Get in the Holiday Spirit at These Events
The countdown is on to the holidays. Christmas and Chanukah will soon be here. To help get you in the holiday spirit, we have put together a list of some holiday light displays and events in the DMV. Many are free, although not all.
District of Columbia
The ghost of Jacob Marley (Stephen F. Smith) visits Ebenezer Scrooge (Craig Wallace). (Photo: Scott Suchman)
A Christmas Carol
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (D.C. actor Craig Wallace) on a journey of transformation and redemption in A Christmas Carol. This lavish Victorian-style musical production has been a tradition in the DMV for more than 35 years. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you have experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Nov. 21-Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with additional weekday matinees at Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. Tickets are $51-$122.
CityCenterDC’s holiday decorations include a 75-foot Christmas tree and two 25-foot reindeer. (Photo: fotosbymickez/Instagram)
CityCenterDC
CityCenterDC, the upscale mixed-use development downtown with toney retailers like Burberry, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo, and pricey restaurants like Fig & Olive and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, hosts a dazzling 75-foot Christmas tree decked out in more than 150,000 lights and 4,500 ornaments, and two resident 25-foot reindeer on the Park at CityCenter facing New York Avenue. An overhead lighting display with 400 snowflake ornaments and white lights hanging above the Palmer Alley pedestrian walkway also returns this year.
Nov. 30-Dec. 31 at CityCenterDC, 825 10th St. NW. Admission is FREE!
The annual D.C. Holiday Boat Parade sails up the Washington Channel to The Wharf. (Photo; The Brand Guild)
Holiday Boat Parade
About 60 boats decorated in lights sail up the Washington Channel to The Wharf during the annual Holiday Boat Parade. There will be holiday activities while you wait at The Wharf including live music from Yani the Band, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, family photos with Santa, s’mores and hot toddies. There is also a 45-foot decorated tree on District Pier. The boats should arrive in the channel about 7 p.m. and fireworks will follow at 8 p.m. (For details on activities in Alexandria, see listing for Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights under Virginia.)
Dec. 7 from 6-8 p.m. from Old Town Alexandria along the Washington Canal to The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave. SW. FREE!
The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle runs Nov. 22-Dec. 15 in the 1500 block of 19th Street NW outside Kramer’s bookstore.
(Photo: Downtown Holiday Market)
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
The DC Holiday Market features more than 30 small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items. There will also be live performances by local talent each night and festive décor. Migue’s Mini Donuts and The Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts will be available nightly.
Nov. 22-Dec. 15 in the 1500 block of 19th Street NW outside Kramer’s bookstore just north of Dupont Circle from noon-8 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is FREE!
The Downtown Holiday Market in Penn Quarter features more than 150 vendors. (Photo: Downtown Holiday Market)
Downtown DC Holiday Market
The 20th annual Downtown DC Holiday Market is centrally located at Eighth and F Streets NW, in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Scope out eclectic wares from dozens of pop-up tents with seasonal music performed live in the background. The holiday bazaar features more than 100 exhibitors throughout its run. You will find everything from funky t-shirts and area photography to handmade jewelry and soaps. At night, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. There will be plenty of food on sale including ralette, colorful s’mores, empanadas, churros and waffles; a children’s activity area; photo ops and performers creating a holiday atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the DMV.
Nov. 22-Dec. 23 from noon-8 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving Day) at Eighth and F Streets NW outside the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Admission is FREE!
Frosted fills Franklin Park with 20,000 free-standing lights and 3,000 decorative snowflakes. (Photo: Alexandra Huynh/DowntownDC BID)
Frosted at Franklin Park
Frosted at Franklin Park will fill the park with more than 20,000 lights, 3,000 decorative snowflakes to celebrate the winter season. The setting makes for great photos and is inspired by the natural springs beneath the park that used to provide water to the White House, taking you through a journey of water in its most wonderful winter forms, portrayed by holiday lights. On Dec. 3 and 10 from 4-6 p.m. there will be free carolers, hot chocolate and giveaways. On Dec. 4 at noon there will be a free wreath-making class. From 4-6 p.m. on Dec. 17, kids can ride a trackless train ride through the park and visitors can try their skills on an iceless skating rink. Both activities are free. Free skates will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests are welcome to bring their own.
Dec. 3-Feb. 3 from 4-9 p.m. at Franklin Park, 1315 I St. NW. Admission is FREE!
Light Yards returns to Yards Park from Nov. 25-Jan. 1. (Photo: Yards Park)
Light Yards
Light Yards is back at Yards Park near Nationals Park. This year’s family-friendly light installation is “Swinging Bells,” an interactive light installation on the waterfront where visitors prompt animated light displays and amplify the cheerful sound of holiday bells while swinging. From 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4, Light Yards will celebrate with holiday train rides, festive glitter tattoos, live music, giveaways and Santa.
Nov. 25-Jan. 1 from 5-10 p.m. at Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. Admission is FREE!
The 2021 National Christmas Tree (Photo: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)
National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas Tree will be lit on Dec. 5. Visiting the live tree is free throughout the season, and musical performances are held nightly. The Pathway of Peace surrounding the tree features 56 state and territory trees decorated with handmade ornaments that are unique to each tree.
Dec. 5-Jan. 1 from 4:30-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4:30-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday on the White House Ellipse, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Admission is FREE.
The National Menorah will be lit at 4 p.m. on Dec. 25 and a new candle added each night for eight days. (Photo: washington.org)
National Menorah
Chanukah kicks off with this lighting ceremony of the National Menorah — the world’s largest menorah — on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with hot latkes and doughnuts and menorah kits and dreidels. Music from Dreidelman & the Macabees and The United States Marine Band “The President’s Own” will add a soundtrack to the scene. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Chanukah.
Dec. 25-Jan. 1 from 4:30-10 p.m. nightly on the White House Ellipse, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Admission is FREE, but tickets are required for the lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. (gates at 3 p.m.) on Dec. 25.
The Washington Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker includes a Washington twist. (Photo: Washington Ballet)
The Nutcracker
The Washington Ballet pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale of The Nutcrakcer that features a D.C. twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. The curtain rises and the audience is transported back in time to a Georgetown mansion where party guests include Frederick Douglass, John Paul Jones, Harriet Tubman, Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. It is equal parts history lesson, mischief and humor. With General Washington as the heroic Nutcracker and George III as the Rat King, the story comes to life with more than 100 dancers, intricate, stunning set designs and original costumes. Waltzing cherry blossoms, dancing cardinals and dancing sugar plums plus other enchanting adaptations make this unique production. You will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score.
Nov. 30-Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW. Tickets are $64.50-$196.
Seasons Greenings features area landmarks made entirely of plant materials. (Photo: Nick Bullock/DC on Heels)
Seasons Greenings
The annual Seasons Greenings holiday show at the United States Botanic Garden includes a collection of area landmarks made entirely from plant materials, including the U.S. Capitol Building, the Washington Monument and more. In the outdoor gardens, G-gauge model trains run through displays of pollinators made from plant parts. There are more than 3,000 blooms on display from exotic orchids to a showcase of heirloom and newly developed poinsettia varieties. On select Tuesdays and Thursdays, the conservatory will stay open until 8 p.m. to host live seasonal music.
Nov. 28-Jan. 5 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Admission is FREE!
The 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree (Photo: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, or “The People’s Tree,” is a 74-foot tall Sitka spruce from the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. Speaker of the House John W. McCormack (D-Mass.) was the first to place a live Christmas tree, which lived three years, on the Capitol lawn in 1964. Since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service has provided a tree from a different U.S. forest. More than 10,000 ornaments made by Alaskans decorate the tree.
Dec. 4-Jan. 1 from dusk until 11 p.m. on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Constitution and Independence Avenues NW. Admission is FREE!
ZooLights at the National Zoo features 1 million LED lights and more than 100 large animal lanterns lit from within.
(Photo: Smithsonian National Zoo)
ZooLights
Now in its 16th year, ZooLights decks the National Zoo out in a million environmentally friendly LED lights that transform the zoo into a winter wonderland complete with two dazzling laser light shows set to music. More than 100 large animal lanterns lit from within feature pandas, monkeys, zebras, elephants and more around the park. Enjoy seasonal treats like s’mores, kettle corn, holiday cookies and hot chocolate, holiday shopping and live music, or take a spin on the Conservation Carousel. All indoor animal exhibits will be closed.
Nov. 22-Jan. 4 from 5-9 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 5-8 p.m. Sundays at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. Tickets are $6 for everyone over 2. Parking is $30.
Maryland
National Harbor’s 60-foot tree puts on a light show every 30 minutes each night, with fireworks on Saturdays. (Photo: National Harbor)
Christmas at the Harbor
Watch the 60-foot RGB tree guarded by two 12-foot toy soldiers come to life during Christmas at the Harbor every half hour nightly with more than 2 million lights. The custom light show dances alongside a holiday melody recorded by the U.S. Air Force Band. At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday nights from Nov. 9-Dec. 28, there is a free fireworks show following the tree lighting.
Nov. 9-Jan. 3 from sundown until 9 p.m. at National Harbor near the Capital Wheel, 150 National Plaza, Oxen Hill. Admission is FREE!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints includes a display of international Christmas trees and creches from around the world, along with more than 400,000 lights. (Photo: LDS Washington Temple)
Festival of Lights
Returning for its 47th year, the Festival of Lights celebration at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints visitor center along I-495 includes a display of international Christmas trees and creches from around the world. A different performing artist or group is featured in concert twice each night, including bell ensembles, choirs, orchestras and more. Visitors can wander the temple grounds while trying to figure out how to take good pictures of more than 400,000 lights with a cellphone.
Dec. 5-Jan. 1 from 4:45-9 p.m. at the Washington D.C. Temple, 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington, Md. Admission and parking is FREE.
Garden of Lights fills Wheaton’s Brookside Gardens with more than 1 million lights. (Photo: Montgomery Parks)
Garden of Lights
Step into a magical winter wonderland illuminated with more than 1 million dazzling colorful lights shaped into hand-crafted, original art forms of flowers, animals and other natural elements at Garden of Lights. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, sparkling fountains and whimsical winter scenes. The night wouldn’t be complete without a visit inside the conservatory to enjoy watching G-Scale model trains wind through a seasonal landscape. Afterward, warm up inside the visitors’ center while you sip hot cocoa and listen to one of the nightly musical performances.
Nov. 22-Jan. 5 (closed Nov. 25-28, Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1) from 5-9 p.m. daily at Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Tickets are $10 per person over 5 years old online. Tickets will not be sold at the gate.
Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas is at Gaylord National. (Photo: Mark Heckathron/DC on Heels)
Ice!
Snoopy and the gang are back for this year’s annual Ice! installation at National Harbor featuring scenes from A Charlie Brown Christmas. More than two million tons of ice were used to carve the ice sculptures by 40 artisans from Harbin, China, over six weeks for the display. There are also four two-story tall ice slides and one kid-sized slide as well as a crystal-clear ice sculpture of the Nativity. The self-guided walk-through takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Afterward, visit the Gaylord National atrium, which is transformed into a winter village with a free nightly indoor snowfall at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m., more than 2 million lights that illuminate the glass atrium and outdoor garden areas, the free fountain show with the water and lights “dancing” to classic Christmas carols at 7:30, 8:45 and 9:15 p.m. There is also a 60-foot-tall Starlight Christmas tree suspended from the center of the atrium. For additional fees you can go ice tubing down a 15-foot high “hill,” take in the Cirque: Spirit of Christmas show, decorate a gingerbread house, get a photo with Santa, go on a Christmas scavenger hunt with Snoopy or listen to Mrs. Claus read Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Nov. 15-Dec. 30 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (and Dec. 20-29), 1-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 30 at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., Oxen Hill. Tickets are $26.99-$47.99.
Symphony of Lights in Columbia more than 100 displays made with 300,000 bulbs. (Photo: Howard County General Hospital/Facebook)
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
The Merriweather Symphony of Lights in Columbia, Md., which benefits Howard County General Hospital, is a dazzling display of more than 100 larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations made up of approximately 300,000 bulbs.
Nov. 29-Jan. 4 from 6-10 p.m. weekdays including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and 5-10 p.m. weekends at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md. Walk-through nights are Dec. 1, 3, 9, 10, 12 and 31. Admission is $25 per car.
National Harbor will show free outdoor holiday movies every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. from Nov. 10-Dec. 29. (Photo: National Harbor)
Movies on the Potomac
National Harbor continues its annual holiday movie tradition with Movies on the Potomac at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays beginning on Nov. 10 with Elf, Nov. 17 with The Grinch (2000) and Nov. 24 with Arthur Christmas. In December, The Muppet Christmas Carol will be screened on Dec. 1, The Santa Clause (1994) on Dec. 8, The Year Without a Santa Clause (1976) on Dec. 15, Jack Frost on Dec. 22 and The Polar Express on Dec. 29. Take your blankets, grab lunch to-go from one of the restaurants and enjoy a holiday movie on the jumbo Plaza Screen.
Saturdays from Nov. 10-Dec. 29 beginning at 11:30 a.m. on National Harbor’s Plaza Screen, 150 National Plaza, Oxen Hill, Md. Admission is FREE, but parking is not!
Do your holiday shopping at the National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Nov. 30-Dec 22 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Photo: National Harbor)
National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
The National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show Series starts on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and continues through Christmas. Each week, new crafters and artisans will have their works for sale. Some of the goods being sold include clothing made for children, upscale jewelry, dog accessories, candles, maple products, home décor, bath and body, pillows and table runners, dinnerware, cashmere and silk scarves, rugs and carpets, glasswork, alpaca blankets and shawls, crystals, metal art, aprons, towels, resin art, woodwork, stationery, leather products, photography, kids’ crafts and a wide array of artworks.
Saturdays and Sunday from Nov. 30-Dec 22 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. along American Way in National Harbor, 100 American Way, Oxen Hill, Md. Admission is FREE, but parking is not.
Winter City Lights has more than 1 million twinkling lights spread over 18 acres in Olney. (Photo: Winter City Lights)
Winter City Lights
Winter City Lights, 4501 Olney Laytonsville Road, Olney, has more than 1 million twinkling lights spread across 18-acres of an outdoor winter wonderland where it is “guaranteed to ‘snow’ every night!” It claims to be the largest light show in the DMV and Baltimore, and one of “the most technologically advanced Christmas light experiences in the Country.” Admission includes 33 bonfires, a 1.5-mile long trail of Christmas lights and displays through the woods, a 52-foot tall programmable Christmas tree with light shows and a 200-foot diameter canopy of Christmas lights. The eight-lane Penguin Plunge Snow Tubing ride and Luberjack Axe Toss cost extra. Concessions sell s’mores, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, BBQ sandwiches, pizza, soft pretzels, adult drinks, light up toys and more.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 23-Dec. 29 plus Dec. 12, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25 and 26 from 5:30-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday and special days. Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $17.99-$39.99 for adults with discounts for seniors 65 and older and children 4-12. Children younger than 4 are free.
Winter Lights is a 3.5 mile drive through Seneca State Park in Gaithersburg. (Photo: Jim Smith/Cornerstone Images)
Winter Lights Festival
The City of Gaithersburg welcomes visitors to the annual Winter Lights Festival. The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and trees that light up the night. Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Toyland, the North Pole and more.
Nov. 29-Dec. 31 except Christmas Day from 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg. Admission is $15 for cars, SUVs and mini-vans Monday through Thursday and $25 Friday through Sunday. Tickets are not available at the gate.
Virginia
Boats line up for the annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. (Photo: Evan-Michio/Visit Alexandria)
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Dozens of brightly lit boat cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline during the 24th annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden, food, activities and more. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Alexandria City Marina and sails to Ford’s Landing Park near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. It lasts 30-60 minutes. (For details on the D.C. Holiday Boat Parade, see the listing above.)
Dec. 7 from 1-8 p.m. at Waterfront Park, 1 King St., Alexandria. Admission is FREE!
Bagpipers march in the annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. (Photo: E. Pallorina/Visit Alexandria)
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the 53rd annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups and more. The 1-mile parade begins at Saint Asaph and Wolfe Street then turns onto Queen Street then onto Fairfax Street and finally onto King Street where it ends at the intersection with Pitt Street.
Dec. 7 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. along St. Asaph, Queen, Fairfax and King Streets in Old Town Alexandria. Admission is FREE!
Drive through 2.5 miles of lights at the Bull Run Festival of Lights. (Photo: Linda M. Toki)
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Visit the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route in the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, take your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, activities including coloring and writing letters to Santa, a rock wall, crafts and of course, photos with Santa Claus in the holiday village or visit the carnival area. (Both are included with admission, but rides are extra. The carnival is closed on Thanksgiving.)
Nov. 15-Jan. 5 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday as well as Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day at Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centerville, Va. Admission is $30 online or $40 at the gate per carload.
Christmas at Mount Vernon features Winter Glow evenings with lights set to music. (Photo: Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
Christmas at Mount Vernon
The holidays are full of delight during Christmas at Mount Vernon. During the day, tour the mansion (some rooms may be closed due to renovations), enjoy the decorations, watch historic chocolate-making demonstrations, make a dove of peace ornament and meet Aladdin the Camel. Special Winter Glow evenings with festive lights set to holiday music will be held Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 15-19 and Dec. 23 starting at 5:30 p.m. ($54 for adults and $35 for youth) The 18th Century estate will be decorated with festive lighting set to holiday music, which the historic area is lantern lit. Holiday Afternoon Tea will be served Dec. 6-8 and 13-15 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. ($70 per person) Enjoy a selection of festive teas, delicate tea sandwiches, tempting sweets and a live harpist at The Mount Vernon Inn. Christmas Illuminations with fireworks set to holiday music over the Potomac along with a bonfire will be held Dec. 20-22 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. ($58 for adults and $36 for youth) Wander an18th-century winter market and encampment, participate in 18th-century dancing in the upper garden’s greenhouse and visit the Interpretive Center for a story time reading of Gingerbread for Liberty.
Nov. 16-Dec. 31 including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria. Tickets are $26 for adults and $13 for children 6-11. Children 5 and younger are FREE!
New this year, Cameron Run is decorated and features an ice skating rink. (Photo: Nova Parks)
Ice & Lights
Experience the Winter Village at Cameron Run in Alexandria. Ice & Lights transforms the waterpark into a winter village from mid-November through January with an ice rink that will remain open through February. There is a 20-foot walk-through tree, a lighted tunnel, fire pits, giant stars and snowflakes, beautifully lit trees and winter displays. You can also grab a slice of pizza or some s’mores and sip on hot chocolate while you enjoy the winter village.
Nov. 15-Jan. 5 from 5-10 p.m. nightly (closed Nov. 25-28) then Jan. 6 through Feb. 29 (ice rink only) from 5-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Cameron Run Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $9.75 online for everyone 2 and older to the village and $23.05 for the village and ice skating. Village admission only at the gate is $10.50.
Walk through a half mile of lights at Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights. (Photo: Nova Parks)
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Be dazzled by the Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Every year from mid-November until just after New Year’s Day, the garden is transformed into a half-mile walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the animated Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights and the Holiday Nature Walk, and look for new displays each year. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows and sipping on hot beverages by the fire.
Nov. 8-Jan. 5 including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year from 5:30-10 p.m. (5-10 p.m. starting Dec. 6) at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens court, Vienna. Tickets are $19.95 online and $23 at the gate ($24.07 online ONLY from Dec. 6-31). Children under 2 are FREE.
The Winter Lantern Festival in Tysons Corner has more than 1,000 hand-painted silk lanterns. (Photo: Winter Lantern Festival)
Winter Lantern Festival
With more than 1,000 homemade Chinese lanterns, the Winter Light Festival is a whimsical walk-through experience. Each lantern features hand-painted silk cloth over an LED-light-filled frame. Chinese myths, legends and zodiacs inspire this Instagram-worthy display, which takes about 45 minutes to walk through. There is live entertainment by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, food, drinks and gifts. The kids can have a blast at the bounce house or on the dino ride, interactive light swings and see-saws.
Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 31-Jan. 12, except Christmas Day from 5-9:30 p.m. at 8025 Galleria Drive, McLean at Tysons Galleria. Tickets are $26.99 for adults ages 13-64, $21.99 for seniors 65 or older, students and military, $16.99 for children 4-12 and free for children 3 and younger. At the gate, tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for kids. Parking is $15 in advance at the Colonial Parking Garages, 1752 Tysons Blvd. or 1723 Galleria Drive, McLean.
