For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org
DELAWARE
Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley
New this year is Riverbright Wilmington: Holiday Magic. Through the beginning of January, Christina Riverwalk is completely transformed into a walk-through holiday light display, with trees and light poles wrapped in seasonal décor throughout the almost 2-mile boardwalk. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com,
MARYLAND
Annapolis & Anne Arundel
Watch dozens of boats adorned with colorful lights process City Dock in the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade. Enjoy 70 festive lights displays at Sandy Point State Park, and celebrate the magic as green garlands, red ribbons, and white lights transform Downtown Annapolis into a European town for the holidays. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org,
Calvert
Columbia-Montour
Millions of lights, animatronics, Santa, & holiday fun! Visit Berwick & Elysburg this December to witness amazing drive-thru holiday light displays. A time-honored tradition, the Berwick Christmas Boulevard is celebrating its 76th Anniversary. Or start a new tradition at Knoebels Amusement Resort’s Joy Through the Grove, in its 3rd year. Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, ITourColumbiaMontour.com,
Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania
The Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course serves as the centerpiece "must see'' attraction for the annual An Endless Mountains Christmas celebration that draws visitors to the nostalgically welcoming 4-county region of Northeastern Pennsylvania each year. Visit and discover that you have come "Home for the Holidays" to the Endless Mountains! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org,
Juniata River Valley
Starting in early December, Shining Light in the Darkness will light up Kish Park through the new year. Thousands of lights and multiple displays will be spread around so guests can safely and easily stroll through the park to view the lights. Free entertainment, food, and other activities for the whole family take place throughout the month-long attraction. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, Facebook.com/KishParkShiningLight,
Lancaster
Lancaster County features wonderful holiday light displays, including the transformation of its famous children’s theme park into Dutch Winter Wonderland with thousands of lights among its rides, the luminous drive-thru experience at Clipper Magazine Stadium, and the various ways to enjoy Refreshing Mountain Retreat’s light show – from ziplining to walking. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com,
Lehigh Valley
Light up the night enjoying twinkling lights across Lehigh Valley, PA. Head to Lehigh Valley Zoo for the Winter Light Spectacular, Allentown for Lights in the Parkway, and Easton for the Winter Village. A horse-drawn carriage will take you to see the sights and the lights in the Christmas City. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, LehighValleyHolidays.com,
Potter-Tioga
The gaslights along Wellsboro's historic Main Street harken the images from the holiday classic "It's A Wonderful Life" and serve as the backdrop for two of the area's huge holiday annual events - dickens of a Christmas (the first weekend of December) and Christmas on Main Street (second weekend of the month) which celebrates the invention of Shiny Brite ornaments here. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com
Reading & Berks County
Christmas in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region begins with the spectacular light displays of Koziar’s Christmas Village. Visitors love Koziar’s dazzling lights, holiday shops, and jolly atmosphere. One visit to this wonderland, and you’ll know why it’s a Christmas tradition for so many. Open weekends in November, then daily through the new year. Reading & Berks County, PA's Americana Region, Lisa Haggerty, VisitPaAmericana.com
VIRGINIA
Hampton
Tis the season to sparkle! Check out the 2022 Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade, the Phoebus Illumination & Craft Market and the Holiday Wonder Walk this December. The American Theatre will also be hosting Lightwire Theatre: A Very Electric Christmas. Come get your shine on in Hampton (we’re sleighing it!). Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Mahogany Waldon, VisitHampton.com
Loudoun
While historic Leesburg and Middleburg light up for season, the slopes of the Blue Ridge in western Loudoun steal the show, with some 15,000 glittering lights strung through 10,000 grape vines for Bluemont Vineyard’s annual Lighting of the Vines. See them every Thursday to Sunday evening until January 1st. Visit Loudoun, Jen Sigal, VisitLoudoun.org
Norfolk
Norfolk is full of holiday spirit with WinterFest on the Wisconsin, where the Battleship Wisconsin is decked out with over one million lights. Looking for even more spectacular holiday lights, then head to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens for the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights for a festive walking light tour. Visit Norfolk, Paige Hawsey, VisitNorfolk.com
Stafford
Come for the lights, stay for the art! Visit the home and studio of American artist Gari Melchers in Stafford, VA. Explore his techniques from realism to impressionism during the 19th century. With holiday lights and décor surrounding the house’s original artwork and furniture, discover Gari's love story and works as historic Belmont Estate. Tour Stafford, Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com
Staunton
Staunton’s famous Gypsy Hill Park is again a fairyland of holiday wonder. This 214-acre park will be aglow with festive lights and decorations. Take a stroll through the decorative holiday deer or the field of trees. Come experience the Celebration of Lights this holiday season in Staunton, Virginia. Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com
Virginia’s Blue Ridge
The mountains aren’t the only thing that shine in Virginia’s Blue Ridge during the holidays. Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy 650,000+ dazzling lights on a half-mile wooded walking path during Illuminights at Explore Park in Roanoke, VA. Accessible to both strollers and wheelchairs. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Kathryn Lucas, VisitVBR.com
About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations AllianceThe Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries to better promote common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.
The grounds of Annmarie Sculpture Garden in Solomons, Maryland is transformed into an outdoor twinkling wonderland during the month of December! Annmarie Garden In Lights allows you to experience glowing "light sculptures'' and wondrous light installations. Discover wild animals, wintery wonderlands, deep sea treasures, magical creatures, glowing trees, and more! Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, VisitCalvert.com,
Frederick
Walk along Carroll Creek Park in Downtown Frederick and you'll find more than 25 lighted sailboats with many creative designs. This winter display is not only a stunning sight - it's also a fundraiser. Vote for your favorite boat and support local non-profit organizations connected to each sailboat. Visit Frederick, Jake Wynn, VisitFrederick.org/Sailing-Into-The-Winter-Solstice,
Harford
Harford County is lighting up the town with Christmas trees, streetlights, and…tractors? That’s right! The Highland Tractor Parade is returning! Support local agro-tourism when watching the tractors make their way through town with twinkling lights. The parade ends at Falling Branch Brewery for a holiday celebration, bringing families together during the holidays. Visit Harford, Matthew Scales, VisitHarford.com,
Wicomico
Head to Downtown Salisbury to see a Christmas tree, Hanukkah menorah and Kwanzaa kinara. Nearby at the Salisbury City Park is the Salisbury’s Winter Wonderland light display. There are also some residents that go all out at their homes, such as Winter Wonderland on Morris Road in Pittsville. Maryland’s Wicomico County, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org,
PENNSYLVANIA
Allegheny National Forest Region
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Escape to relaxation and simplicity by spending the holidays snuggled up in a cozy cabin in front of a fireplace from where you can enjoy the sparkle of light on the freshly fallen snow as you gaze out your cabin window. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Linda Devlin, VisitANF.com,
Frederick
Walk along Carroll Creek Park in Downtown Frederick and you'll find more than 25 lighted sailboats with many creative designs. This winter display is not only a stunning sight - it's also a fundraiser. Vote for your favorite boat and support local non-profit organizations connected to each sailboat. Visit Frederick, Jake Wynn, VisitFrederick.org/Sailing-Into-The-Winter-Solstice,
Harford
Harford County is lighting up the town with Christmas trees, streetlights, and…tractors? That’s right! The Highland Tractor Parade is returning! Support local agro-tourism when watching the tractors make their way through town with twinkling lights. The parade ends at Falling Branch Brewery for a holiday celebration, bringing families together during the holidays. Visit Harford, Matthew Scales, VisitHarford.com,
Wicomico
Head to Downtown Salisbury to see a Christmas tree, Hanukkah menorah and Kwanzaa kinara. Nearby at the Salisbury City Park is the Salisbury’s Winter Wonderland light display. There are also some residents that go all out at their homes, such as Winter Wonderland on Morris Road in Pittsville. Maryland’s Wicomico County, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org,
PENNSYLVANIA
Allegheny National Forest Region
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Escape to relaxation and simplicity by spending the holidays snuggled up in a cozy cabin in front of a fireplace from where you can enjoy the sparkle of light on the freshly fallen snow as you gaze out your cabin window. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Linda Devlin, VisitANF.com,
Columbia-Montour
Millions of lights, animatronics, Santa, & holiday fun! Visit Berwick & Elysburg this December to witness amazing drive-thru holiday light displays. A time-honored tradition, the Berwick Christmas Boulevard is celebrating its 76th Anniversary. Or start a new tradition at Knoebels Amusement Resort’s Joy Through the Grove, in its 3rd year. Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, ITourColumbiaMontour.com,
Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania
The Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course serves as the centerpiece "must see'' attraction for the annual An Endless Mountains Christmas celebration that draws visitors to the nostalgically welcoming 4-county region of Northeastern Pennsylvania each year. Visit and discover that you have come "Home for the Holidays" to the Endless Mountains! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org,
Juniata River Valley
Starting in early December, Shining Light in the Darkness will light up Kish Park through the new year. Thousands of lights and multiple displays will be spread around so guests can safely and easily stroll through the park to view the lights. Free entertainment, food, and other activities for the whole family take place throughout the month-long attraction. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, Facebook.com/KishParkShiningLight,
Lancaster
Lancaster County features wonderful holiday light displays, including the transformation of its famous children’s theme park into Dutch Winter Wonderland with thousands of lights among its rides, the luminous drive-thru experience at Clipper Magazine Stadium, and the various ways to enjoy Refreshing Mountain Retreat’s light show – from ziplining to walking. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com,
Lehigh Valley
Light up the night enjoying twinkling lights across Lehigh Valley, PA. Head to Lehigh Valley Zoo for the Winter Light Spectacular, Allentown for Lights in the Parkway, and Easton for the Winter Village. A horse-drawn carriage will take you to see the sights and the lights in the Christmas City. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, LehighValleyHolidays.com,
Potter-Tioga
The gaslights along Wellsboro's historic Main Street harken the images from the holiday classic "It's A Wonderful Life" and serve as the backdrop for two of the area's huge holiday annual events - dickens of a Christmas (the first weekend of December) and Christmas on Main Street (second weekend of the month) which celebrates the invention of Shiny Brite ornaments here. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com
Reading & Berks County
Christmas in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region begins with the spectacular light displays of Koziar’s Christmas Village. Visitors love Koziar’s dazzling lights, holiday shops, and jolly atmosphere. One visit to this wonderland, and you’ll know why it’s a Christmas tradition for so many. Open weekends in November, then daily through the new year. Reading & Berks County, PA's Americana Region, Lisa Haggerty, VisitPaAmericana.com
VIRGINIA
Hampton
Tis the season to sparkle! Check out the 2022 Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade, the Phoebus Illumination & Craft Market and the Holiday Wonder Walk this December. The American Theatre will also be hosting Lightwire Theatre: A Very Electric Christmas. Come get your shine on in Hampton (we’re sleighing it!). Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Mahogany Waldon, VisitHampton.com
Loudoun
While historic Leesburg and Middleburg light up for season, the slopes of the Blue Ridge in western Loudoun steal the show, with some 15,000 glittering lights strung through 10,000 grape vines for Bluemont Vineyard’s annual Lighting of the Vines. See them every Thursday to Sunday evening until January 1st. Visit Loudoun, Jen Sigal, VisitLoudoun.org
Norfolk
Norfolk is full of holiday spirit with WinterFest on the Wisconsin, where the Battleship Wisconsin is decked out with over one million lights. Looking for even more spectacular holiday lights, then head to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens for the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights for a festive walking light tour. Visit Norfolk, Paige Hawsey, VisitNorfolk.com
Stafford
Come for the lights, stay for the art! Visit the home and studio of American artist Gari Melchers in Stafford, VA. Explore his techniques from realism to impressionism during the 19th century. With holiday lights and décor surrounding the house’s original artwork and furniture, discover Gari's love story and works as historic Belmont Estate. Tour Stafford, Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com
Staunton
Staunton’s famous Gypsy Hill Park is again a fairyland of holiday wonder. This 214-acre park will be aglow with festive lights and decorations. Take a stroll through the decorative holiday deer or the field of trees. Come experience the Celebration of Lights this holiday season in Staunton, Virginia. Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com
Virginia’s Blue Ridge
The mountains aren’t the only thing that shine in Virginia’s Blue Ridge during the holidays. Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy 650,000+ dazzling lights on a half-mile wooded walking path during Illuminights at Explore Park in Roanoke, VA. Accessible to both strollers and wheelchairs. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Kathryn Lucas, VisitVBR.com
About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations AllianceThe Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries to better promote common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.
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