Holiday Events Worth the Drive

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There’s an overwhelming number of festive activities to consider throughout the holiday season. It can be difficult to decide what to prioritize. Here’s a narrowed down list of four events that might be worth the extra drive.

Enchant
From November 25 to January 1, Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., is taken over by the magical event of Enchant.

Adventure begins in the Christmas lights maze. This year, visitors will stroll through lighted tunnels, find their way to the 100-foot-tall Christmas tree, and look for stars and special surprises along the way. The maze is designed to dazzle the youngest of children to the oldest of adults.

A village of tiny shops featuring artisan vendors, specialty crafts and boutiques is also part of the attraction. Holiday treats and beverages are offered for those with a need to satisfy their sweet tooth.

After the maze and shopping, lace up your ice skates and glide through a dazzling forest of Christmas lights. Ice skating is a timed entry with an add-on ticket option and limited availability. Tickets are $18 per person and ice skates are provided for free.

Tickets start at $35 for adults and $23 for children. A discount is available for military and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased at www.enchantchristmas.com/washington-dc-nationals-park.

Maryland Zoo Lights
The Maryland Zoo offers Christmas light displays, which begin on November 18 and run through January 1. Visitors to the display can walk through a festival of lights shaped like wildlife and enjoy snacks and hot chocolate. Free train and carousel rides come with each ticket.

In a change for this year’s festivities, the event has moved to Main Valley, which is the oldest section of the Maryland Zoo and formerly known as the Baltimore Zoo.

Shows mostly run Fridays through Sunday from 5:00pm–8:00pm with special event nights on Wednesday, November 23, and Thursday, December 22.

Kids under the age of 2 gain entry for free, and all other ticket sales are $36. Zoo members save $5. Visit www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/zoo-lights to learn more and buy tickets. Parking for the event is free.

The Polar Express Train Ride At B&O
Relive one of the greatest holiday films when you climb aboard The Polar Express Train Ride at B&O, located at 901 West Pratt Street in Baltimore.

Riders are encouraged to wear their pajamas as they watch the live performance of “The Polar Express” while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate. Like the story’s main character, every passenger receives a special gift from Santa – a silver sleigh bell. Little ones also can meet and take pictures with Santa.

Event dates are November 25-27 and December 2-4, 9-11 and 16-19. Tickets range from $47 to $67. Tickets are available at www.borail.org/events/polar-express.

Winterfest Of Lights
For the ambitious road-trippers, look no further than Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights. The display is at Northside Park, which is located at 200 125th Street.

This year’s event will have an expanded walking tour that takes visitors through thousands of sparkling holiday lights and animated light displays. Guests can have their photo taken with Santa, sip hot chocolate and see the 50-foot Christmas tree.

Shows run from 5:30pm–9:30pm and take place Wednesday to Sunday from November 17–December 31. Admission is free for children 11 years and younger and $6 for guests 12 and up.

More information can be found at www.oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/special-events/winterfest.

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