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M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation’s Festival of Lights Celebrates its 40th Annual Season in Prince George’s County

A beloved family tradition lighting up generations of memories

RIVERDALE, Md. – The Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park is celebrating its 40th annual season this year. M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County will kick off the 2026 season on Friday, November 27, 2026, with new light displays and the same cherished tradition enjoyed by families throughout the Washington metropolitan region for four decades.

“For 40 years we’ve been spreading holiday cheer through dazzling light displays at Watkins Regional Park,” said Darius A. Stanton, director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “This is where holiday memories are made. Many visitors grew up coming to the Festival of Lights and now bring their own children, creating traditions that span generations.”

The 2026 season will feature more than 90 new LED displays, a 15-foot custom anniversary arch, a 52-foot LED musical tree, and exciting new theme sections, including Big Top Circus, Dinosaurs, and more. More than five million lights will illuminate the park’s three-mile driving trail, creating a magical holiday experience for visitors of all ages. For a unique experience, you can enjoy the light displays aboard a hayride, offering a memorable holiday outing for guests. Advance online registration for the hayrides is required.

“Coming to the Festival of Lights is a tradition for a lot of families, whether you are from Prince George’s County, Montgomery County or another part of the state,” said Essence Smith, Principal Recreation Specialist with M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation. Smith has been a part of the Festival of Lights team for more than 20 years, helping bring the displays to life each holiday season.

Since its debut in 1987, the Festival of Lights has become one of the region’s most treasured holiday attractions. What began as a gift to the people of Prince George’s County in honor of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s 60th anniversary has grown into a destination event that welcomes over 50,000 visitors each year, bringing families together to celebrate the spirit of the season.

DATES: Friday, November 27, 2026 through Friday, January 1, 2027, daily from 5-9:30 pm.

WHERE: Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

COST: Admission fees based on vehicle type

Visitors are encouraged to donate new hats, scarves, gloves, and socks to help community members in need. Donations can be dropped off at the entrance ticket booth.
Celebrate the Start of the Holiday Season: M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces November Events

RIVERDALE, Md. – The holiday season arrives in Prince George’s County! M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation announces free and low-cost events throughout November. From dazzling light displays and live performances to family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Upcoming events:

Rock the Boat – Teen Event!

Tuesday, November 3, 4:30-10:30 pm

Set sail aboard the Spirit of Washington for an unforgettable cruise along the Washington, D.C., waterfront! Youth ages twelve to 17 will enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, delicious food, and waterfront views while celebrating the start of a new school year. Transportation is provided. Advance registration required.

30th Annual Jug Bay Run/Walk for Wildlife

Saturday, November 7, 9-11 am

Patuxent River Park

Register to walk or run and preserve wildlife! Together, the Patuxent River Park and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary comprise over 3,500 acres along the banks of the Patuxent River. The river and its shore are home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Proceeds from this event support projects, research, conservation, and education in the Patuxent River watershed.

Jason Marsalis Quartet with Vanisha Gould

Saturday, November 7, 8 pm

Harmony Hall Arts Center

Enjoy an evening of world-class jazz with a concert starring the Jason Marsalis Quartet, featuring vocalist Vanisha Gould. Rooted in swing, blues, and modern jazz traditions, the quartet delivers a dynamic and deeply expressive performance led by Jason Marsalis’ masterful rhythm and musical insight. The night is elevated further by Vanisha Gould, whose rich tone, storytelling, and effortless phrasing bring warmth and sophistication to every song. Together, they create an intimate yet powerful concert experience that celebrates jazz artistry, spontaneity, and the timeless connection between voice and ensemble.

43rd Annual Choreographers’ Showcase: Move Different

Saturday, November 14, 7-8:30 pm

Prince George’s Publick Playhouse

Experience an evening of innovative movement and distinct perspectives at the 43rd Annual Choreographers’ Showcase, featuring contemporary and modern dance works by local emerging and established choreographers, followed by an artist talkback with the choreographers behind the work.

Trot for a Turkey

Saturday, November 21, 6-8 pm

Watkins Regional Park

Help families in need by running or walking through the beautiful Festival of Lights! The almost three-mile course will feature dazzling light displays. The registration fee will provide a family in need with a holiday turkey.

Bikes and Lights

Sunday, November 22, 5-7 pm

Watkins Regional Park

Enjoy over 100 new light displays while riding your bike through the Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park. Experience dazzling scenes celebrating the magic of the holiday season. For safety, bike lights and helmets are required. Free for children riding in a tagalong/bike seat/trailer.

Festival of Lights

Friday, November 27 through Friday, January 1, 5:30-9:30 pm (open nightly)

Watkins Regional Park

The cherished holiday tradition in Prince George’s County celebrates its 40th season this year. Enjoy over five million dazzling lights throughout the three-mile driving trail at Watkins Regional Park. For a unique experience, you can enjoy the light displays aboard a hayride, offering guests a memorable holiday experience.
M-NCPPC Highlighted as National Gold Medal Finalist for Parks and Recreation Excellence

M-NCPPC Recognized Nationally as a Top Four Parks and Recreation Agency

Prince George’s County, MD — October 1, 2026 — The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), serving Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, has been recognized as a 2026 National Gold Medal Finalist by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA).

M-NCPPC was recognized in the Class I category, which recognizes agencies serving populations greater than 400,001. The recognition places M-NCPPC among four finalists nationally, highlighting the Commission’s continued commitment to excellence in parks and recreation, innovation, environmental stewardship, quality programming, and meaningful community engagement.

Established in 1927, M-NCPPC is approaching its centennial in 2027 with nearly a century of service to the residents and communities of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. The Commission has earned the National Gold Medal six times, in 1973, 1977, 1983, 1984, 2003, and 2015, making M-NCPPC the only six-time National Gold Medal recipient. This year’s finalist recognition adds another chapter to that longstanding legacy and reflects the continued dedication of the people who plan, protect, maintain, program, and invest in parks and recreation opportunities across the two counties.

“M-NCPPC is proud to create spaces and programming that inspire connection, equity, and opportunity for all,” said Chair of M-NCPPC, Artie Harris, Montgomery County Planning Board Chair. “We’re honored to be recognized alongside so many outstanding organizations, and this recognition reflects the dedication of our staff and partners who work every day to make a difference in our community.”

“Being recognized as a National Gold Medal finalist is a tremendous honor for M-NCPPC and the communities we serve,” said Kevin A. Anderson, Chair of the Prince George’s County Planning Board. “It reflects the strength of our parks and recreation system and the impact it has on communities across the region.”

Darius A. Stanton, Director, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, added: “Being named a National Gold Medal finalist reflects the dedication of our staff and their commitment to serving our communities every day. We are proud of this recognition and remain focused on helping our communities Live More, Play More.”

“Being recognized as a Gold Medal Award finalist is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community partners who provide exceptional programs and facilities,” said Miti Figueredo, Director of Montgomery Parks. “We’re proud to be recognized among the nation’s leading park systems and grateful to everyone who helps make Montgomery Parks a place where our community can thrive.”

The National Gold Medal Finalist designation recognizes M-NCPPC’s continued commitment to excellence in parks and recreation management, including long-range planning, resource management, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and innovative programming. M-NCPPC’s bi-county structure brings together the expertise and resources of Montgomery Parks and the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County to serve communities across the region.

The 2026 National Gold Medal finalists competed in the Class I category alongside Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, and Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation. Baltimore City Recreation and Parks was named the 2026 Class I Grand Plaque recipient during the 2026 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

About the Department

With over 29,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will ensure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities, and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.

News - FAQ List Quick

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation’s Festival of Lights Celebrates its 40th Annual Season in Prince George’s County

Celebrate the Start of the Holiday Season: M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces November Events

M-NCPPC Highlighted as National Gold Medal Finalist for Parks and Recreation Excellence

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