Celebrate The Holidays Like A Lighthouse Keeper At Piney Point Museum

Watch the video below:

PINEY POINT, Md. — There are plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas in Southern Maryland. And if you visit Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park, you can even celebrate like a lighthouse keeper.

The Piney Point Lighthouse, located at Piney Point on the Potomac River in Maryland, was built in 1836, just up the river from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The Coast Guard decommissioned it in 1964, and it became a park and museum under the stewardship of St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks in the 1990s.

Well known for its beautiful Evening Tides: Candlelight Christmas event, Piney Point has plenty to explore during the day, too. You can see the stunning views from the top of the lighthouse or learn about the history of the lighthouse and maritime activities, with a touch of Christmas cheer.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $7 for adults; $3.50 for military members, seniors, students and children ages 6 to 18; and free for children 5 and younger.

Here’s a sample of what you can expect to see at Piney Point Lighthouse & Museum this holiday season.

The Lighthouse

Brave the stairs (and ladder) and climb to the top of the lighthouse for gorgeous views of the Potomac. From the top of the lighthouse, you can take in the view of the water and the museum grounds, and as long as you’re not afraid of heights, we recommend taking your time up there to appreciate the natural beauty. The lighthouse is decorated with Christmas lights and a wreath, so it makes a great photo subject, too.

The Lightkeeper’s House

The museum opens the lightkeeper’s house, right next door to the lighthouse, so that the public can learn about the life of the person responsible for managing the lighthouse. The house is complete with setups depicting the home and family life, as well as information on the lightkeeper’s job and how they spent their time. During the holidays, the “home” displays have a Christmas spin. You’ll see multiple trees, period-appropriate decorations and a sample Christmas feast the family might enjoy. It’s a great way to absorb history, because you get a glimpse into the real life of people who lived here back in the day.

The Maritime Building

Piney Point’s maritime building displays four historic wooden vessels. Like the rest of the exhibits, this building is also decked out for Christmas with several trees and lights adorning the boats. The building is beautifully and historically decorated, creating the perfect space to learn about local and seasonal maritime history.

The Main Building

The museum’s main building has no fewer than five Christmas trees, each unique and on theme with the museum and the era it celebrates. There’s so much to learn in this museum, and you can stop by the gift shop for some specially curated ornaments and gifts to mark this holiday experience.

Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Park really embodies Christmas in Southern Maryland, bringing in our maritime charm, history and friendly vibes for the holidays. This experience will be sure to please anyone who loves the area or who loves to learn about the ways holidays and traditions are celebrated and passed on through time.

You can enjoy Holidays at Piney Point now until Dec. 31, 2025. (Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.)

Learn more about the museum online, and see all the events held at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum on their Facebook page.

---