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Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC: Where to See Dazzling Christmas Lights

The District's Holiday Boat Parade lights up the Potomac River. Photo courtesy of The Wharf DC
The District's Holiday Boat Parade lights up the Potomac River. Photo courtesy of The Wharf DC
11/27/22 - By Jennifer Swope

When you've gotta glow, DC is merry, bright, and lit up like—well—a Christmas tree. In fact, there are so many dazzling Christmas light shows, holiday lights drive-thrus, and other Christmas lights displays in the DC area in 2022 that your only problem will be fitting them all in!

There are Christmas light displays that you can walk through, such as Georgetown GLOW and Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens. There are holiday lights drive-thrus like the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival and the Bull Run Festival of Lights. And there are tree and menorah lightings, boat parades, and other Christmas lights displays throughout the area. Plus, don't miss the return of the popular ZooLights at the National Zoo.

While you're in a festive mood, check out our list of the best holiday activities and Christmas events near DC this year, and keep an eye on our Washington, DC event calendar for up-to-the-minute access to all the great events happening for DC families.

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Enchant DC turns Nationals Park into a dazzling wonderland of lights. Photo courtesy of Enchant DC
Enchant DC turns Nationals Park into a dazzling wonderland of lights. Photo courtesy of Enchant DC

DC Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus, Christmas Light Shows, and Other Christmas Lights Displays

DC Holiday Lights

Washington, DC
Daily, November 18, 2022 - January 8, 2023
Businesses along 14 of DC’s Main Streets and commercial corridors are putting up their best light displays to compete for the title of Best Decorated Corridor. Families can enjoy the displays, then go to the website to cast their vote. Families can also participate in the DC Holidays Lights scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants. READ MORE

Enchant Christmas

Nationals Park
Daily, November 25, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Enchant Christmas includes a giant light maze, a magical ice skating trail, a kids' play place, live music, and a Christmas market and eatery. Kids can also have professional photos taken with Santa and enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Washington, DC - Free
Fridays - Sundays, November 26 - December 11, 2022 Daily, December 16-30, 2022 (excluding December 24 & 25)
This annual festive event features a variety of attractions including light shows, musical performances, inflatable slides, a train ride, and an outdoor market. ZooLights is free but timed passes must be reserved in advance. READ MORE

Georgetown GLOW

Georgetown
Daily, November 26, 2022 - January 22, 2023
The eighth edition of GLOW returns to winter this year. Set against the backdrop of Georgetown, GLOW is the area's only free, curated outdoor public light art experience.  READ MORE

Light Yards 2022

Navy Yard
Daily, December 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Enjoy a free festive lighting installation in Yards Park. Light Yards 2022 features illuminated, 22-f00t- tall trees trimmed top to bottom in holiday decor and lights, designed by Australian artist studio Amigo & Amigo. READ MORE

National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace

The Ellipse
Daily, December 2, 2022 - January 1, 2023
The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse will be lit every evening and open to the public from December 2, 2022 through January 1, 2023. Surrounding it will be more than 50 smaller trees representing the US states and territories, each featuring unique ornaments created by students. READ MORE

The District's Holiday Boat Parade

The Wharf
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Watch more than 60 beautifully decorated boats pass by the Wharf at this iconic annual DC holiday event. Other activities include ornament decorating, s'mores,  family photos with Santa, and live music under the Wharf's Christmas tree. READ MORE

National Menorah Lighting

The Ellipse
Sunday, December 18, 2022
One of the most prominent public Hanukkah programs in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House. Ticket holders get hot latkes and donuts as well as free dreidels and menorah kits. The US Navy Band performs. READ MORE

Lighting of the Menorah at District Wharf

The Wharf
Sunday, December 18 - 26, 2022
District Wharf continues its tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah to celebrate the Festival of Lights. READ MORE
Enjoy the Merriweather Symphony of Lights without leaving your car. Photo courtesy of the light show
Enjoy the Merriweather Symphony of Lights without leaving your car. Photo courtesy of the light show

Maryland Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus, Christmas Light Shows, and Other Christmas Lights Displays

National Harbor Holiday Tree Light Show & Fireworks

National Harbor, MD
Saturdays, November 12 - December 17, 2022
Each night, families can enjoy a beautiful light show as a 60-foot Christmas tree at National Harbor lights up and is followed by fireworks. READ MORE

Zoo Lights at the Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD
Fridays - Sundays, November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Walk through the Maryland Zoo's festival of wildlife-shaped lights. Enjoy hot chocolate and free carousel and train rides.  READ MORE

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Wheaton, MD
Daily, November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023 (except November 21-24; December 24 & 25)
Brookside Gardens transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with over one million colorful lights. The display includes original works depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements, as well as computerized light displays complete with music and fog. READ MORE

Winter City Lights

Olney, MD
Select dates, November 19 - December 31, 2022
The largest light show in the DC and Baltimore areas, Winter City Lights is one of the most technologically advanced Christmas light experiences in the US. It includes a 1.5-mile-long trail of Christmas lights and displays through the woods, a 52-foot-high programmable Christmas lights tree and light show, an eight-lane snow tubing ride, 14 bonfires, and more. READ MORE

SPCA Lights on the Bay

Annapolis, MD
Daily, November 20, 2022 - January 2, 2023
Driving through this holiday light show at Sandy Point State Park is a tradition for many families. It boasts more than 60 spectacular animated and stationary displays along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Snag some 3-D glasses for the full effects. READ MORE

Merriweather Symphony of Lights

Columbia, MD
Daily, November 24, 2022 - January 1, 2023 (except November 27-30; December 5-6, 8, 12-13)
The Symphony of Lights drive-thru light show is back for the holidays with one mile of beautiful light displays and holiday music. On November 27, December 6 (dogs welcome), and December 31 (fireworks), families can walk through the light display for an additional fee. READ MORE

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

Gaithersburg, MD
Daily, November 25 - December 31, 2022 (except December 25)
The popular drive-thru winter lights display at Seneca Creek State Park includes more than 450 illuminated displays and beautiful lighted trees. READ MORE

Snowy Winter Wonderland Festival of Lights

Waldorf, MD
Select dates, November 25 - December 23, 2022
Regency Furniture Stadium comes alive this holiday season with acres of holiday lights and decor, craft vendors, food trucks, Christmas music, "Whoville" with the Grinch, games for kids, and pictures with Santa (by online reservation only). READ MORE

Shine Light Show

National Harbor, MD
Daily, November 25 - December 31, 2022
Brand new for 2022, Gaylord National's Shine Light Show features thousands of dancing lights synchronized to a high-energy, seasonal soundtrack. Animated light curtains glow with Christmas imagery around a centerpiece tree that magically transforms into a glowing holiday spectacle. READ MORE

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

Upper Marlboro, MD Daily, November 25, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Watkins Regional Park brings a little twinkle to the holidays with a drive-thru event featuring dazzling displays of more than 2.5 million lights throughout the park, culminating in a giant, 54-foot LED musical tree. READ MORE
Stroll through the Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Photo by William B. Folsom for Nova Parks
Stroll through the Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Photo by William B. Folsom for Nova Parks

Virginia Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus, Christmas Light Shows, and Other Christmas Lights Displays

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Centreville, VA
Daily, November 11, 2022 - January 8, 2023
Families can enjoy 2.5 miles of holiday light displays from the comfort of their own cars, then get out to visit the Holiday Village and carnival complete with rides, a visit with Santa, bonfires, and more. READ MORE

Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights

Vienna, VA
Daily, November 11, 2022- January 8, 2023
Take a half-mile walk on a paved path through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens to enjoy dazzling holiday light displays and a magnificent light show set to music.  READ MORE

Ice & Lights

Alexandria, VA
Daily, November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Elaborate light displays, photo ops, ice skating, and more await at Cameron Run's Ice & Lights Winter Village. After the Winter Village closes on January 1, the rink alone will be open for ice skating on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from January 7 through February 26, 2023. READ MORE

Holiday Lights on the Farm

Herndon, VA
Fridays - Sundays, December 2-10, 2022
Celebrate the holidays at Frying Pan Farm Park with an evening of wagon rides, indoor activities, food, animal interactions, campfires, and s'mores.  READ MORE

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Alexandria, VA
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Head to the Alexandria waterfront at 5:30pm for a dazzling light display as decorated boats light up the Potomac River. While the parade is the main attraction, families can also enjoy dockside festivities from 2-8pm in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden, food, activities, and more.  READ MORE

One Loudoun Holiday Tree Lighting

Ashburn, VA
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Celebrate the holiday season at One Loudoun with live music, Santa photos, food, shopping, and more before the lighting of the Christmas tree. READ MORE

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA
Friday & Saturday, December 16 & 17, 2022
At this family-friendly celebration, the historic area is lit up by lanterns, the mansion is aglow in amber light, and the upper garden and greenhouse are blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. There's also an 18th-century winter market and winter encampment, holiday food and drinks, season's greetings by George Washington, and a dazzling fireworks display over the Potomac River. READ MORE

DC Winter Lantern Festival

Tysons, VA
Fridays - Sundays, December 16, 2022 - February 12, 2023 (plus December 26-29, 2022)
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II transforms into a dazzling world of light with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns portraying Chinese myths, legends, and zodiacs; a world of ice including mammoths, polar bears, and penguins; and interactive light swings, see-saws, and tunnels. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II