The DMV area transforms into a glowing wonderland every winter, with lots of festive light decorations across Maryland, Virginia and DC. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful walk-through garden, light-up displays or a winter village, the DMV has something for every family. Here’s a holiday lights guide complete with all the information you need to plan a festive family outing.
VIRGINIA
Bull Run Festival Of Lights
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is a drive-through holiday light display stretching about 2.5 miles through Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, VA. The route features themed displays with festive titles, such as “Toy Factory” or “Winter Wonderland.” After the drive, there’s a Holiday Village & Carnival area with more lights, s’mores, photo spots and merchandise.
- Location: 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA
- Time & Date: Mid-November to early January 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5:30-10:00 p.m. Friday-Sunday
- Admission: Tickets are purchased per vehicle. In recent seasons the price has been around $30 per car when purchased online, and around $40 if the ticket is bought at the gate.
Clearbook Park’s “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”
The walk-through light-up display at Clearbook Park features synchronized lights, holiday scenes, decorations, and music accompaniment. The length is roughly half a mile.
- Location: Community Dr, Clear Brook, VA
- Time & Date: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 29-Jan. 1, 2026
- Admission: Children ages 0-2 receive free admission. Ages 3 and above must pay $8 if purchasing tickets online. However, if you plan to pay at the gate with a credit card, the fee is $15 per ticket.
Holidays in Leesburg
The Town Green becomes the heart of Leesburg’s holiday festivities with an annual tree lighting. The public gathers around the town’s towering tree sparkling with lights, while live music and costumed holiday characters add to the spirit. The ceremony is free and open to anyone, making it a perfect start to the winter season.
- Location: Town Green, 25 West Market St., Leesburg, VA
- Time & Date: 6:00 p.m. Dec. 6
- Admission: Admission is free, however, certain vendors might charge a fee for services or products.
Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park
The Holiday Walk of Lights is the perfect opportunity to experience the holiday magic in Virginia. This event features a one-mile illuminated path filled with lights, holiday-themed characters, music and treats. Additional features provided during this event include a holiday market, food vendors and photo opportunities. The park also hosts a canned food drive benefiting the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry. It’s a fulfilling way to celebrate the holiday season while also supporting a good cause.
- Location: 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA
- Time & Date: 5:00-9:00 p.m. Dec. 28
- Admission: Admission is free with no registration required.
WASHINGTON DC
National Christmas Tree & Pathway of Peace
Each holiday season, the Ellipse at the White House glows with the National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace. The main tree shines alongside smaller state and territory-themed trees decorated by students from across the country.
- Location: 15th and E Streets NW, Washington, DC
- Time & Date: Mid-December 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026
- Admission: Free to visit and walk around the National Christmas Tree area or the Pathway of Peace. However, if you wish to attend the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, admission can only be acquired through winning free tickets through a lottery.
ZooLights at the Smithsonian National Zoo
ZooLights is a walking display through the National Zoo. The display includes live musical performances, seasonal treats, holiday shopping, and the Conservation Carousel or train.
- Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Time & Date: 5:00-8:00 p.m. Nov. 21-Jan. 3, 2026
- Admission: Tickets are $6 for individuals aged two and above. Parking is also ticketed, with the price usually being around $30 per car.
MARYLAND
National Harbor Tree Light Shows & Holiday Displays
During the holiday season, a giant Christmas tree is displayed in the Waterfront District, featuring a light show synchronized to music. The broader National Harbor area is decorated with over two million lights and decorations across hotels, walkways and shared spaces.
- Location: 165 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, MD
- Time & Date: The show typically runs every 30 minutes from sunset until 9 p.m., from mid- to late December. There are fireworks on Saturday nights from early December through late December.
- Admission: The light show and other displays at National Harbor are free to view.
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens turns its grounds into a seasonal light display each winter, with glowing trees, illuminated flowerbeds and fun light figures scattered throughout. It’s a half-mile outdoor walk with light tunnels, themed displays and snow machines. For less crowded nights, go on a weekday instead of a weekend.
- Location: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD
- Dates & Times: 5:00-9:00 p.m. nightly, Nov. 21, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026. The garden is closed Nov. 24-27, Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1.
- Admission: $13.99 on Sundays-Thursdays, $16.99 on Fridays-Saturdays. Kids under 5 are eligible for free admission.
Winter Lights Festival
This experience is a drive-through holiday lights event in Seneca Creek State Park. It’s 3.5 miles of road decorated with hundreds of illuminated displays and lighting on trees. The path is designed for vehicles, so walking or stopping is not permitted.
- Location: 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD
- Time & Date: Nov. 28 – Dec. 31 (Closed on December 25) 6:00-9:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 6:00-10:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific day. Tickets are granted per vehicle: $15 Monday-Thursday; $25 Friday-Sunday; $35 15+ Passenger Vehicles
Allison Chan is a Washington Parent intern and a rising senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland. She is passionate about writing and community engagement.
