Family-Friendly Activities in the DMV this Weekend (12/12 – 12/14)

Sarah, Liv & Jack pose with Santa at the Rosslyn Holiday Market
Holiday Happenings this Weekend!

Upcoming Events

Note: This weekly listing is full of events happening all weekend long 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!

Frosted at Franklin Park
This Friday (12/12), Santa will visit Frosted at Franklin Park, the free light display in downtown DC!
Tap here for Frosted at Franklin Park Details

Friday, December 12, 2025

Washington, DC

  • 10:15 am, 11:30 am & 1:00 pm | Seasons of Light at Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater ($) (Best for grades K-5) ♥
    • This signature Discovery Theater show celebrates the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice in an interactive event that bridges communities and cultures.
  • 3:15 pm | TeenyBopper Cinema featuring Mary Poppins (1964) at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library ♣
  • 5:00 pm | Zoo Lights at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ($) 
  • 5:00 pm | Cookies & Cocoa with Toy Giveaway at Joseph Cole Recreation Center in NE
    • An evening of music, games & fun!
  • 6:00 pm | Santa Visits Frosted at Franklin Park ♥
    • Santa Claus is coming to Frosted at Franklin Park! Enjoy lights, holiday characters, carolers, ice carving, and free treats.
Featured Event | It's Holiday Planes & Trains Weekend at the College Park Aviation Museum! Participate in a festive craft, see the museum’s own train collection, and “meet and greet” train hobbyists who will take you back in time to experience the sights and sounds of their train displays. This event is free with museum admission which is $2 - $5 per person!
Tap here for Holiday Planes & Trains Details

Friday (12/12) in Maryland

Gustave Marché de Noël Gift Market
Featured Event | This weekend is also Alexandria's Annual Gustave Marché de Noël Gift Market happening at Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie. Kids can enjoy photos with Santa, carolers & pony rides ($) from Friday (12/12) - Sunday (12/14) this weekend!
Tap here for Holiday Market info

Friday (12/12) in Northern Virginia

NMAAHC Kids Story Time: When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree
On Saturday (12/13), celebrate Kwanzaa at the National Museum of African American History and Culture with a book reading and craft!
Tap here for NMAAHC ticket info

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Washington, DC

  • 9:00 am | Breakfast with Santa at the Museum of Illusions DC ($) 
  • 10:00 am | Crafty Tales: “Snowflake Bentley” at Merry Pin in NW (Best for ages 3-8)
    • Drop-in art activity based on the book 
  • 10:00 am | Upshur St. Craft Fair on the 800 Block of Upshur St NW ♥
    • Includes a Gingerbread House Contest, a Pop-Up Holiday Lounge with delicious wintery treats, amazing activities by the Upshur Street businesses, and more. 
  • 10:00 am | Meet-a-Professional: Glass Artists at the National Building Museum ($)
    • Featuring three glass artists from the National Capital Area Glass Guild, Tamah Graber, Irene Vangsness and Amie Hoeber, explore the skills involved and experiences of different glass artist specialties.
  • 10:00 am | Soar Together Family Activities: Computers in Everyday Life at National Air and Space Museum
    • Discover how computers help us navigate our world—from smart homes to space shuttles. Whether you’re a future pilot, coder, or curious explorer, there’s something for everyone on this journey through the skies and beyond!
  • 10:00 am | The Phillips Plays: Art & Storytelling at The Phillips Collection ($)
  • 10:30 am | NMAAHC Kids Story Time: When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree at National Museum of African American History & Culture (Best for ages 4-8) ♥
    • Learn about the Kwanzaa principle of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)! Children will “grow” their own garden inspired collages, enjoy lemony sensory play activities and explore exhibits for story-inspired objects.
  • 11:00 am | 15th Annual Magical Mirrors Children’s Book Fair at Sankofa Cafe ♥
    • Magical Mirrors Book Fair is a celebration of our everyday practice of providing literature that reflects the diverse beauty, talents and personalities of Black children!
  • 11:00 am | Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe in NW ($) ♥
    • Enjoy an intimate morning filled with surprises, stockings, and a visit from the man himself. Don’t miss out on this magical experience for your little ones!
  • 11:00 am | Breakfast with the Grinch at Hook Hall in NW ($) ♥
    • Enjoy a delicious holiday breakfast while the Grinch himself makes a special appearance to stir up some cheerful chaos, pose for photos, and maybe even steal a few pancakes!
  • 11:00 am | The Polar Express at The Miracle Theatre in SE ($) 
  • 12:00 pm | The Polar Express Movie Party at Alamo Drafthouse DC ($) 
  • 12:00 pm | Cleveland Park Winter Market Small Business Festival ♥
    • Includes photos with Santa Claus and the Grinch, ornament decorating, cookie decorating, games & more! 
  • 12:00 pm | Family Fun Day ~ Metro Holiday Pop-Up Shop at MLK Memorial Library
    • Make it your first destination for candy-colored Metro gifts, sweet surprises, and DMV pride wrapped up with a bow.
  • 1:00 pm | STEAM Saturday at National Building Museum ($) (Best for ages 8-14) 
  • 4:00 pm | Holiday Card-Making at Southwest Neighborhood Library 
  • 5:00 pm | Zoo Lights at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ($) 
  • 5:00 pm | Parents Night Out at iGEN Educational Academy in SE ($) 

Saturday (12/13) in Maryland

 
Prince George’s County
  • 9:00 am | Holiday Jingle Jam at Southern Area Aquatic and Recreation Complex (SAARC) in Brandywine ($) (Best for ages 2-12) ♥
    • Tap into your creative side with Arts on a Roll, enjoy cookies and cocoa, and snap a photo with a special jolly guest! Then, experience the heartwarming children’s show “Holiday Block Party” at 11 AM, performed by the CFA Repertory Theatre.
  • 10:00 am | Kids Kaboose: A Holiday Special at The Bowie Welcome Center
    • Visit the Old Town Bowie Welcome Center and enjoy a reading of the classic, “Polar Express.” Create a craft and receive a special token. 
  • 10:00 am | Saturday Fun with Santa at the Bowie City Gym (Best for ages 10 & under)
    • There will be moon bounces, live music, face painting, and a balloon artist!
  • 10:00 am | Holiday Trains and Planes at College Park Aviation Museum ($) ♥
    • Participate in a festive craft, see the museum’s own train collection, and “meet and greet” train hobbyists who will take you back in time to experience the sights and sounds of their train displays.
  • 10:00 am | Holiday Village at Vansville Community Center in Beltsville (Best for ages 2-12)
    • Festive morning filled with arts & crafts, games, snacks, and a special visitor from the North Pole!
  • 11:00 am | Brunch with Santa at Prince George’s Plaza Community Center ($) (Best for ages 5+) 
  • 11:30 am | All Ages Christmas Show at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar at National Harbor ($) ♥
  • 1:00 pm | STEM Fun: Ozobots at Mount Rainier Library 
  • 1:00 pm | Holiday Jingle Skate with Santa at Bowie Ice Arena ($) ♥
    • Join us on the ice for some holiday music, free mini-lessons, skating with Santa and an ugly sweater contest. Bring a new toy donation for Toys for Tots and receive free admission (bring a canned food item for free skate rental too).
  • 1:00 pm | Let’s Get Ornamental at Brentwood Arts Exchange
    • Join us for a festive crafting session where you’ll design unique decorations to brighten up your home or gift to loved ones.
  • 1:00 pm | Santa’s Workshop at IKEA College Park
    • Make ornaments, write letters to Santa, and enjoy festive activities that will spark your holiday spirit.
  • 1:00 pm | Cookies with Santa at South Bowie Community Center ($) (Best for ages 3+)
    • Enjoy yummy cookies, warm cocoa, and a special visit with Santa. Kids can share their wish lists and snap a picture with the big guy himself.
  • 1:30 pm | Legos: Winter Building Challenge at Oxon Hill Library 
  • 2:00 pm | Santa & a Movie: Prancer: A Christmas Tale at Prince George’s Publick Playhouse ($) (Best for ages 3-12)
    • Children will have a chance to visit and take pictures with Santa. Includes coloring activities and a screening of the short, animated film Kung Fu Panda Holiday to entertain our youngest guests + feature film, Prancer: A Christmas Tale (2022).
  • 3:00 pm | Tail Waggin’ Tutors at Beltsville Library
    • Boost your child’s confidence by reading to friendly, trained therapy dogs!

Saturday (12/13) in Maryland

 
Montgomery County
Markets for Good The Gratitude Exchange details
Featured Event | The Gratitude Exchange: "Markets for Good" Family Holiday Market Fundraiser, happening in Alexandria, VA on Saturday (12/13)! This joyful holiday market is designed to bring families, neighbors, and local makers together in the spirit of community and giving. Family-friendly activities, including festive photos, a special kids table where kids can sell their own handmade crafts & licensed childcare on-site for parents who want to browse for themselves! There's a 2 for 1 ticket deal so check it out sooner rather than later!
Tap here for Markets for Good Info

Saturday (12/13) in Northern Virginia

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Washington, DC 

  • 11:00 am | Breakfast with Santa – Family Brunch & Photos at Hook Hall in NW ($)
    • Gather the family and join us for Breakfast with Santa, a festive holiday brunch where little ones can share their wish lists and snap photos with the Big Man in Red.
  • 11:00 am | Make It! Mt. Pleasant Holiday Market at Lamont Plaza in NW 
  • 11:00 am | 15th Annual Magical Mirrors Children’s Book Fair at Sankofa Cafe ♥
    • Magical Mirrors Book Fair is a celebration of our everyday practice of providing literature that reflects the diverse beauty, talents and personalities of Black children!
  • 11:00 am | Drag Story Hour inside the DC Loyalty Pop Up at Walter Reed in NW 
  • 12:00 pm | Photos with Santa at Tingey Plaza in SE
    • Enjoy carolers and stick around for a special guest who might crash a portrait or two.
  • 1:00 pm | Winter Wonderland Festival at Woodridge Neighborhood Library ♥
    • Includes a Polar Extreme Obstacle Course, winter crafts, train rides, family portraits, story time, free food & more! 
  • 2:00 pm | Crafternoon at CJM: Writers Workshop at Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum ($)
    • In this workshop, local Jewish children’s author Abby White will use the story of Hanukkah to help young writers find the inner light they want to share with others—and construct a story around it they’ll leave excited to write.
  • 5:00 pm | Zoo Lights at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ($) 

Sunday (12/14) in Maryland

Sunday (12/14) in Northern Virginia

  • 10:00 am | Gustave Marché de Noël at Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie in Alexandria ♥
    • Includes Pony rides (10:00am-12:00pm) ($) and ornament making for the kids – last day to shop!
  • 11:00 am | Search for Santa’s Critters at Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington ($)
    • Festive scavenger hunt to locate the critters so they can help Santa deliver candy and treats in time for the holidays!
  • 1:00 pm | The Little Elves’ Holiday Party at Hops N Shine in Alexandria 
  • 1:30 pm | Season of Light Planetarium Show at Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium ($) ♥
    • This planetarium show traces the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah.
  • 3:00 pm | Encore Stage & Studio presents Jingle Bell Jam at Gunston Theatre Two in Arlington ($) 
  • 3:00 pm | Incoming! Planetarium Show at Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium ($) (Best for ages 8+)
    • Reveals how asteroids and comets have collided with our planet throughout history, changing the course of life on Earth and shaping the world we know today.
  • 4:00 pm | Christmas Cookie Decorating & Letters to Santa at Colada Shop Clarendon ($) ♥
    • Includes cookie decorating, letters to Santa & a kids meal!

Sensory Friendly & Accessible

Washington, DC

  • Friday (12/12) at 10:30 am | Sensory Playtime at Southwest Neighborhood Library in DC 
  • Friday (12/12) at 4:00 pm | Braille Club at MLK Memorial Library in DC (Best for grades K-12)
    • Low vision and blind kids are invited! Read together, play tactile games, make crafts and more! No prior braille knowledge is needed.
  • Saturday (12/13) at 10:30 am | Down Syndrome and Friends Community Playgroup at Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library in NE DC
    • Families of kids with disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and developmental disabilities, are invited to play, read, and create art together at the library!
  • Saturday (12/13) at 2:00 pm | Accessible Movie Screening: Frozen at MLK Memorial Library in DC ♣

Maryland

For Tweens & Teens

Washington, DC

  • Saturday (12/13) at 2:30 pm | Teen Studio: Chronically Online at Hirshhorn Museum (Best for ages 13-19)
    • Learn basic coding techniques to create artworks inspired by the geometric wonder of Olafur Eliasson’s Your oceanic feeling (2015).

Maryland

Northern Virginia

This Week's Book Recommendation

Local Bookstore Laces & Pages recommends
This week's Laces & Pages' book recommendation comes from Author Tameka Fryer Brown and Illustrator Ebony Glenn. "Twelve Dinging Doorbells" is a cumulative, all-holiday carol packed to the brim with family, food, love, and Black joy, especially perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduations, and all family celebrations. You can purchase this book for $17.99 by tapping the image above!
Tap here to shop the laces & Pages Online Boutique

Related Blogs

HOLIDAY MARKETS & GIFT RECS

Check out our Holiday gift guide for local buys & markets to shop all month long!
Tap here to see the guide

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