The commemorative lighting of the Antietam National Battlefield is held every December in honor of the soldiers who fell during the Battle of Antietam during the Civil War. The annual event is held at the beginning of the Christmas season to remind visitors of the sacrifices made by the military and their families.
At twilight, 23,000 luminaires are illuminated, one for every soldier killed, wounded or missing during the bloodiest one-day battle in American history. The 5-mile free car tour is the largest memorial lighting not only in the United States but in all of North America as well.
The first commemorative lighting was in 1988 and continues to be a popular community event, attracting history buffs from around the world who enjoy visiting National Battlefields near Washington D.C.
The lighting date is typically an early Saturday in December, but please confirm details via the official website calendar. There is always a scheduled rain date as well if the event is postponed due to weather conditions.
The National Battlefield of Antietam
Antietam National Battlefield is a National Park Service protected area located on Antietam Creek in Sharpsburg, Washington County, northwestern Maryland. The park commemorates the American Civil War Battle of Antietam that occurred on September 17, 1862.
Travelers to the park will find a visitor center, a national military cemetery, a stone arch known as Burnside’s Bridge, and the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, in addition to the battlefield site. It is a popular destination for families, not only because of the history but also because of the many outdoor activities allowed, such as:
- Bicycling is allowed on paved roads and in parking lots. Riding is prohibited on all sidewalks, farmland, and the Snavely Ford Trail.
- Horseback riding, in groups of ten or less, is permitted on all paved roads and designated trails. Riding on paved trails, parking areas, or on farmland is prohibited.
- Fishing is allowed in Antietam Creek with a valid Maryland fishing license.
- Boating or tubing is allowed on the Antietam stream.
- Picnics are allowed, but not at the Antietam National Cemetery, Mumma Cemetery, inside Dunker Church, inside the Observation Tower, on Burnside Bridge, or at any monument.
Enlightenment place.
Antietam National Battlefield is located approximately 70 miles northwest of Washington, DC, 65 miles west of Baltimore, 23 miles west of Frederick, and 13 miles south of Hagerstown. The main entrance to the Enlightenment is Richardson Avenue, on Maryland Route 34. From Boonsboro, travel west on Route 34. Once there, you will join a line of cars that will form on the shoulder to the west.
Attending enlightenment
Visiting the monument is a relatively stress-free excursion, but these tips will ensure that everything goes smoothly.
- Illumination opens to the public at 6pm
- Visitors are prohibited from walking the tour route.
- Be patient and be prepared for a very long wait. The vehicle line to enter the monument can last more than two hours or more.
- The Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center closes at 3pm daily, including Enlightenment Day.
- There are no bathroom facilities located along the route.
- Vehicles must use only parking lights (to the extent technology allows) and continue through the event without stopping.
