The Absolute Best Holiday Light Displays around DC, Maryland & Northern Virginia (2025 Guide
The holiday season transforms the DMV into a sparkling maze of Christmas markets, winter villages, artisan fairs, and magical light displays. Whether you're hunting for handcrafted gifts, craving hot cocoa under the stars, or looking for a cozy evening wrapped in twinkling lights, this guide rounds up the absolute best Christmas markets and winter light festivals across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
Below you’ll find every must-visit stop this year, including cost, dates, and what makes each destination special.
Maryland's Magical Markets
Festival of Lights – Washington DC Temple (Kensington, MD)
Type: Walk • Cost: Free (+ parking pass)
Dates: Dec 4–Jan 1
Dazzling grounds covered in lights with nightly multilingual performances.
📍 9900 Stoneybrook Dr
Garden of Lights – Brookside Gardens (Wheaton, MD)
Type: Walk • Cost: ~$14–17
Dates: Late Nov–Jan 4
Over a million lights arranged in garden-inspired designs.
📍 1800 Glenallan Ave
Winter Lights Festival – Seneca Creek (Gaithersburg, MD)
Type: Drive • Cost: ~$15–20 per car
Dates: Nov 28–Dec 31
One of Maryland’s BEST drive-through shows with 450+ displays.
📍 11950 Clopper Rd
Winter City Lights – Olney, MD
Type: Walk • Cost: ~$20+
Dates: Late Nov–Late Dec
Maryland’s largest walk-through holiday light trail with 2.5 miles of displays, bonfires & Santa.
📍 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Rd
Lights on the Bay – Annapolis, MD
Type: Drive • Cost: ~$20 per car
Dates: Late Nov–Jan 1
A waterfront, car-friendly tour of holiday scenes and local landmarks.
📍 1100 E College Pkwy
Watkins Park Festival of Lights – Upper Marlboro, MD
Type: Drive • Cost: ~$15 per car
Dates: Late Nov–Jan 1
Long-standing Prince George's Co. favorite featuring huge themed displays.
📍 301 Watkins Park Dr
Merriweather Symphony of Lights – Columbia, MD
Type: Drive/Walk • Cost: ~$25 per car
Dates: Now–Early Jan
A music-synced light experience set around the Merriweather Post Pavilion grounds.
📍 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Pike & Rose Holiday Lights – North Bethesda, MD
Type: Walk • Cost: Free
Dates: Late Nov–Dec
Boutique shopping meets giant light sculptures and festive programming.
📍 Grand Park Ave
Southern MD Holly Jolly Light Trail – SoMD Counties
Type: Self-guided drive • Cost: Free
Dates: Dec 10–30
Explore various homes across southern Maryland using an interactive map.
📍 Online map
La Plata Light Up / Holiday House Route – La Plata, MD
Type: Self-guided drive • Cost: Free
Dates: Early–Late Dec
A small-town charm tour featuring registered homes and the town tree.
📍 Town Hall + participating homes
DC's Festive Finds
The Light Yards – The Yards Park (DC)
Type: Walk • Cost: Free
Dates: Late Nov–Early Jan
If you’re dreaming of a riverfront glow-up, The Yards delivers oversized holiday art installations, immersive light sculptures, and festive waterfront shopping. Great for couples and families.
📍 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC
ZooLights – Smithsonian National Zoo (DC)
Type: Walk • Cost: ~$9
Dates: Nov 21–Jan 3 (select nights)
DC’s most iconic holiday light tradition—complete with wildlife-themed displays, music, and seasonal food and drinks. Fun for all ages.
📍 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
National Christmas Tree & Pathway of Peace (DC)
Type: Walk • Cost: Free
Dates: Dec 4–Jan 1
Stroll through state-themed trees, live performances, and breathtaking views of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse.
📍 15th & E St NW
CityCenterDC Holiday Tree & Lights (DC)
Type: Walk • Cost: Free
Dates: Late Nov–Dec
Luxury shopping meets holiday magic. CityCenter’s 70-foot tree and glowing archways turn downtown DC into a magazine-worthy holiday stroll.
📍 1098 New York Ave NW
Frosted at Franklin Park (DC)
Type: Walk • Cost: Free
Dates: Nov 21–Jan 7
A new favorite—twinkling lights, installations, and festive programming right in the heart of DC.
📍 1332 I Street NW
Northern Virginia's Holiday Havens
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run – Alexandria, VA
Type: Walk • Cost: ~$10–$21.50
Dates: Nov 15–Dec 30
A charming winter village with ice skating, photo ops, and dazzling displays.
📍 4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria
Bull Run Festival of Lights – Centreville, VA
Type: Drive • Cost: ~$30 per car
Dates: Nov 14–Jan 4
A beloved NoVa tradition with miles of animated light displays. Perfect for cozy car nights.
📍 7700 Bull Run Dr
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights – Vienna, VA
Type: Walk • Cost: ~$18–25
Dates: Nov–Jan
A botanical garden transformed into a glittering wonderland with lanterns and themed displays.
📍 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct
Christmas Village – Leesburg Animal Park (Leesburg, VA)
Type: Walk • Cost: ~$17–25
Dates: Dec 5–22 (select nights)
Petting zoo + lights + holiday market = family favorite.
📍 19246 James Monroe Hwy
Leesburg Rose Garden Light Show – Leesburg, VA
Type: Walk • Cost: Free
Dates: Dec 7–Jan 1
A neighborhood tradition with elaborate displays and local charm.
📍 14 Loudoun St SW
Leesburg Holiday Tree Lighting – Leesburg, VA
Type: Walk • Cost: Free
Dates: Dec 6
Kick off the season with the town tree lighting and live entertainment.
📍 Town Green, 25 W Market St
Mount Vernon Candlelight Tours – Mount Vernon, VA
Type: Walk • Cost: ~$40–50
Dates: Select evenings in Dec
A colonial Christmas experience with lantern-lit paths, carols, and character interpreters.
📍 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
DMV Winter Lantern Festival – Tysons, VA
Type: Walk • Cost: ~$14.99–$20.99
Dates: Nov 20–Jan 20
Hundreds of glowing lantern sculptures bring Asian artistry and winter magic to Tysons.
📍 8025 Galleria Drive
Tips for Visiting
When planning your visit to these Christmas markets, consider the following tips:
- Check the market's schedule for special events and performances.
- Dress warmly, as many markets are outdoors.
- Bring cash, as some vendors may not accept credit cards.
Exploring Christmas markets in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia is a delightful way to celebrate the season. With a variety of markets offering unique gifts, festive foods, and holiday entertainment, you're sure to find the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit.