100+ Amazing Winter Break Activities in the DMV

Jack and Liv pose in Santa's Workshop at Kings Dominion

Winter Break is here! Use this list to plan the next two weeks through January 4th. It includes weekend happenings, daily activities, ongoing celebrations and New Years festivities. Don’t forget to bookmark it and share with friends!

Note: This weekly listing is full of events happening throughout winter break for kids (ages 3+) – teens. I place a special emphasis on literacy, STEM & other educational based events as well as family fun festivities. Please click the links to review the most up-to-date information prior to heading out. Happy planning!

Events

Winter Break in Washington, DC

Monday, December 22, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2025 

Ongoing Events in DC

  • Through 12/30 | Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park ($)
    • Includes a 100-foot tubing slide, winter train ride, 9-Hole putt-putt course, snowball throwing challenge, snowflake studio & more! 
  • Through 1/2 at 5:00 pm | Light Yards at The Yards in SE
    • Dazzling, family-friendly art installation!
  • Through 1/3 at 5:00 pm | ZooLights at the National Zoo ($)
    • Journey through magical displays of glowing animal lanterns, watch live musical performances, sip hot cocoa and other festive treats, and explore the Zoo under the dazzling glow of one million environmentally-friendly LED lights.
  • Through 1/4 | Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails! at the National Children’s Museum ($) (Best for ages 2-7) ♥
    • Step into the imaginative world of this beloved children’s series, exploring the Island of Sodor and discovering engaging engineering-based experiences around every corner. Extended holiday hours are 9 am – 5 pm from 12/20 – 1/3!
  • Through 1/4 | Season’s Greenings: Dino-Mite! 2025 Holiday Exhibit at U.S. Botanic Gardens – Outdoor Gardens
    • Festive lights and decor throughout plus their model train show that includes displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts, including Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor, and more, plus living plants whose ancestors lived alongside them such as cycads, ferns, and magnolias! 
  • Through 1/7 at 4:30 pm | Frosted at Franklin Park in NW
    • Wander the evenings through a display of thousands of tiny festive bright lights, bringing a shimmery cool front to Franklin Park every day.
  • 12/27 – 2/8 | Winter Skate Spectacular at the National Building Museum ($) 
  • 12/30 – 1/4 | Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at The National Theatre ($)

Activities for Kids in DC

Activities for Tweens/Teens in DC

Winter Break in Maryland

Monday, December 22, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2025 

The Snowman™ and the Snowdog
"The Snowman™ and the Snowdog"is on stage NOW at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD through January 4th! Tickets start at $15 per person and the show's runtime is about 70 minutes.
Tap here for Tickets to Imagination Stage

Ongoing Events in Maryland

  • Through 12/31 | Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park ($)
    • The 3.5 mile drive through enchanting Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and gorgeously lit trees.
  • Through 1/1 | Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro ($) ♥
    • From the comfort of your own car, bring the family to experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the annual Festival of Lights!
  • Through 1/4 | Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton ($)
    • Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton.
  • Through 1/4 | The Snowman and the Snowdog at Imagination Stage ($) (Best for ages 4-10) ♥
    • A boy has moved into a new house and lost his beloved dog. In the garden he builds a snowman and then, to keep it company, a snow dog. They both come to life during the night, and the three embark on a fantastic journey.
  • Through 1/4 | ICE! featuring The Polar Express at Gaylord National at National Harbor ($)
    • The Gaylord also has a Christmas Village that you can explore with additional activities like snow tubing, gingerbread house making & more at an additional cost. 
  • Through 1/5 | Garden Railway Exhibit Opens at Brookside Gardens’ Conservatory at Wheaton
    • See model trains traversing tracks between iconic buildings, bridges, and miniature landscapes of Montgomery County.
  • Through 1/11 | Adventure Theatre’s Frosty the Snow Man at Glen Echo Park ($)
    • Show runtime is 40 minutes!

Activities for Kids in Maryland 

  • 1/3 at 9:00 am | Sensory-Friendly Days in Nature at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($) 
  • [Just Added] 1/3 at 10:00 am | Three Kings Day! at Mount Rainier Nature Center
    • Toy distribution event! Child must be present.
  • 1/3 at 10:30 am | Nice Ice! at Rockville Memorial Library ♥
    • Read a book about winter and create our own sparkly icicle from common household items. Then we will see which substance melts ice cubes the fastest.  
  • 1/3 at 10:30 am | “I Have a Dream” Collages at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg ♥
    • Create a paper collage or drawing of your dream to share! All materials will be provided, just bring your ideas and creativity.
  • 1/3 at 11:00 am | Mr. Jon and Friends at Kensington Park Library ♥
  • [Just Added] 1/3 at 11:00 am | Winter Break Special at National Capital Trolley Museum ($)
  • [Just Added] 1/3 at 12:00 pm | Dinosaur Park Open House in Laurel 
  • 1/3 at 2:00 pm | Winter Crafts at Davis Library in Bethesda (Best for ages 5+)
    • Make snowflakes and suncatchers!
  • [Just Added] 1/4 at 9:30 am | Storytime: Paul Zelinsky for Still Life at People’s Book Takoma
    • Still Life is a funny, subversive, and clever picture book that brings a painting to wildly imaginative life. Readers will pore over all the silly and surprising details in the illustrations—which tell a story of daring rescues, dashing heroes, and found friends.
  • [Just Added] 1/4 at 11:00 am | Sunday Workshop: Intro to 3D Printing: TinkerCAD at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) (Best for grades 2nd – 5th)
    • Explore the fundamentals of digital design using TinkerCAD and learn the basics of a 3D printer. Then, see how the two work together to bring your designs to life.
  • 1/4 at 11:00 am | Drum Circle with African Hand Drums at Kensington Park Library ♥
    • Learn some basic hand drum techniques. Beginners and experienced drummer of all ages are welcome.
  • 1/4 at 1:00 pm | Animal Encounters at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($) 
  • 1/4 at 2:00 pm | Celebrate Louis Braille’s Birthday at Rockville Memorial Library
    • Celebrate the birthday of Louis Braille, the French teenager who invented the system of dot writing used by blind people all over the world. Play games, celebrate Louis Braille’s accomplishments, learn how braille is used for particular activities like map reading, and have cake and refreshments.

Activities for Tweens/Teens in Maryland

  • [Just Added] 1/3 at 1:00 pm | Milk Jug Seed Sowing of Native Plants at Gaithersburg Library
    • Milk jugs provide the perfect little greenhouse for your seeds even during the cold winter months.
  • [Just Added] 1/4 at 2:30 pm | Sunday Workshop: Intro to 3D Printing: TinkerCAD at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) (Best for grades 6th – 8th) 
    • Explore the fundamentals of digital design using TinkerCAD and learn the basics of a 3D printer. Then, see how the two work together to bring your designs to life.

Winter Break in Northern Virginia

Monday, December 22, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2025 

Ongoing Events in Northern Virginia

  • 11/7 – 1/4 | Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna ($)
    • Elegant garden trail aglow with countless sparkling lights.
  • 11/14 – 1/4 | Bull Run Festival of Lights in Centreville ($)
    • Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car and don’t miss the carnival at the end of your drive for holiday shopping, a petting zoo, and more festive fun! 
  • 11/15 – 2/28 | Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run in Alexandria ($) ♥
    • Ice & Lights provides a fun, outdoor family experience to explore new, dazzling light displays, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of festive scenes, enjoy a hot beverage and snack, and take a spin on the ice rink under the stars.
  • 12/20 – 1/4 at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm & 3:30 pm | Winter Wonder Lab at Children’s Science Center LAB in Fairfax ($) ♥
    • Embark on an arctic animal expedition, create an animated story with stop motion in the Tinker Shop, and put your slime to the test at the Experiment Bar Slime Factory. Enjoy extended hours as well. 
  • Every Saturday in January at 9:00 am | Free Kids Crafts at Made in ALX 

Activities for Kids in Northern Virginia

  • 1/3 at 9:30 am | Party like a Penguin with Author Paige Towler at Old Town Books in Alexandria (Best for ages 5-8) ♥
    • Following a reading of the book, Author Paige will lead a fun wintery craft and sign copies of the book.
  • 1/3 at 10:00 am | Family Art Lab: DIY Tote Bags at Arlington Mill Recreation Center ($) 
  • 1/3 at 10:30 am | Eco-friendly Bird Feeders at Gulf Branch Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 5-9)
    • Learn about the resident winter birds and create bird feeders out of eco-friendly materials.
  • [Just Added] 1/3 at 11:00 am | Family Friendly Wood + Canvas + Textured Art Workshop at AR Workshop in Alexandria ($) 
  • 1/3 at 11:00 am | Slime Time at Old Town Books in Alexandria ($)
  • [Just Added] 1/3 at 1:00 pm | Winter Block Party at McLean Community Center 
    • Sit by the firepits and enjoy s’mores, treat yourself to some delicious hot chocolate, watch the impressive ice carving demos, and shop the children’s business fair.
  • 1/3 at 2:00 pm | Cozy Reading Corner at Central Library in Arlington 
  • [Just Added] 1/3 at 5:00 pm | Winter Walk of Lights: Critter Corner at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna ($)
    • Visit before or after exploring the Winter Walk of Lights to see and learn about some interesting critters! 
  • [Just Added] 1/4 at 12:00 pm | Toy Story hosts Kids and Family Festival at Shipgarten in McLean 
  • [Just Added] 1/4 at 1:00 pm | Skiing Penguins and Snowman Fun at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale ($) (Best for ages 3-9) 
    • Create fun crafts and activities. Build and race penguins and create a snowmen.
  • [Just Added] 1/4 at 3:00 pm | Builders’ Club at Central Library in Arlington (Best for grades K-5) 
  • 1/4 at 6:30 pm | Animal Pajama Party at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale ($) (Best for ages 3-7) ♥
    • Put on your pajamas and come to the nature center to hear bedtime stories, meet animals and wish goodnight to the center’s live animals. Bring your favorite stuffed animal with you.

Activities for Tweens/Teens in Northern Virginia 

Kwanzaa Happenings

  • 12/26 – 12/31 | Kwanzaa 2025 at National Museum of African Art
    • Drop in to one of the artmaking workshops and exercise your Kuumba (creativity)! Grab a scavenger hunt and explore the galleries.
  • 12/26 – 1/1 | Celebrate Kwanzaa at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum ♥
    • A weeklong celebration with activities happening each day!
  • 12/27 at 10:30 am | NMAAHC Kids Kwanzaa Kids Day Celebrating Kujichagulia! at the National Museum of African American History & Culture
    • This drop-in style program offers resources and history about the holiday, a Kwanzaa inspired art project and a family gallery guide to explore Kwanzaa-related Black history art and objects in the Museum. 
  • 12/28 at 10:30 am | NMAAHC Kids Kwanzaa Kids Day Celebrating Ujima! at the National Museum of African American History & Culture
    • This drop-in style program offers resources and history about the holiday, a Kwanzaa inspired art project and a family gallery guide to explore Kwanzaa-related Black history art and objects in the Museum.
  • 12/31 at 12:00 pm | KUUMBA LIVE! at DAR Museum in NW
    • A celebration of creativity, the 6th principle of Kwanzaa. The celebration is part of the closing events for Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence, the 9-month-long, groundbreaking exhibition organized by the DAR Museum in partnership with the Black Craftspeople Digital Archives (BCDA). This event includes hands-on activities, panel discussion, a performance & Kwanzaa ceremony!
2026
Celebrate the New Year!

New Year Festivities

Washington, DC

  • 12/30 at 5:00 pm | NYE Crown Make & Take at Merry Pin in NW ($)
    • Make a custom, wearable New Year’s Eve crown or tiara.
  • [Just Added] 12/31 at 9:00 am | Countdown to Noon at National Children’s Museum ($)
    • Make noisemakers, decorate party hats, and celebrate noon with a festive noise parade! Plus, Climate Action Heroes can choose their superhero identity and create a pledge or resolution to help save the planet in the new year.
  • 12/31 at 10:00 am | Noon Yards Eve at The Yards in SE ♥
    • This action-packed day has something for everyone, kids of all ages can enjoy train rides, zoom down the inflatable slide, bounce in the houses, get creative with glitter tattoos, and test their skills at carnival games.
  • 12/31 at 11:00 am | Pinstripes Noon Years Eve Party! at Pinstripes DC in NW ($)
    • Bring the family and celebrate before naptime with kid-friendly activities, music, and festive fun!
  • 12/31 at 11:30 am | Noon Year’s Eve at Northeast Neighborhood Library
    • Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, music, dancing, and a New Year’s countdown at noon. Dress-up fancy, or come as you are!
  • 12/31 at 11:30 am | Noon Year’s Eve! at Georgetown Neighborhood Library (Best for ages 3+)
    • Includes crafts, resolutions, traditions from around the world, and a toast to 12 NOON with sparkling apple cider, treats, & noise makers. FYI-this is a LOUD event not suitable for babies or young toddlers.
  • 12:00 pm | Create Your Vision Board for 2026 at Woodridge Neighborhood Library in NE
    • Participants should bring copies of personal and family pictures that they’d like to add to their vision boards. 
  • 1/1 at 9:00 am | FITDC Fresh Start 5K at the Frederick Douglass Bridge ♥
    • Includes a Kids Run!

Maryland

  • 12/31 at 10:00 am | Noon Year’s Eve at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($) ♥
    • Create your celebratory party hat and mirror ball, then head over to the Resolution Station and set your goals for the new year! Includes ball drop, toast with apple juice + a Reindeer Railway ride (for an additional cost). 
  • 12/31 at 10:00 am | Noontime New Year at Port Discovery in Baltimore ($)
    • Enjoy a special countdown to noon complete with a balloon drop, new years themed art projects, and interactive games that encourage teamwork and creativity.
  • 12/31 at 10:15 am | New Year’s Eve Celebration and Storytime at Damascus Community Recreation Center
    • Ring in the New Year with stories, a craft, and a countdown.
  • 12/31 at 11:00 am | Noon Year’s Eve Party at White Oak Library
    • Make some fun crafts to help us ring in the new year!
  • 12/31 at 11:00 am | Noon Year’s Eve Party at sweetFrog Laurel ($)
    • Kids can enjoy a fun countdown to noon with snacks, drinks, a kid’s cup of froyo, music, and games.
  • 12/31 at 11:15 am | Noon Year’s Eve! at Olney Library (Best for ages 5+) ♥
    • Ring in the Noon-year with a celebration and fun activities for kids! Make resolutions, craft snowflakes, and dance!
  • 12/31 at 11:30 am | Noon Year’s Eve at Gaithersburg Library (Best for grades pre-k – 5th) 
  • 12/31 at 11:30 am | Noon Year’s Eve Celebration! at Long Branch Library in Silver Spring ♥
    • Includes a balloon drop! 
  • 12/31 at 11:00 am | Pinstripes Noon Years Eve Party at Pinstripes Bethesda ($)
    • Bring the family and celebrate before naptime with kid-friendly activities, music, and festive fun!

Northern Virginia

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