If you love driving around seeing holiday lights, then this list is for you! We have rounded up the 10 places in the DMV area to see holiday lights and have a fun time with the entire family.
National Christmas Tree
Located right on the White House Ellipse, this is the most famous tree in the DMV area! If you go see this tree, you can also see the 56 trees surrounding it from US states and territories. This tree is a beautiful sight to see if you are downtown looking at other DC attractions!
Photo Credit: Getty Images, qingwa
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/qingwa)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/qingwa
Meadowlark Botanical Garden’s Winter Walk of Lights
Located in Vienna, Virginia, there is something for everyone here. The Winter Walk of Lights is self-guided with a designated, one-way asphalt trail. They also have a lot of yummy treats to munch or sip on once you are finishing walking the tour. Running until January 2nd, it is highly recommended to buy your tickets ahead for a specific time frame.
Photo Credit: Getty Images, Michael Deemer
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/Michael Deemer)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/Michael Deemer
Christmas at Gaylord National Hotel
The hotel located in National Harbor has over 3 million lights to look at throughout the hotel. Plus, they have a lot of fun activtiies for the whole family like Christmas shows, ice bumper cars and a snowball build and blast!
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(Getty Images/iStockphoto/Eugeneonline)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/Eugeneonline
Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek
Located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek lets you drive through 3.5 miles of more than 450 illuminated displays and lit trees! Their tagline “socially distancing since 1995!” is great for any families who want to stay clear of big crowds this winter.
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(Getty Images/iStockphoto/EvgeniiAnd)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/EvgeniiAnd
Frying Pan Holiday Lights at the Farm
The second-annual lighted driving tour at Frying Pan Farm Park shows you some incredible lights from the safety and warmth of your vehicle. This one-mile route will show luminous lights decorating the pastures and historic buildings. The program at Frying Pan Farm Park runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The cost is $20 per vehicle for preregistered visitors and $25 at the door.
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(Getty Images/iStockphoto/PapaBear)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/PapaBear
Mount Vernon by Candlelight and Christmas Illuminations
If you would like a more historical take on the holidays, check out George Washington’s home in Mount Vernon, VA. The estate will be “illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns” as well as by candlelight this year for 2 different events.
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(Getty Images/iStockphoto/BackyardProduction)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/BackyardProduction
Ice and Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run
Holiday lights and an outdoor ice rink at this Alexandria water park! Includes fire pits, photo ops, light displays, and more! All tickets must be purchased online ahead of time.
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(Getty Images/iStockphoto/Chalabala)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/Chalabala
Brookside Gardens- Garden of Lights
Brookside Gardens transforms into a magical winter wonderland for the 23rd year of Garden of Lights. You can walk through the outdoor twinkling lights and glimmering displays throughout the 50 acres in Wheaton. There are more than one million dazzling and colorful LED lights that are handwoven into original works depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements.
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(Getty Images/iStockphoto/WongJeremy)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/WongJeremy
Enchant Christmas
Located inside Nationals Park, there are large light displays, an illuminated ice skating trail and a Christmas village! You can also wander through the nordic- inspired Christmas market and sample some festive treats and shop for everyone on your list!
Photo Credit: Getty Images, Nicola Colombo
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/Nicola Colombo)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/Nicola Colombo
Zoo Lights at the Maryland Zoo
If you don’t mind traveling outside of the DMV to the Baltimore area, the Maryland Zoo will be doing their annual Zoo Lights show. Drive or walk through a festival of lights shaped like wildlife. Plus, get that warm glowing feeling inside knowing you are supporting the Zoo’s animal care and conservation work. Tickets are required to be purchased in advance!
Photo Credit: Getty Images, dvandetta
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/dvandetta)
