I’m obsessed with the Christmas season, especially all of the lights. Every December, I always drive around town to admire the holiday light displays that others put up in their front yards. And I always catch a larger-than-life light display at one of our local parks.
This year, to kick off my lights adventure, a friend and I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to drive over to Leesburg to take a walk through the Holiday Road light experience. Created in Calabasas, California, the display expanded to Virginia this season for its inaugural run on the East Coast.
Before our drive to Morven Park, we purchased our tickets online (all tickets and parking passes must be purchased online). While tickets range from $29.99 to $59.99 during weekday visits, general admission for the weekend is $34.99 per person. When you add a parking pass for $9.99 and fees and taxes, the total came out to just over $50 for one person. On this night, I was happy I didn’t have any nieces or nephews who wanted to tag along and drive the price up even further.
Once you make your way down from the parking area and through the entrance, guests are met with a variety of twinkling lights, Christmas music, delicious smells from the local food trucks, and photo opportunities.
Our first stop was the merch tent. The tables boasted Holiday Road beanies, shirts, and various light-up wands and headbands. The next stop was the bar. Having now spent $75 (the beanie was calling my name), I passed on a drink, but my acquaintance grabbed a $15 cocktail from a menu that also included spiked hot chocolate, margaritas, and other fun adult drinks, before making our way to the trail.
Once all of the goods were secured, we finally headed down the half-mile path that winds through the historic grounds. Once you start walking down the gravel road, a festive playlist of holiday tunes continues down the trail, making the experience even jollier. With a mixture of lights and static displays, there’s a stunning scene around every turn. From the Christmas tree forest and LED-covered hill to the nativity, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa displays and gingerbread lane, you will find endless scenes for the perfect holiday Instagram posts.
After over an hour on the trail, of the 20 or so different scenes, there were a few that stuck out as the best backdrop for photos. If you’re looking to stun your followers, make sure to spend some extra time at one of the two light tunnels. The ever-changing lights are synchronized to traditional carols and current seasonal hits, providing the perfect holiday glow for your pics.
Those wanting a family photo for the Christmas card need to make their way up the hill to The Davis Mansion. Whether you want a cute picture with the nutcrackers guarding the home or decide to gather in front of the giant Christmas tree, you’ll have enough space for the whole family.
Overall, while the evening was a little pricey, the cheery atmosphere and beautiful displays made it a night worthwhile. The Holiday Road light display is open various evenings through January 2, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Feature image by Michele Kettner
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