Alexandria Christmas Lights 2025

Discover 20 verified christmas lights in Alexandria and nearby areas.

Welcome to your guide for Alexandria Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city and its surroundings come alive with festive cheer. Whether you're a local or visiting, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the season's glow.

Near Alexandria, beloved neighborhood favorites like the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on the Old Town waterfront and the Winter City Lights enchanted trail offer memorable experiences. These displays showcase creative light installations that capture the spirit of the holidays.

This guide covers free neighborhood displays, ticketed events, drive-through lights, and walkable trails. Explore these options to discover the best holiday lights and make the most of your festive visit.

All Christmas Lights Around Alexandria

Christmas at Gaylord National featuring The Polar Express

National Harbor, MD
$$$

ICE! attraction featuring The Polar Expressβ„’ carved from ice

Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Gaylord National, featuring the enchanting ICE! attraction brought to life by The Polar Expressβ„’. Marvel at colossal ice sculptures, slide down thrilling ice slides, and enjoy festive activities for the whole family....

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Christmas at Gaylord National featuring The Polar Expressβ„’

National Harbor, MD
$$

ICE! featuring The Polar Expressβ„’ in a winter wonderland.

Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Gaylord National, featuring the spectacular ICE! attraction that brings The Polar Expressβ„’ to life in stunning ice sculptures. Beyond the icy marvels, discover a resort aglow with over 2 million lights, festive...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyInteractive Displays

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

$$

Waterpark transformed into a winter village with ice skating and lights.

Experience a magical winter transformation at Cameron Run Regional Park, which becomes Ice & Lights: The Winter Village. This festive outdoor event offers dazzling light displays, an ice rink for skating under the stars, and cozy fire pits perfect for...

Holiday Light DisplaysIce SkatingFamily Friendly

DC Holiday Lights Tour

Washington, DC
$$

Guided tour of national Christmas trees and holiday lights

Embark on a magical three-hour journey through Washington D.C. and Old Town Alexandria to discover "America's Christmas Trees." This guided tour takes you aboard a luxury bus to witness dazzling light displays, including the National Christmas Tree and the Capitol...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyGuided Tours

Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park

Washington, DC 5 mi from Alexandria
$$

World's largest Christmas light maze.

Step into a winter wonderland at Enchant Christmas, held at Nationals Park. This magical event features the world's largest Christmas light maze, an enchanting ice skating rink, and a charming Christmas Village filled with artisan crafts and festive treats. It's...

Holiday Light DisplaysChristmas VillageIce Skating

Light Yards

Washington, DC 5 mi from Alexandria
Free

Animated light displays and interactive sound installations.

Experience the magic of Light Yards at The Yards Park, a dazzling, family-friendly art installation. This event transforms the park into a wonderland with animated light displays that dance and shimmer. Visitors can interact with the installations, creating a truly...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFestive Atmosphere

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Washington, DC 6 mi from Alexandria
Free

Iconic National Christmas Tree and state/territory ornaments

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This cherished national tradition features the beautifully decorated National Christmas Tree, illuminated with thousands of lights. Visitors can also admire unique ornaments representing every U.S. state...

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationFamily Friendly

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA 7 mi from Alexandria
$$$

Historic estate illuminated for a festive holiday celebration.

Step into a festive holiday wonderland at Mount Vernon's Christmas Illuminations. Wander through the estate aglow with enchanting lights, witness a spectacular fireworks display over the Potomac, and immerse yourself in 18th-century traditions. Meet historical figures, explore a winter encampment,...

Holiday Light DisplaysFireworksFamily Friendly

Smithsonian's National Zoo ZooLights

Washington, DC 9 mi from Alexandria
$$

Enchanting winter wonderland with illuminated lantern animals.

Step into an enchanting winter wonderland at ZooLights, the Smithsonian's National Zoo's annual holiday light spectacular. Wander through festive pathways illuminated by dazzling lantern animals and immersive displays. Enjoy live musical performances, take a magical ride on the train or...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFestive Atmosphere

Light Up the Holidays at Glen Echo Park

Glen Echo, MD 12 mi from Alexandria
$$

Holiday art show and artist studios

Experience the enchantment of 'Light Up the Holidays' at Glen Echo Park, where the park transforms into a winter wonderland under twinkling lights. Discover fine art and unique gifts from resident artists, enjoy festive performances, and immerse yourself in holiday...

Holiday Light DisplaysHoliday Markets And ShoppingFamily Friendly

DMV Winter Lantern Festival

Tysons Corner, VA 12 mi from Alexandria
$$

Over 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns by experienced artisans.

Step into a luminous wonderland at the DMV Winter Lantern Festival, a breathtaking celebration of traditional Chinese culture. Marvel at over 1,000 handcrafted lanterns, some created by artisans with over 20 years of experience, illuminating the night with vibrant LED...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyInteractive Displays

Winter Lantern Festival

Tysons, VA 12 mi from Alexandria
$$

Illuminated Chinese lantern festival with live acrobatic performances.

Step into a world of enchantment at the Winter Lantern Festival, a dazzling outdoor event that transforms the night with hundreds of illuminated Chinese lanterns. This magical journey blends ancient tradition with modern technology, featuring handcrafted displays inspired by folklore...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyInteractive Displays

Centreville Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park

Fairfax Station, VA 14 mi from Alexandria
$$

Festive train and carousel rides amidst holiday lights.

Step into a festive winter wonderland at Burke Lake Park! They offer enchanting holiday light displays, magical train rides, and delightful carousel spins. Families can also enjoy engaging nature programs, from exploring the "underworld" of fallen logs to campfire stories...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Washington D.C. Temple Festival of Lights

Kensington, MD 14 mi from Alexandria
Free

Over 500,000 lights and global nativity scenes

The Washington D.C. Temple Festival of Lights transforms the grounds into a winter wonderland with over 500,000 dazzling lights. Visitors can explore a global collection of nativity scenes, admire beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and enjoy daily holiday performances. This free...

Holiday Light DisplaysNativity ScenesFamily Friendly

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights

Vienna, VA 16 mi from Alexandria
$$

Enchanting garden trail illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights.

Step into a winter wonderland at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens' Winter Walk of Lights. This enchanting event transforms the gardens into a magical landscape illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights. Wander along a paved, accessible half-mile trail, marveling at themed displays...

Holiday Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsFamily Friendly

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Wheaton, MD 18 mi from Alexandria
$$

Enchanting outdoor light displays in a botanical garden setting.

Experience the magic of the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens, where the 50-acre horticultural gem is transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Wander through a half-mile outdoor path illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and unique, glimmering displays. This...

Holiday Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsSeasonal Activities

Rocking Around the Boardwalk Holiday Walk of Lights

Woodbridge, VA 18 mi from Alexandria
Free

Dazzling holiday light walk

Step into a winter wonderland at the Rocking Around the Boardwalk Holiday Walk of Lights. This enchanting event transforms the boardwalk into a dazzling display of festive illumination, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories. Stroll through a magical landscape adorned...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFestive Decorations

Celebration of Lights

Great Falls, VA 19 mi from Alexandria
Free

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa arrival

Experience the magic of the season at the annual Celebration of Lights! This free community event features a petting zoo, pony rides, and live music from local school groups. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Winterfest 2025

Reston, VA 20 mi from Alexandria
Free

Thousands of festive holiday lights and Santa visits

Experience the magic of Winterfest 2025, a vibrant three-night holiday celebration in Reston. Wander through a dazzling trail of thousands of festive lights, enjoy live music, and gather around cozy fire pits for s'mores. Meet Santa for a free photo,...

Holiday Light DisplaysSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

View All Christmas Lights on Map

See the location of all christmas lights around Alexandria and nearby areas

Open Map β†’

Explore More Categories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top Christmas light displays in and around Alexandria?

Top displays include the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights along the Old Town waterfront and Winter City Lights, a 1.5-mile enchanted trail with over a million twinkling lights near Alexandria. Additionally, many neighborhoods feature beloved neighborhood displays that are free to enjoy.

Are there drive-through light displays as well as walkable options near Alexandria?

Yes, near Alexandria you can find both drive-through light displays and walkable trails. The Winter City Lights offers a walkable experience with immersive light tunnels, while nearby Northern Virginia parks host drive-through festivals like the Bull Run Festival of Lights.

When do Alexandria Christmas lights typically start appearing?

Alexandria Christmas lights and holiday displays generally start appearing in late November, with official events like the Holiday Tree Lighting at City Hall around Thanksgiving weekend and major parades and light shows beginning in early December.

Are there free Christmas light displays available in Alexandria?

Yes, many neighborhood displays in Alexandria are free to visit, including the Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at City Hall and various decorated streets throughout the city. These provide accessible ways to enjoy holiday lights without a ticket.

← Back to Alexandria Christmas Events Hub