Celebrate the holiday season with a drive or a stroll through one of the Washington, DC area’s spectacle of lights at a local park or along the water in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia. These Christmas light displays are beautiful and a great way to share the magic and joy of a winter wonderland. Don’t miss the FREE annual boat parades along the Potomac River (Alexandria and Downtown Washington DC) and the Chesapeake Bay (Annapolis).

Virginia

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, Virginia. (703) 255-3631. November 14, 2014 through January 4, 2015, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Admission: $13-14 Adults, $8-9 children ages 3-12. The garden offers a half-mile walking tour of lights featuring unique animated displays with a nature theme and a Gingerbread Village. After visiting the display, step inside the Visitor Center to warm up with some light refreshments.

Bull Run Festival of Lights

7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, Virginia. (703) 359-4633. November 19, 2014 through January 4, 2015.  Hours: Monday – Thursday & Sunday: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays & holidays: 5:30 to 10 p.m. This festive display of lights features penguins, snowmen, deer, candy canes and Santa. Monday – Thursday, $15 per car, Friday – Sunday, $20 per car. The event will include more than 40,000 animated lights set to music! After viewing the lights you can visit the new Winter Wonderland Holiday Village that includes amusement rides, an ice skating rink, entertainment, shopping, contests, food, and more.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Old Town Alexandria Marina and Washington Harbour. December 6, 2014. See dozens of festively decorated pleasure boats light up the sky along the Potomac River. The parade begins at Alexandria’s waterfront and travels to Washington’s Channel at Water St. off of Maine Avenue.

Maryland

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park

11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland. November 28 through December 31, 2014 (closed December 25). Sunday – Thursday (closed Monday) 6 – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday 6 – 10 p.m. $12 per car Tues-Thurs, $15 Fri-Sun. Winter Lights is a magical Christmas light display including more than 350 illuminated displays and along a 3.5-mile drive through the park.

Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple

9900 Stoneybrook Dr., Kensington, Maryland. (301) 587-0144. December 4, 2014 through January 1, 2015. Dusk to 10 p.m. nightly. FREE Admission. View more than 450,000 lights and a live outdoor Nativity scene each evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Live musical performances begin at 7 and 8 p.m

Washington, D.C.

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Rock Creek Park. Washington, DC. November 28, 2014 through January 1, 2015. Closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31. Hours: 5-9 p.m. FREE Admission! The National Zoo presents a seasonal display of thousands of sparkling animated lights, winter-themed crafts, ice sculpting demonstrations, choral groups, and storytellers.