Bull Run Festival of Lights

Lights from the Car, Then S'mores at the Village

If you have a baby or a kid who melts down in the cold, a drive-through is the way to do lights, and Bull Run's is the big one in Northern Virginia. It's 2.5 miles and takes about 15 to 20 minutes at 10 miles an hour. Nobody has to get out of the car, and you're not allowed to stop during the show anyway. It runs every night from November 14 to January 3, weather permitting.

Tickets are per car and run $30 to $45 online depending on the date, plus tax and fees. Buying online saves up to $20 compared with the gate, and you pick a specific day and time. Hours are 5:30 to 9:30pm Monday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10pm Friday through Sunday and on holidays. Monday through Thursday is the least crowded. The weekends and the weeks around Christmas are the busiest.

The drive ends at the Holiday Village and Carnival, and that's included with your ticket: bonfires, s'mores, a petting zoo, a Holiday Stable, shopping and food. Carnival rides and camel rides cost extra. You can't go to the village without a light-show ticket. On Thanksgiving the carnival is closed, but the lights, village, stable and camel rides are open from 5:30 to 10pm. Dogs can stay in the car and walk on a leash in the village, just not in the petting area.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Buy online. It saves up to $20 per car compared with the gate.
• ✓Pick a weeknight. Monday through Thursday is the least crowded.
• ✓Use the bathroom first. Once you're in line you can't stop, and the restrooms are at the end.
• ✓Bring cash or card for rides. The village is included, but carnival and camel rides aren't.
• ✓Thanksgiving works. Lights and the village are open that night, only the carnival is closed.

Questions Parents Ask

When is Bull Run Festival of Lights 2026?

Daily from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027, weather permitting, at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, VA.

How much is Bull Run Festival of Lights?

$30 to $45 per vehicle online, depending on the date, plus tax and fees. Buying online saves up to $20 compared with the gate.

How long is the drive?

The route is 2.5 miles and takes about 15 to 20 minutes at 10 miles an hour.

Is the Holiday Village included?

Yes. The village, bonfires, s'mores, petting zoo and Holiday Stable are included with your ticket. Carnival rides and camel rides cost extra.