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DowntownDC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter
A spotlight on local businesses at D.C. holiday markets.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The holiday season has arrived and FOX 5 has your guide to the best attractions and events taking place in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to celebrate!
Holiday lights in D.C.
ZooLights
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National Zoo kicks off holiday season with ZooLights
The Smithsonian National Zoo kicked off the holiday season with ZooLights on Friday.
One of D.C.’s favorite light displays is ZooLights, which features dozens of glowing animal lanterns across the Zoo as well as live music performances, winter treats and opportunities for holiday shopping. ZooLights is no longer free as in past years, now $6 per person.
Nov. 22 through Jan. 4 | Smithsonian National Zoo
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
$6
More information here.
Georgetown GLOW
Enjoy five lit works throughout December from local artists. Over the length of the free five-week event, keep an eye out for a special shopping night, holiday night market, a cocktail crawl and more.
Dec. 1 - Jan. 7 | Georgetown
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Free
More information here.
Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf
Watch more than 60 decorated boats pass by the Wharf and enjoy ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, family photos with Santa and live music.
Dec. 7 | The Wharf
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Free
More information here.
Holiday lights in Maryland
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
A Howard County holiday tradition of dazzling, larger-than-life animated holiday light creations!
Nov. 23 - Jan. 1 | Merriweather Post Pavilion
5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
$15-$50
More information here.
Garden of Lights
This magical winter wonderland is perfect for some family fun. Montgomery County has transformed Brookside Gardens into a winter wonderland, with a half mile of lights to walk through.
Nov. 29 - Jan. 4 | Merriweather Post Pavilion
5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
$10
More information here.
Winter City Lights
Enjoy the largest light show in the D.C. area and walk the 1.5-mile trail of Christmas lights and displays. Warm up by the bonfire, take a ride on a snow tube and try s’mores, funnel cakes and more.
Nov. 30 through Dec. 29 | Olney, MD
Various hours
Starting at $28.99
More information here.
Winter Lights Festival
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Seneca Creek State Park Winter Lights Display
The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly November 24 through December 31.
Take festive photos during this 3.5-mile drive through more than 450 illuminated displays. This stunning display at Seneca Creek State Parkis located at 11950 Clopper Road, conveniently accessible from I-270.
Nov. 29 through Dec. 31 | Seneca Creek State Park
Various hours
$15-$30
More information here.
Holiday lights in Virginia
Bull Run Lights:
The 2024 Festival of Lights is a dazzling 2.5 mile holiday light display that allows visitors to drive the full route from the comfort of your car.
Nov. 15 - Jan. 7 | 7700 Bull Run Dr. Centreville, VA 20121
$30 per vehicle online
$40 per vehicle in person
More information here.
Winter City Lights:
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Holiday fun at Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna
As the Christmas holiday season approaches, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna has set up their Winter Walk of Lights display to get you in a festive mood. FOX 5's Gwen Tolbart is there to show us the magical experience!
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is a luminous garden trail aglow with countless sparkling lights. The half-mile paved trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Nov. 8 - Jan. 5 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
$18 online, $22 in person
More information here.
The Winter Lantern Festival:
The festival will be filled with dazzling light displays, featuring 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns and lights. Lerner Town Square will be transformed into an illuminating winter wonderland.
This family-friendly event will feature refreshments and fun activities. Visitors will also be able to ride swings, seesaws, and other interactive attractions.
October 31st - January 12th
Days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
More information here.
2023 Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run:
This outdoor light show includes unique light displays and an ice skating rink under the stars.
Nov. 17 – Jan. 1 | Cameron Run Regional Park
5 p.m. -10 p.m.
$8 admission, $20 admission and skating
More information here.