Most people who live in or around Washington DC know that driving can be awful because of the traffic. But there is one experience that you won’t mind being in the car. Throughout the DMV area, the holiday spirit comes to life every year through the magnificent Christmas decor. We narrowed down the best light displays to these nine destinations and created the beautiful holiday lights road trip through DC to take in this holiday season. For an evening of holiday fun, grab your friends and loved ones and take this epic Christmas lights road trip around the district!
This road trip takes around three and a half hours. You can start in Virginia or reverse it and start in Maryland if you choose!
You can view a map of the trip and customize the trip according to your starting and ending location.
1. Bull Run Festival of Lights - 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121
Our trip starts at the Bull Run Festival of Lights, a 2.5-mile illuminated light display. Cruise through the gorgeous display and afterward, stretch your legs and enjoy some hot cocoa in the holiday village! Take in one of the best holiday lights around DC.
2. Lucy’s Land of Lights - 43034 Tippman Pl, Chantilly VA 20152
After Bull Run, head into a residential neighborhood in Chantilly to experience the magic of Lucy’s Land of Lights. This private home puts on a light display coordinated with music. Feel cozy in this welcoming neighborhood as you enjoy holiday lights in Washington DC.
3. Lights at Lowes Island - 47807 Blockhouse Point Pl Sterling, VA 20165
After Lucy’s, we’ll head over to another amazing private display in Sterling at the Lights at Lowes Island. This incredibly creative family decorates their home for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. Pull up to the side and tune in to 98.1 FM to experience the full show.
4. Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights - 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182
Our last stop in Virginia takes us to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Walk through these peaceful botanical gardens that are decked out with over 500,000 LED lights in various nature-inspired displays. The Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights is a holiday favorite year after year. Celebrate the holidays enjoying the dazzling displays.
5. Georgetown Glow - 1041 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
We’re crossing into DC now to experience a light display that is unlike any other! Georgetown Glow is a celebration of local artists who decorate the streets of Georgetown with unique public light installations. With walking tours and a host of programs, you'll want to carve out plenty of time to enjoy the unique lights of Georgetown Glow.
6. ZooLights - Smithsonian National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20008
Just down the street from Georgetown, experience ZooLights at the National Zoo. The zoo is transformed into a dazzling light show with animated light shows throughout the park at this free event.
7. Temple Festival of Lights - 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington, MD 20895
After the zoo, you can jump back into your car and head to the Annual Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The beautiful temple glows brighter than usual surrounded by 650,000 lights on the grounds.
8. Christmas Lights in Glen Burnie - 528 Delmar Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
The longtime Glen Burnie resident, Tony Lorio, has turned his home into a holiday attraction over the last three decades. Ever year, the decor becomes more elaborate and even brighter. Drive by and tune your car to 107.1 FM and watch the lights move in sync with the Christmas music. Bring some hot cocoa and celebrate the holiday lights in Washington DC the good, old-fashioned way.
9. Miracle on 34th Street - Baltimore - 720 West 34th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211
We finish up our road trip in Hampden, Maryland, for their Miracle on 34th Street - because where else do you finish a Christmas road trip if not on 34th Street? The street in the Hampden neighborhood is an entire block of brightly lit homes. This well-loved tradition offers some of the most magical drive-thru lights in DC. Join in on the fun that has been bringing holiday cheer for more than 70 years!
There's nothing quite like getting into a warm car with family and friends to take in the holiday light displays in Washington, DC and its suburbs. Just follow the glow of Christmas bulbs to be in awe of spectacular works of art and cozy décor. You'll surely enjoy bringing in the holidays with this whimsical holiday road trip.
Washington, DC is one of the best places to be for the holidays! What are some of your favorite Christmas stops in the city and beyond? Be sure to comment and let us know!
Will you be adventuring on this holiday-themed road trip? If you prefer walking instead of driving, we recommend the 14 best holiday light displays near Washington DC!
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