Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive 20774
301-699-2456

The Winter Festival of Lights will shine bright this holiday season with 3 miles of drive-through whimsical lights! Experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season from the comfort of your own car. For your safety and the safety of our staff, please purchase tickets online at pgparksdirect.com. Save Time! Save Money! Buy Online! Cars pay $15 with online purchases or $20 admission at the gate. Face coverings are required if interacting with personnel. To avoid longer than usual wait times, we encourage the public to attend the Festival on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday evenings. On Saturdays and Sundays, please arrive before 6 pm. A car may only hold 1 to 6 passengers.

Customers will be directed to enter the park from Route 202 Largo Road this year.

NO REFUNDS ON GENERAL ADMISSIONS TICKETS! TICKETS ARE GOOD UNTIL 1/1/25

Join historian Don Walsh for a lively presentation on Maryland horse racing in the 1800s and its influences on modern horse culture. Walsh will discuss pivotal races in Bowie and Baltimore, including the story about Argyle, a winning racehorse foaled at Marietta House, and Black jockeys and enslaved men who cared for the horses. This is a FREE program. Advanced registration is recommended, although walk-ins are welcome.

Join the party with DC's "a cappella officers" who've gone from walking the beat to keeping the beat. This crowd-pleasing tribute show features music from some of the best-loved artists of the doo-wop music of the 50s and 60s. DC's Finest (aka "The Doo-Wop Cops") have entertained two United State Presidents and have performed side-by-side with stars of the music world including Chuck Berry and the Dells and the Drifters. Having a heart for the community, they are most known for their dedication to Americans youth and have visited many schools throughout the US with an anti-drug, anti-handgun program.

Get into the seasonal spirit with this concert of Christmas classics! Helen Hayes and Wammie-nominated performing artist and playwright Charisma Wooten is pleased to present a return engagement of her popular holiday-themed cabaret show. Cabaret Scenes Magazine notes, "Wooten's most endearing characteristic is a deep respect for the cabaret performing tradition and her desire to share it with her audience."

Gout is not only treatable, it's one of the few preventable forms of arthritis. The challenge is making sure you get the care you need and follow through with it. Learn all about gout and get the best management strategies for you.

Vocalist Lena Seikaly and guitarist Steve Herberman have played together regularly for the past seven years in the DC metro area. They enjoy spontaneous interaction while performing live, offering something new each time, harkening the iconic collaboration of Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass. Seikaly, a finalist in the 2015 Thelonious Monk vocal competition and bandleader in her own right, has headlined venues throughout the US, as well as Turkey and China. Herberman is an internationally known jazz guitarist featured in the book The Great Jazz Guitarists by Scott Yanow. Steve switched to a 7-string guitar 30 years ago, which lends a deep foundation to the duo's sound, much like having a bassist and a guitarist rolled into one. As a duo, they appear regularly at the Tabard Inn, have headlined Blues Alley, Gaithersburg Arts Barn and various other DC venues, and released an album in 2018 entitled "A Little Closer."

Lace-up your freshest kicks and hit the dance floor at our Teen Sneaker Ball! Join us for a night where high fashion meets street style, featuring live DJs, neon lights, and a vibrant atmosphere. Show off your best sneaker game and stylish streetwear. This event isn't just about having fun - it's about making a difference! We'll be collecting new and gently used sneakers for youth in need, and your donation will help provide footwear to those who need it most. Dance, vibe with friends, and contribute to a great cause. Don't miss this unique celebration of culture, fashion, and philanthropy. Grab your tickets, bring a pair of sneakers to donate, and prepare for an unforgettable night!

Message is not your typical concert series. It's an oasis where local artists find their voice and share their stories. Here, music transcends mere entertainment -- it becomes personal. This session brings local performers J.C. Bost, Veli Benzo, and Nouvel to Harmony Hall Arts Center.

Bring the whole family out for a fabulous day of holiday cheer at Badens Merry Marketplace! Enjoy arts & crafts for kids, holiday music, hot cocoa, vendors, and more. Get your last minute holiday shopping done and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!

Bring your family and capture the essence of the season with our array of backdrops and seasonal scenes. This event invites you to unleash your creativity and take your own beautiful holiday photos in a picturesque setting, creating lasting memories amidst the beauty of the season.

Returning to the Publick Playhouse stage, the National Ballet Company revisits the enchanting world of "The Nutcracker," a holiday classic that has captivated audiences of all ages for generations. The production, with its magical storyline, vibrant costumes, and breathtaking choreography, is set against the backdrop of Tchaikovsky's iconic score, creating an immersive experience that transports viewers to a whimsical winter wonderland. The tale of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the malevolent Mouse King, and the ethereal Sugar Plum Fairy unfolds with grace and beauty, embodying the spirit of the holidays and the transformative power of imagination.

Parents, dress your little one in their favorite festive pajamas and bring them to Temple Hills Community Center! Kids will watch holiday movies, do arts & crafts, and play games while you do some holiday shopping. Light refreshments will be served.

Celebrate the holidays with Marietta House Museum. Children of all ages are invited to meet the French character Papa Noel and have a photo taken with him. You will find the house elaborately decorated for the winter holidays including Christmas and Channukah. Stroll from room to room discovering treats and surprises as you are serenaded by harpist Chris Van Dyke. Light refreshments will be served.

Wear your fun holiday pajamas to this family friendly event featuring Santa Claus and his elves. We will have crafts and snacks galore. Try your hand at some of our holiday games and win prizes. There will be photo opportunities for all! Children under 2 are free. Pre-registration is required.

Join us for this exhilarating one-day workshop designed to introduce the dynamic world of individual and team sports. This immersive event combines skill development, teamwork, and urban-inspired elements to create a memorable and exciting experience for participants.

Tis the season! Enjoy decorating holiday ornaments and making origami snowflakes while eating and sipping on your favorite holiday snacks!

Arrive ready for a good time! This special night is just for teens. Dress up and dance to the soulful sounds provided by a live DJ. Refreshments will be served.

Join us for a festive sensory play and art exploration activity. All materials will be taste-safe, multi-sensory, and chosen specifically to support your little ones physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Dress for mess! Light refreshments will be served.

Watch Santa fly into the College Park Airport and Aviation Museum! Enjoy crafts and activities in the museum and take a photo with Santa. Photos will be scheduled by reserved time slot. To reserve a slot, you will be sent a confirmation email after purchase that includes a link to sign up for photos. All guests over the age of 2 must have a ticket. Field of First Foundation Members are free but are required to register by emailing [email protected].

Returning for the third consecutive year as a fan favorite, Esther Williams epitomizes soulful entertainment with her dynamic vocals that effortlessly transition from heartfelt ballads to infectious jazz standards, captivating audiences with every note. Esther weaves a musical tapestry across diverse genres, ensuring an unforgettable jazz experience that resonates long after the performance ends.