The Fall Fun Guide is wrapping up, so Katy and I put together the next one: our favorite holiday lights around Alexandria, Northern Virginia and DC for 2026. Dates, prices and a few tips for each one are below. Prices and times come from each event’s website, so always double-check before you go.
Do This Today
The free ticket lottery for the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse (Thursday, Dec. 3) closes today, Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. Winners are told on Nov. 12. Enter on the National Park Service site.
Light Shows You Walk Through
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights (Vienna)
- Dates: Nov. 11, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
- Hours: 5:30 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 3, then 5 to 10 p.m. Last entry 9:30 p.m.
- Price: $19 online or $24 at the door in November and Jan. 1 to 3. From Dec. 4 to 31 it’s $24 and online only.
- Tip: Go on a weeknight in November for the lowest price and the smallest crowds. Tickets at NOVA Parks
ZooLights at the National Zoo (DC)
- Dates: Select nights, Nov. 20, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
- Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday (last entry 8:30). Sundays close an hour earlier.
- Price: $10 per person (ages 2 and under free). Parking is $30 in advance or $40 that day.
- Extras: An adults-only night on Dec. 16 (21+, $19 with one drink), a winter maze, the zoo train and the carousel.
- Tip: Take Metro to Woodley Park or Cleveland Park and skip the parking fee. Check open nights at the Zoo
Light Shows You Drive Through
Bull Run Festival of Lights (Centreville)
- Dates: Nov. 14, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
- Hours: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday
- Price: About $30 to $45 per car online, depending on the night. Buying ahead saves up to $20.
- Tip: Great for a cold or rainy night, since you stay warm in the car. More from Visit Fairfax
Bright Nights at Cameron Run (Alexandria)
The Winter Village at Cameron Run Regional Park on Eisenhower Avenue opens Saturday, Nov. 14. It’s close to home for us in Alexandria. Check NOVA Parks for hours and tickets.
Holiday Nights at Mount Vernon
- Mount Vernon by Candlelight: Nov. 27 and 28, Dec. 11 and 12, Dec. 18, and Dec. 21 and 22. Tours start as early as 5 p.m. and take about two hours. Adults $41, youth (6 to 11) $33, ages 5 and under free. Details
- Christmas Illuminations: Dec. 19 and 20, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with fireworks over the Potomac around 8 p.m. Adults $58, youth $36, ages 5 and under free. Details
- Christmas at Mount Vernon: Daytime holiday programs most days, Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.
Free Events in Old Town Alexandria
- Holiday Tree Lighting: Saturday, Nov. 21, 6 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park (new location this year)
- Scottish Walk Holiday Parade: Saturday, Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Old Town
- Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: Saturday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. Boats cruise from Old Town North to Ford’s Landing. Dockside fun at Waterfront Park from 2 to 8 p.m.
- Waterskiing Santa: Thursday, Dec. 24 at 1 p.m. on the Old Town waterfront
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Thursday, Dec. 31, at 8 p.m. and midnight at Waterfront Park
The City of Alexandria has parking and road closure info for the parade day.
Our Tips for Holiday Lights
- Buy tickets online early. Weekends in December sell out, and most shows charge more at the door.
- Go on a weeknight before Thanksgiving if you can. It’s cheaper and much less crowded.
- Dress warm. Walk-through shows take an hour or more, and it gets cold fast after dark.
- Bring a thermos of hot cocoa or coffee for the car or the walk back.
Which light show is your family’s favorite? Tell us in the comments, and save this guide to Pinterest so you have it all season.
– Corey & Katy
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