Holiday Light Shows, Festivals & Displays in Fairfax County & Northern Virginia

Each year Fairfax County, Virginia welcomes in the wintery holiday season with fantastic light shows, and decorations and displays that families from all over the region have made a part of their Christmas and winter holiday traditions. So whether you want to walk, ride, drive, or sit to take it all in - be sure to check out Fairfax County's light shows because they will surely light up your life with holiday joy. For even more sparkly lights, be sure to check out Where to Find the Best "Tacky" Christmas Lights in Fairfax County neighborhoods. These local displays will be sure to have you smiling. We can even help you plan the best holiday light show tour from your car - check out our video for some pointers!

Bull Run Festival of Lights & Holiday Village

A Spectacular Winter Light Festival

Opens November 15, 2024 through January 5, 2025

Cost of driving through the light show varies from $30/per vehicle online - $40/per vehicle at door. (Vehicles with 15 passengers or more cost extra - visit website for more details.) Promo codes for discounts are available on select weeknights throughout the duration of the light show.

Every year from November until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow. There is also a walk through Christmas Village and Carnival at the end of your lighted journey through the park.

The 2024 Festival of Lights is the season’s best and brightest activity to enjoy with your family and friends!

Hot Tip: Want to avoid the crowds? Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and the week before and after Christmas are the busiest times. For a less crowded experience guests are encouraged to enjoy the show during the weekdays with a discounted price on select days.

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Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights

Walk Through Christmas Lights

Opens November 8, 2024 through January 5, 2025

Under 2: Free

Ages 2 & older: $18* in advance, $22/door
*Online fees apply

Please purchase your tickets in advance for the best price and to ensure your admission.

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Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights is:

Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail decorated with thousands of sparkling lights, perfect for a date night or family holiday outing. The half-mile walk through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna, VA) features lighted nature themes and animated displays along a paved wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail. Stay warm by sipping on a hot beverage (with or without spirits) as you walk and finish the evening with some tasty s’mores by the fire pit. Plus, treat your pup to their favorite walk of the year on specific dates!

Open November 8, 2024 through January 5, 2025. Capacity is limited; reservations are required to ensure access on a specific date.

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DMV Winter Lantern Festival (Tysons)

October 31, 2024 through January 12, 2025,

5:00pm - 9:00pm

Lerner Town Square at Tysons II is going to be transformed into a dazzling world of light with over 1000 Chinese lanterns; all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. The lanterns and bright displays will light the night and bring warmth to one and all this holiday season! You can wander through a wonderland of light that includes Chinese myths, legends, and zodiacs. In addition, you'll be able to stroll amongst handmade lanterns encompassing a world of ice, including displays of mammoths, polar bears, and penguins. The kids will also have a blast playing on interactive light swings, see-saws, and tunnels. Be prepared to indulge your friends, family, and yourself in photo opportunities!

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Celebrate the Season with The Christmas Light Show at Mount Vernon

December 20-22, 2024
5:30pm - 8:30pm

General Public Adults, $58
Youth, $36
$10 discount for Mount Vernon members

Join George Washington's Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. See the lantern-lit Historic Area, the Mansion aglow in beautiful amber light, and the Upper Garden and Greenhouse dazzling in blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. Watch stunning holiday fireworks over the Potomac River at approximately 8 - 8:15 p.m. You'll hear classic holiday music and patriotic inspirational quotes on the Bowling Green. Visit with Sutlers that produce 18th-century wares and crafts, available for purchase at the 18th-century Winter Market. Enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter encampment, the working Blacksmith Shop, Christmas carolers, and Aladdin the Camel. Warm-up with food and holiday drinks from the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck. Visit the Donald. W. Reynolds Museum (5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.) Shop for holiday gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon on the 12-acre field. (open until 8 p.m.)

program begins at approximately 8 - 8:15 p.m. Buy your tickets.

Winter Glow at Mount Vernon

Experience an enchanted evening of festive lights

Nov. 29-30, Dec. 15-19, & 23
5:30pm - 8:30pm

General Public Adults, $54
Youth, $35
$10 discount for Mount Vernon members

George Washington's Mount Vernon is transforming into an 18th-century winter encampment as the estate will be illuminated with dazzling lights and sparkling decorations for all to enjoy during their Winter Glow. Visitors can stroll through the lantern-lit historic site, featuring a special holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel, continuing the tradition from 1787 when George Washington brought a camel to Mount Vernon. Guests will also have the chance to learn about the holiday traditions of the past and gather around the campfire to hear stories from 1774 while toasting marshmallows. Kids can journey through a straw bale maze lit by Christmas lights and join an iSpy game hosted by General George Washington, searching for hidden Washingtons among the decorations.

Entry times vary by date. Buy your tickets.

"Tacky" & Bright Neighborhood Light Displays

Self-Guided, Drive-Through, Christmas Lights Tour

Out of oodles of holiday traditions associated with this time of year, none may be as beloved as loading the family into the car in search of the best neighborhood light displays and shows. We spoke with local expert Holly Zell, the owner of the resourceful website, Holly’s Tacky Christmas Lights, to get her take on the best of the best in Fairfax County. Read our blog for the Best "Tacky" Christmas Lights in Fairfax County. Check back every mid-November for an updated list of home decorations!

Viewing Christmas and holiday lights in the perfect way to stay in the holiday spirit after a day full of winter activities in Fairfax, like ice skating or sledding. If you’re on a winter trip to Fairfax County, make sure to check out all of the outdoor and indoor winter activities to get the full experience this holiday season!