Who’s in the mood to shop local this holiday season? *raises both hands* With Black Friday right around the corner, the deals may seem endless — but what better way to support your community than by investing right back into it? That’s exactly why I created the 4DMV Kids Holiday Gift Guide to spotlight some of the local brands, shops, and businesses we love and consistently support. This guide also includes a roundup of upcoming holiday markets across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia — many with family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained while you shop.
I’ll be updating this guide throughout the holiday season with more local features and small business highlights, so stay tuned to both the blog and social media for all the new additions. Click the link below to check it out!
Sarah Acors
Creator of 4DMV Kids & Founder of BCB DMV+
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!
Upcoming Events
Friday, November 21, 2025
Washington, DC
- 10:00 am | 2025 DowntownDC Holiday Market Grand Opening Kick-Off on 8th Street in NW
- Co-hosted by DC area’s own Joe Clair, comedian, radio personality, and host of The Joe Clair Morning Show, and Charis Gomez, executive producer and host of Living Local DMV. Snap a photo with cheerful holiday characters & browse the market!
- 4:30 pm | Frosted at Franklin Park 2025 Opens
- Display of thousands of tiny festive bright lights that’s open through January 7, 2026!
- 5:30 pm | Youth Arts & Craft Night at Friendship Recreation Center in NW
Maryland
- 9:30 am | Morning Mingle at Bowie Ice Arena ($)
- Enjoy ice skating fun, coffee and doughnuts while meeting new friends. Kids are free with paying adult.
- 5:30 pm | Garden of Lights Opens at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton ($)
- Open through January 4th!
- 5:30 pm | Tree Lighting and Ice Rink Opening at Color Burst Park in Columbia
Northern Virginia
- 4:00 pm | Ice Skating Opens at Harris Pavilion in Manassas ($)
- 5:00 pm | Fables and Folk Tales Campfire at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington ($)
- Includes activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores!
- 5:30 pm | Family Art PAUSE at Studio PAUSE in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 5+)
- Pay what you wish!
- 7:00 pm | Kids Gift Guide Live at Old Town Books ($)
- Over hot chocolate, Melissa will present her top 2025 picks for ages 2-16, with an emphasis on books with extra-special gift appeal. The $25 ticket fee will be applied to your account as store credit to be used at or after the event.
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Washington, DC
- 10:00 am | Crafty Tales: Malala’s Magic Pencil at Merry Pin in NW (Best for ages 3-8)
- Free crafting activity based on book/artist
- 10:00 am | Saturday Morning Live! Presents: Capoeira with EducArte at The National Theatre (Best for ages 3-6)
- Experience the vibrant Afro-Brazilian tradition of capoeira, a blend of dance, music, acrobatics, and martial arts! This performance will be ASL-interpreted and the space is wheelchair accessible.
- 10:00 am | First Studio: Art, Story & Workshop at The Kreeger Museum ($) (Best for ages 3-5)
- November’s theme is A is for Art!
- 10:00 am | Just Drop In! at The National Building Museum ($)
- Using paper “bricks,” children will decorate their own brick with colorful patterns, shapes, or other designs.
- 5:00 pm | Friendsgiving at Rosedale Community Center in NE
Maryland
- 10:00 am | Insect Investigators at Bladensburg Waterfront Park ($) (Best for ages 7+)
- Hands-on program dives into the fascinating world of insects and their role in our environment. Kids will explore insect life cycles, body parts, communication, and incredible adaptations—plus get up close with live and preserved specimens using microscopes, magnifying glasses, and other cool science tools.
- 10:30 am | Saturday STEAM Hour at College Park Aviation Museum ($) (Best for ages 6-12)
- 10:30 am | Movie: Ella Enchanted at Wheaton Library
- Celebrate National Princess Day!
- 11:00 am | Animal Encounters: Fall Mammal Behavior at Mt. Rainier Nature and Recreation Center ($)
- 12:00 pm | Local Author Showcase at Wheaton Community Recreation Center
- Meet-and-greet with a certified therapy dog OR read aloud one of our oversized stuffed zoo animals at 1:00 pm!
- 12:00 pm | All Aboard for a Free Polar Express Craft at sweetFrog Laurel ($)
- Pick up your FREE Polar Express™ pocket watch kit & swirl up some Hot Chocolate Froyo while you’re here!
- 1:00 pm | The Snowman and the Snowdog at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($) (Best for ages 4-10)
- Breathtaking theatre magic by talented actors, stunning puppetry, beautiful projections and dialogue.
- 1:00 pm | Fall Festival at Germantown Community Recreation Center
- Celebrate the beauty of the season with a day full of fun, light refreshments and festive activities!
- 2:00 pm | Story Explorers: Native American Legends at New Carrolton Library
- Embark on an exciting adventure with Native American Legends read aloud!
- 2:00 pm | Science Saturday – Take a Trip to Space! at Davis Library (Best for ages 6+)
- Learn about the science of astronomy–the study of the planets, stars, solar system and more.
- 2:00 pm | Piscataway Nation Singers and Dancers at Odenton Library
- Today, the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers carry on the long standing traditions, culture and heritage of their indigenous ancestors.
Northern Virginia
- 10:00 am | Craft with Santa at Made in ALX ($)
- Take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, do some fun winter crafts and enjoy a few snacks to fuel your holiday shopping!
- 10:00 am | Turkey Inspired Cupcake Decorating at Tiny Chefs in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 4-8)
- 10:00 am | Holiday Gingerbread House Decorating at McLean Community Center ($)
- 10:00 am | Storytime with 1st Stage in Tysons
- Reading “Thank You for Your Service!” by Torthell Robinson
- 10:00 am | STEAM-tastic: Monet-Inspired Bridge Workshop at Del Ray Artisans in Alexandria ($)
- Explore the science of color and light through the art of Claude Monet, and create your own artwork inspired by Monet’s gardens at Giverny.
- 10:00 am, 1:00 pm & 3:30 pm | Spectrum Spectacles at Children’s Science Center LAB in Fairfax ($)
- Dive into dazzling experiments—build your own kaleidoscope, reveal hidden messages with invisible ink, bend and twist light, and make colors come alive before your eyes!
- 10:30 am | Family Friendly Art Workshop with Zaq Landsberg: Wearable Sculpture at MoCA Arlington Innovation Studio + Store
- 1:00 pm | Friendsgiving for Little Turkeys at Hops N Shine at Alexandria
- This family-friendly celebration is the perfect way for kids to enjoy the spirit of Friendsgiving with turkey coloring pages, good food, and outdoor yard games!
- 3:00 pm | Math Pals at Central Library in Arlington (Best for grades 2-5)
- Free math tutoring!
- 6:00 pm | Family Skate Night at Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington ($)
- 6:00 pm | 2025 Holiday Tree Lighting at City Hall in Alexandria
- 6:00 pm | Family Skate Night – Thanksgiving Family Skate and Dance Night at Franconia Recreation Center in Alexandria ($)
- 6:30 pm | Turkey Dip at Franconia Recreation Center in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 6+)
- Race that gives participants the opportunity to challenge themselves with either a 500-yard, 250-yard, 100-yard or 25-yard swim (partner swim) snaking through the swimming pool.
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Washington, DC
- 11:00 am | CANstuction Drop-In Activity at The National Building Museum
- Try building with pool-noodle “cans,” create a CANstructure stamp collage, and share your thoughts about food security on our community board. Bring a canned-good donation to vote for your favorite CANstructure on display.
- [For Adults] 4:00 pm | Between the Lines with Jason Reynold and Dr. LaCharles Ward at Planet Word in NW
- Discussion exploring the art of visual storytelling as a lens for understanding Black history and culture and how both words and images can shape narratives in consequential ways, especially in the age of AI and deep fakes.
Maryland
- 9:30 am | Storytime: Lindsay Cordero for The Great Truffle Snuffle at People’s Book Takoma
- 11:00 am | Thanksgiving Food Drive & Community Giveback at Creative Suitland
- Tap the link to see the list of items to donate!
- 11:00 am | Sunday Workshop: Intermediate 3D Printing: Thingiverse and TinkerCAD at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) (Best for grades 2nd – 5th)
- 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm | The Snowman and the Snowdog at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($) (Best for ages 4-10)
- Breathtaking theatre magic by talented actors, stunning puppetry, beautiful projections and dialogue.
- 2:00 pm | Holiday Movies on the Potomac featuring The Grinch (2018) at National Harbor ♣
- 5:00 pm | The Winter Festival of Lights Bikes and Lights at Watkins Regional Park ($)
- Enjoy the unique experience of riding your bike through the Winter Festival of Lights.
Northern Virginia
- 12:00 pm | Family Friendly Wood + Canvas + Textured Art Workshop at AR Workshop in Alexandria ($)
- 12:00 pm | Petting Zoo hosts Kids and Family Festival at Shipgarten in McLean
- 2:30 pm | American Indian Games and Crafts at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale ($) (Best for ages 4+)
Sensory Friendly & Accessible
- Friday (11/21) at 10:30 am | Sensory Playtime at Southwest Neighborhood Library in DC (Best for ages 0-5)
- Friday (11/21) at 4:00 pm | Braille Club at MLK Memorial Library in DC
- Low vision and blind kids in grades K-12 are invited to Braille Club! Read together, play tactile games, make crafts and more! No braille knowledge is required.
- Saturday (11/22) at 10:30 am | Sensory Storytelling with ReadAbility at Rockville Memorial Library
- Sunday (11/23) at 2:00 pm | Sensory-Friendly Performance of A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre in DC
- To purchase tickets enter code SENSORYFRIENDLY26 in the promo code box, in upper-right corner of this page, and click submit.
For Tweens & Teens
Washington, DC
- Friday (11/21) at 5:30 pm | Barry Farm Teen Flick & Chill-Movie Night at Barry Farm Recreation Center in SE
Maryland
- Friday (11/21) at 2:00 pm | Teen Zone at Bowie Library
- Friday (11/21) at 4:00 pm | Teen Life Lab: Podcasting 101 at Bowie Library
- Teens can earn service learning hours by attending this program.
- Saturday (11/22) at 2:30 pm | Create a Cozy Paper Village at Wheaton Recreation Center (Best for ages 13+)
- Programming through the local author showcase!
- Saturday (11/22) at 4:00 pm | Traditional vs. Self-Publishing Panel at Wheaton Recreation Center
- Programming through the local author showcase!
Northern Virginia
- Friday (11/21) at 2:30 pm | Brick & Chill: Teen LEGO Hangout at Glencarlyn Library (Best for grades 6-12)
- Friday (11/21) at 6:00 pm | Teen Nights at Gunston Community Center in Arlington
- Saturday (11/22) at 1:00 pm | Turkey Inspired Cupcake Decorating at Tiny Chefs in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 9-14)
This Week's Book Recommendation
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