LIGHT UP THE CAROUSEL

Saturday, November 14, 2026 

Let's Light Up the Carousel with NBC4's own Tommy McFly! Our 105-year-old Dentzel carousel will be illuminated with a stunning display of twinkling lights to welcome the holiday season.
 

RSVP (Preferred, not required)
 

Carousel Lighting | 6pm

Gather at the Park with family & friends as we Light Up the Carousel! Enjoy a hot apple cider as we flip the light switch to kick off our Light Up the Holidays season of holiday events and end-of-year giving. 

Please note: No carousel rides during Light Up the Carousel. The carousel building will be open for holiday portraits (more details below). The first rides of the 2027 carousel season will take place May 1, during Carousel Day. 

Our Master of Ceremonies: Tommy McFly

About Tommy
Tommy McFly is an award-winning broadcaster known for his work as a correspondent & anchor. With nearly 20 years of experience in events, television, content & radio, he has an uncanny ability to tell stories that center on real people and bring broader issues to light. 

Tommy takes extreme pride in everything he does because he profoundly cares about the people he meets, stories he tells & causes he represents. Whether he’s producing & reporting a segment on screen or emceeing a live event, Tommy not only lights up the room in meaningful, impactful ways but he is also inherently relatable—and fun! 

DIY Holiday Photos in the 1921 Dentzel Carousel | 6pm - 8pm

Take your own holiday photographs—it's the perfect photo-op for that holiday card family picture! With its warm lighting, vintage atmosphere, and menagerie of hand-painted animals, our 1921 Dentzel carousel is a sought-after spot for portraits. Now we're opening it up to YOU to take your own holiday picture. Winter and holiday props will be available to make your photos even more festive!

No professional photographers, lighting equipment, or tripods are permitted or available at this event. Families interested in scheduling a professional portrait session on the carousel can visit our Photography & Filming page.

Suggested donation of $25+ at the door to take holiday photos inside the Dentzel carousel. Visit the info table to make your contribution. Those who make a donation of $125+ may choose a Glen Echo Park mug, Glen Echo Glassworks ornament, or picnic blanket. 

Learn more about the carousel's history >>>

Opening Reception: Holiday Art Show & Sale | 6pm - 8pm

After we Light Up the Carousel, we hope you'll be our guest at the opening reception of Glen Echo Park's Holiday Art Show & Sale in the three Partnership Galleries: Popcorn Gallery, Stone Tower Gallery & Park View Gallery. With so many unique gifts, the Holiday Art Show & Sale is a great place to shop for everyone on your holiday list!
 

Learn More 
 

RSVP (Preferred, not required) >>
 

Also Happening at the Park

Fourth Annual Fall Ball with Ballroom Time | 7pm - 11pm | Spanish Ballroom | Learn More & Purchase Tickets >>

We're collecting donations for Nourish Now. Bring non-perishable food items during our Light Up the Holidays season of events and drop off in the box on the 2nd Floor of the Arcade Building. Thank you!


 

FREE parking in our main parking lot at 5801 Oxford Road. Search "Glen Echo Park Parking" in Google Maps. Find more information and a link to our Park Map here.

Interested in becoming an event sponsor? Sponsorships begin at $1,000 and custom sponsorships are also available. Click here to see our Special Event Sponsorship Opportunities. For more information, please email development@glenechopark.org.

Back to Light Up the Holidays >>