Want to find holiday lights? Head to your nearest “Main Street”

Commercial corridors in this area and throughout the District are decked out in holiday lights and festive displays this month, some in connection with local Main Streets. The lights serve as a beacon to attract customers to small and local businesses, and as a beacon of hope for better times to come. And of course, they’re just nice to look at.

The Tenleytown displays went up in time for the Tenley WinterFest, which started on Black Friday.

There was even a decorating contest.

Congratulations to 2nd place winner @SullivansToys! Their tree of toys would make any child happy this season. (5/5)#TenleyWinterFest @SmallBizDC pic.twitter.com/VZsevN7m3s

— Tenleytown Main Street (@TenleytownMS) November 28, 2020

Van Ness and Forest Hills businesses are lighting up for the holidays tonight through December 30th, part of a citywide effort encouraging residents and visitors to shop small and explore the District this holiday season.

DC Holiday Lights begins! Stay tuned for more photos as our small businesses and residents light up the avenue!! ✨🎄#vanness #foresthills @smallbizdc pic.twitter.com/Wim1BL5OWE

— Van Ness Main Street (@VanNessMainSt) December 1, 2020

Van Ness Main Street is also encouraging the high-rises and individual residents of apartment buildings facing Connecticut Avenue to decorate their windows and “join the celebration of hope and lights this season.”

There will be a “best dressed window” contest. There’s also a $39 photography workshop at 4:30 p.m. on December 20th with Washington Photo Safari. Participants will spend two hours learning to take photos of the light displays, and the best photo of the evening will win a prize from Van Ness Main Street.

And people are invited to all of the District’s 12 Main Streets to shop, to enjoy the displays, to participate for prizes in a scavenger hunt, and to vote for the “best decorated corridor.”