Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Displays in Washington, DC (2026)
Free city walks, garden trails, drive-throughs and big-ticket nights around DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland.
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Washington doesn't need a stadium-sized light maze to feel festive. A tree in front of the Capitol, a tiny landmark built from leaves or a line of boats sliding past the waterfront can make the whole evening. This guide covers the best Christmas lights and holiday displays in DC, plus the garden walks and drive-throughs worth the trip into Northern Virginia and Maryland.
The big change this year is at the Ellipse, where the National Christmas Tree now has a nightly light and music show. For a first holiday visit, start downtown with CityCenterDC, Franklin Park and the national trees. For one paid night out, go with Meadowlark or Brookside for a garden walk, ZooLights for a family evening in the city, or Enchant for the full spectacle.
DC's Best Christmas Lights at a Glance
| Display | Area | 2026 dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CityCenterDC & Palmer Alley | Downtown | Tree lighting Nov. 14 | Free |
| Frosted at Franklin Park | Downtown | Nov. 13–Jan. 9 | Free |
| National Christmas Tree | The Ellipse | Early Dec.–Jan. 1; ceremony Dec. 3 | Free; ceremony by lottery |
| National Menorah | The Ellipse | Lighting Dec. 6 | Entry details to come |
| U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree | Capitol Hill | Lighting date to come | Free |
| Season's Greenings, U.S. Botanic Garden | Capitol Hill | Nov. 26–Jan. 3; closed Dec. 25 | Free |
| Union Station Norwegian Tree | Union Station | Decorations from mid-Nov.; tree lighting Dec. 3 | Free |
| Light Yards | Capitol Riverfront | Nov. 23–Jan. 1 | Free with registration |
| The Wharf Holiday Boat Parade | Southwest Waterfront | Dec. 5 | Free |
| ZooLights | Woodley Park | Select nights, Nov. 20–Jan. 3 | $10, ages 3+; parking $30–40 |
| Enchant Christmas | Navy Yard | Select nights, Nov. 20–Dec. 27 | Date-specific tickets |
| Snowglow at The Dome | Union Market | Nov. 20–Jan. 3 | $29–36 plus tax |
| Fairmont courtyard & gingerbread | West End | Tree lighting Dec. 1 | Free |
| Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights | Vienna, VA | Nov. 11–Jan. 3 | $19–24 online |
| Bright Nights at Cameron Run | Alexandria, VA | Select nights, Nov. 14–Jan. 3 | $9 online, $12 on site |
| Bull Run Festival of Lights | Centreville, VA | Nov. 14–Jan. 3 | $30–45 per vehicle online |
| Old Town Alexandria | Alexandria, VA | Tree lighting Nov. 21; boat parade Dec. 5 | Free |
| Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon, VA | Dec. 19–20 | $58 adults, $36 ages 6–11 |
| Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD | Nov. 20–Jan. 3; select closures | $13.99–16.99; 4 and under free |
| Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple | Kensington, MD | Dec. 2–Jan. 1 | Free; timed parking pass |
| National Harbor tree show | National Harbor, MD | Nov. 7–Jan. 3 | Free |
| Christmas at Gaylord National & ICE! | National Harbor, MD | Nov. 14–Jan. 3 | Separate attraction tickets |
| Winter Lights at Seneca Creek | Gaithersburg, MD | Nov. 27–Dec. 31; closed Dec. 25 | $15–25 per vehicle |
| Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park | Upper Marlboro, MD | Nov. 27–Jan. 1 | $20 per vehicle at the gate |
| Merriweather Symphony of Lights | Columbia, MD | Select nights, Nov. 27–Jan. 2 | $25 per vehicle |
| Lights on the Bay | Annapolis area, MD | Nov. 23–Jan. 3 | $25 per vehicle |
Best Christmas Lights in Washington, DC
The city's holiday lights run from free downtown walks to ticketed nights at the zoo and the ballpark. Most free stops only take 20 to 40 minutes, so pair two or three with dinner. If you're after festive drinks too, our DC Christmas bars guide covers the best spots. The Downtown Holiday Market sits a few blocks from CityCenterDC, and our DC Christmas markets guide has its hours. The Wharf's boat parade and Enchant both have Santa visits, covered in our DC Santa guide, and Enchant's skating trail is in our DC ice skating guide.
CityCenterDC & Palmer Alley
1098 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
This is the version of DC that looks ready for a holiday card. The 75-foot tree stands in the park, and Palmer Alley's lights are the place to linger. It's an easy stop before dinner downtown, and the Downtown Holiday Market on F Street is only a few blocks away through Dec. 23. Details: Tree lighting Nov. 14, festivities from 5 p.m., lighting at 6 p.m. Free. 1098 New York Ave NW.
Frosted at Franklin Park
1332 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Downtown's largest green space fills with lights after dark, with an icicle walkway, giant snowflakes, a mother and baby bear, and a big star to wish on. There's no ticket and no line, so it works for a quick walk with friends or the first stop of a longer night. Details: Nov. 13–Jan. 9, after dark. Free. 1332 I St NW; McPherson Square Metro.
The National Christmas Tree & America Celebrates
The Ellipse, 15th St NW & E St NW, Washington, DC
The classic DC Christmas scene got a real upgrade this year. Every 30 minutes after dark, the National Christmas Tree leads a new light and music show, with 56 state and territory trees joining in. Stay long enough to find your state's tree, since each one carries ornaments made by students. Details: Open early December through Jan. 1. Shows 5–10 p.m. Sun.–Thu., 5–11 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Free. The Ellipse, 15th St and E St NW. The Dec. 3 lighting ceremony is ticketed by lottery, and that lottery has closed.
The National Menorah
The Ellipse, Washington, DC
The National Menorah lighting brings music, ceremony and a big community crowd to the Ellipse. It's a one-evening celebration, so plan around the ceremony instead of dropping by. The ticket release will have the time and entry details. Details: Lighting Dec. 6. Entry details to come. The Ellipse.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Washington, DC 20004, USA
A 76-foot Engelmann spruce from Idaho stands on the West Lawn this year, with the Capitol right behind it. The setting does most of the work, and the handmade ornaments are worth a close look. It's a separate tree from the one at the White House, so give it its own stop. Details: Lighting date to come, usually early December. Free. West Lawn, U.S. Capitol.
Season's Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
This is the best free holiday display for kids and adults who love the details. DC landmarks are rebuilt from plant materials, and model trains run past national parks and historic places, including Old Faithful Inn and Mount Vernon. The Conservatory is indoors, but the trains are outside, so dress for both. Details: Nov. 26–Jan. 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Dec. 25. Open until 8 p.m. Dec. 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 29. Free, no tickets. 100 Maryland Ave SW.
Union Station's Norwegian Christmas Tree
Washington, DC 20002, USA
The tree and decorations warm up the station's huge main hall, and it's worth a stop even if you aren't catching a train. It's a quick add-on to a Capitol Hill afternoon, and one of the few displays here that keeps you out of the cold. Details: Decorations from the week of Nov. 16; tree lighting Dec. 3. Free. 50 Massachusetts Ave NE.
Light Yards
355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
This year's installation swaps a traditional tree for more than 20 giant candy canes on the Sundeck. Press a button and the lights start moving, which makes it the pick for kids who'd rather play than pose. Give it about 30 minutes before dinner in Navy Yard. Details: Nov. 23–Jan. 1, nightly 5–10 p.m. Free with registration. The Yards Sundeck, near 355 Water St SE.
The Wharf's Holiday Boat Parade
101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
More than 60 lit-up boats parade down the Washington Channel, then fireworks close the night. Show up early for s'mores, ice skating and the 45-foot tree on District Pier. It's a big, loud crowd, so save this one for the energy and not a quiet walk. Details: Dec. 5. Activities from 5 p.m., boats at 7 p.m., fireworks at 8 p.m. Free. Chairs and coolers aren't allowed. Waterfront Metro or the free shuttle from L'Enfant Plaza.
ZooLights at the National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Glowing animal lanterns turn the zoo into a winter walk through oceans, deserts, rainforests and polar scenes. It's a substantial family night at a small ticket price, especially if you take Metro, since parking runs $30–40. Grown-ups can skip the strollers on the 21+ night, Dec. 16, for $19 with a free drink. Details: Select nights, Nov. 20–Jan. 3, 5–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 5–8 p.m. Sun. $10, ages 3+. Parking $30 in advance, $40 that day. Rides $6. Indoor animal houses are closed on regular nights.
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park
1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
This is the big-ticket choice, with a giant light maze, a nutcracker storyline, a skating trail and a holiday village inside the ballpark. It's back for the first time since 2023, and it's meant to fill the whole night. Skating and extras add up, so price out your date before you commit. Details: 32 nights between Nov. 20 and Dec. 27. Date-specific tickets. Allow about two hours. Navy Yard–Ballpark Metro.
Snowglow at The Dome
1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
This one's a seated date night, not a walk. The heated rooftop dome becomes The Alpine Hotel, a made-up 1970s mountain resort, with visuals wrapping 360 degrees around you. Your ticket gets a welcome drink, a reserved seat and 90 minutes, and food and cocktails are extra. Details: Nov. 20–Jan. 3. $29–36 plus tax, prepaid. Some shows are 21+. No Dome ticket? The Summit Lounge is first come, first served. Hi-Lawn, 1309 5th St NE.
Fairmont's Holiday Courtyard & Gingerbread House
2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
The Fairmont is more cozy than grand, with a courtyard of white lights, a tree and a life-size gingerbread house. Opening night is the one to catch, especially with kids, since Santa stays to hear wishes after the lighting. Details: Tree lighting Dec. 1, 5:30–7 p.m. Free. 2401 M St NW.
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Official pages: CityCenterDC, Frosted, National Christmas Tree, National Menorah, Capitol tree, Season's Greenings, Union Station, Light Yards, The Wharf, ZooLights, Enchant, Snowglow, Fairmont.
Best Christmas Lights in Northern Virginia
These are destination nights, so pick a garden walk, a drive-through or an evening in Old Town instead of trying to do all three. Book timed tickets before you leave, because the most popular nights sell out.
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182, USA
This is our first pick for a romantic garden walk. Lit trees and nature scenes line a half-mile trail, and there's enough space between displays to take your time. Make it the main plan for the night and grab something warm to drink along the way. Details: Nov. 11–Jan. 3, closing at 10 p.m. with last admission 9:30. $19 online, $24 at the door; $24 online only Dec. 4–31. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna.
Bright Nights at Cameron Run
4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304, USA
Bright Nights sits nicely between a free photo stop and an expensive festival. The winter village has light displays, lighted mini golf, a scavenger hunt and a giant maze, which keeps kids busy for about an hour. There's no rink listed this year, so don't pack the skates. Details: Select nights, Nov. 14–Jan. 3; weekends only through Nov. 22. $9 online, $12 on site. 4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria.
Bull Run Festival of Lights
7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121, USA
Put on a playlist, turn the heat up and let 2.5 miles of lights come to you. The holiday village, stable and carnival at the end are included, though rides cost extra. Go Monday through Thursday if you can, since weekends and the weeks around Christmas are the busiest. Details: Nov. 14–Jan. 3, from 5:30 p.m.; closes 9:30 p.m. Mon.–Thu., 10 p.m. Fri.–Sun. and holidays. $30–45 per vehicle online. 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville.
Old Town Alexandria's Lights & Waterfront Tree
1A Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Old Town is the best lights-and-dinner night in the region. Walk King Street past the shop windows toward the river, then settle in somewhere warm. The city tree has moved to Waterfront Park this year while Market Square is under construction, so head to the water. Details: Tree lighting Nov. 21, 6–8 p.m., Waterfront Park. Boat parade Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. Free. King Street Metro and the free trolley beat parking.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121, USA
This is an occasion, not another light trail. George Washington's estate glows after dark, with s'mores, a winter market, a camel named Aladdin and fireworks over the Potomac around 8 p.m. Give it the whole evening, and think twice if anyone in your group hates loud noises. Details: Dec. 19–20, 5:30–8:30 p.m. $58 ages 12+, $36 ages 6–11, 5 and under free. No pets. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
Official pages: Meadowlark, Bright Nights, Bull Run, Alexandria boat parade, Mount Vernon.
Best Christmas Lights in Maryland
Maryland has the region's closest garden walk, its best waterfront show and some of its longest drives. Most of these deserve their own night, though National Harbor and Gaylord pair easily. The picks run from closest to DC to farthest out.
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902, USA
More than a million lights turn the garden into glowing flowers, animals and creatures along a half-mile path. It's our Maryland pick for families, since kids can hunt for the next shape around every bend. Buy ahead, because nothing's sold at the gate. Details: Nov. 20–Jan. 3, timed entry from 5 p.m.; closed Nov. 23–26, Dec. 24–25 and Jan. 1. $13.99 Sun.–Thu., $16.99 Fri.–Sat., fees included; 4 and under free. 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton.
Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple
9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD 20895, USA
More than 500,000 lights cover the temple grounds, and inside the Visitors' Center you'll find decorated trees and over 100 nativities from around the world. There are free concerts most evenings too. Everyone's welcome, and weekdays in early December are the quietest. Details: Dec. 2–Jan. 1, lights off at 8:45 p.m. Free, with a free timed parking pass required after 4:30 p.m. and no street parking. 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington.
National Harbor's Waterfront Tree Show
150 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD 20745
The 60-foot tree here puts on a real show, with lights set to a holiday medley by the U.S. Air Force Band. Saturdays are the night to come, when the 5:30 p.m. show ends with fireworks. Every other evening, it repeats every half hour, so it's easy to fit around dinner. Details: Nov. 7–Jan. 3, every half hour from sunset to 9 p.m. Saturday fireworks at 5:30 p.m. Free; parking extra. 150 National Plaza.
Christmas at Gaylord National & ICE!
201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, USA
The headliner is ICE!, where about 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice retell How the Grinch Stole Christmas! It's impressive, and it's also kept at 9°F, so indoors doesn't mean warm. Pick the activities you want before you book, since each one's ticketed separately or in packages. Details: Nov. 14–Jan. 3. Book online; parking extra. Parkas are provided for ICE!, but bring gloves. No double strollers or wagons. 201 Waterfront St.
Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park
11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
This is the best-value drive for a full car, especially on a weeknight. More than 450 displays line a 3.5-mile route through the park, and everyone stays warm together. Buy ahead, since nights can sell out and any door tickets cost more. Details: Nov. 27–Dec. 31, closed Dec. 25. Opens 6 p.m.; last entry 9 p.m. Sun.–Thu., 10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. $15 per vehicle Mon.–Thu., $25 Fri.–Sun. 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg.
Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, USA
Watkins is the easy pick for families east of DC. It's a classic drive past colorful scenes, with a wagon ride you can reserve separately. Weekends get long lines, so aim for a weeknight and arrive early. Details: Nov. 27–Jan. 1. $20 per standard vehicle at the gate. Enter from Route 202. 301 Watkins Park Dr, Upper Marlboro.
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044, USA
The concert grounds in Columbia get a one-mile route of more than 300,000 lights. It's a smart choice if you live north of DC. Check the calendar first, because some nights swap the drive for walking events, including a stroller night and a dog night. Details: Nov. 27–Jan. 2; no drive-through Nov. 29–30, Dec. 1, 7, 10, 14 or 31. From 6 p.m. weekdays, 5 p.m. weekends, until 10 p.m. $25 per vehicle; walking nights $15 per person. Line starts at Broken Land Pkwy and Hickory Ridge Rd.
Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park
1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, USA
This two-mile drive along the Chesapeake is a real outing from DC, so treat it as the end of an Annapolis day. It's priced by the car, which makes it good for a group, and proceeds benefit the local SPCA. Details: Nov. 23–Jan. 3, from 5 p.m. $25 per standard car. 1100 East College Pkwy, Annapolis.
Official pages: Brookside, Temple, National Harbor, Gaylord National, Seneca Creek, Watkins, Merriweather, Lights on the Bay.
How to Combine the Lights: Tours and Sample Nights
Don't want to drive or find parking? A guided bus tour hits several trees in one evening, and these two are the most useful.
| Tour | Starts | Length | From | What you'll see |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA Guided Tours | U.S. Navy Memorial, 7:30 p.m. | 3 hours | $69 adults, $54 kids | CityCenterDC, the National Christmas Tree, Old Town, Gaylord and the Capitol tree |
| DC by Foot | 14th St and Pennsylvania Ave NW | 2.5 hours | $55 | The National Christmas Tree, the Capitol tree, the Botanic Garden, the Willard and CityCenterDC; no strollers or wheelchairs |
Prefer to do it yourself? These four nights work without much driving. Only combine stops once their dates overlap.
The free downtown walk: Start with the Downtown Holiday Market through Dec. 23, then head to CityCenterDC, Franklin Park and the National Christmas Tree. It's a straight line toward the Ellipse, and you can time your arrival for a show. Save the Capitol tree for another night.
Capitol Hill with a warm stop: Start at the Botanic Garden, see the Capitol tree, then finish inside Union Station. The garden usually closes at 5 p.m., so go on a late night if you can: Dec. 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 or 29.
A Navy Yard night: Start at Light Yards, have dinner, then head to your Enchant time slot. Skip Enchant and it's a cheap, easy night out on its own.
National Harbor on a Saturday: Catch the 5:30 p.m. tree show and fireworks, have dinner on the water, then book ICE! or another Gaylord activity for later. Budget for parking.
Want a garden night instead? Book Meadowlark or Brookside and have dinner nearby. One good trail beats racing between two timed tickets.
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