The holidays are approaching, and the DMV is lighting up with festive cheer. Whether you’re looking to stroll through twinkling pathways, drive through dazzling displays, or enjoy a cozy evening with hot cocoa and holiday tunes, the region has no shortage of light shows to brighten your season. Here are light displays you’ll want to see.
Virginia
Winter Glow
November 29–December 23
Step back in time and see the holiday makeover that George Washington’s estate gets. Meander along lantern-lit paths, warm yourself by crackling fires, and play a spirited game of “I Spy.” Meet Aladdin the Camel, learn about past holiday traditions, and groove to 18th-century tunes in the greenhouse. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $35–$54
Christmas Light Trail at Maple Tree Farm
November 29–December 30
Glide through the three-fourths of a mile trail of lights, meet some festive characters, sip hot cocoa by the campfire, catch a puppet show, and enjoy seasonal treats. On Sundays, Santa makes his grand appearance, ready for photos with up to eight of your elves. Maple Tree Farm: 8275 Maple Tree Ln., Warrenton, $15
WinterFest at Kings Dominion
November 29–January 4, 2025, 5–10 p.m.
Kings Dominion features millions of shimmering light. The 300-foot-tall Eiffel Tower becomes a Christmas tree. And you’ll find an ice skating rink on International Street. The park is alive with holiday cheer, with a variety of live entertainment. Take in the lights as they dance to music or meander down Candy Cane Lane. Other experiences include writing letters to Santa, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, and taking a photo with Santa. Kings Dominion: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, starting at $32.99
Holiday Walk of Lights
December 6–27, 5:30–9 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
Winter Lights Walk: Sweet Adventures
December 9–22, 6–8 p.m.
Ready for a world of candy-coated fun? This event has grown even sweeter with more colorful lights and playful penguins lighting up the night. Explore a gingerbread house, and delight in giant lollipops and sparkling candy canes. Franklin Park Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge View Ln., Purcellville, free
Lighted Nights
December 9–23, 5–7 p.m.
Claude Moore Park Holiday Lights invites visitors to an evening stroll through Vestals Gap Road and the historic district, adorned with festive lights and seasonal décor. On Friday and Saturday nights, warm up by the campfire with marshmallows and hot chocolate, adding a cozy touch to the enchanting atmosphere. Claude Moore Park: 21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd., Sterling, free
Holiday Lights at the Beach
Through December 31, 5:30–10 p.m.
It’s not often you get to drive on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, but while this display is up, you can do just that. You’ll drive through the nation’s largest and longest LED light tunnel at this display. See surfing Santa, a 40-foot dancing light Christmas tree, musical crabs, jumping fish, and other nautical-themed lights. No people are allowed on the boardwalk while the light show is happening. Tickets are for select dates and times and should be purchased ahead of time. Second Street at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, $25
Illuminate Light Show
Through December 31, 5:30–10 p.m.
Cruise through over three million twinkling lights synced to festive tunes at Virginia’s largest drive-through light display. After you’re dazzled, park it 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–$250
Light Up The Park
Through January 4, 2024, 5–9 p.m.
Slide through a glowing snowflake tunnel, grab a selfie on the ice throne, and prepare for the dancing tree show. New this year: Santa’s Workshop, where kids can craft gingerbread houses, reindeer antlers, and ornaments. Massanutten Resort: 1822 Resort Dr., Massanutten, $16–$25
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Through January 5, 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, $18–$22
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Through January 5, 2025, 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, from wetlands to rainforests, with a special Pokémon scavenger hunt thrown in. See model trains, warm up with hot cocoa by the fire or enjoy a festive dinner with Santa. Advanced tickets are required. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, starting at $12–$22
Ice & Lights
Through January 5, 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, $8.55
2024 Bull Run Festival of Lights
Through January 5, 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 12, 5–9:30 p.m.
Stroll through a glowing maze of over 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns, marvel at the acrobatics of the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, 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, $16.99–$26.99
Washington, DC
Season’s Greenings
November 28–January 5, 2025, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
During the holidays, the U.S. Botanic Garden shines brighter than ever. Weave through the outdoor gardens illuminated by holiday lights, where model trains chug through glowing pollinator 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
Light Yards
Through January 2, 2025, 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 4, 2025, 5–9 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, $6, $30 parking
Maryland
North Pole Lights Walk
November 29–December 29
Soak in a wonderland of garden flowers and Arctic animals, heading toward the North Pole Palace. Along the way, visit Santa in his cozy garden cabin and snap a pic in his magical sleigh. Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm: 8109 Telegraph Rd., Severn, Maryland $8–$12
Winter Lights Festival
November 29–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. Closed on Christmas. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Seneca Creek State Park: 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, Maryland, $15–$30
Annmarie Garden In Lights
November 29–January 1, 2025, 5–9 p.m.
The garden transforms with new, handcrafted light sculptures and festive exhibits. Walk through glowing installations, snap photos at holiday-themed spots, and enjoy interactive activities like an undersea voyage and a Zen Garden stroll. Food trucks, holiday shopping, and nightly entertainment will keep you in the holiday spirit. Plus, test your sleuthing skills with the Holiday iSpy Game and find your way through a maze of lights. Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center: 13470 Dowell Rd., Solomons, Maryland, $18–$23
Festival of Lights
November 29–January 1, 2025, 5–9:30 p.m.
This drive-through extravaganza features three miles of light displays with over 2.5 million LED lights. Highlights include a stunning 54-foot LED musical tree. Watkins Regional Park: 301 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro, Maryland $15–$25
Symphony of Lights
November 29–January 4, 2025
Symphony of Lights is lighting up Maryland’s Howard County for its 25th year. 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, $12–$50
DC Temple Festival of Lights 2024
December 5–January 1, 2025, 4:45–9 p.m.
Get ready to be dazzled at the Festival of Lights, where over 500,000 Christmas lights illuminate the grounds of the DC Temple. Explore Nativity créches, Christmas tree decorations from around the globe, and daily holiday performances that will fill you with festive cheer. Washington DC Temple: 9900 Stoneybrook Dr., Kensington, Maryland, free
Hagerstown City Park Light Show
December 6–31, 5–11 p.m.
If you’re headed to Western Maryland, cruise through Hagerstown City Park and enjoy a synchronized light show paired with festive music every night. Simply tune your radio to 90.3 FM to experience the magic. Hagerstown City Park: 501 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, free
1st Annual Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular
December 12–30, 5:30–10 p.m.
Experience a holiday light show with over a million lights, massive snow globes, interactive displays, and holiday scenes. This immersive, half-mile walking trail will transport you into a winter wonderland, complete with performances, a holiday village with shops and food trucks, and activities for all ages. The event includes Santa visits, carnival rides, and a VIP Lodge & Bar for a special experience. Plus, enjoy seasonal treats, from hot chocolate to cocktails. Maryland State Fairgrounds: 2200 York Rd., Timonium, Maryland, $10–$39
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 14 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 try your hand at axe throwing or race down the eight-lane snow tubing slide. 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd., Olney, Maryland, starting at $19.99
Lights on the Bay
November 24–January 1, 2025, 5–10 p.m.
The SPCA of Anne Arundel County in Maryland invites you to drive through Sandy Point State Park, where 70 animated and stationary light displays illuminate the scenic, two-mile drive along the Chesapeake Bay. Bonuses include a nightly scavenger hunt for kids to find hidden items among the displays. Sandy Point State Park: 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis, Maryland, $20–$50
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
November 22–January 5, 2025, 5–9 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 and a snow machine for that extra dash of holiday cheer. Closed November 25–28, December 24–25, and January 1, 2025. Brookside Gardens: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, Maryland, $10
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice
Through March 14
This light show turns Carroll Creek into a floating festival of color, with boats that have been transformed into illuminations. From gaff-rigged ketches to pirate ships, the fleet sails through winter nights with outlines, rigging, and decks aglow. Over 28 boats, plus a couple of land-locked vessels, will dazzle you from dusk until dawn. Market Street and Carroll Street, Frederick, Maryland, free
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Feature image courtesy Illuminate Light Show
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