With the days getting shorter, it's the perfect time to take in the beauty of holiday lights around the D.C. area. From walking trails to drive-through shows, here are some of the best spots to experience a magical winter wonderland this season.
Washington, D.C.
- ZooLights (Nov. 22 - Jan. 4, National Zoo)
- Wander among lantern displays of zoo animals, enjoy live music, and indulge in holiday treats. Open on weekends and select additional dates, tickets are $6 per person over 2, with parking available for $30. The National Zoo is accessible by Metro for added convenience.
- CityCenterDC Tree Lighting (Nov. 30)
- Catch Jordin Sparks and the American Pops Orchestra as they join News4's Eun Yang to light up the CityCenterDC tree. Kids' activities start at 5 p.m., and the tree lighting begins at 6 p.m. Visit the DowntownDC Holiday Market nearby to complete your festive outing.
- Holiday Boat Parade (Dec. 7, The Wharf)
- Watch holiday-themed boats float by and enjoy live music, food, and other festivities along the waterfront.
Maryland
- National Harbor Tree & Fireworks (Through Dec. 30, Spirit Park)
- A 60-foot RGB tree lights up every night with a show every 30 minutes, culminating in a fireworks display on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.
- Garden of Lights (Nov. 22 - Jan. 5, Brookside Gardens)
- Stroll along a half-mile illuminated trail at Wheaton Regional Park. Open nightly from 5-9 p.m., tickets are $10 for ages 5 and up and must be purchased in advance.
- Winter Lights Festival (Nov. 29 - Dec. 31, Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg)
- This 3.5-mile drive-through light show costs $15-$25 per vehicle, with tickets required in advance. Enjoy special nights, including “Sip & Sparkle” with wine tasting and live music, and “Walk & Wag” for dog-friendly visits.
Virginia
- Winter Walk of Lights (Through Jan. 5, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens)
- Follow a 0.6-mile festive trail filled with holiday scenes, and warm up with hot cocoa or s’mores. Tickets range from $18-$22 and are available online for a discount.
- Winter Lantern Festival (Through Jan. 12, 2025, Tysons)
- Featuring over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns and a performance by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, this festival also has fun activities like light swings and bounce houses. Tickets are $16.99-$26.99.
- Bull Run Festival of Lights (Nov. 15 - Jan. 4, Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville)
- Stay cozy in your car as you drive through 2.5 miles of sparkling displays. Don’t miss the Holiday Village with bonfires, s’mores, and shopping options. Tickets start at $30 per vehicle.
Whether you’re strolling through gardens or staying warm on a drive, these holiday light displays offer something for everyone to enjoy this season.
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Photo: Getty