Discover 19 verified christmas lights in Washington and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Washington Christmas lights and holiday displays. If you're looking to soak up the festive spirit, Washington offers a wide range of light displays to explore throughout the season.
From beloved neighborhood favorites to larger installations like the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s Garden d’Lights, there’s plenty to see near Washington. Many spots feature walking trails, drive-through lights, and twinkling neighborhood displays that make for memorable evenings.
This guide covers free displays, ticketed events, and both drive-through and walkable options. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a cozy date night, you’ll find something to help you make the most of the season near Washington.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ in a winter wonderland.
Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Gaylord National, featuring the spectacular ICE! attraction that brings The Polar Express™ to life in stunning ice sculptures. Beyond the icy marvels, discover a resort aglow with over 2 million lights, festive...
ICE! attraction featuring The Polar Express™ carved from ice
Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Gaylord National, featuring the enchanting ICE! attraction brought to life by The Polar Express™. Marvel at colossal ice sculptures, slide down thrilling ice slides, and enjoy festive activities for the whole family....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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,...
Nationally ranked holiday parade and tree lighting
Experience a day of festive cheer at the Reston Town Center's Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. This nationally recognized parade, a USA Today top ten event, kicks off a day filled with joy. Enjoy train and carriage rides, meet Santa...
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...
See the location of all christmas lights around Washington and nearby areas
Open Map →Popular displays include the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s Garden d’Lights and the Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park. Many neighborhoods also feature festive light displays that are worth exploring.
Yes, Washington offers both drive-through lights, like Fantasy Lights, and walkable light displays such as those at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Some neighborhoods also have walking trails with holiday lights.
Most major displays begin in late November, often right after Thanksgiving, and continue through December. Some displays may run into early January.
Yes, several neighborhoods and parks offer free holiday lights, including local streets and some public parks. Some larger events may require a ticket for entry.