The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Light Experiences in the DMV

Drive Through. Walk Through. Wander Through.
Wherever you want to soak in the sparkle this season, the DMV delivers.

Here is a clickable Map to make your experience even smoother!

This year’s holiday lineup includes immersive shows, cozy car-friendly routes, glowing botanical gardens, and entire neighborhoods transformed into festive corridors. Whether you want a family night, a date night, or a picture perfect outing, here is your complete guide to the brightest displays across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

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Drive Through Light Shows

Perfect for cozy nights, hot cocoa, and staying warm while soaking in millions of lights.

Bull Run Festival of Lights – Centreville VA

A 2.5 mile route packed with synchronized displays through Bull Run Regional Park. After the drive, stop by the Holiday Village and carnival for extra magic. Open nightly Nov 14 to Jan 4.

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights – Upper Marlboro MD

Three miles of animated scenes with more than 2.5 million LED lights. Special themed nights include Bikes and Lights and hayrides. Open Nov 28 to Jan 1 from 5 to 9:30 PM.

Winter Lights Festival – Seneca Creek State Park Gaithersburg MD

A 3.5 mile woodland drive featuring more than 450 glowing displays. Explore Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, and more. Open Nov 28 to Dec 31 and closed Dec 25.

Winter City Lights – Olney MD

One million plus lights, a towering 52 foot programmable tree, snow effects, music synced shows, and snow tubing. A full scale winter wonderland.

LuminoCity Holiday Lights – Montgomery County Fairgrounds MD

Drive or walk through massive themed sculptures and illuminated worlds. Open Nov 14 to Jan 1.

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Walk Through Light Experiences

Bundle up and explore these immersive displays on foot.

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights – Vienna VA

A half mile garden trail filled with nature themed scenes and shimmering reflections on the lake. Open nightly Nov 7 to Jan 4.

ZooLights – Smithsonian’s National Zoo DC

Glowing animal lanterns, festive music, hot cocoa, and rides. Timed entry from late November through early January.

Garden of Lights – Brookside Gardens Wheaton MD

Fifty acres of walkable displays with vivid floral scenes. Open Nov 21 to Jan 4 from 5 to 9:30 PM with select closed dates.

Festival of Lights – Washington DC Temple Kensington MD

Four hundred thousand plus lights covering the temple grounds, themed Christmas trees, and international nativity displays. Open Dec 4 to Jan 1 from 4:30 to 8:45 PM. Free with a timed parking pass.

Enchant Light Experience – Tysons Corner Center VA

A walk through light maze, market, photo ops, and family friendly extras at Tysons Corner Center outdoor plaza.

United States Botanic Garden “Season’s Greenings: Dino Mite” – Capitol Hill DC

Indoor conservatory filled with poinsettias, botanical replicas of DC landmarks, model trains, and dinosaur themed exhibits. Free with no tickets required.

LuminoCity Holiday Lights – Gaithersburg MD

A walkable option with towering sculptures, themed worlds, and colorful photo zones.

Frosted at Franklin Park – Downtown DC

A giant open air installation with icicle tunnels, oversized ornaments, glowing sculptures, and photo vignettes. Open Nov 21 to Jan 7 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 AM.

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Neighborhood and Main Street Light Corridors

If you love festive streets and local charm, these are for you.

DC Holiday Lights – Multiple Main Streets DC

Citywide competition across corridors including Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Logan Circle, U Street and more. Includes a scavenger style Holiday Hunt.

Barracks Row Winter Lights – Capitol Hill SE DC

Holiday Lights and Decoration Competition along 8th Street SE. Displays shine all December.

Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights – NW DC

More than 50 businesses across Park View, Petworth, and Pleasant Plains light up their storefronts.

Georgetown Jingle – Georgetown DC

With Georgetown GLOW paused this year, Georgetown Jingle brings live performances and decorated storefronts on Dec 6.

The Wharf – Southwest DC

Festive waterfront lights along the piers plus the annual Holiday Boat Parade night.

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Most Instagram Worthy Spots

If you want a magical photo moment, add these to your map.

Frosted at Franklin Park

Tunnel of icicles, giant ornaments, and shimmering installations.

CityCenterDC Tree and Palmer Alley

Luxe decor, massive tree, sparkling reindeer and overhead alley art.

United States Botanic Garden “Season’s Greenings”

Dinosaur themed exhibits, model trains, poinsettias and plant crafted landmarks.

Winter City Lights – Olney MD

The giant tree, canopy of lights, snow effects, and immersive paths.

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights – Vienna VA

Colorful tunnel moments, glowing reflections on the lake, and nature scenes.

Garden of Lights – Brookside Gardens

Whimsical creatures, florals, arches, and glowing pathways.

The Wharf Holiday Boat Parade

One night only. Boats, fireworks, waterfront skyline and festive energy.

Plan Your Holiday Lights Adventure

Whether you want a cozy drive through experience or a full night of strolling and sipping cocoa, the DMV has a show for every mood. Save this guide, share it with friends, and start checking off your must see list.

If you want the interactive Google Map version with layers for Drive Through, Walk Through, Neighborhoods, and Instagram Worthy spots, comment MAP and we will send it to you.

Happy holidays from Level Up Homes.