With the countdown to Christmas almost nearing zero, you probably have shopping, gift wrapping, and holiday parties on the brain. If you’re holiday calendar hasn’t allowed much time for festive fun, don’t fret because plenty holiday light displays are open through New Year’s Day. Here are 14 to check out after your Christmas celebrations.
ZooLights
December 26–30
The pandas may have left Smithsonian’s National Zoo, but this holiday tradition hasn’t. For the 15th year, the zoo is decked out with more than half a million LED lights. Stroll through the illuminations in the rainforest, grassland, desert, ocean, and polar habitats. There are live music performances and seasonal treats for sale. The light display takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets required. Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $6 for ages 3 and over, free for ages 2 and under, $30 for parking
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Through December 31, 5:30–9:30 p.m.
This walk-through light exhibit is fun for the whole family. This 1-mile trail immerses you with a variety of colorful, twinkling displays. Before embarking on your stroll, stop for a cup of hot chocolate and snacks. Afterward, visit the gift shop for a seasonal memento. Tickets must be bought online at Eventbrite. Brookside Gardens: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Silver Spring, Maryland, $10 for ages 5 and over
Winter City Lights
Through December 30, times vary
Enter the enchanted 1.5-mile trail for an unforgettable holiday experience. The forest features over 1 million lights, endless photo backdrops, and larger-than-life displays. Before you head into the trail, cozy up next to one of the 33 bonfires as you watch one of the light shows on the 52-foot tall programmable Christmas tree. 4501 Laytonsville Rd., Olney, Maryland, $31–$41 for children 4–12, $39–$48 for adults, $34–$43 for seniors 65 and older
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. 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 at Seneca Creek State Park
Through December 31 (closed December 25), 6–9 p.m. on Sunday–Thursday, 6–10 p.m. on Friday–Saturday
This 3.5-mile drive-thru lights experience is worth the drive to Maryland. You and your family can enjoy the 450 gleaming displays and decorated trees. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Seneca Creek State Park: 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, Maryland, $15 per vehicle on Monday–Thursday, $25 per vehicle on Friday–Sunday
Enchant Christmas
Through December 31
The largest Christmas lights display in the world is back in Washington, DC and better than ever. With its all-new light maze — Reindeer Games — guests search for the reindeer’s magic bells in order to save Christmas. The festive event features an ice skating rink, kid zone, and a village full of artisans, crafters, and boutiques. Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC, $32–$38 for adults ages 18–64, $24–$28.50 for juniors ages 3–17, $28.80–$34.20 for seniors ages 65 and older
Ice & Lights – The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Through January 1, 5–10 p.m.
See Alexandria’s Cameron Run Regional Park transformed into a winter village with a 100-foot-long light-up arch, walk-through tree, and seasonal light displays. Hit the ice skating rink for some fun. The rink now offers daytime skating. Ice skating tickets can only be purchased online. Cameron Run Regional Park: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, $8 online, $10 at the door, $20 for village and ice skating tickets
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
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. On Sunday, December 31, there is a special walk-through night with fireworks at 7 p.m. Merriweather Post Pavilion: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, Maryland, $25 for cars, trucks, and vans (15-passenger max); $15 per person for December 31 walk-through or $50 for a family of 4
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Through January 7, 5–10 p.m.
Don’t miss the chance to stroll through this holiday heaven. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a light fanatic’s dream, complete with nature and holiday themed displays. Before you start on the half-mile trail, make sure to grab a warm cup of hot chocolate. Note: Tickets can only be purchased online. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, $18 for tickets bought online,
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Through January 7, 5:30–9:30 p.m. on Monday–Thursday, 5:30–10 p.m. on Friday–Sunday and holiday nights
The cold weather won’t keep you from seeing this extravagant light display. In the comfort of your heated vehicle, drive along the 2.5-mile festive trail. After finishing your drive, stop by the Holiday Village and Carnival for bonfires and s’mores. 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, $30 per vehicle online, $40 at the door
Light Yards
Through January 7, 5–10 p.m.
Head downtown to The Yards in DC for an interactive light installation. The five 13-foot, sparkling jingle bell swings make for the perfect Instagram picture. You can try a variety of seasonal drinks from area restaurants. Celebrate New Year’s Eve there from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a special family-friendly event. Registration required. The Yards: 355 Water St. SE, Washington, DC, free
Luminocity
Through January 15
The immersive lantern festival has returned to the DMV. Located in Gaithersburg, the 6-acre display features three magical themes, which includes radiant unicorns, pandas, and a doughnut tunnel. Montgomery County Fairgrounds: 501 Perry Pkwy., Gaithersburg, Maryland, $19.90–$49
Illuminate Fairfax
Through February 10, Thursday–Sunday, 5–10 p.m.
Old Town Fairfax will be illuminated in a stunning winter light display well past the holidays. There are four outdoor light installations throughout the area. There will be an installation inspired by “the joy of life” at Old Town Plaza; a take on light-up pin toys at the recently opened Commonwealth Brewing Company; a vibrant, wind-like swirl of colors projected on the side of the Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House; and a display of flashing lights inspired by fireflies at Old Town Square. Old Town Fairfax, free
Feature image by Skip Brown, courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
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