See the Boats Day or Night
The 2026-27 Sailing Through the Winter Solstice display takes place from November 2026 to March 2027. Open 24 hours a day. Launch Day is scheduled for November 21, 2026.
You can view the boats anytime day or night. In fact, you may want to take a look while it's light out and again after it gets dark and the lights come on. Lights typically turn on at sunset, so this is a great time to see them both ways.
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice is a fundraiser - visitors can vote on their favorite boat, with donations supporting local non-profit organizations. The 2025-26 season raised more than $120,000 for charities in Frederick County!
Color On The Creek
This project is made possible by the local nonprofit Color On The Creek, the same group that is responsible for the beautiful lilies that float on the creek through the summer months.
Frederick businesses are invited to sponsor and design a boat to be on display. This winter light show is also a competition! Vote for your favorite boat by making a contribution to the affiliated local charity to help determine the winner. Each $5 donated is one vote! The boat with the most votes at the end of the season is declared the winner and will receive the soon-to-be coveted traveling Sailing through the Winter Solstice Trophy. Here's an FAQ about STTWS if you want to learn more!
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