We track 3 displays in Arlington. Every one of them is free to visit.
Displays here switch on around sunset. In Arlington that means about 4:47 PM in early December and 4:47 PM by mid-month — the earliest sunsets of the year fall right in the middle of lights season. It is properly dark by about 5:17 PM, which is when the displays look their best. December nights in Arlington typically drop to around 28°F.
| Date | Sunset | Fully dark |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 | 4:47 PM | 5:16 PM |
| Dec 15 | 4:47 PM | 5:17 PM |
| Dec 25 | 4:52 PM | 5:22 PM |
We ordered every display in Arlington into the shortest sensible driving loop: roughly 2.4 miles and 18 minutes of driving, before you count time spent parked and looking. Start wherever is closest to you and follow it round.
Freeresidentialfour-story-tall starsled photo opSanta mailbox with postcard repliespeeing reindeer
Known for a star that towers roughly four stories tall, this Arlington display invites visitors to pose for photos on a sled and mail letters via a Santa mailbox — include a return address and you'll get a postcard reply. A cheeky peeing-reindeer figure hides among the extensive lights.
✓ Verified 2025-2026
Freeresidentiallights covering nearly every surfaceanimated wire framesmusic on 98.1 FM
Blinking lights blanket nearly every square inch of this property, joined by animated wire-frame figures. Tune to 98.1 FM for the soundtrack; the best vantage point is from the bottom of the circle.
✓ Verified 2025-2026
Freeresidentialtwo-story lighted treeholiday figuresfree candy canesweekend music
A two-story lighted tree headlines this Arlington yard full of holiday figures. Kids get free candy canes, and music plays on weekends.
✓ Verified 2025-2026
Know a display we're missing in Arlington?Add it to the guide.