35+ Amazing DC Christmas Lights Displays (Updated 2024)

Each winter, neighborhoods around the country fill with glowing holiday cheer. No matter where you look, you’ll find beautiful LED displays and quirky fixtures in parks, malls, and private properties. But DC Christmas lights are truly spectacular, creating a spectacular holiday experience that’s hard to match.

While some cities’ holiday lights are modest, the D.C. Christmas light displays are extravagant—some even include over 500,000 LED lights and a few roaring tigers!

Where can you see DC holiday lights? Just about everywhere, including DC neighborhoods, the White House, the National Mall, historic homes, The Wharf, and even the U.S. Botanic Garden. These dazzling displays are a highlight of the holiday season, bringing joy and wonder to visitors and locals alike and making for the ultimate holiday shopping backdrop.

What to Expect from DC Christmas Lights

In Washington, D.C., holiday light displays include more than just lights. You may also find food, live music, and vendors. Many D.C. light displays are free, and some aren’t even holiday-oriented. Alongside the dazzling Christmas lights, you can experience magnificent sculptures hand-carved from ice, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the season.

From art exhibits and massive installations to Christmas trees and ice skating extravaganzas, there is sure to be something to add to your “DC in Winter” bucket list. Don’t forget to check out the many holiday events that celebrate the magic of the holiday season—they promise a spectacular holiday experience for all ages.

CityCenterDC

• Address: 825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
• Date: Saturday after Thanksgiving
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

Embrace the holiday season with a little window shopping at CityCenterDC. The window displays are just as amazing as the goods inside, adding to the holiday cheer in the air.

The shopping center decor is on point, with string lights across the arcade, two massive reindeer flanking the entrance, and ice sculptures reminding you that it is still Christmas despite the weather (or the occasional mid-Atlantic December warm front). Festive decorations throughout the area set the perfect mood for holiday shopping.

If you want to enjoy one of the most anticipated holiday events, be sure to check out the CityCenterDC Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, which you can experience on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s a must-see event that marks the beginning of the season with stunning Christmas lights and plenty of joy for everyone.

Downtown Holiday Market

• Address: Downtown Washington DC, 8th and F Streets NW
• Date: Mid-November through December 23rd (closed Thanksgiving Day), 12 pm to 8pm daily
• Tickets: FREE to enter (but you do need money to buy anything)
• More information

Yes, you can do some holiday shopping at the market, but it is also all a glow with DC Christmas lights when you visit at night. Stroll the vendors, whether you just want to indulge in a dulce de leche churro, or need to pick up unique gifts from local artists and craftsmen.

Click HERE for more ways to celebrate a Washington DC Christmas

The Wharf Holiday Boat Parade of Lights 

• Address: 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
• Date: First Saturday in December, 6pm – 9pm
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

The Wharf has become the place to be during Christmas in D.C. Kids can decorate ornaments or relax by the fire pit with hot cocoa in hand. Wave to the captains as the Annual Holiday Boat Parade floats past you—each ship is decked out and glowing for the holiday season, creating a truly spectacular holiday experience.

Grown-ups can sip on a few adult beverages at the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden before the firework show begins. Alongside the festive activities, don’t miss the Winter Lantern Festival, featuring a dazzling array of illuminated sculptures that light up the area. The event offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River, adding to the magic of the holiday festivities at The Wharf.

ZooLights DC

• Address: National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Date: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m (closes 8pm Sundays)
  • Week 1: Friday, Nov. 22 – Sunday, Nov. 24
  • Week 2: Friday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Dec. 1
  • Week 3: Friday, Dec. 6 – Sunday, Dec. 8
  • Week 4: Friday, Dec. 13 – Sunday, Dec. 15
  • Week 5: Thursday, Dec. 19 – Monday, Dec. 23
  • Week 6: Thursday, Dec. 26 – Monday, Dec. 30
  • Week 7: Friday, Jan. 3 – Saturday, Jan. 4
  • Member Nights: Thursday, Dec. 5, Thursday, Dec. 12, Thursday, Jan. 2 
• Tickets: $6 per person, ages 2 and up (plus $30 parking)
  • Tickets go on sale in late October
• More information

Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo for their annual holiday celebration! For one month out of the year, ZooLights brings glowing animal lanterns, Instagram-worthy exhibits, and 500,000 LED lights to this popular animal sanctuary, making it one of the most enchanting DC holiday lights displays.

Walk to the Elephant Community Center to see a spectacular laser light show, or admire the reflecting lights at the new “Entre les Rangs” exhibit. There’s so much to see at ZooLights, and you might need more than one night to take in all the magic of this spectacular holiday experience.

ZooLights offers plenty of food, including holiday treats, food trucks, and BBQ dishes, as well as fun holiday events like children’s rides and virtual reality experiences, including a popular slide near the tiger and lion exhibits. It’s a must-visit destination for families during the holiday season, showcasing some of the most creative and immersive holiday light displays in the city.

Sadly, starting 2023, the Zoo had to start charging a small fee to offset the cost of the event. Those dazzling holiday lights cost money, and since the National Zoo is government funded, there is only so much money to go around for extra events.

ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special – Tingle Bells

• Address: 1238 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20024
• Date: mid-November to 1st week January
• Tickets: $5-$17 (Includes beer, wine, XR cocktails, & mocktails)
• More information

Christmas Trees in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. is home to incredible Christmas lights and stunning Christmas tree displays. After the annual lighting ceremonies, you can see sparkling holiday light displays at almost any capitol landmark, complete with festive decorations that enhance the magic of the holiday season.

The National Christmas Tree and decorated trees from each U.S. state can be seen on the Ellipse at President’s Park. This iconic display is a highlight of the DC holiday lights experience.

On the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn, find the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree—selected from a different part of the country each year! This majestic tree draws crowds with its glowing holiday light displays.

You can also find lit-up Christmas trees at Union Station, the Willard, Fairmont Washington D.C., the Canadian Embassy, and the Library of Congress, all contributing to the city’s vibrant holiday season.

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Address: The Ellipse, 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230
• Date: December 5
• More information

If you can’t make it to the actual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, have no fear, you can still see the National Christmas tree lit up each night from the first weekend in December through January 1– FOR FREE. You can also see 58 smaller trees, decorated for the 56 states and territories, and the schools managed by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

The Christmas Tree lights will be turned on each night around sunset, and will be shut off at 10 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 11 pm Friday and Saturday.

National Menorah

• Address: The Ellipse (AKA President’s Park South), 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230
• Date: first night of Hanukkah
• Tickets: Tickets will be made available to the the public on about a month before the event.
• More information

While not Christmas lights, the National Menorah is still a holiday lighting tradition in Washington, D.C. that we enjoy checking out each year.

Each year Chanukah (Hanukkah) is celebrated in DC with a performance by the Military Bands of the Military District of Washington, who are usually joined by a celebrity Jewish artist, speeches from politicians like the President of the United States, Vice President, members of Congress, celebrities and international dignitaries.

Amongst the food and entertainment you will find at the National Menorah lighting ceremony, you will also find out who won the annual “Mendy Deren National Menorah Essay Contest.” Younger children are encouraged to enter the contest and answer the question, “What Chanukah means to me?”

Find more things to do in DC during Chanukah or join the community Menorah Lightings in Barracks Row and other neighborhoods throughout the DMV.

Season’s Greenings at the US Botanic Garden

• Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001
• Date: Thanksgiving through January 1, 10am to 5pm
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

Season’s Greenings is by far one of my favorite things to do in DC at Christmas. From the festive lights and model trains in the outdoor garden to the Conservatory filled with poinsettias and miniature D.C. landmarks made out of plant materials, the U.S. Botanic Garden combines my love of Christmas and plants into one amazing event. And it’s FREE.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

• Address: 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017
• Date: December
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

The largest Catholic church in North America showcases beautiful holiday lights each year! In addition to 65,000 lights, you’ll see over 50 Christmas trees and 500 live poinsettias. 

With over one million visitors each year, Americans make pilgrimages to the National Shrine on guided tours. Schedule a free tour this winter to see the Basilica at its liveliest!

Since the National Shrine is an active place of worship, be mindful of prayer schedules when visiting. Tours might not be offered when certain services are in session.

Get more information on the National Shrine HERE.

Tudor Lights: Christmas at Tudor Place

• Address: 1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Date: 6:30pm – 8:30pm, December 7th
• Tickets: $25 Members / $50 Non-members
• More information

Christmas at Mount Vernon

• Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VA 22121
• Date: November and December
  • Christmas Illuminations kicks off: Third weekend in December
  • Mount Vernon by Candlelight: Fridays and Saturdays, Thanksgiving through the second weekend in December
• Tickets: tickets start at $58 adult/ $36 children
• More information

Neighborhoods Decking the Halls

Georgia Avenue NW

• Address: Georgia Ave NW between Upshur St & Barry Place
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

On Georgia Avenue NW between Street and Barry Place, businesses compete to win awards based on their holiday light displays. They can win in seven different categories, including “Best Use of Merchandise,” “Most Creative Use of Lights,” and “Most Colorful.”

For passersby like you, this competition is a great opportunity to see some holiday lights!

If you view the light displays at every business, you can earn prizes, too! Print out the official BINGO card to get it punched at each display.

Turn in your full card to win prizes from some of those businesses. Second Story Boutique, Walls of Books, Call Your Mother Deli, and dozens of others are displaying holiday lights.

Light Yards

• Address: The Yards Park, 1300 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003
• Date: late December/ early January
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

If you love GLOW in Georgeotwn, then you will fall over when you see Light Yards, the interactive light installation at The Yards in Southwest D.C. In 2019, Airship Orchestra dazzled visitors and locals alike. Every year is different, and you don’t want to skip it (ever).

The installation is open 5pm-10pm. Families are encouraged to visit, and there is plenty of food, and even ice cream, close at hand. 

Upshur Street NW

• Address: 800 block of Upshur Street NW
• Date: 11am-4pm, third Saturday in December
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

Petworth is lit up for the entire month of December. In addition to the lights, they have a street craft fair with more than 50 vendors, and a pop-up lounge.

Double check that the event is happening before you go. They don’t update their site very often, but we hope they keep doing this marvelous event.

Christmas Tree Lighting at the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown

• Address: 2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037
• Date: First Tuesday in December at 5:30pm
• Tickets: FREE (but you must reserve a spot)
• More information

Head down to the Fairmont Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Georgetown to kick off the holiday season in style. The event is free, but everyone is encouraged to bring gift donations for Horton’s Kids (a non-profit that helps 500 children, ages 5-15, have a magical Christmas).

Santa will make an appearance with Georgie, the hotel’s Canine Ambassador, while the award-winning Georgetown Visitation Madrigals sing holiday classics and some of your favorite songs from Disney’s Frozen.

Kids (and adults) can indulge in some complementary holiday treats, and make holiday cards for friends and family. You can also start writing your letter to Santa right onsite.

Night Market at Eastern Market

• Address: 225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
• Dates: December 20
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

Step into the neighborhood of Capitol Hill to enjoy its shops, great restaurants, festive lighting and window displays, music, writing a letter to Santa, the holiday Yeti, and even a caroling marathon.

Barracks Row Winter Lights: Capitol Hill Christmas Tree Lighting

• Address: 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
• Date: Saturday before Thanksgiving, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
• Tickets: FREE
• More Information

Since 2007, the Capitol Hill community has been decorating the evergreen tree in the large circle garden at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. The tree was originally planted in honor of the founding member of the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District (BID), George Didden III.

Each year, the “Men in Blue” (members of BID) string lights and hang ornaments, before the official lighting ceremony that kicks off the holiday season. Everyone is welcome to sing carols, drink hot chocolate and enjoy holiday treats.

Holiday Lights in DC

Holiday Lights is when DC neighborhoods really get to show off their main streets. Businesses put up Christmas lights, restaurants show off their seasonal menu, and a beautiful bliss descends across the area, making Washington, D.C. the most magical place to be during the holidays.

Cast your votes for your favorite lights display and enjoy the magic of the season.

Find more information at dcholidayhunt.com

Chevy Chase Holiday Lights

• Address: Connecticut Avenue NW from Livingston NW to Western Ave NW + Side Streets
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

Cleveland Park Holiday Lights

• Address: Connecticut Avenue NW from Porter Street NW to Macomb St NW
• Dates:
• Tickets:

Columbia Heights Holiday Lights

• Address: Irving, 11th, 14th & Park
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

Logan Circle Holiday Lights

• Address: 14th from Massachusetts to T Street
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

Lower Georgia Avenue Holiday Lights

• Address: Georgia Ave NW between Upshur St & Barry Place
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

Mount Pleasant Holiday Lights

• Address: Mount Pleasant Street from Park to Irving
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

Petworth Holiday Lights

• Address: Petworth Main Street – Upshur St from 8th Street to 13th Street + Georgia Ave from Upshur St to Missouri Ave.
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

U Street Holiday Lights

• Address: U Street from 12th to 17th Street 
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

The Parks Holiday Lights

• Address: Riggs Park & Manor Park
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

Uptown Holiday Lights

• Address: Uptown Main Street (14th Street NW & Kennedy Street NW) 
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

Woodley Park Holiday Lights

• Address: Main Street
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

Woodley Park Holiday Lights

• Address: Main Street
• Date: mid-November through first week of January
• Tickets: FREE

Christmas Lights Near DC

National Harbor

• Address: 153 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
• Date: mid-November through December 31
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

While many think that the National Harbor is in Washington, D.C., it is just over the line in Maryland. Don’t worry, there is still plenty of fun to be had.

The Capital Wheel is lit up for the holidays, along with a massive tree overlooking the Harbor. You can also catch the National Harbor Christmas tree light show every half hour from sunset to 9pm.

Bring your cameras, as there are multiple photo ops in this shopping district, including a carousel. We heard that Elsa from Disney’s Frozen sometimes shows up around the holidays. 

ICE! at Gaylord National

• Address: 201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
• Date: November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025
• Tickets: starting at $29
• More information

And of course, there is ICE! at Gaylord National, filled with 2 million pounds of colorful ice sculptures and hand-carved scenes.

Plus, there are enough Christmas trees around the hotel to satisfy even the most particular Mr. Christmas in your family. 

Read more about Christmas at Gaylord National Harbor

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Festival of Lights

• Address: Washington DC Temple, 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD 20895
• Date: December
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

For over 40 years, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has hosted a holiday light festival. Explore the temple grounds to see more than 400,000 lights and Christmas trees from around the world.

To add to the holiday cheer, up to two live musical acts perform at the festival every night! Typical performers include children’s choirs, bell ensembles, and local orchestras.

All of these musical acts are in an indoor theater, so there’s no need to stand outside in the cold.

Brookside Gardens: Garden of Lights

• Address: Wheaton Regional Park, 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
• Date: mid-November through December 31
• Tickets: $10 per person, age 5 and up
• More information

Brookside Gardens has a light display with over one million lights! See hand-crafted light fixtures that resemble flowers, plants, and animals at this natural conservatory.

Marvel at the glistening tree forms, sparking water fountains, and winter scenes that make this light display a must-see.

At the conservatory’s visitor center, warm up with some complimentary hot chocolate and a nightly musical act. You’ll come for the elaborate light display, but be sure to stay for the jazz and folk performers!

Pro tip: bring some extra cash for the on-site caterer, who serves soups and sandwiches.

Find more Christmas Lights Baltimore

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

• Address: 301 Watkins Park Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
• Date: Friday after Thanksgiving through January1, nightly from 5pm-10 pm
• Tickets: Cars: $10 online/ $15 at the gate
• More information

Winter Lights Festival in Gaithersburg

• Address: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
• Date: Friday after Thanksgiving through January1 (closed December 25th)
  • Sunday – Thursday: 6 PM, Last Entry 9 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 6 PM, Last Entry 10 PM
• Tickets: $15 Monday-Thursday/ $25 Friday-Sunday (tickets must be purchased in advance)
• More information

Frederick Sailing Through the Winter Solstice Boat Display

• Address: Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick, MD 21701
• Date: mid-November through March, on display day and night
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

Maryland Zoo Holly-Days

• Address: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217
• Date: November 24 through Sunday, November 26
• More information

More Christmas Lights in Maryland

• Annmarie Garden in Lights, Solomons, MD 
• Merriweather Symphony of Lights in Columbia, MD
• Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade, Annapolis, MD
• Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, MD
• Holiday Magic Light Show at Six Flags America, Bowie, MD

Check out our full guide to the best Christmas Lights in Maryland

Virginia Christmas Lights

Bull Run Festival of Lights

• Address: 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121
• Date: mid- November through the first weekend in January
• Tickets: $30 – $75
• More information

This 2.5-mile stretch of holiday lights is best enjoyed from your car. As you drive along the festive road, enjoy the glowing awnings, candy canes, and scenes as you head towards a holiday village.

Once you reach the village, grab some s’mores and hot chocolate before taking a photo with Santa!

The Bull Run Festival of Lights charges per vehicle, not per person. Get more information HERE. 

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

• Address: Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, 1 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314
• Date: starts at 5:30pm, First Saturday in December
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Winter Walk of Lights

• Address: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182
• Date: mid-November through the first weekend in January
• Tickets: $18 online/ $23 at the door (advance purchase is highly recommended, and a must for dates in the month of December)
• More information

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

• Address: 4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304
• Date: mid-November through January 1 (ice skating extends through February)
• Tickets: $8 village ticket/ $20 village ticket + ice skating
• More information

Holidays in Leesburg: Holiday Tree Lighting

• Address: Tree Lighting: Town Green, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA  20176
• Date: First Saturday in December, 6pm
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

Leesburg Christmas and Holiday Parade

• Address: Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg, VA  20176
• Date: Second Saturday in December
• Tickets: FREE
• More information

More Christmas Lights in Virginia

• Frying Pan Park in Fairfax County
• North Pole Winter Wagon Ride, Lake Fairfax Park, Reston, VA
• Celebration Station, Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station, VA 
• Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA
• WinterFest at King’s Dominion, Doswell, VA
• Lighting of the Lawn, UVA, Charlottesville, VA
• Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden, Richmond, VA
• GardenFest of Lights, Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden, Richmond, VA

Check out our full guide to the best Christmas Lights in Virginia

While you can catch a holiday light display anywhere in the United States, Washington, D.C.’s light displays go beyond most people’s expectations.

Whether you’re looking for a quick activity or a full-blown winter festival, the U.S. capital region has many options to choose from.

Don’t forget to bring a camera—your smartphone may not be able to capture this many lights!

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