From Mount Vernon to Nationals Park, it’s a season of illuminated thrills around the nation’s capital.
Gaylord National's LIT Holiday Light Show
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Rev up the engine and drive through more than two miles of light displays. Visitors can enjoy a holiday village and carnival with rides, bonfires, hot cocoa, s’mores and holiday merchandise. Nov. 10–Jan. 7, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, Va., novaparks.com
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
The keepers of George Washington’s home know how to do it right for the holidays, including fireworks from General Washington, music and more. As far as lights, think ambient displays throughout the grounds and mansion. Don’t miss the greenhouse and the upper garden, aglow in hues of blue and lavender. After exploring the grounds, warm up with holiday bites and bevs from the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck. Dec. 15–16, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, mountvernon.org
Enchant Christmas at National Park
Nationals Park turns into a winter wonderland for Enchant Christmas. This year’s theme, Reindeer Games, takes visitors on a quest through the North Pole to find missing magic bells to save Christmas. The experience includes 3D animation, visits with Santa ice skating through an illuminated trail and a Christmas Village. It’s enough to make a heart swell three sizes. Nov. 24–Dec. 31, 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, enchantchristmas.com
Festival of Lights and Carols
The City of Fairfax does the holidays in a big way, and it all begins with its festival on Dec. 2. The day’s events include a tree–lighting ceremony, caroling, hot cider, live music and smores—and don’t forget your visit with Santa. Dec. 2, 12 p.m.–6 p.m., Old Town Square, Fairfax, Va., fairfaxva.gov
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
If we’re keeping count (and we are), this stat is impressive: more than one million colorful LED lights are part of this display depicting animals, flowers and other natural wonders. Adventure through the outdoor, half–mile display that brings the flower beds and greeneries to life. Nov. 17–Dec. 31, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, Md., montgomeryparks.org
Gaylord National Christmas on the Potomac
This hotel’s soaring atrium brims with holiday cheers, complete with massive trees and the dazzling LIT Holiday Light Show. This year’s signature holiday attraction unveils hand–carved sculptures carved from over two million pounds of ice in “ ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” From live performances to tubing down ice lanes, these holiday–themed creations are not to be missed. Nov. 19–Dec. 31, Fort Washington, Md., christmasatgaylordnational.com
Light Yards
In Southeast DC, Yards Park comes alive with five 13-foot bells. Illuminated in pink, green and red, the bells feature swings for visitors to hop on, adding an interactive element to the festive display. Make a night of it by getting dinner and drinks in the neighborhood, which boasts more than 20 hospitality venues. Nov. 20–Jan. 7, 5–10 p.m., capitolriverfront.org
Meadowlark Garden Winter Walk of Lights
This incredible garden in Vienna (not far from Wolf Trap) is offering a dazzling light display for the 12th year in a row. Visitors can sip hot holiday beverages as they walk through illuminated flowers, trees, animal sculptures and holiday scenes. Nov. 10–Jan. 7, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, novaparks.com
National Menorah Lighting at the White House Ellipse
Don’t miss the world’s largest menorah and its lighting, along with performances by military bands accompanied by Jewish celebrity artists. Attendees can enjoy latkes and doughnuts while hearing from prominent guests before celebrating the momentous lighting. Dec. 7, National Ellipse, President’s Park, nationalmenorah.org
Tree Lighting Celebration at CityCenterDC
In honor of CityCenterDC’s 10th anniversary, this year’s tree lighting is one for the ages. Look forward to a 75-foot Christmas tree decked out in thousands of ornaments and lights, a live performance by Maryland performing arts group The Revels and more festive surprises. Nov. 25, New York Avenue NW & 11th St. NW, citycenterdc.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Gaylord National; Albert Ting
