Ready or not, the holidays have arrived. Let's dive into some one-of-a-kind holiday experiences around the DMV. Check out one (or all) of these nearby holiday light displays. Many of our favorites are getting bigger and better every year. As well as there are a few new adventures for you to explore. Read on and…Enjoy!
Mount Vernon’s annual evening of Christmas Illuminations is ready to welcome guests to the historic grounds. A combination of lantern-lit blue and lavender winter patterns lighting up buildings on the grounds. Plus, an amazing fireworks show to close out the night. There’s nothing like it!
George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon
Don’t miss the lights on the Bluemont Vineyard vines. Each holiday season, the vineyard illuminates its 10,000 vines, which creates a stunning view from both the top and bottom of the mountain.
Bluemont Vineyard: 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont
ZooLights is back after a 3 year hiatus. Guests walk through the zoo, enjoying lots of LED lights, glowing animal lanterns, live music, and much more. The experience is free, BUT tickets are required to enter.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
DC’s Nationals Park has been transformed into a magical wonderland. With over 4 million lights, the world’s largest Christmas light maze will dazzle guests as they explore the seasonal scenes, ice skate through the village, and meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC
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 (Vienna, VA) 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) as you walk and s’mores to finish out the evening.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Bull Run Festival of Lights holiday drive is a great way to stay warm and cozy as you slowly drive 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday lights and animated displays. The lights throughout the Bull Run Festival are brighter than they were in the old days, but many of our favorite vignettes are still around. At the end of the drive, visitors are welcome to stop and enjoy the Holiday Village and Carnival.
Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Ice and Lights--The Winter Village at Cameron Run.
Ice & Lights offers a fun, outdoor family experience to see unique light displays, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. Tickets are available for the Village or Village and Ice Skating daily through January 1st. Daytime ice skating is available weekends and holidays in January and February.
Cameron Run Park, 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria
The first immersive DC Winter Lantern Festival is new in 2022. With over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns, guests can explore stunning light designs in addition to displays featuring a world of ice.
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II: 8025 Galleria Dr., Tysons
Enter the magical Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience in Leesburg and immerse yourself in a world of fantastical creatures, dazzling lights, sounds and animation. Here you'll follow a walk-through trail through the forest where you encounter creatures both charming and mysterious.
Morven Park, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg
Neabsco Regional Park looks stunning during the day, just wait until you see it lit up at night. The park is transforming its picturesque path into a holiday trail with hand-crafted light displays just in time for the holidays!
Neabsco Regional Park: 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge
Hi I’m Dana!
I’ve been living, working and playing in Northern VA since 1990. All while raising four, now grown up, children. I’m a lover of all people, sucker for my grand puppies, and Realtor to Northern Virginia.
Stop by often to stay up to date about upcoming local events, restaurants, and real estate! Join us as we explore the most amazing activities. Got real estate questions? Call or text me anytime! (703) 725-7249
To receive a list of fun local events in your inbox weekly, subscribe here!