Awesome Holiday Light Shows Around Northern Virginia

PHOTO of Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna

_____________

Looking to get out and see some holiday lights? Here are some displays and other holiday events taking place this holiday season (click on the links for more information):

• ZooLights at the National Zoo: OK, we know, this isn’t in Northern Virginia, but you can drive over or take the Metro. Lights are up through Jan. 2. A free 34-day (except Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Dec. 31) event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. New this year will be a dazzling light show set to music. In addition you’ll find holiday shopping, train rides and holiday treats (kettle corn, s’mores, hot chocolate and adult beveragees) for sale.

• Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Lights: You can visit Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna now through Jan. 3 to experience more than 500,000 LED lights and displays that bring Meadowlark Botanical Gardens to life.The gardens are transformed each year into a winter wonderland, including a flowing stream of softly glowing lights, a two-story animated fountain and a Gingerbread Village.

• Bull Run Festival of Lights: You can load up your car and see this drive-through light show in the Centreville area and then visit Santa’s Village for roasting marshmallows, riding rides and taking a picture with Santa Claus. The light show continues through Jan. 3. Weekends are busiest and prices are discounted Monday to Thursday.

• National Harbor Waterfront Wonderland: Santa visits, holiday movies, live holiday music and an illuminated tree and much more are on tap in Maryland, just across the Potomac, through Dec. 19. Visit Gaylord National for Christmas on the Potomac featuring indoor snowfall and a two-story ice slide

• Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon: Join Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music. Take a stroll through the estate while being serenaded by local choirs, visit with re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment in winter encampment, and learn 18th-century dance moves from costumed guides in the Greenhouse. “George and Martha Washington” will also be on site to share their holiday cheer with guests.