Honor veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters for Mommy Poppins
Veterans Day Weekend 2024 in DC: 15 Best Things To Do With Kids
See the National Zoo in a whole new light at ZooLights. Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo
29 Best Things to Do in DC November 2024 with Kids: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Holiday Lights
Main photo by Tim & Selena Middleton/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
DC Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families
There are so many restaurants at which to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in the DC area. Photo by Cotton Bro Studio via Pexels
21 Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Sweeten someone else's day and donate Halloween candy to troops, the elderly, or children in need. Photo courtesy of Canva
Sweet Ways to Donate Halloween Candy: Ronald McDonald House, Operation Shoebox, and More
Ride the cow train at Great Country Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm
Best Farms with Family Entertainment Near DC
Visit the famous Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern United States. Photo by Sam Posten III via Flickr 2.0
Fun Fall Day Trips From DC for Families
Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
An arcade, board and card games, and more fun for kids await at City-State Brewing Company. Photo courtesy of the brewery
Top Family-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries Near Washington, DC
Enjoy a family fire at the Cherry Hill Park campground. Photo courtesy of Cherry Hill Park.
10 Campgrounds Near DC to Go Family Camping with Kids
Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
75 Free Fun Things To Do in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with Kids
Have fun on the patio at True Food Kitchen. Photo by @classicchickenspicymomma
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights .event.
Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights .event.
11/24/23 - By Jennifer Swope

When you've gotta glow, DC is merry, bright, and lit up like—well—a Christmas tree. In fact, there are so many dazzling Christmas light shows, holiday lights drive-thrus, and other Christmas lights displays in the DC area in 2023 that your only problem will be fitting them all in!

There are Christmas light displays that you can walk through, such as Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights and Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens. There are holiday lights drive-thrus like the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival and Bull Run Festival of Lights. And there are tree and menorah lightings, boat parades, and other Christmas lights displays throughout the area. Plus, don't miss the always-popular ZooLights at the National Zoo.

Here are over 25 amazing Christmas light shows and holiday lights drive-thrus in the DC area. While you're in a festive mood, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids, and keep an eye on our Washington, DC event calendar for up-to-the-minute access to all the great events happening for DC families.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

See brightly lit boats pass the Wharf at the District's Holiday Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
See brightly lit boats pass the Wharf at the District's Holiday Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC

DC Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus, Christmas Light Shows, and Other Christmas Lights Displays

DC Holiday Lights

Neighborhoods throughout DC - Free
Daily, November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Businesses along 14 of DC’s Main Streets and commercial corridors are putting up their best light displays to compete for the title of Best Decorated Corridor. Families can enjoy the displays, then go to the website to cast their vote. Families can also participate in the DC Holidays Lights scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants. READ MORE

Light Yards

Yards Park - Free
Daily, November 20, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Enjoy a free festive lighting installation in Yards Park. Light Yards 2023 features a community favorite, Swinging Bells. The five, 13-foot tall bells play a jingle as guests swing. READ MORE

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Woodley Park
Thursdays - Sundays, November 24 - December 30, 2023 (except December 24, also on December 26 & 27)
This annual festive event features a variety of attractions including light shows, musical performances, inflatable slides, a train ride, and an outdoor market. ZooLights does not feature animals, and all indoor exhibits are closed. Attractions may not be open when temperatures are 35 degrees or below.  READ MORE

CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting

CityCenter - Free
Saturday, November 25, 2023
CityCenterDC's larger-than-life tree lighting features live performances, a curated holiday art tree installation, sweet surprises, and a limited-edition charitable commemorative ornament. READ MORE

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Ellipse - Free
Thursday, November 30, 2023
The annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse features live musical performances. The tree will be lit every evening and open to the public from December 7, 2024 through January 1, 2025.  READ MORE

The District's Holiday Boat Parade

The Wharf - Free
Saturday, December 2, 2023
More than 60 beautifully decorated boats pass by the Wharf at this iconic annual DC holiday event. Other activities include ornament decorating, s'mores, family photos with Santa, and live music under the Wharf's Christmas tree. READ MORE

National Menorah Lighting (on The Ellipse)

The Ellipse - Free
Thursday, December 7, 2023
One of the most prominent public Hanukkah programs in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House. Ticket holders get hot latkes and donuts as well as free dreidels and menorah kits. The US Navy Band performs. READ MORE

Lighting of the Menorah at District Wharf

The Wharf - Free
Daily, December 7-15, 2023
District Wharf continues its tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah to celebrate the Festival of Lights. READ MORE

One Loudoun Menorah Lighting

Ashburn, VA - Free
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Celebrate the Hanukkah at One Loudoun with the lighting of the Menorah. READ MORE
Lighted sailboats brighten Carroll Creek Park at Sailing through the Winter Solstice. Photo courtesy of the event.
Lighted sailboats brighten Carroll Creek Park at Sailing through the Winter Solstice. Photo courtesy of the event.

Maryland Christmas Light Shows, Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus, and Other Christmas Lights Displays

National Harbor Holiday Tree Light Show

National Harbor, MD - Free
Saturdays, November 11 - December 30, 2023
Each night, families can enjoy a beautiful light show as a 60-foot Christmas tree at National Harbor lights up. On Saturdays at 5:30pm, the show is followed by fireworks. READ MORE

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Wheaton, MD
Daily, November 17 - December 31, 2023 (except November 20-23; December 24 & 25)
Brookside Gardens transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with over one million colorful lights. The display includes original works depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements, as well as computerized light displays complete with music and fog. READ MORE

Winter City Lights (in Olney, MD)

Olney, MD
Select dates, November 18 - December 30, 2023
The largest light show in the DC and Baltimore areas, Winter City Lights is one of the most technologically advanced Christmas light experiences in the US. It includes a 1.5-mile-long trail of Christmas lights and displays through the woods, a 52-foot-high programmable Christmas lights tree and light show, an eight-lane snow tubing ride, 14 bonfires, and more. READ MORE

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

Frederick, MD - Free
Daily, November 18, 2023 - March 20, 2024
Carroll Creek Park once again comes alive with individually designed lighted sailboats. Visitors can view the boats anytime day or night, with the lights turning on at sunset. READ MORE

SPCA Lights on the Bay

Annapolis, MD
Daily, November 19, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Driving through this holiday light show at Sandy Point State Park is a tradition for many families. It boasts more than 60 spectacular animated and stationary displays along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Snag some 3D glasses for the full effects. READ MORE

Merriweather Symphony of Lights

Columbia, MD
Select dates, November 23, 2023 - January 1, 2024
The Symphony of Lights drive-thru light show is back for the holidays with one mile of beautiful light displays and holiday music. READ MORE

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

Gaithersburg, MD
Daily, November 24 - December 31, 2023 (except December 25)
The popular drive-thru winter lights display at Seneca Creek State Park includes more than 450 illuminated displays and beautiful lighted trees. READ MORE

LuminoCity Winter Light Festival

Gaithersburg, MD
Daily, November 24, 2023 - January 15, 2024 (except Tuesdays and December 25; also on December 26)
LuminoCity brings its winter wonderland experience to the DC area this season. This luminescent adventure has three themed rooms—Winter Fantasy, Wild Adventure, and Sweet Dreams. LuminoCity contains the magic of unicorns, a glowing bamboo forest, shining pandas, and a captivating donut tunnel for vistors to slide down.  READ MORE

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

Upper Marlboro, MD
Daily, November 24, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Watkins Regional Park brings a little twinkle to the holidays with a drive-thru event featuring dazzling displays of more than 2.5 million lights throughout the park, culminating in a giant, 54-foot LED musical tree. READ MORE

Washington, DC Temple Festival of Lights

Kensington, MD - Free
Daily, December 1, 2023 - January 2, 2024
The Festival of Lights at the Washington, DC Temple features over 400,000 lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The Visitors’ Center exhibits beautiful créche displays featuring nativities from around the world and hosts many free holiday performances. The lights are on from 4:45-9pm.  READ MORE
See Mount Vernon in a whole new light during Christmas Illuminations. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon
See Mount Vernon in a whole new light during Christmas Illuminations. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon

Virginia Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus, Christmas Light Shows, and Other Christmas Lights Displays

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Centreville, VA
Daily, November 10, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Bull Run Festival of Lights, Northern Virginia’s largest drive-through holiday light experience! A family favorite for three decades, the Bull Run Festival of Lights dazzles with a 2.5-mile display of holiday and fairytale vignettes. READ MORE

Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights

Vienna, VA
Daily, November 10, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail decorated with thousands of sparkling lights. The half-mile walk through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens features lighted nature themes and animated displays along a paved wheelchair- and stroller-accessible trail. Stay warm by sipping on a hot beverage (with or without spirits) while walking, and enjoy s’mores to finish out the evening. READ MORE

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Alexandria, VA
Daily, November 17, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Ice & Lights offers a fun, outdoor family experience to see unique holiday lights, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. The Village opens on November 15, 2024, and ice skating begins on November 29. READ MORE

Holiday on the Farm

Herndon, VA
Fridays & Saturdays, December 1-16, 2023
Celebrate the holidays at Frying Pan Farm Park with an evening of wagon rides, indoor activities, food, animal interactions, campfires, and s'mores.  READ MORE

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Alexandria, VA - Free
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Head to the Alexandria waterfront at 5:30pm for a dazzling light display as decorated boats light up the Potomac River. While the parade is the main attraction, families can also enjoy dockside festivities from 2-8pm in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden, food, activities, and more.  READ MORE

Leesburg Holiday Tree Lighting

Leesburg, VA - Free
Saturday, December 2, 2023
The Town of Leesburg holds its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on the Town Green. Enjoy lights, live music, holiday characters, and community cheer. READ MORE

One Loudoun Holiday Tree Lighting

Ashburn, VA - Free
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Celebrate the holiday season at One Loudoun with live music, Santa photos, food, shopping, and more before the lighting of the Christmas tree. READ MORE

Winterfest (in Reston, VA)

Reston, VA
Thursday - Saturday, November 30 - December 2, 2023
Reston Association's Winterfest includes a 0.41-mile lighted trail walk through the Enchanted Forest and a visit to the Vendor Village with luminaries, fire pits, musical performances, food, drinks, and keepsakes. Kids also have an opportunity to meet and write a letter to Santa and do a craft as part of the Santa Experience. Bring a camera to capture a photo with Santa.  READ MORE

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA
Friday & Saturday, December 15 & 16, 2023
At this family-friendly celebration, the historic area is lit up by lanterns, the mansion is aglow in amber light, and the upper garden and greenhouse are blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. There's also an 18th-century winter market and winter encampment, holiday food and drinks, season's greetings by George Washington, and a dazzling fireworks display over the Potomac River. READ MORE

Winter Lantern Festival (at Tysons Corner)

Tysons, VA
Fridays - Sundays, November 24, 2023 - February 18, 2024
The Winter Lantern Festival is back this holiday season, with a display of electrifying lights made from more than 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns. Guests will enter and wander through a wonderland of light and color inspired by Chinese myths, legends, and zodiacs. Attractions will include a bounce house, sugar paintings, dino ride, interactive light swings, see-saws, tunnels, and many majestic creatures. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Montgomery County Fairgrounds
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Brown's Chapel Recreation Area
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II