The DC Winter Lantern Festival features over 1,000 Chinese lanterns. Photo courtesy of the festival
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Tackle the slides at Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Harbor
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The DC Winter Lantern Festival dazzles through January 12. Photo courtesy of the festival
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Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens will dazzle the whole family. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery County Parks
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Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page
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The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
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Pull on a signature blue parka for Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
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Skate in the shadow of the National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes/CC BY 2.0
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The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
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There are so many places to have breakfast with Santa throughout the DC area. Photo courtesy of Theissman's Restaurant's Facebook page
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The Washington Ballet gives The Nutcracker a historic twist at the Warner Theatre. Photo by XMB photography
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Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
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Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
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Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
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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.
11/24/24 - By Jennifer Swope

The DC area is always merry and bright with so many Christmas light shows, holiday lights drive-thrus, and other festive displays. I know I'm having trouble selecting the one (or three) my family will visit because they're all so good.

Light Yards is always a fun and quick stop, especially when you get to swing on the bells as they light up. For years, I've been wanting to check out the Holiday Boat Parade which is visible from both The Wharf and Alexandria. And then there are the tree and menorah lightings, neighborhood displays, and twinkles all over the area.

Below I've compiled 29 amazing Christmas light shows, holiday lights drive-thrus, and tree and menorah lightings around the DC area.

While you're in a festive mood, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids. And remember, we are constantly updating our events calendar with more Christmas events and holiday activities all over the DC area. Whatever you celebrate, we're wishing you all the wonders of the season!

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 Menorah and Tree Lightings

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Woodley Park
Various dates, November 22, 2024 - January 4, 2025
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

Light Yards

Yards Park - Free
Daily, November 25, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Light Yards is back with another family-friendly art installation at Yards Park. This year’s holiday light installation, Swinging Bells, invites guests to become part of the artwork by prompting animated light displays and amplifying the cheerful sound of holiday bells through swinging. READ MORE

DC Holiday Lights

Neighborhoods throughout DC - Free
Daily, November 29, 2024 - January 5, 2025
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

CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting

CityCenter - Free
Saturday, November 30, 2024
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, December 5, 2024
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 7, 2024
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
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
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
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 Menorah and Tree Lightings

National Harbor Holiday Tree Light Show

National Harbor, MD - Free
Saturdays, November 9 - December 28, 2024
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 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025 (except November 25-28; December 24 & 25, January 1)
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
Various dates, November 23 - December 29, 2024
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 23, 2024 - March 15, 2025
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 24, 2024 - January 1, 2025
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
Various dates, November 29, 2024 - January 4, 2025
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 29 - December 31, 2024 (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

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

Upper Marlboro, MD
Daily, November 29, 2024 - January 1, 2025
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 5, 2024 - January 1, 2025
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

Kensington’s Annual Menorah Lighting

Kensington, MD - Free
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
The annual Kensington menorah lighting takes place at Town Hall, featuring music, treats, and the lighting of the menorah. All are welcome! 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 Menorah and Tree Lightings

Winter Lantern Festival (at Tysons Corner)

Tysons, VA
Various dates, through January 12, 2025
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

Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights

Vienna, VA
Daily, November 8, 2024 - January 5, 2025
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

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Centreville, VA
Daily, November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025
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

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Alexandria, VA
Daily, November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025
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

Winter Glow at George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA
Various dates, November 29 - December 23, 2024
Visit Mount Vernon for an enchanted evening of festive lights and an 18th-century holiday experience. See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, and meet holiday guest Aladdin the Camel. Visitors can also roast s’mores, play an “I Spy” game to search for General Washington hidden among the lights, and chat with people from Washington’s world to learn about 18th-century holiday traditions. READ MORE

Celebration of Lights at Great Falls Village Field

Great Falls, VA - Free
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Great Falls celebrates the beginning of the season at its annual Christmas tree lighting. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, performances by local school choirs, a petting zoo, and pony rides before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to light the tree at 5pm. Children are then welcome to share their holiday wishes with Santa. The evening closes with a live Nativity. READ MORE

Winterfest (in Reston, VA)

Reston, VA
Thursday - Saturday, December 5-7, 2024
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

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Alexandria, VA - Free
Saturday, December 7, 2024
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 7, 2024
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 7, 2024
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

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA
Friday - Sunday, December 20-22, 2024
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

One Loudoun Menorah Lighting

Ashburn, VA - Free
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Celebrate the Hanukkah season at One Loudoun with the lighting of the Menorah. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Lerner Town Square at Tysons II
Great Falls Village Centre
Brown's Chapel Recreation Area
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront