Few things are more festive than millions of colorful lights, and Northern Virginia venues have risen to the occasion this holiday season, decking out not just the halls but every possible outdoor space as well. Here you'll find some of the most dazzling exhibits in and around Arlington.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Watch as more than 50 decorated watercraft parade along the Potomac River shoreline during this 24-day paradeTh annual event in December 7th, 5:30 p.m in the old town of Alexandria. Arrive early and stay late for harborside fun from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Co., food vendors and children's activities.
Ballston's Singing Tree
Begins Dec 4th And during the holiday season, the popular tree returns with its custom-made interactive sound-responsive lighting system and more than 1,200 lights to celebrate with spectators. // 901 N. Taylor St., Arlington (Ballston)
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Take a ride now and roll through 2.5 miles of Christmas lights in this Northern Virginia park until January 5, 2025. Turn off your headlights for the best effect. Tickets are $30 per car online or $40 at the door. However, there are some action evenings. So check the website for discounts. The trip ends at the Holiday Village & Carnival (open all day). January 7th) with bonfires, s'mores and rides for an additional fee. // 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centerville
Holly's Tacky Christmas Lights
If you're looking for a Clark Griswold special, this site has the best homemade holiday lights for the Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax neighborhoods, complete with reviews so you can quickly figure out which homes you're looking for. See list should be set. The website also offers tips on being neighborly and the best and worst times to travel.
ICE! at Gaylord National
This year's theme, A Charlie Brown Christmas, now brings iconic Peanuts characters, larger-than-life ice sculptures, frozen slides and chilling tunnels to National Harbor until December 28th. More than 40 artists hand-carved approximately 6,000 blocks of ice over six weeks to create 14 immersive scenes across an area of 17,000 square meters. Pro tip: Dress warmly. The indoor temperature is 9 degrees, and although special parkas are available, you should still dress warmly. Ticket prices change depending on the day. During your stay, stop in the massive lobby, marvel at the 55-foot-tall Christmas tree, and watch the evening Here we are broadcasting a Christmas song Laser light show. // 201 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Maryland
Ice and lights at Cameron Run
Out of Nov. 29. Jan. 5Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park transforms into a winter village that's a wonderland for selfie-lovers. Pose in front of wintry light displays featuring giant wreaths, stars and even a picture frame for an instant holiday keepsake. The Slice 'n Ice kiosk serves hot (non-alcoholic) drinks, pizza, hot dogs, donut holes and s'mores sets. True to its name, Ice & Lights also has an ice rink with skate rentals. Tickets start at $8.55 for the village only and $21.01 for the village and one hour of ice skating. // 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
Light up the village
The annual Village at Shirlington event returns Dec 5th welcoming 20 local artisans, carriage rides, visits with Santa (at Hardwood Artisans) and a Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. The Signature Theater will kick off with a musical performance at 6:00 p.m. and Bishop O'Connell High School will provide live holiday music throughout the evening. Children can get free face painting and balloon animals. During your stay, stop by Dogma Bakery & Boutique to purchase a discounted bag of dog food for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) Pet Pantry. (Dogma takes care of the delivery.) // 2700 S. Quincy Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Light shipyards
Visit The Yards Park in DC for an installation of Swinging bellswhich play holiday bell tones when visitors swing and create animated light displays. The five bells are each 13 feet tall. Take them for a ride every night 5-10pm until January 3rd. // 305 Water St., SE, Washington, DC
MGM National Port
The gigantic hotel on the other side of the Potomac is celebrating the holidays in a big way. Come over now until January 5th to view the conservatory display featuring 10,000 glittering ornaments, Christmas trees up to 25 feet tall, a 15-foot snow globe and a 20-foot toy snowman, and 18,000 poinsettias. Make it a full experience by marveling at the decorations before or after viewing Leslie Odom, Jr. The Christmas Tour concert on December 15th at 8 p.m
Winter glow at Mount Vernon in George Washington
Things are getting festive in the first president's old stomping grounds. Stroll through the property with a hot drink or a treat from the on-site food truck, play 18th-century tavern games, and look for “General George Washington” hidden throughout the property. Aladdin, a camel who visits the mansion during the holiday season, will be there to greet guests. Tickets ($25-$54) are available for three evening entry times Nov. 29. Dec. 23. Please note that this is a purely outdoor event. // 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Winter Lantern Festival
This sprawling exhibition returns every Thursday through Sunday from now on to light up Tysons until January 12th, with performances by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe. This year's festival theme is a tribute to the giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao, who recently settled in the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Each lantern is made from hand-painted silk fabric draped over a frame filled with LED lights and is inspired by Chinese myths, legends and zodiac signs. Other attractions include a bouncy castle, sugar pictures, a dinosaur ride, interactive light swings, seesaws, tunnels and many majestic creatures. Tickets are $16.99 to $26.99. // 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons
Winter Light Walk at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
A wonder to behold in daylight, the Botanical Gardens become a vacation paradise at night for the 110,000 visitors who travel the half-mile of paved paths to enjoy the nature, winter and holiday-themed exhibits. Get one Funny search in the light Collect paper at the ticket scanning stations in the visitor center to participate in a scavenger hunt. Show your completed sheet to receive a sticker. Keep your hands warm with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee (with or without a splash of Bailey's or peppermint schnapps) from the Sips & Sparkles shop and save time making s'mores at the end. The light indicator stops until January 2nd. Tickets cost $18 to $23. // 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna