Half a Million Lights and Nativities from Around the World
The Festival of Lights in Kensington is free and it's lovely: more than 500,000 lights along a marked path that takes about 20 minutes to walk. It runs every evening from December 2 to January 1, with the lights on from 4:30 to 8:45pm. The visitors' center is open 10 to 9.
Inside there are more than 100 nativity scenes from around the world and decorated trees, which my kids like looking for countries in. Most nights there's a free concert at 6:30 (the schedule runs December 2 to 30). Children are welcome at the concerts, but the organizers say they should be able to sit through a show.
The one thing you need to plan: after 4:30pm you need a free timed parking pass, and the site says passes are coming soon. There are two lots, at 9900 and 10000 Stoneybrook Drive, and you can't park on Stoneybrook or the neighborhood streets. It gets crowded later in the month. Last year, after December 13, 8,000 to 10,000 people came each evening, so early-December weeknights are the calm option.
Event Details
What's There
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Getting There 🗺️
Parent Tips 💡
- Get the parking pass. It's free but required after 4:30pm.
- Go early in December. Weeknights before Dec 13 are much less crowded.
- Arrive at dusk. Lights come on at 4:30, so you can be home for dinner.
- Pick concert nights wisely. Concerts are at 6:30 and kids should be able to sit through them.
- Don't park on the street. Stoneybrook Drive and the neighborhood are off limits.
Questions Parents Ask
When is the 2026 Festival of Lights in Kensington?
Every evening from December 2, 2026 to January 1, 2027, with the lights on from 4:30 to 8:45pm.
Is the Festival of Lights free?
Yes, it's free. You do need a free timed parking pass after 4:30pm.
Where do I park for the Festival of Lights?
In the two lots at 9900 and 10000 Stoneybrook Drive, with a free timed parking pass. Street parking isn't allowed.
When is it least crowded?
Early December weeknights. Last year it drew 8,000 to 10,000 people a night after December 13.
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