The Fairfax Girl Team 
Young or old, you’re never too cool to enjoy a holiday light show. There are light shows across Northern Virginia, including (literally) on a river and at a farm. There are even drive-through light shows, which we love for those ultra-cold nights. There’s even a special series of light shows for dogs to attend. Read on for more about light shows in Northern Virginia and how to plan your outing.
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights | 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Dates: November 11th, 2026 – January 3rd, 2027
Time: 5:30PM–10PM through December 3rd; 5PM–10PM beginning December 4th
Cost: $19–$24 per person, before applicable fees; online tickets required December 4th–31st
The Meadowlark display is one of the most popular in the area and features illuminated trees, nature-inspired installations, + plenty of festive photo opportunities. The half-mile path is paved, making it an easy pick for those on wheels. Visitors can also warm up with seasonal drinks + roast marshmallows for s’mores. Special editions of the show are dog-friendly on November 16th, 17th, and 24th, as well as December 1st, 2nd, 28th, and 29th. Dogs must have tickets.
Read more: Where to Watch The Nutcracker in Northern Virginia
Bull Run Festival of Lights | 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Dates: November 14th, 2026 – January 3rd, 2027
Time: Opens nightly at 5:30PM
Cost: Varies by date + vehicle; advance tickets recommended
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The Bull Run Festival of Lights is a Northern Virginia holiday classic. The drive-through experience features 2.5 miles of illuminated displays, including holiday scenes + animated light installations. After making your way through the route, stop by the Holiday Village + Carnival for seasonal treats, activities, + more holiday fun.
Bright Nights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run | 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria
Dates: November 14th, 2026 – January 3rd, 2027; select nights early in the season
Time: 5PM–9PM or 5PM–10PM, depending on date
Cost: Ticketed; prices vary
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Cameron Run Regional Park’s holiday attraction has a new name for 2026. Bright Nights features glowing displays, lighted mini golf, a giant maze, + a seasonal scavenger hunt. Santa will also be making appearances on select nights through December 23rd. One important change this year: the outdoor ice rink will not be operating.
Winterfest: Enchanted Light Stroll | South Riding Center, 42420 Unicorn Drive, South Riding
Dates: December 1st–31st
Time: Evening display; specific hours not listed
Cost: Free
South Riding is bringing back its Enchanted Light Stroll for the entire month of December. Trees lining the sidewalks around South Riding Center + its outdoor stage will be illuminated with hundreds of twinkling lights, creating a festive walking experience. The self-guided stroll is an easy way to enjoy the holiday atmosphere at your own pace.
Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park | 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge
Dates: December 2nd–30th, select nights; sensory-friendly preview December 1st
Time: 5PM–9PM; sensory-friendly night 5PM–8PM
Cost: Free
Prince William County’s annual Holiday Walk of Lights returns to Neabsco Regional Park with nearly a mile of illuminated displays along the boardwalk area. The walking experience is free + features festive decorations, seasonal music, + photo opportunities. A sensory-friendly night on December 1st will offer lower music volume, fewer flashing lights, + smaller crowds. General parking is available at the Rippon Landing VRE Station, located at 15511 Farm Creek Drive, Woodbridge, with complimentary shuttle service to the event. Accessible parking is available at Neabsco Regional Park for visitors with qualifying placards or license plates.
Lighting of the Vines at Bluemont Vineyard | 18755 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont
Dates: December 3rd–27th, Thursdays–Sundays; additional dates December 21st–23rd
Time: Vines illuminate at 5:30PM
Cost: Reservations recommended for the tasting room
Every Thursday through Sunday, the vineyard’s rows of vines illuminate at 5:30PM, creating a glowing landscape against the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests can take in the view while sipping mulled wine or enjoying a bite from the tasting room menu, with additional viewing opportunities leading up to Christmas.
Reston WinterFest | Brown’s Chapel Park, 1525 Brown’s Chapel Road, Reston
Dates: December 3rd–5th
Time: 5PM–9PM
Cost: Free for Reston Association members + recreation passholders; $20 for non-member adults, $10 for children ages 3–17; ages 2 + under free
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Reston’s WinterFest returns to Brown’s Chapel Park for three nights of holiday lights + family-friendly festivities. Visitors can explore the half-mile Light Up the Park walking trail, wander through an Enchanted Forest of decorated trees, + visit Santa or the Grinch. New for 2026 is the Polar Play Park, featuring ice carvings + interactive activities. There will also be live entertainment, food trucks, holiday shopping, + fire pits for roasting marshmallows.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights | Waterfront Park, 1 Prince Street, Alexandria
Date: December 5th
Time: Dockside festivities 2PM–8PM; boat parade begins at 5:30PM
Cost: Free
The Old Town Boat Parade is one of Alexandria’s quirkiest – and most beloved – holiday traditions. The boats + their decorations are the main event, but keep an eye out for Santa + his elves + reindeer, who usually arrive via Jet Ski, waterski, or paddleboard. Visitors can take in the action from along the waterfront by the Torpedo Factory.
Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park | 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Dates: December 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, + 19th
Time: 4:30PM–7PM
Cost: $12 per person in advance; $15 at the door
Frying Pan Farm Park is bringing together holiday lights + a little farm fun for five evenings in December. Visitors can take a wagon ride through illuminated displays, visit Santa, ride a trackless train, + warm up around a campfire. The farm animals will also be part of the festivities. Admission includes one wagon ride + one train ride.
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Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon | 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Dates: December 19th–20th
Time: 5:30PM–8:30PM
Cost: $58 for adults, $36 for children ages 6–11; ages 5 + under free
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is getting into the holiday spirit with a two-night celebration featuring festive illuminations + fireworks over the Potomac River. Guests can explore the historic estate, browse a winter market, + take part in seasonal activities. There will also be an appearance by Aladdin the Camel, a tradition dating back to George Washington’s time on the property.
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