The Washington, D.C. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, also known as the Mormon Temple, is open to all during the Christmas season. This impressive church and its surrounding grounds shine brightly with more than 450,000 sparkling Christmas lights. Each night, a different local musical group performs a live concert in a state-of-the-art theater. All events are free! Visitors are welcome to explore the Washington, D.C. Mormon Temple grounds and the Visitor Center and see a live outdoor nativity scene, an indoor exhibit of international nativity scenes and a selection of Christmas films.

The Festival of Lights is a “must see” holiday attraction that brings more than 200,000 visitors from around the capital region to explore the Mormon Temple grounds and take part in the special events. Tickets are not needed for the lights or crèche exhibits. Performances kick off on Thursday, November 30 with an 80 member Children’s choir made up of children from grades 4 through 8 accompanied by 15 member bell choir and end on Sujnday, December 31 with Chinese Dancers, a polished group of youth that enjoys showing their dancing skills and appreciation for their culture. A wide range of groups perform throughout the month-long celebration.

Dates and Times

November 30- December 31, 2017. Dusk to 10 p.m. nightly. Nativity scene is open each evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Live musical performances begin at 7 and 8 p.m. Check website for various days that the Temple is closed. https://www.lds.org/temples/details/washington-d.c.-temple

To alleviate long lines, free tickets will be distributed for all performances in the main theater.

Location and Directions

9900 Stoneybrook Dr., Kensington, Maryland. From I-495, Take Exit 33, Connecticut Ave. North towards Kensington. Turn Right on Beach Dr. Continue for 1.3 miles. Turn Left on Stoneybrook Dr. The temple is on the left.

Note that traffic gets congested in this area on the weekends and during the holiday week as this is a very popular event. Be patient and/or plan your visit on a weekday or early in the holiday season.

Temple Shuttle provides a free shuttle service between the Forest Glen Metro stop and the Washington DC Temple grounds Tuesday through Friday evenings, 5:25-10:25 p.m.