Once Christmas passes, it doesn’t mean the festivities have to stop. In fact, light displays around the DMV are keeping the region lit well into the new year. Here are 15 light displays throughout the DMV that are open after Christmas.
Virginia
Holiday Walk of Lights
December 27–28, 5–9 p.m.
Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park transforms the boardwalk into a winter wonderland. Take in thousands of twinkling lights, holiday-themed displays, and characters while enjoying festive treats, joyful carols, and a holiday market on select nights. Neabsco Regional Park: 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, free
Christmas Light Trail at Maple Tree Farm
Through December 27
Glide through the 0.75-mile trail of lights, meet some festive characters, sip hot cocoa by the campfire, catch a puppet show, and enjoy seasonal treats. Maple Tree Farm: 8275 Maple Tree Ln., Warrenton, $15
Ice & Lights
Through December 30, 5–10 p.m.
Ice & Lights brings seasonal sparkle to Alexandria with glittering lights, outdoor fun, and family-friendly festivities. Revel in the light displays, snap Instagram-worthy photos, and cozy up by fire pits while sipping hot cocoa. Cameron Run Regional Park: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, $9–$10.75
Illuminate Light Show
Through January 3, 5:30–10 p.m.
Cruise through over three million twinkling lights synced to festive tunes at Virginia’s largest drive-thru light display. After you’re dazzled, park at Santa’s Village for photos with Saint Nick, a wild ride on Rudolph the mechanical reindeer, and a holiday market full of gifts and treats. The kids can bounce off all that holiday sugar with rides and games while you sip something warm. Meadow Event Park: 13111 Dawn Blvd., Doswell, $30–$200
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Through January 4, 4–10 p.m.
The gardens light up with millions of twinkling bulbs and interactive displays. Explore the beauty of nature’s habitats reimagined in lights influenced by this years elemental theme of fire, earth, air, water, and a “fifth” element of love. See model trains, warm up with hot cocoa by the fire or enjoy a festive dinner. Advanced tickets are required. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, $11–$25
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Through January 4, 5–10 p.m.
Wander among luminous lotus ponds, towering flowers, and frolicking light animals on a paved, stroller-friendly trail. Treat yourself to a Baileys hot cocoa, stomp on glowing tiles, and roast s’mores by the fire. Don’t miss the singing tree or Lakeside Lights, where the carols come alive. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, $19–$24
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Through January 4, 5:30–10 p.m.
Cruise through two-and-a-half miles of dazzling displays from the comfort of your car, then park for s’mores, carnival rides, and festive cheer at the Holiday Village. Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, $30–$40
Winter Lantern Festival
Through January 18, 5–10 p.m.
Stroll through a glowing maze of over 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns, marvel at live acrobatics performances, and indulge in food and drinks. Kids can hop into a bounce house or ride a glowing dinosaur, while parents soak in the artistry and cultural charm. 8025 Galleria Dr., Tysons, $18.99–$27.99
Washington, DC
Light Yards
Through January 2, 5–10 p.m.
The Yards Park transforms into a shimmering wonderland this holiday season with the return of Light Yards and its signature Swinging Bells. These 13-foot-tall, illuminated bells light up the night as they jingle with every swing. The Yards Park: 355 Water St. SE, Washington, DC, free
ZooLights
Through January 3, 5–9:30 p.m.
The National Zoo trades lions and tigers for lanterns and lights during its annual extravaganza. Enjoy glowing pathways of dazzling displays, dance to live music, and snack on holiday treats like s’mores and spiked cocoa. For extra sparkle, hop on the Conservation Carousel. National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $9, $30 parking
Season’s Greenings
Through January 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
During the holidays, the U.S. Botanical Garden shines brighter than ever. Weave through the outdoor gardens illuminated by holiday lights, where model trains chug through glowing displays. Inside the Conservatory, discover DC landmarks twinkling under lights, each crafted from natural plant materials. Select evenings feature extended hours, live music, and warm drinks. U.S. Botanical Garden: 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
Maryland
Winter City Lights
Through December 29
Enter a holiday fantasy, where 1 million twinkling lights transform an 18-acre wonderland into a spectacle. Stroll through this glowing forest and discover a 52-foot programmable Christmas tree that dances to festive tunes, and a 200-foot light canopy that’ll make you feel like you’re walking under the stars. Get cozy by bonfires, sip on hot cocoa, and indulge in s’mores, funnel cakes, and all your favorite holiday treats. For a little extra thrill, you can race down the eight-lane snow tubing slide. 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd., Olney, Maryland, starting at $23.99
Winter Lights Festival
Through December 31, 6–10 p.m.
Buckle up for a holiday light spectacle as you drive through three-and-a-half miles where there are over 450 light displays. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Seneca Creek State Park: 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, Maryland, $15–$35
Symphony of Lights
Through January 3
Symphony of Lights has been lighting up Maryland’s Howard County for over 25 years. Merriweather Post Pavilion will glow with over 300,000 lights, featuring a mix of animated and stationary displays. The event offers two ways to enjoy the lights: drive through for a magical journey from the comfort of your car or take a stroll on the walk-through course. Plus, this year’s fun includes a secret phrase contest scattered throughout the display. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, Maryland, $25
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Through January 4, 5–9:30 p.m.
Step into a winter wonderland where twinkling lights meet horticultural magic. Walk through a half mile of dazzling displays featuring everything from flowerbeds to festive creatures — and this year, you’ll find an animated light tunnel for that extra dash of holiday cheer. Closed December 24, December 25, and January 1. Brookside Gardens: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, Maryland, $13.99–$16.99
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Feature image of Holiday Walk of Lights courtesy Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
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