All of the Festival of Lights events and displays at the Washington D.C. Temple are free of charge. Tickets will NOT be issued this year.  

Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to attend our events and our worship services (learn more about our worship services). We only request that all attendees dress modestly, use clean language, and treat everyone with respect. We are Christians who do our best to follow the commandments and teachings of Jesus Christ. Whatever your background, you’re invited to join us!

The dress depends on the type of event. Business casual is a good rule of thumb for auditorium events. You’re welcome to wear any modest clothes that you feel comfortable in.

If you will be walking around to see the lights, we recommend wearing something warm and a pair of comfortable shoes.

All of the Festival of Lights events are family-friendly and children are welcome! However, out of respect for the performers and other audience members, we suggest that the children in attendance be old enough to remain seated and attentive throughout the performance and that any disruptive children be calmed in the lobby.

We recommend following the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center on Facebook or Instagram for general Christmas updates and helpful tips and reminders on upcoming events, parking, dress, etc. We also invite you to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on everything happening at the Washington D.C. Temple.

Parking for the Festival of Lights is free and no pass is needed. Three parking lots are available, all within walking distance of the displays and the Christmas lights. There will be parking attendants at each entrance to direct you to available parking.

Visitors’ Center – 9900 Stoneybrook Dr.
Temple – 9900 Stoneybrook Dr.
Stake Center (overflow) – 10000 Stoneybrook Dr. 

(If you are driving north on Stoneybrook, the first entrance on the left is the visitors’ center, the second is the temple, and the third is the chapel.)

The theater doors usually open about 30 minutes prior to performances, (sometimes earlier), but the line to enter for large events will begin earlier than that. We recommend arriving early enough to enjoy the Nativity displays and other seasonal favorites, as well as the regular visitors’ center exhibits.

It depends on the event, so check individual event listings, and listen for any announcements made prior to the performance. Visitors are always encouraged to take pictures and videos before and after the performance, or outside on the temple grounds. We’d love to see your pictures! Make sure to TAG us, @dctemplevisitorscenter.

Please dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, and leave pets at home. Service animals are permitted as long as you bring your certificate.

Smoking, drugs, and alcohol are prohibited on temple property.

It depends on how much you like crowds. Our smallest crowds are on weekdays in the first half of December, then weekends in the first half of December. After December 20 last year, we have as many as 8,000 – 10,000 guests each evening.

If you have additional questions, please write us at wdcvisitorscenter@gmail.com. We will respond as quickly as possible and within 24 hours. 

Feel free to call the visitors’ center at +1 (301) 587-0144 for answers to your questions.

Please note that tickets will NOT be issued this year. Entrance and parking are free.