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Christmas Lights in National Harbor, MD

The top places to see Christmas lights in National Harbor this season are Bright Nights at Cameron Run Regional Park (Nov 14 – Jan 3), Light Yards (Nov 23 – Jan 1) and Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park (Nov 20 – Dec 27). We've mapped 1 display in National Harbor and 26 more nearby (10 walk-thrus, 6 tree lightings, 4 events). 20 are free. 8 are synced to music. Tap any display for dates, hours and directions.

Updated Nov 11, 2026

National Harbor Nightly Tree Lighting

Tree lighting · National Harbor, MD · Free

On now Music

Nov 7 – Dec 31

Near National Harbor (within 25 miles)

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Walk-thru · Vienna, VA · About $21 (regional guide); age 2 and under free

On now

18 miNov 11 – Jan 3

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Parade · Alexandria, VA · Free

Opens soon

1.8 miDec 5 – Dec 5

Bright Nights at Cameron Run Regional Park

Walk-thru · Alexandria, VA · $9 online, $12 on-site (plus fees)

Opens soon

4.7 miNov 14 – Jan 3

Light Yards

Walk-thru · Washington, DC · Free

Opens soon

6.2 miNov 23 – Jan 1

Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park

Walk-thru · Washington, DC · From $29 adult, $24 ages 14-17, $19 ages 3-13

Opens soon Music

6.2 miNov 20 – Dec 27

District's Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Parade · Washington, DC · Free

Opens soon

6.6 miDec 5 – Dec 5

Capitol Hill Christmas Tree Lighting

Tree lighting · Washington, DC · Free

Opens soon

6.9 miNov 21 – Nov 21

Deck the Alleys

Event · Washington, DC · Free

Opens soon

7.5 miDec 5 – Dec 12

National Christmas Tree Lighting

Tree lighting · Washington, DC · Free to visit; ceremony tickets were by lottery (closed Nov. 4)

Opens soon Music

7.7 miDec 3 – Jan 1

CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting

Tree lighting · Washington, DC · Free

Opens soon

7.7 miNov 14 – Nov 14

ZooLights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

Walk-thru · Washington, DC · $10 admission; parking $30 advance, $40 day-of

Opens soon

10 miNov 20 – Jan 3

Frosted at Franklin Park

Walk-thru · Washington, DC · Free

Opens soon

12 miNov 13 – Jan 9

Mosaic District Holiday Tree Lighting

Tree lighting · Fairfax, VA · Free

Opens soon

13 miNov 27 – Nov 27

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park

Drive-thru · Upper Marlboro, MD · $20 per car

Opens soon

14 miNov 27 – Jan 1

Old Town Fairfax Festival of Lights & Carols

Event · Fairfax, VA · Free

Opens soon Music

16 miDec 5 – Dec 5

Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple

Walk-thru · Kensington, MD · Free (free timed parking pass required after 4:30 pm)

Opens soon Music

16 miDec 2 – Jan 1

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Walk-thru · Wheaton, MD · $13.99 Sun-Thu, $16.99 Fri-Sat (fees included); age 4 and under free

Opens soon

19 miNov 20 – Jan 3

Holiday Card Lane

Neighborhood · Alexandria, VA · Free

3.5 mi

Mount Vernon Christmas Candlelight Evenings

Event · Mount Vernon, VA · Ticketed (about $29-$58)

Music

6.5 mi

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Tree lighting · Washington, DC · Free

7.2 mi

Ni Family Lights

Home display · Vienna, VA · Free

Music

14 mi

DC Winter Lantern Festival

Walk-thru · Tysons, VA · $25.99 adult, $18.99 youth (2025)

14 mi

Marshall Pond Christmas Village

Home display · Burke, VA · Free

15 mi

Paradise Family Lights

Home display · Vienna, VA · Free

Music

15 mi

Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

Walk-thru · Woodbridge, VA · Free

18 mi

Holiday Lights on the Farm

Event · Herndon, VA · $15 advance, $20 at door (2025)

24 mi

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 National Harbor? Add it free.

Christmas lights in National Harbor: common questions

What are the best Christmas lights in National Harbor?

Popular picks this season include Bright Nights at Cameron Run Regional Park (Nov 14 – Jan 3), Light Yards (Nov 23 – Jan 1), Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park (Nov 20 – Dec 27) and Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park (Nov 27 – Jan 1). In all, 27 displays are mapped in and around National Harbor, from decorated houses and neighborhoods to ticketed light shows.

Where can I see free Christmas lights in National Harbor?

Free options include Light Yards, Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Frosted at Franklin Park and Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple. 20 of the 27 displays near National Harbor are free to visit; most home and neighborhood displays cost nothing to drive by.

Is there a drive-thru Christmas light show near National Harbor?

Yes. Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park ($20 per car). 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 National Harbor?

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 National Harbor?

The earliest National Harbor-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 National Harbor 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.

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