Want to ring in the holiday season with some spectacular light displays and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies? Check out the best of the best in the DMV region, from ZooLights to botanical gardens aglow with thousands of lights!
The Best Holiday Light Displays in Maryland
Check out these local festive light displays. Whether you’d prefer to drive through the state park and take in displays and beautifully decorated trees or you’d prefer to stretch your legs and take a short walk to view the lights up close — Maryland has a lot to offer this holiday season!
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Where? 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton
When? November 22nd-January 5th
The Garden of Lights display is set to transform Brookside Gardens into the magical winter wonderland of your dreams this year. Guests will stroll through the half-mile outdoor walkthrough exhibit while they admire the twinkling lights and the glimmering one-of-a-kind displays that adorn the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre property in Wheaton. After your walk, make sure to swing by the gift shop to look for unique seasonal items that make for perfect holiday gifts. To visit the Garden of Lights, everyone ages five and older must have a ticket. Tickets are priced at $10 per person and are only available to purchase online. Visitors will have a timed entry slot on a specific day to cut down on crowds. Garden of Lights is a rain-or-shine event, so check the forecast ahead of your visit to ensure you dress appropriately for the conditions! The light display will be closed from November 25th through the 28th and December 24th and 25th, as well as January 1st.
Winter City Lights
Where? 4501 Olney Laytonsville Road, Olney
When? November 23rd-December 29th
Are you ready to experience the magic of the holidays with over one million twinkling lights spread across 18 acres of winter wonderland? The best news is that “snow” is guaranteed every night! This is the largest and most spectacular light show in the Maryland area, complete with some of the most technologically advanced Christmas light magic in the country. Winter City Lights will also feature 33 bonfires and a 1.5-mile-long trail of lights and displays through the woods. Check out the 52-foot tall programmable Christmas light tree with light shows and the 8-lane snow tubing ride that the kiddos will love. Visitors can enjoy tasty concessions like s’mores, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, BBQ sandwiches, hot pizza, soft pretzels, and even adult beverages for guests 21 and up. Voted as the #2 Most Magical Christmas Lights Display in the US by Country Living — you won’t want to miss Winter City Lights this Christmas season! Tickets are priced between $26.99 and $37.99 for adults, with discounts available for youth ages 4 through 12 and seniors ages 65 and up.
Lights on the Bay
Where? 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis
When? November 24th-January 1st
For families across Maryland, driving through Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park has been a beloved holiday tradition for over a decade. The scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay features more than 70 stunning animated and stationary displays that light up the road with a little bit of holiday magic that’s sure to delight visitors of all ages. The display is sponsored by the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Lights on the Bay is open Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday until 10:00 PM. Admission options range from $20 per car to $30 per large passenger van, and mini buses. You can purchase 3D glasses for $5 to really make the magic pop. There will be tasty concessions like popcorn for sale if you want a snack as you enjoy the festivities. Lights on the Bay is open every night, including on holidays. Santa will pay a visit to guests of Lights on the Bay on Thanksgiving Day, so swing by after your holiday feast to say hello to the man himself.
Winter Lights Festival
Where? 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg
When? November 29th-December 31st
Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival will be returning with a stunning display at Seneca Creek State Park, which will be open nightly through December 21st. The festival will be closed on Christmas. Visitors can take the 3.5-mile scenic drive through the park, which features over 450 illuminated displays and strikingly lit trees. The state park is conveniently accessible from I-270, so pack the whole family in the car and make this festive trip! Tickets must be purchased in advance, as they may not be available at the admission booth. Daily ticket sales are limited to ensure there is no overcrowding and that everyone is able to enjoy a pleasant experience. One ticket is required per vehicle, with prices starting at $15 on Mondays through Thursdays, $25 on the weekends, and $30 for 15+ passenger vehicles. There are special Enchanted Evenings throughout the season, featuring themed events for visitors. These may sell out so purchase tickets early!
Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular
Where? 2200 York Road, Timonium
When? December 12th-December 30th
The 1st Annual Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular is sure to be your family’s new favorite holiday event! Hosted by the Maryland State Fair, this light display will be open nightly from December 12th through the 30th from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. There will be an early closure on Christmas Eve and the light event will be closed on Christmas Day. This all-new outdoor holiday light display will feature over a million lights and dozens of displays on a half-mile walking trail. Visitors can expect larger-than-life holiday scenes, festive music, and oversized snow globes. There will even be magical interactive elements throughout and a holiday village complete with boutiques, shops, and rotating food trucks. Kiddos will love the children’s activities and the moon bounce. On select nights, there will also be ballerinas and other performers onstage. Parents can enjoy the special VIP exclusive lodge and bar. Parking is free and general admission tickets are on sale for $10 to $25. Don’t miss the Grand Lighting Ceremony on December 12th!
Festival of Lights
Where? 101 North Court Street, Westminster
When? December 11th
The Festival of Lights in Frederick is free to attend and is often cited as one of the holiday season’s most inspiring events. Each year, the Festival of Lights brings about the true spirit of the holiday season for both the youngest and oldest participants and everyone in between. Enjoy holiday greetings, carols, and inspirational messages at this tradition-based festive event. Attendees will join in on the fun with a moving candle-lighting ceremony, which fills the courtyard with stunning, flickering light. This year’s festival will also showcase a special musical performance by The Frederick Children’s Chorus, a solo by Miss Central Maryland, Anna Dieme, and an inspirational speech from community leader, Jessica El-Zeftawy. The audience is invited to sing along with their favorite carols, as well! This is an outdoor event, so dress accordingly. There will be onsite ASL interpreting. Swing by the beverage truck, hosted by Eklectic Coffee Bar, for a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or a specialty latte or cappuccino.
The Best Holiday Light Displays in Washington, D.C.
Pay a visit to the nation’s capital this holiday season and admire the National Christmas Tree or swing by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute for the 16th annual ZooLights!
ZooLights
Where? 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
When? November 22nd-January 4th
This holiday season, enjoy the sights and sounds of the zoo as it’s transformed into a holiday wonderland with thousands of spectacular lights. Now in its 16th year, this cherished tradition will feature live nightly musical performances and plenty of sweet seasonal treats to go around. Take a spin on the Conservation Carousel or check gifts off your holiday shopping list at the Asia Trail, Panda Plaza, and Great Cats stores. ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute will be open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on Sundays until 8:00 PM. The price per person is set at $6, including children over the age of 2. There is a $30 parking fee per single-family vehicle.
National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where? 15th Street NW & East Street NW
When? December 5th
This year’s tree lighting ceremony in D.C. will take place on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park. Every holiday season, The National Christmas Tree is decorated with thousands of lights and an array of unique decorations. These one-of-a-kind ornaments are made by Americans representing every state in the country, territories, and the District of Columbia. The tree stands tall as a daily reminder of the holiday spirit and the cherished national tradition that brings together local residents and visitors alike. Several days after the lighting ceremony, the grounds will officially open to the public. The lights are typically illuminated from sunset until 10:00 PM on Sundays through Thursdays and until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets to the lighting ceremony are distributed by lottery via recreation.gov and the event will be televised on December 20th on CBS.
The Best Holiday Light Displays in Northern Virginia
Virginia’s Fairfax County and surrounding region are abuzz with holiday light displays, lantern festivals, and more this winter! Check out the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Wolf Trap or explore the Bull Run Festival of Lights in Centreville.
Winter Lantern Festival
Where? 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons
When? October 31st-January 12th
Step into the dazzling world of light with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns this holiday season. All lanterns are handmade by artisans with decades of experience behind them. Visitors can enjoy a whimsical walkthrough experience as they warm up this winter. The lantern festival features live entertainment by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, as well as food, drinks, and gift options so you can cross a few names off your shopping list. The festival runs on Thursdays through Sundays from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with the last entrance of the night at 8:30 PM. The duration of the walk is approximately 45 minutes and all ages are welcome to visit. Kiddos will especially enjoy the variety of rides and games, such as light-up swings, dinosaurs, and a bouncy house! Admission is priced from $16.99 to $26.99 and includes access to the activities and the luminescent night walk.
Winter Walk of Lights
Where? 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
When? November 8th-January 5th
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is a garden trail that has been elegantly decorated with countless sparkling lights. Visitors can enjoy an evening stroll through the beautiful Botanical Gardens, where they’ll spot lighted trees and various displays featuring nature, winter, and holiday themes. The half-mile Winter Walk is across a paved trail, which is both wheelchair and stroller accessible. While you enjoy the sights, sip on a cozy beverage (spiked if you’re of age) and roast marshmallows for s’mores before you conclude your evening at the gardens. Winter Walk of Lights is in its 13th year, serving over 110,000 visitors per year! Grab your tickets today for $18 plus a $1.95 fee.
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Where? 7700 Bull Run Drive, Manassas
When? November 15th-January 5th
Virginia’s Bull Run Festival of Lights runs every year from November until just after New Year’s Day, giving area residents and visitors alike plenty of opportunity to experience 2.5 miles of illuminated holiday displays. You can drive the route from the comfort of your vehicle — just remember to turn off your headlights and follow the enchanting glow! If you’re keen on avoiding the crowds, keep in mind that the weekends and the week before and after Christmas are typically the busiest times. Purchase your tickets online ahead of time for savings and take advantage of promotional nights to save up to $10 per vehicle!
Check out the Magical Lights Across the DMV Region!
We hope you’re as excited as we are about this year’s holiday light display lineup! With so many options to choose from, how do you decide which light festivals to check out first? Visit your local area’s holiday offerings or make the drive to a nearby city to see thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and maybe even catch a sighting of the big man himself, Santa Claus!