All states › District of Columbia › Washington
Christmas Lights in Washington, DC
The top places to see Christmas lights in Washington this season are ZooLights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo (Nov 20 – Jan 3), Light Yards (Nov 23 – Jan 1) and Frosted at Franklin Park (Nov 13 – Jan 9). We've mapped 10 displays in Washington and 21 more nearby (10 walk-thrus, 6 tree lightings, 5 home displays). 22 are free. 9 are synced to music. Tap any display for dates, hours and directions.
Updated Nov 11, 2026
Near Washington (within 25 miles)
Tap + Tour on a few displays to get one driving route you can send to your phone (how it works). Missing a house or show in Washington? Add it free.
Christmas lights in Washington: common questions
What are the best Christmas lights in Washington?
Popular picks this season include ZooLights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo (Nov 20 – Jan 3), Light Yards (Nov 23 – Jan 1), Frosted at Franklin Park (Nov 13 – Jan 9) and Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park (Nov 20 – Dec 27). In all, 31 displays are mapped in and around Washington, from decorated houses and neighborhoods to ticketed light shows.
Where can I see free Christmas lights in Washington?
Free options include Light Yards, Frosted at Franklin Park, Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple. 22 of the 31 displays near Washington are free to visit; most home and neighborhood displays cost nothing to drive by.
Is there a drive-thru Christmas light show near Washington?
Yes. Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park ($20 per car), Winter Lights Festival ($15 per car Mon-Thu, $25 Fri-Sun) and Merriweather Symphony of Lights ($25 per vehicle; walk-through nights priced separately). Drive-thru shows usually charge per car, and buying tickets online ahead of time is often faster.
Are there Christmas lights synced to music in Washington?
Yes. Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park, Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple and Old Town Fairfax Festival of Lights & Carols. Synced displays broadcast their soundtrack on a low-power FM station so you can listen from your car.
When do Christmas lights start in Washington?
The earliest Washington-area displays turn on Nov 7, and most are running by the weekend after Thanksgiving. Many stay lit through New Year's; check each display's page for its exact dates and nightly hours.
Want your house to look like this?
Professional Christmas light installers in Washington hang, maintain and take down your lights, or install permanent lights you control from your phone. Tell us about your house and get free quotes.
Get free quotes