Light Up the Carousel
Light Up the Carousel welcomes the holiday season at Glen Echo Park with the illumination of its historic Dentzel carousel. Hosted by NBC4 broadcaster Tommy McFly, the gathering includes hot apple cider, a ceremonial lighting, holiday photo opportunities inside the carousel, and an opening reception for the park’s Holiday Art Show & Sale.
The event is family-friendly, but carousel rides will not be available during the celebration. Instead, visitors can explore the decorated carousel building and take their own festive portraits among its vintage, hand-painted animals.
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Showtimes: The carousel lighting begins at 6 p.m. DIY holiday photos and the Holiday Art Show & Sale opening reception run from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tickets: Price not available. A suggested donation of $25 or more is requested at the door for those taking holiday photos inside the carousel. Visitors who donate $125 or more may select a Glen Echo Park mug, Glen Echo Glassworks ornament, or picnic blanket.
RSVP: RSVP is preferred but not required.
Host: Tommy McFly, an award-winning broadcaster, correspondent, anchor, and experienced live-event emcee, serves as master of ceremonies.
Activities: The program includes the switching-on of the carousel’s holiday lights, hot apple cider, and do-it-yourself holiday photographs. Winter and holiday props will be available.
Carousel: The 105-year-old Dentzel carousel, built in 1921, will be illuminated for the occasion. No carousel rides are offered during this event; the first rides of the 2027 carousel season are scheduled for May 1 during Carousel Day.
Photography: Guests may take their own photographs inside the carousel from 6 to 8 p.m. Professional photographers, lighting equipment, and tripods are not permitted or provided. Professional portrait sessions must be scheduled separately through the park’s Photography & Filming program.
Additional program: After the carousel lighting, guests are invited to the opening reception for the Holiday Art Show & Sale in the Popcorn Gallery, Stone Tower Gallery, and Park View Gallery.
Ages: No age restriction is stated.
Parking: Parking is free in the main parking lot at 5801 Oxford Road.
Venue: Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812.