Winter Lights, Displays and Other Attractions

The National Zoo will hold its biggest and brightest event ever - ZooLights. ZooLights runs Friday to Sunday, December 3 to 12, 2010 and then nightly December 17, 2010 to January 2, 2011, except 12/24, 12/25 & 12/31. The event runs 6 to 8:30pm.  The Zoo will shine with thousands of environmentally friendly lights and animated exhibits. These larger-than-life displays will feature many of the Zoo'­s most popular animals, all constructed of LED lights that use about 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. There will also be hands-on activities, entertainment, food and more.  This year admission is free, but the zoo will charge for parking. $8/members; $15/nonmembers. 

Festival of Lights: A nativity scene and over 500,000 lights sparkle around the Visitors Center at the Washington Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kensington from December 3, 2010 to January 1, 2011.  Inside see decorated trees, live nativity and 126 international Creche displays. At 7 & 8pm each night; enjoy seasonal entertainment.  Please visit the website at Festival of Lights

Holiday Model Train Display:  Enjoy beautiful train displays perfect for the entire family at Union Station. December 2, 2010 to January 1, 2011; open from 10am to 7pm daily.  The annual tree lighting will take place on December 2, 2010 at 6pm.

Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland Adventure Park USA in New Market is hosting a Christmas Wonderland musical light show from November 5, 2010 to January 1, 2011. It's a one-of-a-kind holiday experience where you simply drive up, tune in your car's radio and let the Christmas spirit capture your heart. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross and Christmas Cash for Kids.  Tickets are $25/carload; $50/mini bus/activity-van or limo and $100/school or tour bus.

The City of Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival returns for its 15th season. Take a 3.5 mile drive through a light show at Seneca Creek State Park featuring more than 380 displays in an enchanted forest setting. There is a two-day sneak preview on November 26 & 27, 2010 from 6 to 10pm.  The festival will be open nightly from December 3, 2010 to January 1, 2011 (except Mondays and 12/24). Open 6 to 9pm (Monday through Thursday, $12/car) and 6 to 10pm (Friday, Saturday & Sunday, $14/car). Cash only. Two dollar discount coupons valid Monday through Thursday only are available at nearby Lakeforest Shopping Center and Washingtonian Center.  See our giveaways for parents section below for your chance to win one of 9 FREE ADMISSION passes. 

 

Where to find Santa (beside those events listed in the newsletter):

Lakeforest Mall - 11/6-12/24

White Flint Mall - 11/19-11/21, 11/26-12/24

Montgomery Mall - 11/13-12/24