Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
Nov. 8 to Jan. 5, 5:30-10 p.m.
Over 750,000 lights will transform Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, where guests are encouraged to walk through to find floral and animal light displays, wrapped trees and more to get into the holiday-decorating spirit. Check out the Snowflake Shoppe to stock up on all of your own light-up gear, and toast s’mores over the fire pit with your family. To get a sneak peek behind-the-scenes look at the yearly event, find more here. // Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna; tickets begin at $8
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Ice & Lights – The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Nov. 15 to Jan. 5, 5-10 p.m.
By summer, Cameron Run is a bustling and bright waterpark. By winter, it’s transformed into a holiday-inspired village and winter wonderland, fit with an outdoor ice rink, photo-op areas, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and more. This year, the village will also feature a 100-foot photo arc, a dazzling Christmas tree and a warm-up igloo. // Cameron Run: 4001 Eisenhower Ave.; Alexandria; $5
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Nov. 22 to Jan. 5, 5:30-10 p.m.
Forget scouring your local neighborhoods for the best home decorating displays, and take a drive through the Bull Run Festival of Lights, featuring a 2.5-mile pathway of illuminated lights and holiday light displays. You can turn your headlights off and follow the magical glow through the park starting the week before Thanksgiving, all the way into the new year. After viewing, be sure to grab seasonal refreshments and snap a photo with Santa Claus on select nights. // Bull Run Festival of Lights: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville; $20-$25 per vehicle
The Winter Wonderland at The Alexandrian
Starting Nov. 29, various times
The courtyard of The Alexandrian next to Jackson 20 will be decorated this holiday season with festive florals and designs, complete with cozy corners to enjoy and seasonal treats. Though the season, the hotel will host several local vendors, artists and have a few surprises for guests to enjoy. // 480 King St. Alexandria; free
Leesburg Animal Park Christmas Village
Select dates from Dec. 6-23, 6-9 p.m.
For just three weeks in December, the Leesburg Animal Park transforms into a holiday wonderland for the whole family to enjoy. Each night, there will be a variety of displays and activities to participate in, including photos with Santa Claus, a Christmas-themed arts and crafts room, interactive events with live animals, thousands of holiday lights and more. // Leesburg Animal Park: 19246 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg; free with park entry
