The NOVA Parks’ holiday light displays are back and ready to provide some holiday cheer that you can walk and drive your way through. While you can expect some of the favorites you see every year, a lot is new this year at these three displays.
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Bull Run Festival of Lights
This 2.5-mile drive-thru holiday light display is the largest in Northern Virginia and includes lighted reindeer jumping, a gingerbread man flipping, candles, animals in festive gear, and tunnels. And you won’t want to miss the snow in Winter Wonderland.
“In this section there are dense trees on all sides of you and it appears like there is beautiful white snow falling,” says event manager Michael McMillon. “People really enjoy that part and it’s my personal favorite.”
New this year: You can find one of the new displays this year on the roof of the Shooting Center. In this area, the theme turns to toy soldiers, flags, and stars. The display features a toy soldier marching band with each playing a different instrument. Also new are a polar bear with a cub display and a large walk-through Christmas ornament, which makes for a great family photo opportunity.
Returning favorites: The Holiday Village and Carnival is always a popular way to end the night after completing the drive-thru, and it’s included in your admission. Park the car and head to the village to toast some s’mores, browse holiday merchandise, and take some photos. The carnival has food, games, rides, and camels.
How long should you plan for? Plan to spend about 30 minutes on the drive-thru section if stopping to take in each display. You should keep your headlights off and stay in your car. Then, stay as long as you like to spend at the village and carnival.
When is it open? The light display is open every night from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. now through January 7, 2024, On weekends and holiday nights (December 24–25, December 31, and January 1) until 10 p.m. The holiday village and carnival follow the same schedule.
Tickets and location: Bull Run Festival of Lights is located at Bull Run Regional Park at 7700 Bull Run Dr. in Centreville. Tickets are $30 per vehicle when purchased online and $40 at the door. Carnival tickets are separate.
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
This enchanted half-mile garden trail provides an elegant experience with lighted trees and displays to really get you in the holiday spirit.
“The best part about this light display is there is something for everybody,” says event manager Jules Maloney. “There are grandparents with their grandchildren, people on first dates, office outings, etcetera. It’s just really rewarding to listen to folks react to the displays and watch them enjoy being outside at this time of year.”
Be sure to stop at the food truck for a funnel cake or delicious soft pretzel to go along with some hot cocoa or coffee — available with or without spirits.
New this year: This year’s largest addition is a koi pond featuring blue lights, an enormous lotus flower and pads, and two koi fish. New this year are groupings of cherry trees throughout the walk and wreaths of white light that sway in the breeze. “They just really create this lovely ethereal feeling,” notes Maloney.
Returning favorites: A family favorite is always the nature walk section where you go through and see all sorts of animals. There’s a squirrel scurrying up a tree, a stream with fish jumping, skunks, and bears. The tunnel and fountains of light are always popular displays as well. The Fun in the Lights search is also back. This activity changes each year and has different images you have to find in the lights. At the end, you turn in your pencil and get a sticker. It’s a big hit with the kids!
How long should you plan for? Plan to spend about an hour to an hour 15 minutes to truly get the most out of all the displays.
When is it open? The light display is open every night from 5 to 10 p.m. now through January 7, 2024,
Tickets and location: Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights is located at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct. in Vienna. Tickets are $18 for ages 2 and up and can only be purchased online.
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
This popular light display offers a unique outdoor experience for the whole family. The displays make a great backdrop for photos with your group or that perfect festive social media selfie. Hotdogs, pizza, doughnut holes and beverages are available for purchase.
And what’s more perfect for the holiday season than to end the night with ice skating?
New this year: New this year are a 12-foot-tall gingerbread man featuring over 1,000 lights, a flying snowman display, and an augmented reality app that allows for fun photos opportunities that you can only get in the park. A QR code and information on downloading the app is available at the front of the park. The ability to book birthday parties and private firepits is new this year as well.
Returning favorites: The beloved 35-foot-tall Christmas tree located in the center of the park and ice skating are always favorites among guests. Beginning on December 18, daytime ice skating will be offered. You can grab some skates and hit the ice during the daylight, making for a great winter break activity with the kids.
How long should you plan for? Plan to spend at least 35 to 40 minutes walking around to see all of the displays.
When is it open? The light display and ice skating are open every night from 5 to 10 p.m. now through January 1, 2024. Daytime skating from December 18 to January 1, 2024, will be from noon to 5 p.m.
Tickets and location: The Winter Village at Cameron Run is located at Cameron Run Regional Park at 4001 Eisenhower Ave. in Alexandria. Tickets for the village are $8 when purchased online and $10 at the door. Ice skating tickets can only be purchased online and are $20 for both the village and ice skating. Be sure to get your ice skating tickets early as they tend to sell out.
Feature image Courtesy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
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