There's nothing like colorful, twinkling lights to add holiday cheer. These 12 bright and beautiful displays offer festive atmosphere, family-friendly activities, sips, snacks and lots of cheer.
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Until January 4th
This drive-in show features 2.5 miles of elaborate light displays. Once you've finished the show, visit the Holiday Village with a petting zoo, shopping, rides and more. Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, $30-$40
Winter light walk
Until January 4th
The half-mile paved path at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is filled with decorated trees and vibrant flowers and woodland creatures. Stay warm with a hot drink or cocktail while roasting s'mores by the fire pit. Leashed dogs are welcome on select pet-friendly dates. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, from $20
Ice and lights
November 15th–28th February
Lace up your skates and practice your moves on the ice at this event in Alexandria. This winter wonderland experience includes a 100-foot rainbow arc, multiple light displays, photo ops, food vendors, mini golf and an interactive ball field. Cameron Run Regional Park: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, $9-$24
Winter Lantern Festival
November 20th–20th January
Discover hundreds of handcrafted, life-size lanterns on this outdoor Tysons experience. Celebrate Chinese culture and traditions with local food and drink vendors and live acrobatic performances. Lerner Town Square: 8025 Galleria Dr., Tysons, $25.99
ZooLights
November 21st – January 3rd
Walk through magical animal lanterns and light displays at the National Zoo to ring in the holidays. Enjoy hot cocoa and festive treats, watch live musical performances, ride the National Zoo Choo Choo, explore the new Adventure Maze, and marvel at over a million LED lights and displays throughout the zoo. National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $9, parking $30
Frosty in Franklin Park
November 21–7 January
Stroll through thousands of bright lights and have a festive photo op at this DC park from 4:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. Stop at the glittering icicle trail, a giant glowing snowflake, baby and mama bear exhibits, and a giant star. On December 12th and 20th, the park will host special events featuring Santa and holiday characters, carols, free hot chocolate and apple cider, and a live ice sculpture demonstration. Franklin Park: 1332 I St. NW, Washington, DC, free
Light shipyards
November 25th–2nd January
This family-friendly art installation is interactive and Christmas-themed. Step into the Swinging Bells where you can swing in a Christmas bell illumination or take a ride on the Light Yards Express. The Yards Park: 355 Water St. SE, Washington, DC, free
Winter Wonder Festival
November 28th – 30th December
Nationals Park is transformed into a holiday wonderland with light shows, winter train rides, tubing slides, a snowball throwing challenge and more family-friendly fun. Come along for one of the special themed nights such as College Night on December 4th and Local Heroes' Night on December 19th. Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC, $29.50
Maple tree Christmas light trail
November 29th–27th December
This family farm features a three-quarter mile walking trail decorated with light displays, fairy lights and a light tunnel. Stop by one of the many vacation photo ops, enjoy a drink and a snack by the fire pits, and ride one of two trains through the property. On select Sundays, Santa Claus comes by to take family photos. Maple Tree Farm: 8275 Maple Tree Ln., Warrenton, $16
Reston Winter Festival
4th–6th December
Walk a half-mile light trail with several decorative displays at this annual Winter Wonderland event in Reston. Roast marshmallows while warming up by the fire pit, browse over 30 stalls in the artisan village, grab a bite from a food truck, and snap a photo with Santa or the Grinch. The event also includes an enchanted forest with 60 decorated trees from local businesses, community groups and families, which will later be donated to families in need in the Reston area. Brown's Chapel Park: 1575 Brown's Chapel Rd., Reston, $20, free admission for Reston Association members
Christmas Walk of Lights
4th–28th December
More than half a mile of the Neabsco Park Boardwalk is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights during this annual holiday event. Enjoy Christmas carols and Christmas characters as you stroll through the Christmas market. Guests are asked to donate non-perishable food items to the park's annual food drive, which benefits the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry. Neabsco Regional Park: 15125 Blackburn Rd., Warrenton, free
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
December 6th
Dozens of lavishly decorated, brightly lit boats cruise one mile along the Potomac River shoreline, and visitors can enjoy a pop-up beer garden and festive waterfront activities hosted by Port City Brewing Company. Waterfront Park: 1A Prince St., Alexandria, free
Christmas lights in Mount Vernon
20-21 December. 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Explore George Washington's historic home, decorated with holiday lights and decorations, before witnessing an evening fireworks display with musical choreography over the Potomac River. The property features food, drinks, s'mores kits and freshly baked gingerbread from the resident bread baker. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, $36 for children, $58 for adults
Feature image from ZooLights courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
This story originally appeared in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.