Beltway Bambinos

Christmas trees, lights and holiday markets in and around Washington, DC

Holiday Lights and Experiences-

Zoo Lights– Through December 30
Now in its 15th year, ZooLights will take thousands of visitors into a winter wonderland lit by more than half a million environmentally-friendly LED lights and illuminations. Visitors can stroll through immersive lantern displays showing rainforest, grassland, desert, ocean and polar habitats and the animals that call them home. Live musical performances, delicious treat offerings and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping make this special event a dazzling and immersive experience for families and nature aficionados. ZooLights does not feature the Zoo’s animals. All indoor animal exhibits will be closed to allow animals to get a full night’s rest. Last admittance to ZooLights is at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays-Saturdays, and 7:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Enchant– Through December 31
Enchant is an immersive experience weaving magic into its every corner, perfect for joyful seasonal celebrations. Adventure through Enchant’s newest adventure Reindeer Games, a captivating, larger-than-life light maze that is the cornerstone to the Enchant experience.

Georgetown Glow– December 1- January 7
The 9th Edition of Georgetown GLOW invites visitors to experience a new season of light through outdoor public art. GLOW runs Friday, December 1 through Sunday, January 7, featuring the following five works and artists. Artworks are lit nightly from 5 to 10 p.m.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights– December 2
Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 23rd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more.

City Ridge Tree Lighting and URBN Market– December 2 & 3
City Ridge is celebrating the holiday season by hosting fun, seasonal activities all weekend long with URBNmarket. On Saturday, the celebration will culminate in a tree lighting ceremony featuring a performance and sing-along with Children’s Chorus of Washington.

Candlelight Tour at Tudor Place– December 8, 13 & 15
Take a candlelit tour of the Historic House and discover the stories behind the Christmas gifts in the collection!

Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park– December 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 20, 21, 22 & 23
Photos with Santa Claus from 6:00-8:00pm, Christmas arts & crafts room, live animal encounters, holiday photos with live animals, kid’s indoor play zone and more, bonfire & marshmallow roasting, thousands of outdoor holiday lights, nativity scene, animal petting & feeding, Christmas tree & wreath sales from local farms.

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon– December 15 & 16
Kick off the holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River. Event tickets without Mansion Tours are still available.

Holidays on the Harbor– Through December 31
Whether you prefer an extravagant holiday display or a cozy experience, there are seasonal activities for every moment. Nightly tree light show, festive fireworks and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Ice!, Sanat at the Wheel and Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Dec.15-17).

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– Through January 1
Anyone is welcome to visit the National Christmas Tree this season! The Pathway of Peace and the National Christmas Tree are free to visit and open to the public December 2through January 1, 2023. The National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sunset each evening and turn off promptly at 10 pm Sunday-Thursday and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Light Yards– Through January 7
Yards Park will be merry and bright with the eighth-annual return of Light Yards, an interactive light installation free to the public every night, from November 20 through January 7! This year’s installation, Swinging Bells, is a community favorite allowing guests to become a part of the artwork. The five, 13-foot tall bells play a jingle as you swing and are the perfect stop for friends and family to play and take photos!

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– Through January 7
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Purchase tickets online.

Outdoor holiday display at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– Through January 1 (Closed on December 25)
The popular annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” will feature model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, festive lights throughout the Garden, and the Conservatory will feature poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants. On the lawn in the gated outdoor gardens, G-gauge model trains will circulate from 10:00-5:00 daily through displays of pollinators made from plant parts. These scenes will range from oversized models of native U.S. flowers, butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds to an orchid bee pollinating a vanilla orchid flower, a chocolate midge pollinating a cacao flower, a lemur pollinating a traveler’s tree flower, and more!

Holiday Festival of Trains at B&O Railroad Museum– Through December 31 (Closed on December 24, 25 & January 1)
The Museum has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland! Hop into our Holiday Festival of Trains, packed with festive fun and merry traditions, both new and old. There will be something to do for kids from 1 to 92! Greet the season this year and begin a family tradition for many more to come.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– Through December 31 (Closed December 24 & 25)
The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton.

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park

Drive-through Lights-

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park– Through December 31 (closed December)
The City’s Winter Lights Festival is getting ready to welcome visitors for another spectacular season. The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees that light up the night.

Bull Run Festival of Lights- Through January 7
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park– Through January 1
The Winter Festival of Lights will shine bright this holiday season with 3 miles of drive-through whimsical lights! Experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season from the comfort of your own car. This season, they are offering a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride for the first time. Create unforgettable memories with a unique experience while you sit cozied up with your loved ones through the Winter Festival of Lights. Experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season. An enchanted hayride is also an option to see the lights! Get tickets online.

Merriweather Symphony of Lights– Through January 2 (Closed on Nov 26-29 & Dec 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 31)
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition enjoyed by many for over 25 years. Set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion and made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights every year, your time through our course guarantees to be a night to remember. This also have a walk through option!

Holiday Market at Enchant

Holiday markets-

Downtown Holiday Market– Through December 23 (Closed on December 4)
The 19th Annual Downtown Holiday Market, Washington D.C.’s outdoor shopping village is open 12pm-8pm daily. This year’s retail lineup will feature more than 70 exhibitors including Black-owned and minority-owned businesses from the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development’s (DSLBD) Made in DC program. Six food vendors will provide tasty treats and hot beverages, spread across the market. Additional exciting and entertaining new features include a live stage of exceptional regional performers.

Enchant Market– Through December 31
Spoil yourself with gourmet holiday treats and other local favorites at the Enchant Eatery. Then stroll through the Enchant Market filled with artisan vendors and a magical Christmas spirit.

Annual MERRI & Bright Holiday Market at Merriweather District– December 1-3
Have yourself a MERRI little holiday season with a visit to the annual Merriweather District Holiday Market. Support unique small businesses as you venture through a variety of holiday pop-ups from regional vendors. Warm up with hot cocoa from The Charmery, sip some wine in the outdoor wine chalet and enjoy carolers while checking off your holiday shopping list. ‘Tis the season to celebrate with Merriweather District!

Winter Festival at US Arboretum– December 2
The Winter Festival will be held on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 AM to 4 PM (rain date Sunday, December 3rd). Have a hassle-free holidays and get all your shopping done in one place! Shop from over 35 local vendors and find the perfect gift for everyone in your life.

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show– December 9
Over 110 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses are looking forward to showcasing you their products, just in time for the holidays! From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods, to body and hair care, our vendors have everything you wish to surprise your loved ones with!

Procrastinator’s Holiday Market– December 16
This year’s Procrastinator’s Holiday Market (PHM) will be a one-day indoor/outdoor event. The community will come together for a day of last-minute holiday gift shopping, special festive menus, and entertainment for the whole family. There will be holiday-themed activities, such as FREE holiday train rides and a children’s toy drive.

Unique Markets– December 16 & 17
Located at Union Market; skip the mall, shop small! Click here for participating vendors.