Take a Tour of Vienna’s Brightest Holiday Displays

The Town of Vienna has some wonderful holiday spectacles to enjoy with friends and family. But perhaps the best way to soak in the holiday cheer is to pack the whole family in the car after dinner and drive around neighborhoods to find the best-lit houses of the season. 

Some people have already done this, including Holly, who runs the website Fairfax Christmas Lights. This year, she has tracked the best and tackiest light displays, including when the lights are on when they get taken down, and who is comfortable with random onlookers stopping and staying for a while. 

Take some initiative and enter the Town of Vienna’s holiday decorating contest, which will judge the best light displays from both businesses and residences. But if you don’t want to, or if you need an idea of how to decorate, then drive around and take a peek at some of the best-decorated houses in the area. 

1. Hickory Circle SW

Locals know the house on Hickory Circle SW in Vienna is home to one of the biggest light displays in the county (if not the state.) The neighborhood is behind the Vienna Shopping Mall and one house, in particular, can be seen from Maple Avenue. 

The family who resides at 117 Hickory Circle SW has created a Facebook page tracking when their light display is on and for how long. This year, they promise to be on until January 9. Most years they have given out candy canes to people who come by, however, this year they are unable to due to COVID-19. 

 2. Nutley Street

This display, as highlighted on the website Fairfax Tacky Lights, has a little Christmas village display out front with Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause at the North Pole. A small Nativity scene pops out in the center of the yard, surrounded by yards and yards of blue, green, and red Christmas lights. 

Little groups of snowmen seem to dance throughout the yard together. The shopping center next door, not to be outdone by its residential neighbor, has also put up Christmas lights on the roof of its building.

3. Idylwood Road

Many inflatable decorations cover the yard of one special home in Idylwood Road. Polar bears, snowmen, Christmas trees, and reindeer seem to wave at passers-by in the dark, beacons of light pointing to the next road. Fairfax Tacky Lights calls it the “definition of tacky,” but it’s sure to make everyone smile. Nothing says Christmas is coming like the giant inflatable gingerbread house and the Christmas balloon that can be seen from outer space. Add it to your list of stops on a tour of Vienna’s lights.

 4. Oakton Park Court

This tiny cul-de-sac hosts a massive Christmas display in their yards that brings a festive air to even the grinchiest of hearts. Arches, snowflakes, and candy canes wrap around the yard and the driveway. The display clearly inspired the neighbors as well, who have lined their houses and bushes with twinkle and color lights. But no house boasts such a figurine display as the one featured on Fairfax Tacky Lights. 

5. Lawyers Road

Located just off of Hunter Mill, Lawyers Road can look treacherous every night of the year -- except in December. Houses with large yards and multiple trees take advantage of their sprawling estates and decorate with enough lights to let Santa know they are there. A drive through this road will show kids and adults whole zoos of light decorations. A cactus, a Santa hat, and a dinosaur all make an appearance here. A Christmas tropical beach scene greets onlookers with sandy beaches...of light-strings. 

6. Walker Street

Amble on down to Walker Street, where you’ll find “The Grinch House.” This elaborate theme features all the characters from Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and even the movie plays in the window from time to time. The Grinch himself (with a heart a few sizes bigger this time) waves to onlookers who drive by. Appreciate their sign, “2020 Stink, Stank, Stunk,” as well.