The Washington Monument Lighting is always a popular event, with nearby museums and shops participating, and many people coming to enjoy the magic of lights, fireworks, and this year, a laser show finale choreographed to music!

This year is the 40th Annual Lighting of the Washington Monument, so expect an extra special night.

The lighting will take place Thursday, December 1, 2011 with events beginning at 5:30pm and running until about 8:00pm. The ceremony itself starts around 7:00pm, and the official lighting takes place close to 7:45pm.

The weather looks to be perfect — a little cold, but clear for the show. We have gotten used to this warmer weather, but this will feel much more like the holidays! There will be hot chocolate, food, and fun for all!

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore have partnered to put this on. More details can be found on the BOP site.

So bundle up, and come to Mount Vernon to celebrate the beginning of an always exciting season in Downtown Baltimore!

The Washington Monument is located at Mount Vernon Place by the Walters Art Museum at 600 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Photo courtesy of sidewalk flying via Flickr CC