ZOOLIGHTS AT THE NATIONAL ZOO
Washington, D.C.
As the adorable lit panda at the entrance shows, ZooLights at
the Smithsonian’s National Zoo blazes from more than 500,000
environmentally friendly LED lights, arranged in the shapes of zebras,
elephants, monkeys, and more. More dazzle comes from laser light
shows, games, live music performances, and a holiday market.
nationalzoo.si.edu
GEORGETOWN GLOW
Washington, D.C.
This charming, historic neighborhood goes modern for the annual
Georgetown GLOW exhibition, an outdoor display of light-art
installations. Designed by local and international artists, these
illuminated works range from modern and geometric to fanciful and
interactive. georgetownglowdc.com
Grinch’s climb down the chimney and the moment his heart grew three
sizes. The attraction includes an interactive ice slide and an elaborately
sculpted Who feast (where he himself, the Grinch, carves the roast).
tickets.gaylordnational.com
MEADOWLARK’S WINTER WALK OF LIGHTS
Vienna, Virginia
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens lights the night with a walkable, half-
mile light display. It’s a favorite of locals and visiting families, and the
length of the display gives visitors plenty to explore. New light features
are cycled in each year amid perennial favorites like the reflective
“Lakeside Lights;” the glittering, animated “Fountain of Lights;” and
the colorful “Holiday Nature Walk.” novaparks.com
Festival of Lights
Credit: Conrad Hocking
MOUNT VERNON BY CANDLELIGHT
Mount Vernon, Virginia
For holiday lights that flicker, book a candlelit tour of George
Washington’s Mount Vernon. On select evenings throughout the
holiday season, the lantern-lit walk through the estate and mansion
conjures the spirt of Christmases past, thanks to colonial reenactors
with holiday tales to tell. mountvernon.org
THE NATIONAL MENORAH
Washington, D.C.
On the first night of Hanukkah, spectators gather for the lighting of
the National Menorah, located on the Ellipse at President’s Park. The
menorah is among the world’s largest and stands an impressive 30 feet
tall. Past lighting ceremonies have featured music performances, hot
latkes, and free dreidels and menorah kits for attendees. The ceremony
is embraced by those near and far as an opportunity to connect with
and celebrate the Jewish community. nationalmenorah.org
THE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE
Washington, D.C.
For nearly 100 years, the National Christmas Tree lighting has been a
beloved tradition. Proudly poised on the Ellipse at President’s Park, just
in front of the White House, the National Christmas Tree is surrounded
by the “Pathway of Peace,” which sprouts 56 additional trees, each
representing a U.S. state or territory, and each decorated with unique,
handmade ornaments. nps.gov
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Kensington, Maryland
The Washington, D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints welcomes thousands each holiday season to enjoy its
enchanting Festival of Lights. While the majestic temple and its spires
are illuminated every night of the year, it takes aims for the angelic
during the holidays. The trees surrounding the hilltop temple are
wrapped in more than 650,000 multicolored lights, creating a dazzling
spectacle. churchofjesuschrist.org
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Credit: George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Zoolights
Credit: Jim Jenkins, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
ICE!
National Harbor, Maryland
Relive the nostalgia of the beloved Dr. Seuss story, How the Grinch
Stole Christmas!, at this larger-than-life ice sculpture exhibition. A
glistening, icy Whoville pays tribute to favorite scenes, including the
WINTER 2019/20 63 FLYWASHINGTON.COM