Holiday light shows in the D.C. area

Over winter break, when relatives are visiting and families need an activity to get out of the house, there are many different light shows and events going on that will entertain Montgomery County residents. The many light shows and winter walks are enjoyed by people of all ages throughout the D.C. area.

The National Christmas Tree

The National Christmas Tree is a 40-foot Colorado blue spruce that grows on the Ellipse year-round. Its decorations this year will be reminiscent of the 1920s, which is when the holiday tree-lighting tradition began. A model train display runs under the tree and there are 56 smaller trees that represent all of the states and territories in the U.S. The trees will be lit every night from dusk to 11:00 p.m. through New Year's Day. Musical groups will perform holiday programs each night between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., except Dec. 24 through Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.

The Mormon Temple's lights

The Mormon Temple presents the Festival of Lights through Dec. 30. Admission is free. The festival's 300,000 lights will be on from dusk until 10:00 p.m. each night. Visitors can also see a live outdoor nativity scene each evening between 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will also be musical performances starting at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. which features local bands and choirs from the DC area. The Mormon Temple is located at 9900 Stoneybrook Drive in Kensington. For more information, call 301-587-0144.

Garden of Lights Winter Garden Walk At Brookside Gardens

Brookside Gardens will present over 600,000 lights in its Garden of Lights Winter Garden Walk. Lights will be presented in different forms of plants, animals and fountains. The light show will be open Dec. 15 to 23, Dec. 26 to 30 and Jan. 2 to 9. Garden of Lights is open between 5:30 p.m and 9:00 p.m., with the last car admitted at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for cars or vans; cash only is accepted. Pedestrians cannot be admitted because of safety regulations. Brookside Gardens is located at 100 Glenallen Avenue in Wheaton, Maryland. For more information call 301-962-1453 or visit here.

City of Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

The City of Gaithersburg will be holding its Winter Lights Festival until Dec. 31. There will be 350 illuminated and 60 animated displays along the 3.5 mile drive through the park. The cost is $10 per car Sunday to Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and $12 Friday and Saturday 6:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m. Call 301-258-6310 for more information.