Where are the best decorations in Northern Virginia and D.C.? Many neighborhoods are frankly underwhelming, with no holiday spirit or cheerful adornments. Hoping to find neighborhoods that exceed expectations in their decorating abilities, I ranked the top ones based on holiday cheer, ambiance of the area and more that make a winter neighborhood the perfect visit.

4. Falls Church
This cozy, small-town city does not fall short of beautiful holiday decorations. As you stroll down one of the main streets, Leesburg Pike, decorations adorn each and every streetlamp. Each lamp is decorated with a giant light up snowflake that shines over the city. Not only that, small businesses have lit up the area with wintery fairy lights, big red bows and more. If you are looking for a cozy town to do your holiday shopping or even just for a quick lunch, Falls Church is the right pick for you.

3.Downtown D.C.
You can’t go wrong with a good day trip to downtown D.C. During the winter, the monuments and museums are filled with tourists, and while there are not many decorations, the holiday cheer is through the roof. The decorations you can see are in the area around the national mall and World War II memorial. Radiant holiday lights that adorn trees and sculptures are the highlight of the downtown D.C. decorations. The cheer of the people and and the ambiance of the city fill the area with joy and anticipation for the holidays.

2. Georgetown
Just west of the tourist-filled streets of D.C. lies the charming neighborhood of Georgetown. This area never fails to bring holiday cheer to those who visit, and although this neighborhood isn’t number one, the atmosphere is unbeatable. Wreaths adorned with bows on every street lamp and lights that stretch across every store make for a beautiful visit. Not only has Georgetown decorated their streets, the riverside has been adorned with Christmas lights galore. This Hallmark movie-esque town is filled with joy and decoration, and it is a great place to visit during the winter.

1. Mosaic District
The No. 1 neighborhood has to go to the Mosaic district. Every street around the center of the district is lit up by fairy-light-wrapped trees and snowflake-covered street lamps. In the center of the district lies a great big Christmas tree adorned with red and gold ornaments, a light up star and colorful holiday lights. Each and every store on the main street, District Avenue, has taken decorating to the next level, with wreaths and bows galore on every window. As the sound of jingle bells and smell of peppermint mochas drift through the air, Mosaic provides a cheerful atmosphere for those who visit, and it is by far the jolliest place to visit this winter.

While all of these places offer a festive visit for those who make the trip, the festivities in your own home are what matter the most. Maybe consider taking some inspiration from these neighborhoods into your own homes. Happy decorating!