Best Holiday Light Displays near Washington D.C.
Baltimore, Maryland isn’t the only city with impressive holiday light displays. The Washington D.C. area has a handful of sparkling, festive light shows too!
Therefore, we put together a list of the top 5 holiday light displays in and near Washington D.C.
6 Holiday Light Displays in and around DC
1. Zoo Lights
Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008
When: November 29, 2019 – January 1, 2020, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
What: If you and your family are looking for something fun and exciting, head over to ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Over 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. This is an event is perfect for all ages!
How much: FREE Admission. Activities vary in price.
Photo Source: nationalzoo.si.edu
2. Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park
Where: 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD
When: November 29, 2019 – January 1, 2020, from 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
What: The Winter Festival of Lights is Prince George’s County, Maryland’s drive-through Christmas light display featuring more than a million twinkling lights. The Department of Parks and Recreation sponsors this event and it is one of the most affordable light displays in the region.
How much: $10 per car ($8 online!) & FREE on Christmas Day!
Photo Source: tripsavvy.com
3. Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park
Where: 31 S Summit Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
When: November 23, 2019 – December 31, 2019 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – until 10PM Fridays & Saturdays – Closed on Christmas Day!
What: Winter Lights at Seneca Creek Park consists of a 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of the State Park, past more than 450 illuminated displays and trees that light up the night.
How much:
- Cars, SUV’s, Mini-Vans, Limos Monday – Thursday: $12
- Cars, SUV’s, Mini-Vans, Limos Friday – Sunday: $17
- 15 to 30 Passenger Vehicles: $25
- 30+ Passenger Vehicles: $50
Photo Source: gaithersburgmd.gov
4. Drive Through the Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Where: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044
When: November 27, 2019 – January 1, 2020, Weekdays, 6:00 PM – 10 PM & Weekends, 5:00 PM – 10 PM – Open on all holidays
What: The Symphony of Lights is one of the most popular and affordable holiday drive-throughs in the region. Come and see over 300,000 LED lights stretching over a mile with over-sized animated and stationary holiday creations displayed throughout the grounds of the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. The Pavillion also showcases a laser light show and 3-D holiday video that’s projected on a wall over 50 feet high. The Pavillion has an ice-skating rink and also provides a selection of concessions with holiday-themed food and drink available for purchase.
How much: $20 per car
5. ICE! How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Where: 201 Waterfront Street · National Harbor, Maryland 20745
When: November 15, 2019 – December 30, 2019
What: If you are looking for a unique experience during the winter then head over to ICE! at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Not only do they offer a holiday attraction, ice-sculptures, and rooms showcasing Dr.Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas. But also (and this the best part) 5 ice slides! Yes! Ice Slides! Now that’s one way to spend your afternoon. Heads up, though, being that Ice has a lot to offer, tickets are a bit more pricey.
How much: Most adult tickets start around $39.00 but prices vary per age and day.
6. Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Where: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182
When: November 8, 2019, through Sunday, January 5, 2020, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
What: If you’re familiar with Meadowlark’s lovely botanical garden, then you’ll love their Winter Walk of Lights. The garden is fully decorated with lights for people to stroll around and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The attraction also includes a S’more Snacks Shop, shopping boutiques, and family-friendly activities.
How much: $8 – $14
Off to the Light Displays
So, after a hectic day of holiday shopping, why not unwind and smile with the beautiful light displays around Washington DC?
We at Hirschfeld Apartment Homes in Maryland hope our residents get to enjoy at least one on the list this season and encourage safe travel to see as many as possible!
