The Observer is encouraged to see that our local communities are keeping the festive spirit of the holiday season alive by continuing activities that can be enjoyed at a distance. We encourage our readers to find joy in these events and add our voice to the many who are encouraging patience and perseverance until we can all gather together again to celebrate.
Bull Run Festival of Lights (Northern Virginia)
A 2.5-mile drive-through display of holiday lights and vignettes. Come to see classic scenese as well as new additions to this long-standing holiday light tour.
Dates: Nov. 6 — Jan. 10
Times: Mon-Thurs 5:30-9:30 pm, Fri-Sun & Holiday nights 5:30-10 pm
Location: Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Ticket Info: Purchase tickets for specific time slots at the door or online. $25/car for Nov. 6 —Dec. 11 & Jan. 1-10. $30/car for Dec. 12-31. Ticket prices discounted $5 if purchased in advance online. Additional $5 discount available for tickets purchased for Mon-Thurs (promo code WEB20).
City Park Lighting (Hagerstown, MD)
Drive through City Park during the month of December to enjoy spectacular lights. Tune to FM 90.3 for a holiday music accompaniment.
Date: Dec. 4 — 31
Times: All day (Official lighting on Dec. 4 at 7 pm)
Location: City Park, 501 Virginia Ave, Hagerstown
Ticket Info: Free
Glitter & Glow Drive-Thru Parade (Leesburg, VA)
Celebrate the season with this drive-through parade. Holiday floats of all shapes and sizes will be decorated for the holidays and easily viewable from your car.
Date: Dec. 12
Times: 5:30-8 pm
Location: Freedom Park, 101 Colonel Grenata Circle SE, Leesburg
Ticket Info: Free
Holiday Lane: Lights in the Park (Winchester, VA)
Winchester’s newest drive-through light show will feature beautiful light designs, characters, and holiday decorations the entire family will love. Santa is also planning to stop by on weekends.
Dates: Nov. 30 — Dec. 27
Times: 5-8:30 pm, everyday
Location: Jim Barnett Park, 1001 E Cork St, Winchester
Ticket Info: Free
Sailing Through Winter Solstice (Frederick, MD)
During the Sailing Through The Winter Solstice event, about 25 boats set sail in Carrol Creek Park. The fleet includes gaff-rigged ketches, yawls, three-masted schooners and pirate ships, moored with their sail outlines, rigging and decks lit up from dusk till dawn.
Dates: Nov. 21 — Feb. 6
Times: Dusk till dawn
Location: Carroll Creek Park, Frederick
Ticket Info: Free
Winter Lights Festival (Gaithersburg, MD)
A family tradition! The Winter Lights Festival is a 3.5 mile drive through Seneca Creek State Park with more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees.
Dates: Nov. 27 — Dec. 31 (Closed Dec. 25)
Times: Fri-Sat 6-9:30 pm, Sun-Thurs 6-9 pm
Location: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg
Ticket Info: $15/car Mon-Thurs and $20/car Fri-Sun. $30/van or bus. Discounts available if tickets purchased in advance online.