All of the Lights: Dazzling Holiday Nights in the DMV

The DMV truly comes alive in lights this time of year, and there is still plenty of time to soak in the sparkle. DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are packed with walk-through wonderlands, glowing gardens, and cozy drive-through displays that turn winter nights into something magical.

At Jennifer Young Homes, celebrating community is part of what makes this region feel like home. If you are looking for a festive outing right now, here are some of the brightest (and most family-friendly) spots to explore around the DMV.

National ZooLights – Washington, DC

Location: Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, DC
Dates/Times: Now through January 1, 5–9 p.m. (closed December 24–25; check current-year schedule)
Website: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/events
Instagram: @smithsonianzoo

ZooLights transforms the National Zoo into a glowing landscape filled with animal-themed light sculptures, twinkling tunnels, and colorful projections along the main pathways. It’s a relaxed way to explore the zoo after dark, with festive music, snacks, and hot drinks that make it easy to linger. The mix of wildlife, lights, and city views makes this a favorite DC tradition for kids and adults alike.

Georgetown GLOW – Washington, DC

Location: Throughout Georgetown, Washington, DC
Dates/Times: Now through early January, evenings (installations typically lit daily; check current-year map and hours)
Website: https://www.georgetowndc.com/georgetown-glow
Instagram: @georgetowndc

Georgetown GLOW blends public art with holiday lights, turning one of DC’s most historic neighborhoods into an outdoor gallery of illuminated installations. As you wander through side streets and along the waterfront, you can discover creative, interactive pieces that are perfect for photos and evening strolls. With shops, restaurants, and cafés all around, it’s easy to make a full night of it.

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights – Vienna, VA

Location: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
Dates/Times: Now through January 1, typically 5:30–10 p.m. (timed tickets required; closed some holidays)
Website: https://www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights
Instagram: @novaparks

This walk-through experience winds along a paved path lined with sparkling garden scenes, animated displays, and reflections of lights in ponds and trees. It feels peaceful and immersive, offering a quieter, nature-focused take on holiday magic that still delivers plenty of wow moments for photos. Fire pits, s’mores kits, and hot cocoa add to the cozy factor and make it a great option for both families and date night.

Bull Run Festival of Lights – Centreville, VA

Location: Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville, VA
Dates/Times: Now through January 1, approximately 5:30–9:30 p.m. (later hours on weekends and peak nights)
Website: https://www.novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights
Instagram: @novaparks

Bull Run’s drive-through route stretches for miles, featuring themed arches, animated scenes, and tunnels of light you can enjoy without ever leaving your car. After the driving portion, the Holiday Village often offers rides, snacks, and photo ops that give the evening a festive carnival vibe. It’s especially convenient for families with young kids or anyone who wants to stay warm while still soaking up the holiday energy.

Symphony of Lights – Columbia, MD

Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion area, Columbia, MD
Dates/Times: Select nights now through January 1, typically 6–10 p.m. (drive-through and special event nights vary by year)
Website: https://merriweatherlights.com
Instagram: @merriweatherpp

Symphony of Lights is a long-standing Howard County tradition, featuring more than 100 light displays across an accessible, drive-through route. Families love that it can be enjoyed from the car with holiday music playing, making it easy for all ages and weather conditions. On select nights, organizers sometimes add walk-through or themed experiences, which bring even more opportunity for photos and festive memory-making.

Brookside Gardens – Garden of Lights – Wheaton, MD

Location: Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Dates/Times: Now through early January, typically 5–9 p.m. (closed December 24–25 and January 1; advance timed tickets required)
Website: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/garden-of-lights
Instagram: @montgomeryparks and @brooksidegardens

Garden of Lights turns Brookside Gardens into an illuminated botanical dreamscape, with more than a million lights shaped into flowers, animals, and whimsical scenes. The half-mile walking path lets visitors move at their own pace, pausing at favorite spots for photos or simply taking in the glow. Paired with seasonal concessions, a small gift area, and nearby holiday displays, it makes for a charming, low-key evening that still feels special.

Winter City Lights – Olney, MD

Location: 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD
Dates/Times: Now through December 31, with multiple timed-entry slots nightly (often extended between Christmas and New Year’s)
Website: https://wintercitylights.com
Instagram: @wintercitylights

Winter City Lights is designed as a full-scale holiday destination, with over a million lights, themed trails, light tunnels, and “snow” effects that create a storybook-style winter village feel. Visitors can wander through different sections, warm up by fire pits, and capture countless photo-ready moments along the way. With music, food, and an immersive layout, it’s ideal for those looking to make one big, memorable holiday outing before the season ends.

Season’s Brightest Wishes 

Holiday lights do more than brighten the night—they bring people together and remind us why home and community matter so much. Whether you are driving through a tunnel of lights, strolling a glowing garden, or exploring a festive neighborhood, there are countless ways to celebrate the season across the DMV.

If a new home is on your wish list for the coming year, the team at Jennifer Young Homes is here to help you find the perfect place for all your future holiday traditions. Until then, enjoy the sparkle, stay warm, and have a bright and beautiful season in our shared DMV home.