Holiday lights season is back in full force. While we love walking through the magical light displays, sometimes you don’t want to spend hours outside on a chilly December night. Instead, enjoy the lights from the warmth of your car when you cruise through these light displays.
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Through January 7, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30–10 p.m. Friday through Sunday and holiday nights
The only drive-thru lights display in Northern Virginia is definitely a family favorite. Color-changing trees, North Pole displays, massive arches, and an endless supply of snowflakes and candy canes line the trail. Make sure to stop by the Holiday Village and Carnival for bonfires, s’mores, and rides. Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, $30 online, $40 at the entrance, $75 for vehicles with 15 or more passengers
Illuminate Light Show & Santa Village
Through December 31, 5:30–10 p.m.
You’ll be wowed by Virginia’s largest drive-thru synchronized Christmas lights and music show. Nearly one million LED lights will dance to the music as you drive through the park. After the show, stop by the Santa Village for family fun activities, treats, and a meeting with St. Nick. Meadow Event Park: 13111 Dawn Blvd., Doswell, $30 for family vehicles up to nine people, $125 for limos and mini-buses, $250 for large commercial vehicles, motor homes, and buses
Winter Lights Festival
Through December 31, 6–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 6–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Over 450 displays and lit trees create the festive 3.5-mile trail through Seneca Creek State Park. Expect to see penguins, snowmen, and ice skaters along the route. Tickets need to be purchased in advance. Seneca Creek State Park: 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, Maryland, $15 Monday through Thursday, $25 Friday through Sunday, $30 for passenger vans (15+)
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Through January 1, 6–10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5–10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
You’ve never seen a concert venue like this. During the holidays, over 300,000 lights, animations, and festive displays adorn the outdoor stadium. There are also special walk-through nights scheduled throughout the holiday season. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, Maryland, $25 for cars, trucks, and vans (15-passenger max)
Lights on the Bay
Through January 1, 6–10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5–10 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Celebrate the 29th annual Lights on the Bay with a display inspired by historic Annapolis. The 2-mile display features around 70 animated and static light displays along the Chesapeake Bay. Guests can purchase 3D glasses to bring the light display to another level. Sandy Point State Park: 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis, Maryland, $20 per car, $30 for large passenger vans, mini-buses, and trolleys, $50 for buses
Feature image courtesy Winter Lights Festival
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