Your Guide to DC Area Holiday Lights
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate while practicing social-distancing in an outdoor environment (or cars!) than to make an evening of visiting some of the DMV’s most cherished holiday light displays?
These are some of the region’s best known displays, along with a few of our favorites (don’t miss the video at the end!):
1. The National Christmas Tree
Located on the Elipse, just South of the White House, the National Christmas tree display offers not only the stunning tree we’ve come to expect, but also a selection of smaller trees, each representing the individual states and territories of the United States.
Washington DC; Open daily from 10am-10pm, with the tree lit from 4:30-10pm each evening. Free.
2. The National Menorah
Just a few strides south of the National Christmas Tree is the National Menorah; The world’s largest!
Washington DC; Celebrations kick off December 10th with a new flame illuminated each day of Hanukkah. Tickets required for kick-off celebration. Free to visit otherwise.
3. Zoolights
While traditionally held at the National Zoo, due to the pandemic, this year’s light display has hit the road; Dubbed the Zoolights Express, a 24” truck decorated with lights will make its way through DC neighborhoods until December 19th.
Washington DC; The truck will visit one Ward each Friday and Saturday night from 6-8pm. For more information visit the National Zoo’s website here. Free.
4. The US Capitol Christmas Tree
Located on the West Lawn of the US Capitol Building Grounds, this year’s tree comes from Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest in Colorado, and will feature twinkling lights and a very DC photo op, standing proudly in from of one of DC’s most iconic buildings.
Washington DC; Click here for more information.Free.
5. Winter Glow at Mount Vernon
Visit historic Mount Vernon as it is washed aglow in warm blue and lavender lights celebrating the Holiday Season. Holiday music and activities will welcome all who visit.
Mount Vernon, Virginia; December 11-13 and 26-28. Tickets Required.
6. Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
Located in Vienna, VA, the Meadowlark display is a beautiful way to spend the evening strolling through the botanical gardens. 500,000+ lights shine brightly along the 0.6 mile path, and there’s plenty of hot cocoa and toasted marshmallows to be had at the end.
Vienna, Virginia; Open nightly, 5:30-10pm. Tickets Required.
7. Bulls Run Festival of Lights
For those who would rather enjoy the sparkling of holiday lights from the warmth of their cars, the 2.5 mile drive-through Bull Run Festival of Lights display is the perfect choice. Located in Centreville, VA, the light display is an easy 40 minute drive from downtown.
Centreville, Virginia; Times vary. Timed-entry Tickets Required.
8. Winter Lights Festival
Another drive-through option, the Winter Lights Festival is celbrating 25 years of bringing sparkling beauty with over 400 displays on a 3.5 mile drive through Seneca Creek State Park.
Gaithersburg, Maryland; Advance Tickets Required.
9. DC Temple Festival of Lights
For something a bit different, head to the infamous DC Temple, just off the Beltway in Kensington, MD. This well-known local landmark (think “Surrender Dorothy”) offers a beautiful Holiday experience, and while it may be scaled back this year, it’s not-to-be-missed.
Kensington, Maryland; December 11th-28th, 6:00-9:00pm nightly. Free.
10. Your Friends and Neighbors!
For the most extensive list (and a MAP) of the best local holiday light displays, be sure to visit Holly’s Tacky Christmas Lights site; It’s the perfect guide for piling into the car and spending a quality evening driving around, listening to SirisXM Holly (ch. 105) while enjoying the creations of your enthusiastic neighbors.
DC, MD, and VA; Holly’s Tacky Christmas Light List. Free.
Bonus: Our favorite Neighborhood Light Display
2528 Drexel Street
Vienna, VA 22180
For hours and nightly programming click here. Free.
