UPDATED FOR 2024
Out of oodles of holiday traditions associated with this time of year, none may be as beloved as loading the family into the car in search of the best neighborhood light displays and shows. But where can you find the best neighborhood Christmas lights in Virginia for 2024?
We spoke with local expert Holly Zell, the owner of the resourceful website, Holly’s Tacky Christmas Lights, to get her take on the best of the best in Fairfax County. Going to see Christmas lights is perfect for a date night on a couples getaway in winter or a great way to stay in the Holiday spirit with the family. Here are the top light shows for Fairfax County in 2024 to add to your must-do list, in no particular order. (Keep in mind that with a later Thanksgiving date and colder temps, the light season this year is a bit shorter.)
Editors note: We, like Holly, lovingly refer to these displays as "tacky" in the most endearing sense of the word - truly these displays are pieces of art and are testaments to the owners' hard work and dedication in an otherwise very busy season! Also, as a reminder – these are private properties, so please respect the owners’ homes and stay out of the light display and yard when visiting and do not block driveways.
RETURNING: 1601 Collingwood Rd, Alexandria
2024 STATUS: Coming early December through January 6, usually 5pm-10:30pm.
This home on Collingwood Rd has long been a favorite and was the winner of ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight in 2018 and TLC's Invasion of the Christmas Lights in 2009. The owner, Bill, took a fall that prevented him from decorating for the last several years, but he has announced, "even if it is one and done," he will be decorating for 2024! Be on the lookout for unique, handmade wireframe displays throughout the sloping yard and tune in to 88.1 FM. NOTE: Please, no U-Turns on Collingwood Rd.
10108 Marshall Pond Rd, Burke
2024 STATUS: On through January 1, usually through 10-11pm.
Lights always on, though rain may have other plans.
This massive display, dubbed Marshall Pond Christmas Village, is thanks to seven different homes in a cul-de-sac/pipestem. All families are on their own light-up schedule. Pay a visit to “Santa’s Village” upon arrival. (The neighborhood no longer uses its previous Facebook page.)
NOTE: Be sure to park at the top of Marshall Pond Road and walk from there to enjoy the displays. Please do not drive down the pipestem.
3912 Lincolnshire Street, Annandale
2024 STATUS: On from December 7 through January 1, typically 4:45pm-10/10:30pm.
Lights will be off during any wet/humid/snow conditions. Tune to 88.3 FM.
Multi-color LED lights and figurines cover every square inch of the property, backed by music and animation. See if the kiddos can spot Santa and his reindeer amidst the lights! Gazers can tune to 88.3 FM to listen to the show. Tip: You may walk up the driveway to the fence or up the steps in front of the house. Also keep on the lookout for neighbors who have lit their homes to make Lincolnshire St glow!
7302 Rhondda Dr, Lorton
2024 STATUS: On through January 5, 5:30-9:30pm weekdays and 5:30-10:30pm Fri/Sat
One of the only townhomes on the list, this home makes incredible use of its small space with layers and layers of colors, a Letters to Santa mailbox, and full-size homemade props of the Bumble, Grinch and Taz (on weekends, weather permitting). Stop by to take a selfie with them and drop your letter to Santa! Each letter left may just get a special response from Santa himself!
LAST CHANCE: 5700 Claret Place, Centreville
2024 STATUS: Currently on, through January 6, 4:30-11:30pm. Animated to music 6-10pm on 105.7 FM.
This highly animated display in a corner lot is home to many vintage blow-molds, an authentic Santa film in the window, and a two-story light tree. The family holds a food drive to benefit the Western Fairfax Christian Ministries Food Bank and they have been featured on The WETA Guide to Christmas program. Follow the family on Facebook here.
NOTE: After 35 years of decorating, 2024 will be the last year for this beautiful home display, so if you've been meaning to see it, this is the year!
7815 Birnam Wood Dr, McLean
2024 STATUS: On from December 13 through January 1, 6-9pm weekdays, 6-10pm weekends.
Lights are off in rain and wind.
This McLean spectacle is thanks to a mother-son decorating effort and features a glowing, multi-colored, striped house with an ever-changing array of unique inflatables. The roof, nearby giant trees, and the yard itself are covered in lights. After viewing this home, don't miss the son's own home in Ashburn at 21260 Rosetta Place.
602 Birch St, SW, Vienna
2024 STATUS: On through January 1. 5:30pm-9pm Mon-Thurs, 5:30pm-10pm Fri-Sun
Show is off for rain, extreme cold.
This unique full-home projection show offers a different take on your traditional light show. The one-of-a-kind, fully custom show is synced to holiday music (tune to 89.7 FM) and offers a world of enchantment, with surprise guests, a winter wonderland setting, and a magical musical medley. From November 30-December 12, catch an encore of the 2023 show and come back after December 12 to see an entirely new show for 2024!
NOTE: Please wait your turn to get in to view this unique display and turn off your headlights while viewing. Follow the Paradise Family "Light" Show on their Facebook page here.
10203 Lawyers Rd, Vienna
2024 STATUS: Currently on through January 6. 5pm - 11pm.
Lights might go off during rain.
Stunning layers of multicolored lights and large decorated trees make up much of this beautiful display. Be on the lookout for the “zoo” of approximately 100 lighted animal figures of all types (can you count the number of polar bears?) and a flowing waterfall scene. Tip: Park on Galloping Way and carefully cross Lawyers Rd for the best views.
1801 Beulah Rd, Vienna
2024 STATUS: Currently on, through early January
Located adjacent to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (which has its own incredible light show during the season), this Vienna home joins the fun with a massive array of lights, wireframe scenes, and groupings of fabulously colored trees throughout their large yard. At street level, there's even a special mailbox to drop Letters for Santa.
2733 Oakton Park Ct, Vienna
2024 STATUS: Currently on, through January 5, 5:30pm-10:30pm
Lights off during rain. Inflatables off during high winds.
This small cul-de-sac in Oakton glows during the season thanks to this bright and cheery cluster of home displays. Trees are wrapped in candy-cane-colored lights, a stunning lighted archway covers the driveway, and snowmen and friends are positioned throughout the yard. Four of the homes on this cul-de-sac are overdecorated, so be sure to enjoy them all! Follow the Oakton Park Lights Facebook page for the latest info.
NOTE: Please do not block access to driveways or for other viewers in this small cul-de-sac. Parking is recommended on Courthouse Rd in the white striped area or on a neighboring street if you would like to take more time to enjoy the displays.
2528 Drexel St, Vienna
2024 STATUS: On through December 31. 5:30pm-9:30pm Sun-Thurs and 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat.
Tune to 90.3 FM.
The Ni Family has been putting on a fabulous Christmas show at their home in Vienna where they sync their lights to a playlist of fun holiday movie clips, popular songs, and other favorites. The family will run a "Best Of" playlist through December 9 and then start an all-new 2024 playlist. Tune to 90.3 FM to hear the music or park nearby to walk over and hear the songs from the outdoor speakers. Get the full playlist and live updates on the family's Facebook page.
10800 Stanhope Pl, Fairfax
2024 STATUS: Currently on, through January 4, dark - 11pm
Lights off during heavy rain. Tune to 89.7 FM.
This neighborhood effort has nearly an entire block lit up for the holidays! Enjoy a drive by these nine homes, some that are animated to music and others that make neighborly use of tree lights. Several homes are synced together with music, some homes have various themes. Some surrounding cul-de-sacs are also lit up. Lots to see in this area of the neighborhood!
922 Cottage St, SW, Vienna
2024 STATUS: Currently on.
This out-of-this-world display encourages drivers-by to BELIEVE, with soaring displays of UFOs, Big Foot, Yetis, and many other mythical creatures.
13799 Necklace Ct, Chantilly
2024 STATUS: Currently on, 5-11pm daily. Rain or shine.
These owners have steadily increased their display over the years into a beautiful array of scenes, from water creatures to patriotic wireframes and raining lights. Keep a look out for a virtual Santa to appear in the window above the garage from December 1 - 24.
6912 Ontario St, Springfield
2024 STATUS: Currently on through December 31. Dusk-11pm. 24/7 from December 22-27
Tons of inflatables line the yard of this Springfield home, encircled by multicolored lights and various Christmas characters and Santas clinging nearby. Only on through New Years Eve.
There are many other homes to explore, and Holly has a great map to highlight the best of the best, some honorable mentions, and even locations outside of Fairfax County. Most importantly, keep in mind some of her best viewing tips:
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Respect the owners’ properties and please stay out of the yards and light displays. This also pertains to your safety and the safety of the owners’ homes. Similarly, don’t touch any of the displays and be considerate to the neighborhood and other light viewers around you.
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Rain, snow, and wind can all influence the light displays. Check Holly’s site or Facebook page for hours and weather closings.
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Overall, the best time of day for viewing lights is between 6pm and 8pm.
Want to make a night of it and have a Holiday Lights Show Tour of Fairfax County? Check out our video here for ideas on perfecting your new holiday tradition:
Looking for other dazzling light shows in the area? Don’t miss these professional light shows before the season ends. And be sure to bookmark our winter guide for more seasonal fun!
Do you know of other spectacular light displays in Fairfax neighborhoods or at Fairfax County businesses? Tell us in the comments below or tag us on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
*All photos credit to Holly Zell of FairfaxChristmasLights.com, unless where otherwise noted.
