4 Must See Holiday Lights in DC Metro area- Things to do with kids in Northern Virginia

Holiday light and glitter bring a unique joy. With winter break approaching it is hard to keep the kids entertain here are few events that you can go to in the evenings and enjoy the holiday lights:

Zoo lights at the National Zoo- By the far the most popular event for family in the DC metro area. The National Zoo presents a display of thousands of sparkling lights featuring sculptures of many of the Zoo’s most popular animals, including giant pandas, Asian elephants, gibbons, a sea lion, an octopus, and a Komodo dragon. Visitors at ZooLights will enjoy winter-themed crafts, ice sculpting demonstrations, choral groups, and storytellers. Visitors can warm up inside the animal houses and enjoy nocturnal animals. The Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, Reptile Discover Center, Think Tank, and Kid’s Farm will be open every night. Holiday treats will be available for sale including hot chocolate, donuts, and kettle corn. Families can take a photo with costume characters, or do some holiday shopping at one of the eco-friendly gift shops.

Dates and Times
November 29-January 1
Closed Dec. 24, 25
Hours: 5-9 p.m.
Address - 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights- The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is a favorite holiday celebration in both Old Town Alexandria and Washington, DC. Festively decorated pleasure boats light up the sky along the Potomac River including 50 powerboats, sailboats and the District's fireboat, the John Glenn spouting water 70 feet into the air. The brightly lit boats are creatively decorated as they compete in categories such as "Best in Show," "Best Thinking Outside the Christmas Box," and "Hardiest Souls." Washington Harbour and Old Town Alexandria Marina.

Date and Time:

December 7, 2013
Holiday Boat Parade Schedule:
Saturday, December 7, 2013 - Held Rain (Snow) or Shine
3:00 to 6:00 p.m. - Festivities on the docks at the Alexandria Waterfront (music and entertainment)
4:15 p.m. - Santa arrives by boat - pictures with Santa for Kids and Canines
5:00 p.m. - Parade starts at the Alexandria Waterfront
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Parade at Washington Channel, Washington, DC.

Bull Run Christmas Lights- From comfort of your car drive through a 2.5-mile holiday light show at Bull Run Regional Park featuring penguins, snowmen, candy canes, jumping deer, Santa’s workshop, Frosty the Snowman, tin soldiers, elves and Santa. The seasonal event will include more than 40,000 animated lights set to music! After viewing the lights you can visit the Winter Wonderland Holiday Village that includes amusement rides, an ice skating rink, entertainment, shopping, contests, food, and more
Dates and Hours
Festival of Lights: November 20, 2013 - January 5, 2014.
Hours: Monday - Thursday & Sunday: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.,
Fridays, Saturdays & holidays: 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Carnival: 2013 Dates: November 21-24, 29-December 1, 5-8, 12-January 1 (weather permitting)

 Address- 7700 Bull Run Drive Centreville, VA 2012


Meadowlark Gardens - Meadowlark Gardens is hosting a new Christmas light display called a “Winter Walk of Lights.” The walking tour includes 500,000 LED lights and unique animated displays with a nature theme such as a bubbling stream, jumping fish, deer, dragonflies, plus seasonal displays including a Gingerbread Village and a pumpkin patch. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. The garden path is about half a mile long.

Dates and Hours

November 15, 2013 - January 5, 2014
5:30 to 10 p.m., seven days a week

 Address - 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, Virginia.