Every year, our family begins counting down the days until the entire country is adorned with twinkling lights. Not to be outdone by the likes of Rockefeller Center, our nation’s capital has some spectacular holiday light displays that will bring out the child in mom and dad.

From traditional to contemporary, here are four of the most beloved holiday light displays in Washington, D.C.

National Christmas Tree and Holiday on the Ellipse

Politics aside, our president sure knows how to put together a holiday lights display that every American can be proud of. In fact, many will tune in on TV to watch the annual National Tree Lighting today. If you’re lucky enough to be in Washington D.C. during the holidays, a visit to President’s Park is a must. Holiday on the Ellipse also features the National Menorah, Santa’s Workshop and the Pathway of Peace, a train and light display representing each of the 56 states and territories. The display will be on exhibit from through January 1, 2012.

If you’re visiting Washington D.C. for the holidays, make the Homeward Suites Washington your home base for the holidays. The family friendly suites include a sleeper sofa in the living room and a kitchenette. It’s located just blocks away from the McPherson Square Metro and Washington D.C.’s most popular attractions including the White House, the Smithsonian Institute and the National Zoo.

Christmas on the Potomac at Gaylord National Resort

If you’re looking for a more contemporary Christmas event, look no further than the award-winning Christmas on the Potomac holiday spectacular at the Gaylord National Resort. Every November through January, the resort transforms into a 15,000 square foot winter wonderland of shimmering lights and crystalline ice sculptures. The centerpiece is a bedazzling glass Christmas Tree. Additionally, a holiday market, mini Polar Express ride and a chance to meet Santa himself make for a memorable Christmas outing.

If you want to get the full experience, get tickets to “Ice,” a holiday amusement promising to delight movie fans of “Madagascar,” “Shrek” and “Puss In Boots.” This Dreamworks experience brings to life favorite characters and scenes in two million pounds of hand carved ice. You can also catch a character meal at the table of Fiona and Shrek as an honorary ogre. Or go on a treasure hunt through the indoor gardens with Puss In Boots in his quest for the “Magic Beans.” The holiday festivities run until January 8, 2012

Old Town Alexandria and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Old world charm fills the air of Old Town Alexandria during the holiday season. A family stroll through the beautifully decorated historic streets is like walking through a scene right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Street entertainers and colorful shop windows add festive cheer. Explore the festivities from King Street to Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Ave. The stately homes are decked in traditional Victorian and Colonial style. Even the heart of Old Scrouge himself would melt in the warmth of the season here in Alexandria.

One of the most treasured events the town celebrates each year is the annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Boat owners decorate their vessels with colorful and imaginative displays and parade up and down the Potomac River, creating a lovely scene best viewed from the docks at Alexandria Marina. This year, the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on December 3, 2011 from 4-7 p.m. Santa arrives at 4:15 p.m.

Visit their events calendar for a complete listing of the many holiday events hosted by Old Town Alexandria.

The Homewood Suites Alexandria is located near Old Town Alexandria and offers all the modern conveniences that families love in their suite rooms.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Not to be outdone, the town of Silver Spring, Maryland just outside of Washington, D.C. has it’s annual Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens. This walk through outdoor lights display boasts close to a million twinkling colorful lights arranged in garden themes from the four seasons. Some favorites are the flying geese and the 11-foot giraffe. Inside of the Conservatory, a winter display of holiday poinsettias, flowering plants and evergreens are combined in bright and bold combinations, providing a colorful landscape through which the garden railway trains travel. The South Conservatory & Train Exhibit is free and runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Local musicians perform at the Visitors Center Auditorium each night from 6:30-8 p.m. The Garden of Lights exhibits until January 8, 2012.

The Homewood Suites in Silver Spring is located conveniently in the Washington D.C. suburb of Silver Springs, Maryland. Located just four blocks away from the D.C. Line, it’s an easy trip into downtown D.C. with it’s many family-friendly attractions.

Hop on over to Trekaroo for more Holiday Lights that Delight Kids Around Washington, D.C. and recommendations from parents about fun activities for kids around Washington, D.C..