40+ Holiday Christmas Lights to see in Maryland, Virginia and DC (2024)
Looking for some fantastic Holiday Christmas lights in Maryland?
Going around the town and seeing Christmas lights is fun to do with your family during the holidays. I have lived in Maryland for the bulk of my life with my family and we have a family tradition where we go to see Christmas lights to get into the holiday spirit.
Maryland has a ton of excellent holiday light shows and animated light displays to enjoy as a family.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram to get videos of our experiences!
MD and DC Christmas Lights
If you’re looking for a quick list of my favorite Christmas lights in Maryland and DC, here you go:
- Enchant DC
- Festival of Lights, Watkins Park
- Brookside Gardens of Light
- Lights on the Bay
- Symphony of Lights
- North Harford Lights
- Luminocity, Gaithersburg
- Winter City Lights Olney
Now your Christmas lights exploration is almost planned!
But don’t stop here…
Want more ideas? Well, you are in for a treat, my friend, because this article is absolutely PACKED with my favorite Christmas lights in MD and DC plus all sorts of insider tips!
Magical Christmas lights in Maryland and DC
1. Baltimore Christmas Lights: “Miracle on 34th Street” Lights
This is one of Maryland’s best free Christmas events! The Miracle on 34th Street is decked out in festive light displays. This town has been organizing this event for 73 years now, and it just gets better each year.
Walk through or enjoy a scenic drive by as you take in all the holiday cheer. When you are done viewing the Christmas lights displays, make your way over to the restaurants to enjoy some great food.
My pro tip, figure out parking ahead because that is a struggle here.
Cost: Free
Location: 726 West 34th street, Baltimore, MD 21211
Dates: Pending
2. Zoo Lights Maryland Zoo
From the middle of November until the New Year, head to the Maryland Zoo for some beautiful Zoo Lights. The entire zoo is all decorated with tons of colorful lights. This is one of the kids’ favorite things to do during Christmas time.
Santa will also be there for the kids if you visit on a Saturday, and you can even go on a free train and carousel ride. You have the option to drive through or walk around.
Lola’s Pro Tip: Get there way before they close. I did not realize there was a train ride and we got here about an hour to closing thinking we had good enough time but by the time we got to the train, the lines were too long to make it before closing.
Location: Maryland zoo in Baltimore
Dates: Won’t be running this year, instead they have some holly jolly events
3. Eastport Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade
The Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade has been going on for a while and is another excellent place to see some beautiful Christmas lights in a unique way.
This boat parade takes place every December on the second Saturday. Yachts will be full of lights and other fun decorations.
Cost: Free
Location: On the water of the Annapolis Harbor although there are many places to view from
Dates: December 14
4. Jeff’s Christmas Light Show
Jeff’s Christmas Light Show is another one you don’t want to miss! You can drive by and see a fun light show or walk-through.
There are over 250,000 lights at Jeff’s house and plenty of great Christmas displays and decorations, including a 20-foot gingerbread house and stuffed animal Ferris wheel. This is one of the best Christmas light shows in Maryland!
This year, they have the opening night on Nov 29 and 30.
5. Brad Paulsen Light Show (No longer running)
Brad Paulsen also puts on a fun light show at his house that your kids will love. Here you will find lights spread out on the house as it flows to the beat of the music on the radio. See this one when it is too cold to visit the other outside Christmas lights.
It may not be miles long like several popular holiday lights, but watching all the twinkling lights move to the music sounds is fantastic. We are always blown away watching the lights move when the music changes to upbeat and fast songs.
Cost: Free
Location: 1722 Edwin Dr. Bel Air, MD 21015
Dates: End of November to the New year.
6. McCurley Magical Christmas Lights
In the McCurley neighborhood, each house goes all out with Christmas lights and fun decorations for the entire family. You might even see a special appearance from Santa or the Grinch! You can either walk around or drive through; up to you!
Cost: Free
Location: McCurley Magical Christmas Lights, McCurley Dr, Manchester, MD 21102
7. Festival of Lights
The Winter Festival of Lights has over three miles of Christmas lights for you to drive through with your family. This festival is held at Watkins Regional Park and will bring the joyful Christmas spirit as you spend time with your kids, enjoying the beauty around you.
This one is one of our favorite Drive through Christmas light in Maryland, we have been here every year and love it. You can feel the Christmas magic from the moment you drive in.
The first few seconds of the drive are like a welcome to the lights show before you hit the actual displays.
Also, I did not know this, but apparently on some days right when they open, you can walkthrough or bike through the lights instead of driving through. So, look out for that next year.
Cost: Cars pay $8 with online purchases or $10 admission at the gate
Location: 301 Watkins Park Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Dates: November 29, 2024- January 1, 2025
8. Ellicott City Lights
Ellicott City, Maryland, has fun Christmas lights around their neighborhood for everyone to enjoy. This extravagant holiday light display is even synced to some music too! Walk through on a nice night or drive by with your little ones.
Cost: Free
Location: 4802 Red Hill Way, Ellicott City, MD
Dates: Early December to end of December
9. National Harbor Nightly Tree Light Show
The National Harbor Christmas lights has a nightly tree light show every 30-minutes throughout the evening. Watch as they light up a 54-foot Christmas tree with a short fun show the kids will find so magical.
This is great if you have little ones but still want to see some lights during the early evening.
If you are here, you can also check out the Gaylord ICE which is one of our top Magical Christmas events to check out in Maryland.
Cost: Free
Location: 165 Waterfront street, National Harbor, MD 20745
Dates: Pending
10. National Christmas Tree
In Washington DC, watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting that has been around for over 90 years. There will be Christmas music, special performances, and the giant Christmas tree lighting.
This is a tradition you’ll want to see each year. Along the paths of the National Christmas tree are 58 state and territory trees decorated with uniquely designed ornaments by students.
Cost: Free
Location: White House
Dates: The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on December 5th in President’s Park in Washington, D.C.
11. Brookside Gardens of Lights
Brookside Gardens becomes a stunning winter wonderland with their holiday Gardens of Light. More than a million Christmas lights are in the 50-acre garden. Your family will love taking a pleasant stroll through the beautiful gardens during this magical holiday season.
Instagram reel of our visit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0NWbndOgvP/
We love visiting over the summer and spring months to see all the beautiful flowers, tulips etc. and obviously this is thus one of our favorite Maryland Christmas Lights.
Brace up with your jackets, though, since there is no drive-through option. Your kids can enjoy the dazzling and colorful LED lights that have been handwoven into original works in the form of animals, flowers, and other natural elements.
Cost: Tickets are $10 per person for ages three and older
Location: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
12. Lights on the Bay at Sandy point State Park
The Lights on the Bay has over 60 different holiday displays and is a drive-through light festival everyone loves to go to at least once during December. You can even get some 3D glasses for a fun experience!
This event features a 2-mile drive of animated and static displays. If you are looking for some state parks to visit while in Maryland, this park is one of them.
Try visiting on weekdays because sometimes the line to get into the park to view the lights can take a really long time with all the cars.
Cost: $20 per car
Location: 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis MD 21403
Dates: November 24 – January 1, 2025
13. Enchant DC Christmas (Not coming this year)
One of the best places to see Christmas lights in the DC area is Enchant Christmas! In November, the Nationals Park is transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
After you finish walking around looking at the beautiful lights, you can grab some delicious hot chocolate, explore some of the fantastic gift shops, and enjoy some ice skating!
Enjoy some great live music at Enchant Christmas with bands playing throughout the evening. It made it a more enjoyable atmosphere while viewing the lights and walking around when we visited. Check out our great experience at Enchant DC Christmas.
Lola’s pro tip: Pay for parking online when booking your tickets!
Cost: $29 – $39 (depending on the date and time you attend) for adults and $29 for kids (2 and under are free). There are also some special events you can pay for like Ice skating etc.
Location: Nationals park, 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
14. Symphony of Lights
The Symphony of Lights is located in Howard County and is a great holiday tradition for the family. You will find over 300,000 lights all over the one-mile course. Locate all the hidden letters in the displays to win a special prize.
Drive through this event or get out and walk around the stunning lights. There are even fun life-size decorations too! We usually do the drive-through option as I’m not too fond of the cold. If you plan to do walk through, check online because it is not an option every day.
Lola’s Pro tip: If you have dogs, check the calendar for the bring your dog dates!!
Cost: Its $25 per car
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion
10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Maryland 21044
Dates: Nov 29, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025
15. Winter Lights Festival at Northside Park
At Northside Park in Ocean City, you will find the Winter Lights Festival. Santa is here, ready to take pictures with your kids and learn what they want for Christmas.
Get some hot chocolate to keep your hands warm while you walk around and enjoy the magical Christmas lights. Tickets have to be purchased in advance. The winter lights festival features a 3- mile drive through the magical setting of Seneca Creek State Park.
Enjoy over 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees all night. If you are in town for a few days, there are many fun things to do in Ocean City with your kids during winter.
Cost: price varies from $15- $25 depending on the day.
Location: Northside Park, in Ocean City, MD
Dates: NOV 21 – DEC 31, 2024
While on this post, feel free to check out the following of you need some Christmas Markets to visit in Maryland or looking for a new Christmas Tree farm in Maryland.
16. Annmarie Garden in Lights
The Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center puts on the Garden in Lights show. All the artwork, including the sculptures, are covered with sparkling lights and decorations.
You and your family will love seeing all the sculptures in a different light. They also have pop-up holiday shops, drinks, and food to enjoy.
Cost: $10-$12 depending on the day
Location: 13470 Dowell road, Solomons, MD 20688
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025
17. Georgetown Winter Glow
Georgetown Glow is held in Washington DC, another place you’ll want to check out. This is another free outdoor Christmas lights event that the entire family will love.
Local artists put up their artwork throughout the town, which is terrific. But all the artwork glows too! For Christmas, there is a special event as well.
Dates: December 1, 2024 – January 7, 2025
18. Sailing into the Winter Solstice, Carroll Creek Park
This Winter Solstice is another amazing Christmas lights display, and I love it because it’s unique. Every year Carroll creek park puts on a great show of individually designed lighted sailboats.
Instagram reel of our visit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0E1qMgOa3X/
They set sail in November and stay on display through March, which is quite long for Christmas lights. Various Frederick businesses are invited to sponsor and design a boat to be on display, and then they compete by having people vote on their favorite boats.
The boat with the most votes gets the Sailing through the Winter Solstice trophy. The lights usually come on at sunset, so you can view them anytime during the day or night.
Lola’s pro tips: Check out the boats from both sides of the water, you can catch some nice light decorations.
Location: Carroll Creek [ark
Dates: November 23, 2024 – March 2025
19. North pole lights walk
The North pole lights is a self-guided walk to the North Pole where guests can visit Santa Claus in his cabin.
Cost: General $10.00 , Children $5.00
Location: 8109 Telegraph Rd, Severn, MD 21144
Dates: November 29th – December 29th, 2024
20. ICE at Gaylord National Harbor
The National Harbor is one of my favorite places to relax, so what better way to celebrate the holiday spirit than enjoying the Christmas lights at the Gaylord National Harbor.
Not only do you see a million twinkling lights, but you can also enjoy various holiday activities and events throughout the Christmas season. There so many fun things to do during the Christmas here, such as snow tubing, an activity that involves throwing snow and more!
Dates: November 15 – December 28, 2024
21. DC Zoo Lights
Zoo lights DC are another favorite of my family! The zoo is lit up with so many lights.
It is usually free but this year its $6 per person with a parking fee of $30 to park at the Zoo.
It is open November 22 – January 4, 2025
22. Winter City lights, Olney
This is a newer one from I believe 2022 and a must see! I mean it, it’s absolutely amazing. Now, it is a bit pricey, I won’t lie but it’s worth it. You can also enjoy free face painting for kids ages 12 and under, eat some S’mores, snow tubing or an extra fee and much more.
Cost: For ages 13 and up, is $39 while children its $31 for ages 4-12 and free for kids below.
Location: 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd Olney, MD 20832.
Dates: November 23 to December 29, 2024
23. North Harford Lighted Walkthrough
If you live in North Harford, you have to check this place out! It is a free Christmas lights display but donations are appreciated. It is not too long of a walk and perfect for little kids.
The displays are so fun and there are animated light displays, a Christmas village, Christmas movies to watch, music and Santa’s display.
Also, double check the dates that you might be able to catch Santa and Mrs. Claus which is typically on Saturdays.
24. Luminocity, Gaithersburg
Again another amazing lights show you have to check out. It comes with 3 themed spaces for you to explore, Winter Fantasy, Wild Adventure, and Sweet Dreams.
Cost: Between $26 and $35 per person
Location: Montgomery County Fair. 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Dates: Pending (not sure if here this year)
25. Winter Lights Festival, Seneca Creek State Park
For this, make sure to get your tickets online as they won’t have tickets at the admission booth which I kind of like as it helps things move quickly.
It is a 3.5-mile drive through experience with over 450 illuminated displays and lit up trees.
Cost: Monday – Thursday: $15
Friday – Sunday: $25
15+ Passenger Vehicles: $30
Dates: November 29, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Location: Seneca Creek State Park
26. Washington DC Mormon Temple Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights features over 400,000 Christmas lights, Nativity crèches and Christmas tree decorations from around the world, and daily holiday performances.
They always have some really amazing performances, and you can check out the schedule on their website. You can also check out all their beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
Dates: These are up this year from December 5 – January 1
Cost: Free, even parking
Location: 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD 20895
27. City Park Lighting and Drive Through, Hagerstown
This is a drive through experience where you are invited to drive through while listening to the radio station 90.3FM and enjoy some Christmas music.
More Maryland lights
28. 🎄Mayor’s Christmas Parade
📍Baltimore, MD
📆Sunday, December 8,2024
29. 🎄Light Up The Night
📍St Michaels, MD
📆*Pending dates
30. 🎄Savage Mill Yuletide Festival
📍Savage, MD
📆Nov 30 to Dec 22 2024
31. 🎄Downtown Bel Air Christmas Parade
📍Bel Air, MD
📆December 8, 2024
32. 🎄B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden
📍Baltimore, MD
📆Nov 29 to Jan 5, 2025
33. 🎄Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
📍Veterans Plaza
📆*Pending dates
34. 🎄Cedar Lane Holiday Light Show
📍Bel Air, MD
📆*Pending dates
35. 🎄Merriweather District Tree Lighting
📍Columbia, MD
📆Nov 22, 2024
36. 🎄Baltimore Christmas Village
📍Baltimore, MD
📆Nov 23, 2024 – Dec 24, 2024
37. 🎄Merriweather District Holiday Market
📍Columbia, MD
📆Dec 6 – 8, 2024
38. 🎄Monument Lighting
📍Baltimore, MD
📆December 5, 2024
39. 🎄Midnight Madness
📍Ellicott city, MD
📆Friday, Dec 06 2024
40. 🎄Midnight Madness
📍St Michaels, MD
📆*Pending dates
41. 🎄Midnight Madness
📍Annapolis, MD
📆The first two Thursdays of December from 4 pm until Midnight and the third Thursday of December from 4 pm until 11 pm
More DC Lights
42. 🎄US Botanic Garden Holiday Display
📆November 28, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
43. 🎄Capitol hill Christmas Tree Lighting
📆November 23, 2024.
44. 🎄CityCenterDC Holiday tree
📆November 25th to the end of December.
45. 🎄The District’s Holiday Boat Parade
📆December 7, 2024
46. 🎄Light Yards at The Yards DC
📆November 25, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Virginia Lights
47. 🎄Meadowlark Botanical Garden’s Winter Walk of Lights
📆November 8 – January 5, 2025
48. 🎄Winter walk of Lights
NOVA Parks
📆November 8,2024- January 5, 2025
49. 🎄Bull Run Festival of Lights Drive Thru
📆November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
50. 🎄Ice and Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run
📆November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
51. 🎄Mount Vernon Winter Glow and Christmas Illuminations
📆November 29-30, DEC. 15-19, & 23 for the Winter glow
December 20, 21 and 22, 2024 for the christmas illuminations
52. 🎄Leesburg christmas lights
📆Every night in December
53. 🎄Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
📆December 7, 2024
54. 🎄One Loudoun Virginia Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting
📆December 7, 2024
55. 🎄Winter Lantern Festival
📆November 2, 2024 to January 12, 2025
56. 🎄Holiday Walk of Lights Neabsco Regional Park
📆Select dates in December
Conclusion on the Most Magical Christmas Lights in Maryland, Virginia and DC
There are countless places to see Christmas lights in Maryland and DC, and these are some of them. Head over to any of these when the sun starts to go down for a fun family experience everyone will love!
