The Christmas Lights Road Trip Around Washington DC That’s Nothing Short Of Magical
Most people who live in or around Washington DC know that driving can be awful because of the traffic. But there is one experience that you won’t mind being in the car. Throughout the DMV area, the holiday spirit comes to life every year through the magnificent Christmas decor. We narrowed down the best light to displays to these nine destinations and created the beautiful Christmas lights road trip to take in Washington DC. For an evening of holiday fun, grab your friends and loved one and take this epic Christmas lights road trip around the district!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
This road trip takes around three and a half hours. You can start in Virginia or reverse it and start in Maryland, if you choose!
Our trip starts at the Bull Run Festival of Lights, a 2.5 mile illuminated light display. Cruise through the gorgeous display and afterwards, stretch your legs and enjoy some hot cocoa in the holiday village!
2. Lucy’s Land of Lights - 43034 Tippman Pl, Chantilly VA 20152
After Bull Run, head into the the residential neighborhood in Chantilly to experience the magic of Lucy’s Land of Lights. This private home puts on a light displayed coordinated to music.
3. Lights at Lowes Island - 47807 Blockhouse Point Pl Sterling, VA 20165
After Lucy’s, we’ll head over to another amazing private display in Sterling at the Lights at Lowes Island. This incredibly creative family decorates their home for Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Pull up to the side and tune to 98.1 FM to experience the full show.
4. Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights - 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182
Our last stop in Virginia takes us to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Walk through these peaceful botanical gardens that are decked out with over 500,000 LED lights in various nature-inspired displays.
We’re crossing into DC now to experience a light display that is unlike any other! Georgetown Glow is a celebration of local artists who decorate the streets of Georgetown with unique public light installations.
6. ZooLights - Smithsonian National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20008
Just down the street from Georgetown, experience ZooLights at the National Zoo. The zoo is transformed into a dazzling light show with animated light shows throughout the park at this free event.
7. Temple Festival of Lights - 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington, MD 20895
After the zoo, you can jump back into your car at the 39th Annual Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The beautiful temple glows brighter than usual surrounded by 650,000 lights on the grounds.
The longtime Glen Burnie resident, Tony Lorio, has turned his home into a holiday attraction over the last three decades. Ever year, the decor becomes more elaborate and even brighter. Drive by and tune your car to 107.1 FM and watch the lights move in sync with the Christmas music.
9. Miracle on 34th Street - Baltimore - 720 West 34th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211
We finish up our road trip on 34th street because where else do you finish a Christmas road trip? The street in the Hampden neighborhood is an entire block of brightly lit homes.
