno, and Auntie Anne’s.
The attractions and entertainment offerings included in the Holiday Spectacular setup span about half a mile. The walking trail is entirely self-guided. This allows folks to go at their own pace, strike poses for awesome photos, and customize their own outings accordingly. Most guests can expect to spend anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour and a half exploring everything there is to see and do.
Do take note that this outdoor event is set to operate in rain, snow, and on clear winter nights. Closures will only result in extreme inclement weather conditions that are deemed hazardous.
While tickets are nonrefundable, in extreme scenarios like the aforementioned, efforts may be made to reimburse intended visitors accordingly.
The Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular will be housed at the Maryland State Fairgrounds from December 12 through December 30. The physical site address is 2200 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093. Learn more on the website at www.mdholidaylights.com.