Illustration of a family gazing at houses and trees covered in string lights on a snowy street at dusk (Bull Run Festival of Lights)
Christmas Lights

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Visitors drive through two and a half miles of illuminated holiday light displays from the comfort of their own vehicles. At the end of the route, guests can park and explore the Holiday Village and Carnival, which features walk-through light displays and photo opportunities. The village area also includes bonfires, s’mores, holiday shopping, carnival rides, and a petting zoo.

Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Bus tickets purchased online are $75 for 15+ passenger buses. Bus tickets are available Nov. 14-Dec. 14 and Dec. 29-Jan. 3. Prices do not include tax and transaction fees. Entry to the Holiday Village, Stable and Carnival is included with admission to the Festival of Lights; additional fees apply for carnival rides and camel rides.

Hours

Monday-Thursday: 5:30-9:30 pm; Friday-Sunday & Holidays: 5:30-10:00 pm. On Thanksgiving, November 26, 2026, the Festival of Lights, Holiday Village, Holiday Stable & Camel Rides remain open 5:30-10:00 pm.

Parking

There is no on-site carpool parking; visitors are asked to coordinate carpooling at commuter lots outside the park.

Pets

Dogs are allowed, but must stay inside vehicles during the light show and be leashed and under control in the Village/Carnival. Pets are not allowed in the Petting stable; owners must clean up after their dogs.

Location

Bull Run Regional Park · 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville VA 20121 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families looking for a festive holiday outing

Vibe

Festive and family-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Visit Monday through Thursday to avoid crowds, because weekends and the weeks before and after Christmas are the busiest times.
  • Buy tickets online with a promo code, because discounts are only available that way.
  • Learn your car's light controls before entering if you plan to drive with headlights off, since you can't stop during the show.
  • Bring money for the carnival rides and camel rides, which cost extra even though Village and Carnival entry is included.
  • In bad weather, watch your email, because ticket holders are notified if flooding or snow closes the show.

Special Events & Promotions

  • On Thanksgiving, November 26, the Carnival is closed. The Festival of Lights, Holiday Village, Holiday Stable and Camel Rides stay open.
  • Discounts are available only through promo codes on online ticket sales.
  • Bus tickets for 15+ passenger buses are sold online from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14 and Dec. 29 to Jan. 3.

Links & Contact

Run by NOVA Parks

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we get out of the car during the light show?

Not during the drive. Stay in your vehicle and don't stop along the route. At the end of the show, you can park and walk through the Holiday Village lights and photo spots.

Are the carnival and village included?

Yes. Entry to the Holiday Village, Stable and Carnival comes with festival admission. Carnival rides and camel rides cost extra.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. Dogs stay inside the vehicle during the light show and must be leashed and under control in the Village and Carnival. Pets aren't allowed in the petting stable, and owners must clean up after them.

How long does the drive take?

About 15 to 20 minutes from entrance to exit, depending on the night and the traffic.

Can I turn off my headlights?

Yes, if you choose to. Lights line both sides of the road and give enough visibility. Know how to work your lights before you enter, because you can't stop during the show.

Featured Video

Browse Christmas in Centreville

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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