September 30, 2020

Montgomery Parks Cancels 2020 Garden of Lights Winter Display at Brookside Gardens

The annual Garden of Lights winter light display and garden railway exhibit at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton has been cancelled by Montgomery Parks for 2020 due to the continuing COVID-19 health crisis.

The Washington, Virginia, and Maryland Garden Railway Society’s G-scale train exhibit that is traditionally hosted in the Brookside Conservatory also will not be held.

“After careful consideration, we have decided to cancel Garden of Lights for the 2020 winter season,” said Stephanie Oberle, director of Brookside Gardens. “The decision was based on many factors, including an overarching concern for the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff. While we are disappointed, we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the popular attraction in 2021.”

Brookside Gardens will celebrate the winter season with a variety of online and in-person programming for children and adults, adapted to meet physical distancing requirements. The gift shop will carry festive merchandise and unusual house plants.  Brookside Gardens also will be installing an outdoor fall chrysanthemum display. 

Brookside Gardens’ outdoor garden areas are open daily from sunrise to sunset for exercise, meditation and wellness. The Visitor Center is open daily from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and the gift shop is open every Wednesday through Monday (closed on Tuesday).

For full details on the latest programming, events, and facility operating statuses visit MontgomeryParks.org