Holiday Activities for Kids & Teens in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Liv standing in front of an ice skating rink
Ice Skating Adventures at Canal Park Ice Rink
Seasons Greetings! This updated listing now includes winter break ideas & holiday themed activities and events for kids and teens of all ages to explore through the first week of January. Events we've enjoyed in years past include the holiday story time with Tara Hoot, the week of Kwanzaa celebrations at the Anacostia Community Museum & Winterfest at Kings Dominion. We're hoping to see a few light shows and performances this year including the Nutcracker! This list of holiday activities includes free and paid events. Don't forget to check back frequently for updates! As new events are released, I will add them here. Feel free to leave a review of events you enjoy through the form below. I'd love to feature quotes about your experiences. Enjoy the holidays and remember to live in the moment this festive season.
Sarah in a hot pink dress
Sarah Acors
Creator of 4DMV Kids & Founder of BCB DMV+

Notes: Although this list of holiday and winter break activities is reviewed for accuracy frequently, things can change at any moment. Please click through to confirm the details prior to heading out.

The grayed out events are either sold out or have taken place already. They are still clickable if you’d like to see what you missed!

Holiday Fun

Featured Event | Celebrate New Years at The Yards on 12/31 at 10:00 am for their annual Noon Yards Eve event. This event gets crowded so arrive early! Click the image above to register.

New Years Activities

Washington, DC

Maryland

Virginia

Featured Event | On Saturday January 4th, build your own piggy bank at Home Depot stores throughout the DMV. Tap the image above for more info!

Winter Break Activities (12/23 - 1/5)

  • 1/4 at 9:00 am | Build a piggy bank at any Home Depot store.
  • 1/4 at 10:00 am | Create your own construction hat at any Lowes Home Improvement store.

Washington, DC

Maryland

Prince George’s County

  • 1/2 at 10:00 am | Wonders of Winter at Watkins Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 5-9)
    • Children will learn about the uniqueness of snowflakes and create their own crystal snowflake to take home.
  • 1/2 at 4:30 pm | Tail Waggin’ Tutors at Laurel Library
    • Build your child’s confidence as they read to specially trained therapy dogs.
  • 1/3 at 10:00 am | Storyland: Connor Crow & Wanda Woodpecker at Watkins Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 2-4)  
  • 1/3 at 1:00 pm | Nature Knowledge at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($) (Best for ages 8-14)
    • A home-school science club where children will experience nature through multimedia presentations, discussion, stories, hikes, and/or hands-on activities.
  • 1/4 at 10:00 am | Adventure Seekers: Patuxent Research Refuge at Mount Rainier Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 8-12) 
  • 1/4 at 10:00 am | Sneaker Design Workshop at Harmony Hall Regional Center in Ft. Washington ($) (Best for ages 10-15) 
  • 1/4 at 1:00 pm | Winter Wonderland at Suitland Community Center ($) 
  • 1/5 at 1:00 pm | Live Animal Show: Mixed Ages at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($) 

Montgomery County

More Maryland Events

  • 11/22 – 12/31 on select days | Holiday Festival of Trains at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($)
  • 11/27 – 1/5 | Holiday Train Garden at Gary J. Arthur Comm Center in Cooksville 
  • 11/29 – 1/5 | Holiday Train Garden at B&O Ellicott City Station Museum 
  • [Limited Seats Left] 12/30 at 2:00 pm | So You Want to be a Librarian? at P.D. Brown Branch Library in Waldorf (Best for ages 9-14) 
  • 12/30 at 3:00 pm | Beginning Modular Robotics at Central Branch Library in Columbia (Best for ages 11-13) 
  • 12/31 at 10:30 am | Mobile Library: Nanjemoy Community Center
    • Create a bouquet of flower bookmarks 
  • 1/2 at 10:00 am | Winter Book Bags at Discoveries: The Library at Westfield Annapolis 
  • 1/2 at 10:45 am | Cute and Courteous Canines at La Plata Branch Library
    • Join us to interact with and pet furry, friendly, four-footed friends courtesy of Southern Maryland Pets on Wheels.
  • 1/3 at 1:00 pm | Discovery Lab Demo Days at Potomac Branch Library in Indian Head
    • This mobile lab’s mission is to bring technology to our patrons by bringing it directly to their areas, including things like computers, laptops, tablets, hotspots, printers, gaming equipment, STEM/STEAM activities/games, 3D printer, 3D printer pens, charging station, camera equipment, supplies for science, technology, engineering, art and math projects (take and make kits, project kits), and more!
  • 1/4 at 2:00 pm | Saturday Family Crafternoon at Potomac Branch Library in Indian Head
    • Feeling frosty? Join us for a winter wonderland of snowy-themed crafts!
  • 1/5 at 12:00 pm | Bird Feeder Craft at SweetFrog Laurel 

Virginia

Arlington County 

City of Alexandria

More Virginia Events

Featured Event | Check out the Reindeer Railway Train Ride at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, MD through 12/31! There are even special evening events & holiday light shows. Tap the image above for more info.

Light Shows

Washington, DC

Maryland

Virginia

On the Topic of Christmas

Local Author Book Recommendation for Danielle Marietta, Author of the Holly-Day After"
Perfect for the Holidays! Check out one of local DMV Author, Danielle Marietta's book, "The Holly-Day After", to find out what happens to Santa after he delivers the last gift. Tap the link below to visit her website.
Featured Event | Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Anacostia Community Museum with a week of festive activities. Meet Culture Queen on 12/27 for a family workshop or create family memory boxes on 12/29. All events and activities are free. Tap the image above for more info!

Kwanzaa-Themed Activities

Washington, DC

Maryland  

Featured Event | There's a free-to-attend Family Day at the Capital Jewish Museum on 12/25 beginning at 11:00 am. Includes family-friendly crafts and activities. Click the image above for more info!

Hanukkah-Themed Activities

Washington, DC

  • 12/25 at 11:00 am | Family Day: Hanukkah Cheer at Capital Jewish Museum 
  • 12/25 – 1/2 | Celebrate Hanukkah at Union Market District
    • Nightly menorah display, illuminated at sundown from December 25 through January 2. Gather with family and friends to enjoy the warmth of the season, indulge in delicious bites, sip festive drinks, and explore the market’s unique shops.

Maryland  

Virginia

Ford's Theatre performance poster featuring Scrooge and the ghost of Christmas past.
Featured Event | A Christmas Carol at Ford's Theatre is on stage NOW through 12/31! Tickets start at $28 and it's recommended for ages 5+. Read our review and book tickets by tapping the image above!

Holiday & Kids Performances

Washington, DC

Maryland

Featured Event | The US Navy Memorial is featuring free movies through the 24th that include The Santa Clause & It's a Wonderful Life. Tap the image above for more info!

Holiday & Kids Movies

Washington, DC

Maryland

Stay tuned for holiday activities updates to this blog

DC Museums

Check out this list of 20+ Best Museums for kids and teens in DC. Some of these museums may feature holiday activities too. I suggest reviewing the lists above of Washington, DC events or check out the museums' websites through the link below.
Festive
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