'Tis the Season for Light Displays! Our Favorite Light Shows in the DMV
- Nico Kammer
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Wintertime doesn't have to be all dreary - in fact, some of the most beautiful things to see only come around during December and January! Here are some of our recommendations for gorgeous light shows throughout Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland that you can visit with your friends and family. With walkable paths, a drive-through light show, two immersive festival grounds, and even a home local to us, there's sure to be something for you!
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Meadowlark has been featured in our blog before, and gets another spotlight for their beautiful light display! Grab a cup of hot chocolate, and take in a unique view of their grounds. It's active until January 4th, and dogs are allowed on select nights.
A stunning, 2 1/2 mile drive-through light show, meaning you get to stay in your toasty car and not brave the cold! New this year is a cute little market and petting zoo at the end of the ride. Dogs are welcome!
Luminocity at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds
Running until Jan 1, this immersive light show experience features six different themed areas, interactive light art statues, and so much more. This picture doesn't do justice to the scale of this place - see Cinderella's carriage in the back? Multiple people can fit in there!
Winter Lantern Festival in Tysons
Wander through a dazzling experience of Chinese culture, with enormous lanterns depicting everything from classic wintertime figures to dragons and other mythological creatures! This event even includes an acrobatics show that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
A classic in the DC area, and a personal favorite! See the zoo in a whole different light (ha ha!) and explore their festive, animal-themed displays accompanied by live music. This one's a feel-good show to see, as every visit supports the zoo and their part in conserving endangered animals and their habitats all around the world.
Season's Greenings at the United States Botanic Garden
This year at the Botanic Garden, dinosaurs celebrate Christmas too! Inside, you'll find poinsettias and classic DC landmarks made out of plant material, while the outdoor gardens are teeming with lights, model trains, and dinosaurs!
The Winners of ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight"
The Horn family in Ashburn took Christmas decorations to a whole other level, so much so that they won a nationwide competition! It's not only a visual experience: the lights coating their home are synchronized to an original soundtrack, written and recorded by Mike and Johanna Horn themselves. How cool is that?
Note that Luminocity, the Winter Lantern Festival, ZooLights, and the Botanic Garden do not allow pets. As always, though, service dogs are welcome!