Updated on November 23, 2024 by Julie McCool
Discover the best holiday lights in Northern Virginia and the Washington DC area including more than 25 holiday light shows in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. We've also listed free Christmas Tree Lightings and fantastic holiday displays at private homes and businesses.
I'm always looking for new Christmas lights near me. Luckily, the Northern Virginia area is packed with dazzling holiday light shows and Christmas spirit. Find more festivities in our guide to 12 Holiday Favorites in Northern Virginia. The Griswolds got nothing on us!
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Holiday lights are listed in three groups. Scroll to read them all or click the link to jump ahead.
- Professional Holiday Light Shows
- Free Tree Lighting Events
- Neighborhood Holiday Lights
Professional Holiday Lights In/Near Northern Virginia
Here are 25+ professional holiday light displays in Northern Virginia plus favorite holiday shows in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. Events are listed in order of start date, with links to purchase tickets and plan your visit.
2024 DC Winter Lantern Festival, Tysons, Nov 1-Jan 12
Returning for a 3rd year, the 2024 DC Winter Lantern Festival lights up Tysons with over 1,000 beautiful Chinese lanterns. The walk-through light show offers plenty of great photo opps and fun for the whole family. Make it a weekend getaway with a stay at Hyatt Tysons Corner and you can walk to the show.
Tickets start at $26.99/$16.99 for adult/youth 3 – 12. Open 5:00-10:00 Fri-Sun, daily during Christmas week.
Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Lights, Vienna, Nov 8-Jan 5
Our favorite walk-through Christmas lights show in Northern Virginia returns to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with over 500,000 lights on a .6 mile outdoor walking trail. Enjoy hot chocolate and s'mores and visit the Snowflake Shoppe for holiday ornaments, flashing jewelry, and other goodies.
Tickets are $18/$23 online/at the door for non-peak weeks (Nov 8-Dec 5, Jan 1-5). Tickets are $22, online only, for peak weeks (Dec 6-31). Open nightly, including holidays, 5:30 – 10:00.
Bull Run Festival of Lights, Bull Run Regional Park, Nov 15-Jan 5
Always a favorite, the Bull Run Festival of Lights dazzles with a 2.5-mile drive-through display of holiday and fairytale vignettes. This is a fun way to see Christmas lights as a family, staying warm and cozy as you slowly drive through the animated displays. The drive ends at a Holiday Village with carnival rides, merchandise, and activities.
Admission is $30 online per car, $40 at the door. Follow the link for weekday discount codes. 5:30 – 9:30 weekdays, 5:30 – 10:00 weekends.
Ice and Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run, Alexandria, Nov 15-Jan 5
Stroll through the village and glide across the rink at Ice & Lights, The Winter Village at Cameron Run in Alexandria, Virginia. You'll find sparkling lights and festive photo opps in the Winter Village. For an extra fee, skate on a beautifully lit ice rink.
Admission is $8.55/$10.50 online/at the door. $21.01 with 1-hour ice skating (online tickets only). The ice skating rink is also open on weekend days Jan 11-Feb 23.
Christmas at Gaylord + ICE! 2024, National Harbor, Nov 15-Dec 28
More than 2 million twinkling lights, amazing nightly snowfall, and beautiful dancing fountains sparkle at Gaylord National’s Christmas on the Potomac. ICE! 2024 features scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” carved in 2 million pounds of ice sculptures and slides. Guests can also enjoy photos with Santa and more family-friendly activities at National Harbor.
GardenFest of Lights, Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden, Richmond, Nov 18–Jan 5
Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden sparkles with one million twinkling lights at the annual GardenFest of Lights display in Richmond Virginia. See hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains, a warming fire pit with s’mores and hot chocolate, nightly family activities, and plenty of holiday fun.
Tickets are $22/$12 for adults/youth (advance purchase required). Open 5:00 – 10:00 nightly, closed Thanksgiving and 12/24-25.
Illuminate Light Show, Doswell Nov 22-Dec 31
Central Virginia hosts Virginia's largest drive-through Christmas light show at Meadow Event Park in Doswell. The 20-mile route features 3 million sparkly lights, synchronized to music, including an 80-foot tunnel of lights.
Tickets are $30 per vehicle, online or at the gate. Open nightly, including holidays, 5:30 – 10:00.
Winter Wander, Charlottesville, Nov 22-Jan 4
Returning to the Boars Head Resort in Charlottesville, Winter Wander is a walk-through light show presented by UVA. Stroll a half-mile lakeside trail filled with lights and a 35-foot Christmas tree. The trail ends at a holiday market with food, drink, and gifts.
Tickets are $22/$10 for adults/youth 4-12 with $10 adult value days available.
Garden of Lights, Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Nov 22-Jan 5
Walk through more than one million colorful holiday lights shaped into hand-crafted forms of flowers, animals, and other natural elements. Tickets are $10, purchase online, 5 and under free.
Be sure to also visit Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Lights.
Zoo Lights at the National Zoo, DC, Nov 22-Jan 4
500,000 LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland with live music, tasty treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. The National Zoo packs a lot of activities and a little education into its holiday light show. $6 admission, $30 on-site parking. Open weekends except closed holidays, 5:00-9:00, Sun to 8:00.
Lights on the Bay, Sandy Point State Park, Nov 24-Jan 1
Take a two-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay with animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway. Popular displays include a colonial village inspired by historic Annapolis and one of the USNA midshipmen tossing their hats in the air.
Tickets are $20/30/50 per car/van/bus. Open 6:00 – 10:00 weeknights, 5:00 – 10:00 weekends.
Light Yards, The Yards DC, Nov 25-Jan 1
The annual Light Yards event features a beautiful walk-through display of holiday lights and 13-foot swinging bells that jingle as you swing for plenty of great photo opps. Free, open nightly.
U. S. Botanic Garden, Washington DC, Nov 28-Jan 5
Seasons Greenings is one of our favorite holiday events in DC. Inside the Conservatory is a beautiful display of DC memorials and monuments made from natural materials plus holiday topiaries and plants. Outside, see an elaborate model train display in the outdoor garden. Free, 10:00 to 5:00 daily, closed Christmas Day.
Mount Vernon Winter Glow, Nov 29-30, Dec 15-19, 23
Walk off your Thanksgiving feast surrounded by history at George Washington's Mount Vernon, open daily including holidays. On Mount Vernon Winter Glow evenings soft lights and holiday patterns illuminate the grounds, Christmas carolers sing, and you can visit an 18th-century winter encampment. Tickets are $54/$35 for adults/youth.
WinterFest at King's Dominion, Doswell, Nov 29-Jan 4
WinterFest transforms King's Dominion Park with millions of holiday lights including the iconic Eiffel Tower transformed into a 300-foot-tall Christmas tree. Enjoy a tree lighting ceremony, live performers, ice skating, family rides, and falling snow. Tickets start at $39.99/19.99 for adults/youth and seniors.
Winter Lights Festival, Gaithersburg Maryland, Nov 29-Dec 31
Take a 3.5-mile drive through Seneca Creek Park past 450 displays and trees sparkling with beautiful holiday lights. Weekend traffic is very heavy for this festival so visit on a weekday if possible.
Tickets are $15/$25 per vehicle for weekday/weekend admission. 6:00 – 9:00 weekdays, – 10:00 weekends. Closed Dec 25.
Light Up the Vines, Bluemont, Nov 29-Dec 31
Bluemont Vineyards illuminates over 10,000 vines in lovely Bluemont with a kick-off event on Nov 29, 5:00-7:00. The lights are illuminated nightly throughout the holiday season.
Winterfest 2024, Reston, Dec 5-7
Reston lights up Brown's Chapel Park with a festive walk-through light show and an Enchanted Forest of holiday trees. Take a self-guided walk through the lights and enjoy music, bonfires, s'mores, holiday shopping, a pop-up bar, and an optional Santa Experience.
$18/$8 for non-member adults/kids 3-17, Free for Reston Association members. Open nightly, 5:00-9:00.
U.S. Capital Christmas Tree, Dec 5-Jan 1
The huge Capital Christmas tree decorates the lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building beginning Dec 5. The “People's Tree” is decorated with handmade ornaments and is lit from dusk to 11:00 PM nightly. Capture a great photo with the U.S. Capitol building in the background!
DC Temple Festival of Lights, Kensington Maryland, Dec 5-Jan 1
Drive through the DC Temple Festival of Lights and see over 400,000 illuminating the Temple grounds. Christmas music on FM 101.7 sets the mood for your drive. There are two outdoor life-size nativities on the route. Free, dusk to 9:00 nightly.
Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, Dec 6-22
The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is transformed with a walk-through display of sparkling lights and a unique display of hand-crafted holiday trees perfect for family photos. Free, no reservations required. Open 5:30-9:00 on weekends and select weekdays.
Holiday Lights on the Farm, Frying Pan Farm Park, Dec 6-21 weekends
Take a wagon ride past festive light displays at Frying Pan Farm Park. Guests also enjoy indoor activities, animal interactions, and more. $15/$20 advance/at the door, timed entry begins at 5:30.
Christmas Village, Leesburg Animal Park, Dec 6-23
Visit Santa and his animal friends and walk through a Christmas Village with thousands of sparkling outdoor lights. Train and pony rides, tasty treats, and family fun make this one of the 12 Holiday Favorites recommended by local experts. $16.95 per person, 2 and under free.
Lighting of the Lawn, UVA, Charlottesville, Dec 6
This beautiful Charlottesville tradition began after the September 11 attacks. In 2024, Lighting of the Lawn will be in person for the UVA and Charlottesville community, and live-streamed free at lightingofthelawn.com for everyone to watch. 7:00 – 9:00.
Marshall Plan Tree Walk, Leesburg, Dec 7-Jan 4
Head to historic Dodona Manor during the holiday season to see 17 lighted and decorated Christmas trees at the annual Marshall Plan Tree Walk in Leesburg. Entry is free and the trees are lit nightly.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Alexandria, Dec 7
The annual Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights is held at sundown on the day of the annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Alexandria's harbor lights up as dozens of illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront. Prizes are awarded in categories like Best in Show and Hardiest Souls. Free, 5:30.
District's Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, The Wharf, Dec 7
On the same night, The Wharf joins the tradition with its own boat parade. Arrive early to decorate gingerbread cookies, make s'mores at the fire pit, and get a photo with Santa. Free; 6:00 – 9:00, parade begins at 7:00 with finale fireworks at 8:00.
Winter Lights Walk, Franklin Park, Purcellville, Dec 9-22
Head to The Franklin Park Arts Center and stroll outside among beautifully lighted sculptures, gingerbread people, and penguins. Free, 6:00 – 8:00 nightly.
Free Christmas Tree Lighting Events and Displays
There are lots of great Christmas tree-lighting events in 2024 at the locations listed below. These are fun, free spots for holiday photos whether you visit by day or night.
Tysons Corner Holiday Kick-off Celebration on the Plaza at Tyson Corner Center includes performances, fireworks, a market, and more. Nov 15, 6:00-8:00.
Village at Leesburg Christmas Tree features a big rainbow-colored tree, Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling carolers, ice skating, and more. Nov 16, 2:00-7:00.
HolidayFest Tree Lighting with fire pits, treats, and late shopping hours in historic Occoquan. Nov 23, 5:00-9:00.
The Alexandria Tree Lighting kicks off the holiday season surrounded by some of the prettiest holiday decorations in the DC region in Old Town Alexandria. Nov 23, 6:00-8:00.
Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting offers kids' activities, entertainment, shopping, and community tree lighting in quaint downtown Culpeper. Nov 24, 8:00 am – 11:00.
Reston Town Center's annual Thanksgiving parade and tree lighting is one of our favorite holiday events in Northern VA. Nov 29, 11:00-6:00. Also enjoy pretty decorations around the center and ice skating in the pavilion perfect for family photos are sprinkled around the center.
Mosaic District Holiday Tree Lighting features quirky holiday decorations and a Santa firetruck parade. Nov 29, 5:00-9:00.
CityCenter DC annual tree lighting features live performances and a 75-foot tree accompanied by two 25-foot reindeer. Nov 30, 5:00-7:00.
Great Falls Celebration of Lights includes the annual tree lighting, a petting zoo, live music, hot chocolate, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec 1, 3:00 – 6:00. Like many of our favorite small towns in Northern Virginia, Great Falls homes and businesses sparkle in December.
Santa Lights Manassas has holiday music, free wagon rides, ice skating at the pavilion, and Santa arriving by VRE train to light the tree and visit with kids. Dec 6, 5:15-10:00.
Leesburg Holiday Tree Lighting on the Leesburg Town Green with music, holiday characters, and festive fun. Dec 7, 6:00. Leesburg is one of the prettiest Christmas towns in Virginia to visit during the holiday season.
Festival of Lights and Carols features holiday music, carols, and the Christmas tree lighting in Old Town Fairfax. Dec 7, noon – 6:00.
The Wharf DC has a nautical-inspired 45-foot Christmas tree on District Pier. The boat parade and fireworks are Dec 7, 6:00-8:00.
Holiday Tree Lighting at One Loudoun in Leesburg includes live entertainment, Santa photos, ice sculpture carving, and more. Dec 7, 5:00-7:00.
Del Ray Holiday Season kicks off with the annual tree lighting and Christmas carols. Dec 8. This Alexandria neighborhood is a fun place to shop for unique gifts with festive, hand-painted windows decorating the stores.
Neighborhood Holiday Lights in Northern VA
A holiday lights drive is one of our favorite December activities, and we're always on the lookout for new and favorite light displays. Below are some favorite holiday lights displays at businesses and private homes in Northern Virginia.
Multiple Locations, Vienna
There are lots of over-the-top Christmas light displays in Vienna. Here are some of our favorites:
The Christmas lights at 10203 Lawyers Road in Vienna feature an ocean scene with dolphins and fish, cute polar bears, woodland creatures, an eagle carrying a present, and more. Park across the street on Galloping Way and carefully cross Lawyers to see this display from the sidewalk in front of the house.
Here's a closer look at this fun holiday lights display:
A bit further south at 10033 Lawyers, watch for a large property set back from the road decorated with yellow lights. This one is easiest to see from the car.
We highly recommend a drive on Cottage Street Southwest in Vienna to view Christmas lights from the car. There are enough houses decorated on Cottage and intersecting streets to dazzle your group. We love the large, yellow-lit homes at 801 and 802 Cottage Street!
In the same part of Vienna, there's a festive collection of decorated houses on Okaton Park Court that you can drive or walk past.
You'll find a more modern take on Christmas lights at 602 Birch Street SW in Vienna. Here you can watch a projected display that includes clips from popular movies and scenes of historic Vienna all synched to music.
Joyce Road, Alexandria
If you love holiday inflatables this is the house for you! The front yard at 6412 Joyce Road in Alexandria is absolutely packed with inflated holiday characters. Many of the displays move, and shining lights on the house make a nice backdrop (check out the video here).
Take a drive around the neighborhood to see more nice Christmas displays, then head to King Street to see Old Town Alexandria decked out for the holidays.
Marshall Pond Road, Burke
The little cul-de-sac at Marshall Pond Road in Burke really gets into the Christmas spirit. Seven houses are decorated for the season, creating their own Christmas Village. Park at the top and walk through the pipestem to enjoy all of the displays. Santa may make an appearance during the holiday season. Get the latest updates on their Facebook page.
Multiple Locations, Herndon
Here are some of the sparkly Herndon houses that we like to check out:
11904 Paradise Lane has a yard full of fun vignettes including an inflated jack-in-the-box and a pond with jumping fish.
Nearby Lake James Street includes two houses with lots of wrapped, colorful trees. Drive to the end of the cul-de-sac to see more decorated houses.
Enter the Fox Mill neighborhood on Viking Road and you'll see lots of nice light displays like the one below.
Make your way to 12708 Kettering Drive to a house with several lit holiday boxes. The boxes include a dancing snowman, a running model train, and a dancing Santa (press the button to start the show).
Further south, the display at 13204 Stone Heather Drive wraps around the house.
Millwood Square, Sterling
One of our readers alerted us to this fantastic, over-the-top townhouse in Potomac Falls (aka Sterling). Our photo of 21244 Millwood Square below is from 2016, and it was even more packed with holiday fun in 2020.
East Juniper Street, Sterling
Nicknamed Candy Cane Lane, we visited East Juniper Street in Sterling since our children were small. Unfortunately, there are fewer decorated houses and they are more spread out through the neighborhood.
The Holly's Tacky Christmas Lights website updates yearly and is a great resource for finding more holiday lights in Northern Virginia.
We love the holidays and we love to drive around looking at lights, tacky or not. It's wonderful to see many Washington DC area holiday light shows opening in 2024. Happy holidays to you!
Find more 2024 holiday fun in these guides:
- Favorite Holiday Markets in Northern Virginia and the DC Region
- Christmas Towns in/near Northern Virginia
- Santa Photos and Holidays at the Mall in Northern Virginia
- Day Trip to Enjoy DC Holiday Fun
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