Christmas Lights Displays Near Bethesda MD

Location: 4501 Laytonsville Rd., Olney
Dates/Times: Open through Dec. 29 (times vary)
Cost: Starting at $20

Explore 18 acres of festive Christmas lights displays, including a 1.5-mile trail, a 52-foot animated Christmas tree, and a breathtaking canopy of twinkling lights. Experience a snowstorm every half hour and enjoy holiday music throughout the venue. One of the largest Christmas light displays in the U.S., it promises a magical outing for all.  Learn more and buy tickets.

Location: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton
Dates/Times: Nightly from 5–9 p.m. through Jan. 5, 2025 (closed Nov. 25–28, Dec. 24–25, and Jan. 1)
Cost: $10 per person (purchase tickets online)

Stroll through a magical winter wonderland of Christmas lights displays featuring 1.5 million colorful LED lights shaped into flowers, animals, and nature-inspired art. New this year: a synchronized lighted archway, jumping pads, and an animated tunnel. Kids will love the snow machine and interactive tap lights near the Children’s Garden. Hot drinks and snacks are available, and the Visitor Center is open for restrooms and shopping.

Learn more and buy tickets.

Location: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg
Dates/Times: Nightly through Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Day); 6–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday, 6–10 p.m. Friday–Saturday
Cost: $15 per car (Monday–Thursday), $25 per car (Friday–Sunday)

Drive through 3.5 miles of illuminated attractions, including Winter Woods, Mermaid Lagoon, and a Fairytale Castle. Proceeds from these Christmas lights displays benefit local charities. Tickets must be purchased online in advance for a specific date.

Learn more and buy tickets.

Location: Washington D.C. Temple, 9900 Stoneybrook Dr., Kensington
Dates/Times: Daily through Jan. 1; Christmas lights from 4:45–9 p.m.; Visitors’ Center open 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Cost: Free

Admire the Temple’s stunning light display, decorated Christmas trees, and nativity scenes from around the world. Enjoy free nightly concerts in the Visitors’ Center at 7 p.m. Some performances are also at 5:30 p.m. No tickets required for performances this year.

Learn more and view concert schedules.

Zoolights at the National Zoo on Connecticut Avenue is another place to visit for Christmas lights displays in the DC area. Now in its 16th year, this annual holiday light spectacular welcomes visitors to walk down festive pathways and explore immersive displays throughout the Zoo. Marvel at glowing lantern animals in their dazzling habitats, watch live nightly musical performances, take a ride on the train or the Conservation Carousel, sample sweet and savory seasonal treats, and check gifts off your holiday shopping lists at our Asia Trail, Panda Plaza and Great Cats stores.

ZooLights does not feature the Zoo’s animals. All indoor animal exhibits will be closed to allow animals to get a full night’s rest. Proceeds from this event directly benefit animal care and conservation science at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

There is a small charge this year to see the Zoolights.   Parking always seems hard at the zoo, so you might want to consider taking the metro or buying a home in Cleveland Park! 

This popular annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” features model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, festive lights throughout the Garden, and the poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory. On the lawn in the gated outdoor gardens, G-gauge model trains  circulate from 10:00-5:00 daily through displays of pollinators made from plant parts. These scenes  range from oversized models of native U.S. flowers like milkweed and bats pollinating a banana to an orchid bee pollinating a vanilla orchid flower, a chocolate midge pollinating a cacao flower, a lemur pollinating a traveler’s tree flower, and more! The Garden will be closed on December 25.