Jefferson County lights up during December to celebrate Christmas. You’ll find many creative displays in residential neighborhoods and several organized tours (pictured above: Harpers Ferry). If you’re up for a drive, there are also several larger light shows in the surrounding area.
CHARLES TOWN & RANSON CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOUR
The Charles Town & Ranson Lights Tour will run through Dec 29. This year’s tour is organized in 5 routes, with residents competing for prizes for “people’s choice,” “best Griswold (lots of lights),” “best theme (lights and music)” and other categories. Hours, maps and downloadable app on Facebook (Charles Town & Ranson Lights).
HARPERS FERRY & BOLIVAR HOLIDAY LIGHT TOUR
The light tour in Harpers Ferry and Bolivar is a self-guided route through the streets of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar, with participating houses decorated in Victorian-era decor. The official tour and voting for people’s favorite will take place on the same weekends as Olde Tyme Christmas (Dec 3 & 4, 10 & 11) between 6 and 8 pm. Info and map at ExperienceHarpersFerry.com/OTC.
LIGHTS ON THE LAKE – MOUNTAIN LAKE CLUB
The Mountain Lake Club in Shannondale (Harpers Ferry) has food, music, lots of photo ops, and of course, thousands and thousands of lights. Lights on the Lake is a walkthrough light event that is happening select nights beginning November 26, 2022 through December 30, 2022. Advance ticket purchase required via website ($8/person (kids 5 & under free) plus $5 parking. Info: LightsOnTheLake.com.
CITY PARK LIGHT SHOW – HAGERSTOWN, MD
City Park in Hagerstown will be lit through Jan 1. Visitors can drive through the park and listen to a music show broadcast on 90.3 FM between 5 and 11 pm nightly. Info: HagerstownMD.org/CPL.
SAILING THROUGH THE WINTER SOLSTICE – FREDERICK, MD
Carroll Creek Park hosts 30 boats decorated by local businesses and individuals in a competition fundraiser for charity – visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite via a donation (see website). Self-guided walking tour, through Feb 2023. Info: ColorOnTheCreek.com.
BULL RUN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – CENTREVILLE, VA
A 2.5 mile driving tour through Bull Run Regional Park with thousands of lights and displays. Through Jan 8. Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30 pm, Fri-Sat-Sun & Holidays (Dec 24, 25, 31) 5:30-10 pm. Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA. Tickets (timed entry) are $30 (per passenger vehicle) + processing fee (online); $40 (on site). Info: BullRunFestivalOfLights.com.
