Thanksgiving marks the start of the festive season, and what better way to kick it off than exploring dazzling Christmas light displays after a filling dinner? So, if you are looking for an enchanting evening stroll, a drive-through spectacular, or FREE Holiday Things to Do in the DMV, many Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania places will be open on Thanksgiving Day.
This guide highlights the top Christmas light displays open on Thanksgiving Day, ensuring your holiday season begins with sparkle and joy.
Are you cooking or strolling? HAHA!
Table of Contents:
Holiday Display Open on Thanksgiving Day in Washington DC
Season’s Greenings Holiday Exhibit 2024
The U.S. Botanic Garden’s annual “Season’s Greenings” celebration offers a festive experience for visitors of all ages.
Location: U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001
Dates: November 28, 2024, through January 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
Cost: Free admission
For more information, visit the Season’s Greenings Website.
This year’s exhibit features thousands of poinsettias, intricate plant-based models of DC landmarks, and a model train display in the outdoor gardens. The Garden will be closed on December 25.
Light Yard DC Holiday Display
Experience the ultimate holiday light display at Lights Yard DC, opening on Thanksgiving Day! This dazzling winter wonderland features over 1 million lights, transforming a 20-acre property into a magical holiday destination with towering light sculptures, animated displays, snowflakes, icicles, and festive holiday decorations. All this is set amidst a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for creating holiday memories with family and friends.
Key Details:
Location: 305 Water Street Southeast Washington, DC 20003
Dates: See the lights on Thanksgiving Day
Time: 5:00 pm to 10 pm
Cost: Free admission
For more information, visit Light Yard DC
Bull Run Festival of Lights
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is a 2.5-mile drive-through holiday light display at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling array of festive lights from the comfort of their vehicles.
Key Details:
Location: Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA 20121
Dates: November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025 (Open on Thanksgiving Day until 10 pm)
Time: 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Monday–Thursday); 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm (Friday–Sunday and holiday nights)
Cost: $30 per vehicle when purchased online and $40 at the door. Bus tickets are $75 for 15+ passenger buses.
Discounts:
- November 15–21, 2024: Save $10 with promo code early24.
- November 22–27, 2024: Save $5 with promo code lights24
- January 2–5, 2025: Save $10 with promo code early24
For more Info, Nova Parks
2024 Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’ Winter Walk of Lights transforms the Gardens into a stunning holiday spectacle. Visitors can enjoy a half-mile of lighted displays showcasing nature themes, animated scenes, and holiday cheer, perfect for a festive evening outing.
Key Details:
Location: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182.
Dates: Open nightly from November 8, 2024, through January 5, 2025, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Time: Operating hours are 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm from November 8 to December 5, 2024, and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm from December 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Cost: Tickets are $18 per person between November 8 and December 5, 2024, and January 1 and January 5, 2025. From December 6 to December 31, 2024, tickets are $22 per person. Please note that prices do not include applicable taxes and transaction fees.
For more information, visit the official event page and purchase tickets. Eventbrite , Nova Parks
This self-guided, half-mile walk features a variety of lighted displays, including nature themes and animated scenes, along a paved, wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail. Visitors can enjoy hot beverages, make s’mores by the fire pit, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Winter Lantern Festival
Step into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns crafted by skilled artisans with decades of experience. This enchanting walk-through experience will light up and warm up the season! Enjoy live entertainment by the world-renowned Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, savor delicious food and drinks, and discover unique gifts for the whole family. A magical experience awaits!
Key Details:
Location: Tyson Corner-8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons, VA 22102
Dates: Select dates from November 15, 2024, through January 5, 2025
Time: Operating hours vary; please check the park’s official calendar for specific times
Cost: Ticket prices start at $29.39 per person; additional experiences and dining options may incur extra charges
For more Info, Winter Lanter Festival
Norfolk Botanical Garden Dominion Energy Garden of Lights
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Dominion Energy Garden of Lights, where over 1 million twinkling lights and animated displays transform the Garden into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through the beautifully illuminated gardens, including the Rose Garden, Sensory Garden, and Children’s Garden, and enjoy a festive holiday train display, stunning lighted fountain show, and special holiday events and activities, including visits with Santa and holiday crafts, all set amidst a festive atmosphere perfect for creating holiday memories with family and friends.
Key Details:
Location:
Dates: Open on Thanksgiving Day
Time: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: Tickets cost $15 per kid and $25 per adult.
For more info, visit Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Bush Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Christmas Town transforms the park into a winter wonderland with over ten million twinkling lights, making it one of North America’s largest light displays. Visitors can enjoy festive shows, holiday-themed dining, and a variety of attractions suitable for all ages.
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Dates: Select dates from November 15, 2024, through January 5, 2025
Time: Operating hours vary; please check the park’s official calendar for specific times
Cost: Ticket prices start at $35 per person; additional experiences and dining options may incur extra charges
For more Info, Busch Gardens
You can also visit Eventbrite to learn about ticket purchases and event details.
Land Of Lights Christmas
The “Land of Lights” is a captivating drive-through holiday light display at the Franklin County Recreation Park in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Visitors can enjoy a half-mile loop adorned with festive lights and decorations, making it an ideal outing for families and friends during the holiday season.
Key Details:
- Location: Franklin County Recreation Park, 2150 Sontag Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151
- Dates: Open daily from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, 2024
- Time: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
- Cost: Free admission; donations are accepted to support the event
- For more Info: Play Franklin County
This event offers a delightful experience to celebrate the holiday spirit with loved ones.
Christmas Light Open on Thanksgiving Day in Maryland
Christmas Village in Baltimore
The Christmas Village in Baltimore is a charming outdoor and indoor German-style holiday market located at the Inner Harbor. It features festive decorations, traditional European foods, unique holiday gifts, and live entertainment, making it a favorite holiday destination for all ages.
Key Details:
Location:
501 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
(Just a 3-minute walk from the Maryland Science Center and a 10-minute walk from the National Aquarium and the American Visionary Art Museum)
Dates & Hours:
- Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024): 12:00 – 5:00 pm.
- Sunday through Thursday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
- Special Hours:
- Christmas Eve (December 24, 2024): 12:00 – 5:00 pm.
- Closed Dates:
- November 25, 26, and 27, 2024
- Mondays and Tuesdays (except December 23 and 24, 2024)
Cost:
Free to enter; some activities and food purchases may have additional costs.
For more Info: Christmas Village in Baltimore
ICE! and Christmas at Gaylord National
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Gaylord National Resort’s annual Christmas celebration, featuring the renowned ICE! Exhibit. This year’s theme brings “A Charlie Brown Christmas” to life through intricate ice sculptures crafted from over two million pounds of ice. Visitors can marvel at these frozen masterpieces, slide down ice slides, and enjoy various festive activities suitable for all ages.
Key Details:
Location: Gaylord National Resort, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland 20745.
Dates: November 15 to December 28, 2024.
Time: Operating hours vary daily; please refer to the official website for specific times.
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on the package selected. Visit the official website for detailed pricing and to purchase tickets.
For more Info: ICE! and Christmas
Plan your visit to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland and create lasting holiday memories at Gaylord National’s Christmas celebration.
National Harbor Nightly Tree Light Show
The National Harbor Nightly Tree Light Show is a captivating holiday event. A 60-foot RGB tree comes to life with a mesmerizing light display synchronized to a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.
Key Details:
Location: National Harbor, Maryland
Dates: Nightly from November 9, 2024, through December 28, 2024
Time: Every half hour from sunset until 9:00 pm.
Cost: Free
For more Info: National Harbor
Additionally, on Saturday nights during this period, a spectacular fireworks display follows the 5:30 pm tree-lighting show.
Christmas Light Open on Thanksgiving Day in Pennsylvania
Hershey Sweet Lights Holiday Drive-Tru Spectacular
Hershey Sweet Lights is a festive drive-through experience featuring nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays along a two-mile wooded trail. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their vehicles.
Key Details:
Location: 1183 Sandbeach Road, Hershey, PA 17033. From Hersheypark Drive, proceed north on Sand Beach Road for approximately half a mile and follow signs to Boathouse Road to reach the entrance.
Dates: Open select dates from November 15, 2024, through January 1, 2025.
Time: Operating hours are from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on most dates, with extended hours until 10:00 p.m. on select dates.
Cost: Admission starts at $29.99 per vehicle. You can save money by purchasing tickets online in advance by 5:00 pm on the day of your visit.
For more information and ticket purchases, visit Hersheypark’s official website.
Please note that Hershey Sweet Lights is a separate ticketed event from Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane. Check the official website for the most current information and any potential updates.
Longwood Gardens
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Longwood Gardens’ Christmas light display. With over 500,000 twinkling lights, this spectacular display transforms the gardens into a winter wonderland.
Stroll through the beautifully illuminated gardens and enjoy a half-mile-long light display: picturesque paths, a stunning display of lights, fountains in the Large Lake, and so much more.
Key Details:
Location: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Dates: November 27 through December 31, 2024 (closed on Christmas Eve)
Time: Sundays through Thursdays: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm; Fridays and Saturdays: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Cost: The ticket costs $8 for SNAP/EBT and PA Access Cardholders, $23 for Youth, and $42 for adults.
For more Info, Visit Longwood Gardens
Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, is an annual drive-through Christmas light display that transforms the back nine of the course into a holiday wonderland adorned with millions of lights. Visitors can enjoy the illuminated scenery and then visit the heated and accessible pavilion for family-friendly food, drinks, vendors, and s’mores.
Location: Stone Hedge Golf Course, 55 Stonehedge Dr., Tunkhannock, PA 18657
Dates: November 27 through December 31, 2024 (closed on Christmas Eve)
Time: Sundays through Thursdays: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm; Fridays and Saturdays: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Cost: $30 per vehicle (Sundays through Thursdays); $35 per vehicle (Fridays and Saturdays)
For more Info: Visit
For more information, contact Stone Hedge Golf Course at 570-836-5108.
Shady Brook Farm Holiday Drive Through
Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show is a festive drive-through experience featuring over three million lights illuminating acres of farmland. Visitors can enjoy whimsical displays and familiar characters along a 2-mile trail from the comfort of their vehicles.
Key Details:
Location: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA 19067.
Dates: Open nightly from November 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Time:
- Sunday to Thursday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
- Friday and Saturday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by date and vehicle type. For example, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, prices range from $45.00 to $150.00 per vehicle.
For more info, visit Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show page to learn more and purchase tickets.
Please note that tickets are per vehicle, not per person, and purchasing them in advance is advisable as prices may vary. The event is open, rain or shine.
Free Light Display
Herr’s Snack Factory in Nottingham, Pennsylvania, hosts an annual free Holiday Lights Display featuring over 600,000 dazzling lights. Visitors can drive through the corporate campus to enjoy the festive decorations.
Key Details:
Location: 20 Herr Drive, Nottingham, PA 19362
Dates: November 27, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Time: Dusk to dawn (approximately 5:00 pm – 7:00 am)
Cost: Free
For more Info: Herr’s
For safety, all visitors are requested to remain in their vehicles while touring the display.
Philly’s Christmas Village
Philly’s Christmas Village transforms LOVE Park and City Hall into a traditional German-style holiday market. The market offers festive food, unique gifts, and live entertainment in a vibrant holiday atmosphere. Visitors can shop from local and international vendors while enjoying a magical winter experience.
Key Details:
Location:
LOVE Park & City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Dates:
November 23 – December 24, 2024
- Closed: November 25th – 27th, 2024
Time:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Cost:
Free admission
For more Info: Philly’s Christmas Village
Enjoy a variety of festive foods, handcrafted gifts, and cultural performances, making it a must-visit holiday destination for locals and visitors. No tickets or reservations are required for entry.
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place
Celebrate the holiday season with “A Very Furry Christmas” at Sesame Place, where the park transforms into a festive wonderland adorned with millions of twinkling lights and holiday decorations.
Key Details:
Location: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
Dates: November 16, 2024, through January 5, 2025
Time: Operating hours vary; please check the official calendar for specific times
Cost: Ticket prices vary; visit the official website for detailed pricing information
For more Info: Sesame Place Tickets
Experience special Christmas shows, spectacular music, and light shows at the 30-foot 1-2-3 Christmas Tree and the Sesame Street Christmas Parade featuring festive floats and performances. Enjoy holiday-themed dining, shopping for unique gifts, and photo opportunities with your favorite Sesame Street friends dressed in their holiday best.
Longwood Garden
Longwood Gardens, located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is renowned for its annual “A Longwood Christmas” event, a spectacular holiday display featuring intricate light installations, festive decorations, and horticultural artistry.
Location: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Time: Open daily from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Cost: Admission prices vary; please refer to the official website for detailed pricing information.
For more Info: Longwood Gardens
You can visit the official Longwood Gardens website for ticket availability, pricing, and event details.
Happy Thanksgiving y’all!!
