DC-Area Gardens at the Holidays

Several DC-area gardens host spectacular holiday events each year, from roughly Thanksgiving through New Year’s.

USBG Main

The U.S. Botanic Garden is a long-time favorite.

  • Click here for photos and information about the many attractions and activities.
  • The Conservatory is open daily 10-5 all year long. Bartholdi Park is open from dawn to dusk. Admission is FREE.

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After the Botanic Garden, walk down the Mall to The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden- it’s DC’s top ice-skating venue. On Constitution between 7th and 9th Streets. The Pavilion Café is open year-round.

  • Click here for hours and information about skating.

zoo

Zoolights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is free and attracts over 100,000 people each year.

  • Click here for information.
  • Click here for a video of highlights.

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Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia hosts a Walk of Lights that includes over half million lights creating a garden of flowers, animals, snowflakes and other designs. It’s a magical walk-through light show meandering over a .6-mile path.

  • Click here for a slide show to see more images of the Walk of Lights.
  • Click here for Walk of Lights hours, directions, and fees.

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Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland is home to a famous Garden of Lights and Train Show.

Hours for the Walk of Lights are Sunday - Thursday: 5:30 - 9:30 pm; Friday - Saturday: 5:30 - 10:00 pm.

The Garden Railway Exhibit and Conservatory Winter Display are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM beginning Friday, November 27, 2015 – Sunday, January 3, 2016.

  • Click here to see lots more photos.
  • More the info here.