Visiting Holiday and Christmas Lights near me in the DC Area is our family's favorite tradition! I've updated the list below for 2026 (and Enchant DC is BACK + Frosted at Franklin Park!) and organized by DC, Virginia, and Maryland. I've also added Stroller, Accessibility, Parking, and Metro information for each location. I'm so excited that 22 of the 40 are free!
DC Lights Holiday and Christmas in Virginia Table of Contents:
- DC (13)
- Virginia (16)
- Maryland (11)
- What I Bring to Holiday Lights
- DC Area Holiday Hotels
- More DMV Holiday Activities
- Google Map and Full List
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Photo by S Pakhrin under Creative Commons 2.0 license.
DC Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights Washington, DC
ZooLights at the National Zoo - DC Lights $10 admission
The National Zoo will be alight in lights and holiday cheer starting around November 20 until first week of January 3, 2027. They will have thousands of lights, live music, and winter treats.
Last year, a Zoo employee told me they are releasing tickets 2 weeks before, 1 week before, 1 day before, and day of as they are available so keep checking if you don't see any for your dates!
ZooLights Dates and Times:
- Mon – Sat5 p.m. – 9 p.m
- Sundays5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Last entry 30 minutes before close.
- Adults Only Night are $19 including 1 adult beverage: Wednesday, Dec. 16 · 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Member Nights are free!: Tuesday, Dec. 8 & Wednesday, Dec. 9
Cost: Like last year, they are requiring a $6 admission per person.
ZooLight Notes:
- Animals: Indoor animal exhibits are closed to allow animals to get a full night's sleep :)
- Parking: Parking fee of $30 in advance and $40 on day of to park at the Zoo. I highly recommend booking ahead as this sells out before admission.
- Metro: The Zoo is an equal distance from the Cleveland Park and Woodley Park Metro stops. I recommend Cleveland Park because you have to walk uphill from the Woodley Park Station.
- Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? The Zoo is fully accessible however, note that it is a large hill that can get steep at times.
US Botanic Garden Holiday Display (Our favorite DC Lights)
Photo by DC Gardens under Creative Commons 2.0 license.
A highlight each year for our family, the US Botanic Garden will once again have its popular train and landmark display up between Nov 26, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, closed Dec 25. There are 2 parts of the Gardens to explore with your family:
Outdoor Model Trains:
The model trains will be outside in the gated outdoor gardens and run between 10 AM and 5 PM daily. Please note the train may not run during bad weather. Here's a post with pictures from our visit last year.
Indoor Conservatory with DC Landmark made of Plants:
We've visited the Conservatory for years since I was pregnant with my eldest! It's incredible how artists and gardeners created DC landmarks from plants and trees.
US Botanic Holiday Dates:
- The Trains and Conservatory will be open daily from 10 to 5 PM on Nov 26, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, closed Dec 25.
- This year’s theme is America’s 250th, with trains running past national parks. Sensory-Friendly Morning is Dec 5, and Sensory-Friendly Evening is Jan 2.
- Cost: Free and no passes are required.
Gift Shop and Zeke's Coffee: Check out Rewild in the Conservatory's West Gallery for botanical gifts and Zeke’s Coffee will have coffee and hot chocolate for sale just inside the gated outdoor garden near the trains. Please note, Zeke's Coffee may have different hours.
Parking: Parking can be tricky since the Garden is on the US Capitol's grounds but I have had luck with street parking closer to the American Indian Museum or on 2nd St. SW. Also, SpotHero has been helpful in the past for parking downtown (not sponsored!)
Metro: Almost equidistant from Federal Center SW and Capitol South Metro Stations.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes! The US Botanic Garden is fully accessible inside the Conservatory and the paths around the trains outside.
Mom Tip: You can also go on a little "Christmas Tree Hunt" and walk 1 block to the US Capitol Tree and then 2.5 blocks north to the Canadian Embassy with a stunning tree and Christmas music!
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park DC Lights Extravaganza!
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park is making its long-awaited return to Washington, DC in 2026, and families can once again experience this festive holiday wonderland! After a few years away, Enchant returns with millions of twinkling lights, a walk-through Christmas light maze featuring an all-new Night of the Nutcrackers theme, an illuminated ice skating trail, a NEW in 2026 snow slide, visits with Santa, and a holiday village filled with seasonal treats and gifts. We visited Enchant as a family during its previous DC season, and you can read about our experience and how to save before planning your visit!
Dates: November 20–December 27, 2026
Location: Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Ticket Prices: $10-$39 based on dates and ages.
Screenshot from DowntownDC.org.
New DC Lights in 2026! Frosted at Franklin Park
Franklin Park will transform Downtown DC’s largest green space into a sparkling winter wonderland from November 13, 2026, through January 9, 2027. Take an evening stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays, including a glittering icicle walkway, giant illuminated snowflakes, and glowing photo opportunities throughout the park.
Cost: Best of all, this festive holiday experience is completely free!
Dates: November 13, 2026, through January 9, 2027
Nearby: Planet Word is our family's favorite museum right on the edge of the Park.
Staycation Idea: Check out these Holiday Hotels in DC for festive fun.
The National Christmas Tree - The most famous Washington DC Christmas Lights!
Full review and tips from our visit here! Photo by Jennifer at FamilyTripGuides.com.
The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on Thursday, December 3, 2026 and airing a little while later on CBS.
Dates for the 2026 Free National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Lottery
- The free ticket lottery opened Oct 28 at 10 AM ET and closes Wed, Nov 4 at 3 PM ET.
If you don't get into the ceremony lottery you can still visit the tree and 50 state trees anytime!
Full review of our December Visit to the Tree here!
Even if you don't go to the Christmas Tree Lighting, you can still visit the National Christmas Tree every day between December 6th through January 1st on the Ellipse.
My favorite part is actually not the tree itself but the 58 trees that surround it from US states, territories, and schools managed by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity. (I'm an alumnus of the last one!)
Dates: December 4 through January 1st. The lights will turn on at sunset each evening and turn off at 10 pm on Sunday - Thursday and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Cost: FREE
Parking: I like to use the SpotHero App to find parking downtown (not sponsored!)
Metro: Federal Triangle Metro Station is closest to the National Christmas Tree and Ellipse
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? There is rubber flooring (see the 3rd photo on the NPS.gov website) and I saw strollers but it is not even enough for wheelchairs I believe.
Mom Tip: Bring electric (rechargeable!) hand warmers when visiting the National Christmas Tree! They’re easy to slip into your pockets and make a big difference when you’re standing outside enjoying the holiday lights.
National Menorah - Holiday DC Lighting and Viewing on the White House Grounds
Photo by Ted Eytan under Creative Commons 2.0 license.
Chanukah begins this year on the evening of December 4, 2026 until December 12, 2026. The National Menorah hosts the lighting ceremony for "the most prominent public Chanukah event in the world.” The National Chanukah Menorah is located on the Ellipse and will also be broadcast live online.
Dates: Lighting will be on December 4, 2026. Tickets will be available for request on on their website. The Menorah will be lit each day of Chanukah.
Cost: Free!
Parking: I like to use the SpotHero App to find parking downtown (not sponsored!)
Metro: Federal Triangle Metro Station is closest to the Ellipse.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? I need to double check but there was rubber flooring around the National Christmas Tree which is in the same area, so I believe that extends to the Menorah as well.
And click here if you want to check out 10 East Coast Christmas Towns for a getaway.
DC Holiday Hunt
DC Holiday Hunt is an interactive experience for DC residents and visitors. Race throughout DC to accomplish as many missions as possible for a chance to win incredible prizes. You will have the opportunity to try out new foods, meet new businesses, and experience DC like never before.
Includes 9 Main Streets lit up with Holiday Lights!
Dates: Checking on 2026 dates.
Cost: Free!
Parking: Depends on the neighborhood
Metro: Depends on the neighborhood
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes in that these are streets in DC that hopefully have correct curbs etc.
Light Yards at The Yards DC
An interactive candy cane-inspired wonderland featuring over 20 towering, illuminated candy canes that visitors can push to trigger animated light displays.
Dates: November 23, 2026 to January 1, 2027. 5 - 10 PM every evening
Cost: Free!
Parking: We've parked at the parking lot at the end of 4th St. SE. I believe $2 per hour.
Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes!
And Light Yards Express! Kick off the holiday season with a night of cheer as neighbors and friends gather to celebrate Light Yards. Enjoy holiday train rides, sparkling glitter tattoos, live music, fun giveaways, and a visit from our special guest, Santa Claus!
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
Photo courtesy of Sara from @LongWalksDC. Thanks so much!
DC Holiday Market - Joy Holiday Lights Sign and more!
There is a wonderful but small light display with stars and JOY lit up right by the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Our family loved taking pictures inside the stars because the twinkly lights really light up your face! The rest of the market really reminds me of German Kriskindlemarkts when I was growing up!
You can read all about the market and the fun food under #4 in my Top 10 Best DC Spots for Winter/Christmas.
Dates: Friday, November 13 to Monday December 23, 2025. (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
Times:
- Monday to Thursday 12 PM to 8 PM
- Friday - Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM
- Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM
Cost: Free!
Parking: Little tricky in this busy area near the Capitol One Center and Chinatown so we use SpotHero for a parking garage spot.
Metro: Chinatown Galleria is only a block away.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes!
Georgetown Jingle and Glow - TBD
TBD for 2026, info below is for 2025.
Georgetown Glow is paused for 2025 but the neighborhood will have a new event, the Georgetown Jingle on December 6, 2025! "Georgetown Jingle – our first-ever holiday music event – featuring 10 live music performances at 10 outdoor locations throughout Georgetown. Artists include HumTunes, featuring soulful renditions of contemporary pop and alternative hits; holiday acapella music from Capital Blend; jazz and pop by Gracie Jay; and jazz vocalist James Zimmerman and Friends."
Dates: December 6, 2025
Time: 1 - 4 PM
Cost: Free and see website for discounts at restaurants and boutiques.
Parking: The easiest parking is at Georgetown Park parking garage. Entrances are located on Potomac Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Click here for more info.
Metro: The Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station, located on the blue and orange lines, is a 15-minute walk from Georgetown. Metro riders can also access Georgetown via the DC Circulator bus from the Rosslyn and Dupont Circle Metro stations. For more information, including a map and trip planning feature, visit www.wmata.com.
Bus: The DC Circulator offers 2 lines in Georgetown. east-west from Georgetown to Union Station via downtown; and from Rosslyn, VA through Georgetown to the Dupont Circle metro. The fare is $1. For more information and a map, visit www.dccirculator.com.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes!
City Center's Holiday Tree Washington DC Lights
The Holiday Tree Lighting takes place Saturday, Nov. 14, from 5–8 p.m. The free, family-friendly celebration will feature live entertainment, face painting, balloon animals and festive food and beverages available for purchase, including hot chocolate, milk and cookies, warm pretzels, popcorn and donuts. The evening will culminate in the lighting of CityCenterDC's spectacular 78-foot holiday tree.
Time: Nightly.
Cost: Free!
Parking: Parking garage underneath and valet at 920 I Street NW, Washington DC 20001.
Metro: Metro Center on the Red, Blue and Orange lines.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes, very accessible.
Embassy of Canada's Holiday Tree
Beautiful natural tree in the Rotunda of the Embassy of Canada right on Pennsylvania Ave. My daughter and I loved seeing it late one night. There is security around but you don't have to enter the embassy to view it and take pictures!
Dates: Usually every night in December.
Location: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Cost: Free!
Stroller/Wheelchair Friendly: Yes
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade - Holiday Lights on the Water!
"Celebrate the holidays with this iconic DC event that features over 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel.
Get into the spirit with ornament decorating and face painting by Recreation Pier. Roast s'mores at the Camp Wharf fire pit and visit our lighted 45ft Christmas Tree. Skate at The Wharf Ice Rink on Transit Pier and sample winter drinks at our Corona Beer Garden. And bring your camera for pictures with Santa!"
Dates: December 5, 2026
Time: 6 - 9 PM
Cost: Free!
Parking: The Wharf has a parking garage under a couple of its blocks but get there early as it fills up on a weekend!
Metro:
- 1 block to the Waterfront Metro Station on the Green Line.
- 8-minute walk to the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, Yellow lines. You can also ride between The Wharf and L'Enfant Plaza Metro station on our free SW Shuttle. The SW Shuttle picks up passengers on 7th St SW at Maryland Ave SW.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes!
The Heurich House Christkindlmarkt
The Heurich House Christkindlmarkt is a festive German-inspired Christmas market held in the heart of Washington, DC. Visitors can browse unique gifts from local artisans, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, and soak up the holiday atmosphere in the beautiful historic courtyard of the Heurich House.
For 2026, the market features more than 40 local artisans, making it a great place to find one of a kind Christmas gifts while supporting small businesses. Enjoy traditional German treats, warm Glühwein, hot chocolate, and a free holiday craft station for kids. Admission is pay what you can, with a suggested minimum of $10 for adults and $2 for children.
Dates: December 3–6, 2026
Location: Heurich House Museum, Dupont Circle
Hours: Thursday and Friday 4–8 PM, Saturday 12–8 PM, Sunday 12–6 PM
Virginia Christmas Lights and Holiday Displays
Meadowlark Holiday Light Display. Photo by FamilyTripGuides.
Meadowlark Botanical Garden’s Winter Walk of Lights - Our family's favorite Christmas Lights in Virginia
Located in Vienna, Meadowlark exceeded my expectations! The number of lights and variety was truly amazing! They give kids a scavenger hunt with a pencil and they can get a sticker at the end. There is also an adorable greenhouse to purchase hot chocolate and desserts like a s’more’s bar. The highlight for our family was the timed lights with music by the lake. My kids loved dancing along and we loved watching them from the many benches spread out. I appreciated the social distancing measures, especially the one-way walk path.
My favorite part is that the paved path is stroller and wheelchair accessible! You can see a reel of our visit here.
Meadowlark Holiday Lights Dates & Times:
- Nov 11, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027.
- Hours are 5:30-10 PM through Dec 3, then 5-10 PM from Dec 4. Admission ends at 9:30 PM.
- Cost: $19 online or $24 at the door (Nov 11-Dec 3 and Jan 1-3). Dec 4-31 is $24, online only.
Parking: Free parking lot.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes! We have gone with a wagon and wheelchair and it is 100% accessible!
Bull Run Festival of Lights Drive Thru
The only Drive-Thru on our list is perfect for staying warm and socially distancing! Located in Centreville, VA which is about 30 miles from downtown DC. The drive-through is 2.5 miles of festive light displays. I love this line on their website, "turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow."
Dates: Nov 14, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027.
Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30 PM and Fri-Sun and holidays 5:30-10 PM.
Cost: $30-45 per vehicle online, depending on the date.
Parking: Drive-thru!
Cameron Run Bright Nights - Virginia Christmas Lights
Now called Bright Nights! Holiday lights and an outdoor ice rink at this Alexandria water park! Includes fire pits, photo ops, light displays, and more! All tickets must be purchased online ahead of time. We really liked our time here last year!
Dates: Nov 14, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027. Nov 14-22 is weekends only, 5-10 PM. Nov 27-Dec 17 is Mon-Thu 5-9 PM and Fri-Sun 5-10 PM. Dec 18-Jan 3 is nightly, 5-10 PM.
Cost: Cost is $9 online and $12 on-site. + Ice Skating
Parking: Large parking lot.
Ice Skating! Daytime Ice Skating is available a lot of dates November 29 to February 23. Check the website because they are on different dates like weekends and holidays during certain times of the year.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes! Located in a water park.
Mount Vernon Winter Glow and Christmas Illuminations
If you would like a more historical take on the holidays, check out George Washington’s home in Mount Vernon, VA. The estate will be “illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns” as well as by candlelight this year for 2 different events.
Dates:
- Mount Vernon by Candlelight: Nov. 27 - Nov. 28, 2026
Dec. 11 - Dec. 12, 2026
Dec. 18, 2026
Dec. 21 - Dec. 22, 2026
Tours start as early as 5 p.m.
The experience takes about 2 hours from entry.
Adult (Ages 12+)
General Public: $41
Member: $32.80
Youth (Ages 6-11)
General Public: $33
Member: $26.40
Ages 5 and Under: Free
- Christmas Illuminations: Dec 19-20, 2026, 5:30-8:30 PM. Adults 12+ are $58, youth 6-11 are $36, and children 5 and under are free. I couldn’t confirm 2026 Winter Glow dates.
Parking: Large free parking lots.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? I have not been to Mount Vernon at Christmas so I am not sure about the accessibility personally. They have a website with a lot of information.
Frying Pan Holiday Lights on the Farm - Christmas Lights in Virginia
Holiday Lights on the Farm is back at our favorite Virginian farm, Frying Pan Farm! Frying Pan Farm Park will celebrate the holidays "with an evening of wagon rides, indoor activities, food, animal interactions, campfires, and more!" Reserving ahead of time will make sure you get a spot (they tell you how many left per time slot) and save you $5 per person!
Ticket price includes:
- 1 wagon ride along the light show route
- 1 trackless train ride
- 1 carousel ride for children 12 and under
Dates: December 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19
Cost: $12 per person pass presale ends one day before event date; $15 per person day of at the gate.
Parking: Large free parking lot.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Frying Pan Farm is mostly hard-packed dirt paths which if there is no rain, would be accessible for wheelchairs, wagons, and strollers. I am not sure if all the activities for the Lights on the Farm are accessible.
Leesburg Christmas Lights Virginia
Photo by FamilyTripGuides.
We had the best holiday afternoon in Leesburg, Virginia, so I wanted to share our day! It includes 3 kid-friendly spots (Luckett's Store!) and 1 great restaurant. All recommendations are free including the parking at Leesburg City’s parking garage. The Leesburg Christmas lights are beautiful and unique at the historic courthouse and downtown. Check out the itinerary here.
Dates: Nightly in December. (Also their Christmas & Holiday Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 6:00 pm. Rain date is December 14, 2025 at 6 PM.)
Cost: Free
Parking: Free during the holidays at the City's garage.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Lucketts Store may not have accessible restrooms (I believe they are inside the historic house) but I will reach out and ask! Narrower paths though.
3 Fun & Free Neighborhood Lights in Burke and Springfield Virginia
Check out this blog post for 3 unique and fun neighborhood lights including The Elf House, Cul-de-Sac Santa's Village, and a Gas Station with musical lights show!
The Elf House Holiday Light Display in Burke, Virginia
Claude Moore Park's Lighted Nights - Virginia Christmas Lights
Claude Moore Park has created a self-guided stroll through this Loudoun park with holiday lights and historic buildings. On Friday and Saturday evenings, you can also get hot chocolate and roast marshmallows. They even have halal available!
Dates: Will check on 2026 dates. Last year December 9 - 23, 2024 from 5 PM-7 PM. Please note the park closes promptly at 7 PM.
Cost: Free! No tickets needed.
Parking: Free parking lot.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes it looks paved and this reel from @Jules_in_Virignia says it is stroller-friendly!
Old Town Alexandria's Market Square
Old Town Alexandria is always a great idea and especially for the Holidays! Oprah Daily named it one of the "Most Magical Christmas Towns in the World" in 2019, 2020 and 2021!
Dates: No lighting this year due to construction on City Hall.
Cost: Free!
Parking: Find $5 garage parking in Old Town on Saturdays and Sundays, and after 5 p.m. on weekdays, at the Courthouse Square Garage, 111 S. Pitt Street, and the Market Square Garage, 108 N. Fairfax Street.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes!
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Dates: December 5, 2026. Parade starts at 5:30 PM but Dockside activities are from 1 - 8 PM. You have to check out the website for the winning boats from last year! Including Best in Show "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" which is exactly what you would expect!!
Cost: Free!
Parking: Find $5 garage parking in Old Town on Saturdays and Sundays, and after 5 p.m. on weekdays, at the Courthouse Square Garage, 111 S. Pitt Street, and the Market Square Garage, 108 N. Fairfax Street.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes!
One Loudoun Virginia Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting
Dates: Last year was December 5, 2026. Parade starts at 5:30 PM but Dockside activities are from 1 - 8 PM. You have to check out the website for the winning boats from last year! Including Best in Show "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" which is exactly what you would expect!!
Cost: Free!
Parking: Find $5 garage parking in Old Town on Saturdays and Sundays, and after 5 p.m. on weekdays, at the Courthouse Square Garage, 111 S. Pitt Street, and the Market Square Garage, 108 N. Fairfax Street.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes!
Holiday Walk of Lights Neabsco Regional Park - Woodbridge, VA
Will update to 2026 when I hear!
Our family loves the boardwalk at Neabsco Regional Park and now the Prince William Parks Department has added unique, hand-crafted light displays all along the path!
2025 Dates:
- December 4-7: 5-9pm
- December 9, 5-8pm (Sensory Night)
December 11-14: 5-9pm - December 18-23: 5-9pm
- December 27 & 28: 5-9pm
Cost: Free and no tickets needed!
Parking: Check out their website for all the parking information including a free parking shuttle from local schools.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes! We have taken family members in a wheelchair and stroller on the boardwalk! The website says "Parking at Neabsco Regional Park is reserved for those with disabled license plates or placards ONLY. Shuttle buses will pickup and drop off at the Neabsco Regional Park parking lot."
Maryland Holiday Light Displays (near DC)
Brookside Gardens Holiday Lights. Photo by FamilyTripGuides.
Brookside Gardens - Garden of Lights - Affordable Holiday Light Display in Maryland
We loved our visit to Brookside Gardens! Thousands of lights are all around the 50 acres of the garden in Wheaton, Maryland. My kids' favorite part was the Fubbles, fog bubbles that you can hold and pop! (Located right after the caterpillar light tunnel.) You can see a reel of our family's visit here.
Brookside Garden of Lights Dates and Cost:
- Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027. It’s closed Nov 23-26, Dec 24-25, and Jan 1.
- Timed entry starts at 5 PM.
- Tickets are $13.99 Sun-Thu and $16.99 Fri-Sat, and children under 5 are free.
Parking: Free parking lot!
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Brookside is not a 100% wheelchair-friendly holiday light display as there are some areas that have a gravel/leaf path and at least two small gardens that have stairs. But you can see all the lights from the main paths. There were lots of strollers but just note some areas have a few stairs to access.
Christmas at Gaylord National Hotel Maryland - ICE! Featuring the Grinch!
The Gaylord National Hotel at National Harbor is the place to be for holiday cheer. There's a free atrium show each evening with 3 million lights plus tons of holiday events including ICE! featuring "A Polar Express!"
More Holiday activities: Ice Tubing, Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt, Gingerbread Decorating Corner, Ice Skating, Mrs. Claus' Christmas Traditions, Snowball Build & Blast.
Hours of Operation: Nov 14, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027. The theme is now the Grinch, not The Polar Express. Early-bird passes started at $41, and children under 3 are free.
Free Atrium Show: Free in the atrium. Late November - December 31. Daily: 7:30 pm, 8:45 pm, 9:15 pm.
Parking: Paid parking garage.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes!
Gaylord is listed in the Winter section of my post on 10 Best Family Resorts on the East Coast!
Holiday Tree Light Show at National Harbor - Free Christmas Lights near me in Maryland
Every evening from November 12 to January 3rd, there will be a short light show on the 60-foot tree with over 2 million lights! The tree is located outside by the Ferris Wheel on Waterfront Street. The light show will take place every half hour from sundown to 9 pm. We went a couple of years ago and it was so much fun! (but no pictures, sorry!)
Also, on Saturday nights November 21, 28 and December 19 at 5:30 p.m. they will also have a free spectacular fireworks display following the tree lighting show.
Cost: Free
Parking: Lots of parking garages and some street parking at National Harbor.
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes!
Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek Maryland
Drive through 3.5 miles of more than 450 illuminated displays and lit trees in Gaithersburg! Their tagline made me laugh, “socially distancing since 1995!” Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Dates: Nov 27-Dec 31, 2026, closed Dec 25. Tickets must be bought in advance.
Cost: Tickets must be purchased in advance.
- Monday - Thursday: $15 per vehicle
- Friday - Sunday: $25 per vehicle
- 15+ Passenger Vehicles: $30
Parking: Drive-thru!
Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights, Maryland Christmas Lights
Fun Drive Through Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park! Make sure to download the I Spy PDF game on their website for your kids to use as you drive through the festival.
Dates: No exact date yet but last year it was November 29 - January 1, 2026. Nightly from 5 to 10 pm. Online ticket sales end daily at 4 p.m.
Cost:
- Fees: Cars: $10 online/ $15 at the gate
- Van/Limo: $20
- Bus: $30
Parking: Drive thru!
Frederick, Maryland Lights Sailing Through The Winter Solstice
Our only boat light show on the list! "Every year Carroll Creek Park is filled with individually designed lighted sailboats. This floating light installation sets sail in November and is on display through March."
Dates: November 21, 2026 - March 2027. "You can view the boats anytime day or night. In fact, you may want to take a look while it's light out and again after it gets dark and the lights come on. Lights typically turn on at sunset, so this is a great time to see them both ways."
Cost: Free!
Parking: Parking garage at Carroll Creek Garage(sometimes free I think!)
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Yes!
Honorable Mention: Holly Days at the Maryland Zoo
A little further afield in Baltimore, the Maryland Zoo announced their Holly Days Weekends! This is not a light display per se as in past years but I wanted to include it because such a fun holiday activity.
Lots of events in 2025 including Santa Days, Hannukah and Kwanza days.
Fri., Nov. 27 - Fri., Nov. 27, 2026
Cost: Included with Zoo Admission or Membership
Parking: Free parking!
Wheelchair/Stroller/Wagon Friendly? Their website on accessibility says yes!
Credit: Jeffrey Socha
What I Bring to Holiday Light Displays
- Hand warmers that I always keep in my trunk ($6 for 10 pairs) also I found these rechargeable ones that look great!
- Glowsticks for fun and to find my kids in the dark! (100 pack for $10)
- We took our Wagon to Meadowlark when my son was little and it was great to contain him! (We got ours at Costco years ago but this one has 9k reviews and 5 stars.
- Protein in the car for the sugar crash (Snack Mates Mini Meat Sticks are my kids' favs)
Where to Stay After a Night of Holiday Lights in DC, Virginia and Maryland
Light displays are best after dark, which usually means a late, chilly drive home with tired kids. Staying overnight makes the evening so much easier! Here's where I'd book:
- Lights without leaving the hotel: The Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor has light shows, the ICE! exhibit, and an indoor pool, so you can enjoy the lights and then walk straight to your room.
- Best for families in the city: We stayed at the Residence Inn National Mall, and the roomy suites and indoor heated pool made it easy to relax after a long night out.
- Budget pick in Virginia: Hampton Inn & Suites Arlington Crystal City DCA has free breakfast and is about a 5-minute walk from the Crystal City Metro, so you can ride the train back after the lights instead of hunting for parking.
- Budget pick in Maryland: Courtyard Silver Spring Downtown is a short walk from the Silver Spring Metro on the Red Line and has an indoor pool, which is great for warming up after a cold night outside.
December weekends fill up fast, so I always book early and look for free-cancellation rates. You can see all my picks in my guide to holiday hotels in Washington DC.
DC & Virginia Themed Holiday Gifts
- Twas the Night Before Christmas in Washington, D.C: A Twist on a Classic Christmas Tale and Fun Stocking Stuffer for Boys and Girls 4-8
- Washington D.C. Alphabet Tote Bag: Illustrated with examples, B for Ben's Chilli Bowl, E for Embassy Row, and Q for Quadrants
- The Twelve Days of Christmas in Washington, D.C: Kindergarten to 2nd Grade
- Christmas at The Capitol by Carol Dyer 300-Piece Puzzle
Photo by FamilyTripGuides.
More Holiday Family Fun in the DMV!
- Santa Fire Truck Runs in Virginia and Maryland
- Top 10 Holiday Spots in DC (great for out-of-town visitors!) - with INDOOR and OUTDOOR recommendations!
- 50 Free Holiday Events in DC, Maryland, and Virginia
- 10 Things to Do for New Year's in DMV and at Home
- Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Virginia
- Kids Experience Gifts in the DMV
- 3 Fun & Unique Neighborhood Lights in Burke and Springfield, Virginia
And check out 10 Nutcracker Performances in the DC Area with unique options including Sugar Plum Tea, Hip Hop Nutcracker, & George Washington as the Nutcracker.
Map of Holiday Light Displays near DC
Full List of Christmas Lights Near Me and Holiday Lights in DC
- ZooLights at the National Zoo
- US Botanic Garden Holiday Display - free
- National Christmas Tree - free
- National Menorah - free
- Enchant DC
- Frosted at Franklin Park - free
- DC Holiday Lights on 14 Main Streets - free
- Light Yards at The Yards DC - free
- DowntownDC Holiday Market - free
- DuPont DC Holiday Market - free
- Georgetown Glow - free
- City Center Tree - free
- The District’s Holiday Boat Parade - free
- Canadian Embassy Tree - free
- Meadowlark Botanical Garden’s Winter Walk of Lights
- Bull Run Festival of Lights Drive Thru
- Ice and Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run
- Mount Vernon by Winter Glow and Christmas Illuminations
- Frying Pan Holiday Lights on the Farm
- Leesburg Christmas Parade - free
- Luckett's Holiday Lights - free
- The Elf House - Burke, Virginia - free
- Cul-de-sac Santa’s Village - free
- Gas Station Musical Lights - free
- Claude Moore Park’s Lighted Nights - free
- Old Town Alexandria Market Square Christmas Tree - free
- Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights - free
- One Loudoun Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting - free
- Winter Lantern Festival
- Neabsco Regional Par Holiday Walk of Lights - free
- Brookside Gardens Garden of Lights
- Holiday Tree Light Show at National Harbor - free
- Christmas at Gaylord National Hotel - free
- Reindeer Railway Train Rides
- Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek
- Zoo Lights at the Maryland Zoo
- Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights
- Frederick Maryland Sailing Through the Winter Solstice - free
- Holly Days at Baltimore Zoo
- Christmas in St. Michaels Maryland
- December Saturdays in Downtown Frederick - free
