200+ Holiday Activities for Kids & Teens in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
- Updated: 12/10/2024
Seasons Greetings! Here's a collection of 200+ holiday activities and events for kids and teens of all ages to explore. 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! The following 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 Acors
Creator of 4DMV Kids & Founder of BCB DMV+
Notes: Although this list of holiday activities is reviewed for accuracy frequently, things can change at any moment. Please click through to confirm the details prior to heading out.
“Holiday Markets & Craft Shows” only features events that specifically mentioned kid-friendly activities.
I tried to ensure the “Holiday Neutral Activities” made no reference to specific holidays or referenced more than one specific holiday. If there are any errors in this, apologies!
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
Light Shows
Washington, DC
- 11/22 – 01/04 | Zoo Lights at the National Zoo ($)
- 11/22 – 12/20 | Frosted at Franklin Park in NW
- 11/25 – 1/1 | Light Yards at The Yards
- Swinging bells you can ride on!
- 12/4 at 5:30 pm | Light Yards Express
- Family friendly festive event to celebrate the kick-off of Light Yards and the holiday season! Hop aboard our holiday-themed train for a magical ride through the enchanting Light Yards wonderland. Add some sparkle to your holiday outfit with dazzling glitter tattoos and dance the night away to merry tunes spun by our DJ.
Maryland
- 11/11 – 12/28 on Saturdays at 5:30 pm | Holiday Tree Lighting & Fireworks at National Harbor
- 11/17 – 12/28 | ICE! at Gaylord National featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at National Harbor ($)
- 11/22 – 1/5 | Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens ($)
- 11/29 – 1/1 | Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park
- 11/24 at 5:00 pm | Festival of Lights Bikes & Lights ($)
- For safety, bike lights and helmets are required. FREE for children riding on a tagalong/bike seat/trailer.
- 11/24 at 5:00 pm | Festival of Lights Bikes & Lights ($)
- 11/29 – 12/13 | Battle of the Lights in Hyattsville, MD
- City-wide light competition
- 12/27 & 12/29 | Reindeer Railway: Evening Train Rides & Holiday Lights at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($)
Virginia
- 11/15 – 2/14 on select days | Ice & Lights The Winter Village at Cameron Run in Alexandria ($)
- 11/29 – 12/23 | Winter Glow at Mount Vernon Estate ($)
- 12/20 – 12/22 | Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon Estate ($)
Holiday Markets & Craft Shows
Washington, DC
- 12/14 at 10:00 am | Joy to the Word! at Planet Word
- Enjoy the festive sounds and stylings of the award-winning, nationally acclaimed a cappella group Capital Blend throughout the morning, and check everyone off your list at the Present Perfect gift shop.
- [Just Added] 12/14 at 11:00 am | Holiday Craft Festival at Mt. Pleasant Library
- Local artists will lead art workshops.
- 12/14 at 12:00 pm | Cleveland Park Winter Market
- Includes a Writopia Poem Tree Arts & Crafts Activity and holiday caroling
Maryland
- 12/14 at 11:00 am | Brentwood Artisan Shop Craft Holiday Fair and Mead Tasting Lounge at Brentwood Arts Exchange
- Create your own wreaths and ornaments at the Holiday Craft Fair.
- 12/14 at 1:00 pm | Discover Long Branch Winter Mercado at Flower Urban Park in Silver Spring
Virginia
- 12/14 at 11:00 am | Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
- Includes Kids Corner with ornament crafting
- 12/14 at 12:00 pm | Celebrate Fairfax presents Winter Market 2024 at The PARC Tysons
Holiday Performances
Washington, DC
- 11/21 – 12/31 | A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre ($) (Best for ages 5+)
- See our performance review for A Christmas Carol!
- 11/30 – 12/29 | The Nutcracker at The Warner Theatre ($)
- 12/15 is Family Day!
- 12/2 – 12/20 on weekdays | Seasons of Light at Discovery Theater in SW ($) (Best for ages 5-10)
- 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 extravaganza bridging communities and cultures.
- 12/12 – 12/15 | A Magical Cirque Christmas at The National Theatre ($)
- Use code STOCKING for up to 30% off tickets. Valid for select seats!
- [Just Added] 12/15 – 12/22 | A Candlelight Christmas at the Kennedy Center ($)
- 12/15 at 1:00 pm & 12/24 at 11:00 am | A Family Christmas at The Kennedy Center ($) (Best for ages 5+)
- [Just Added] 12/18 at 6:00 pm | Washington Performing Arts: Children’s Gospel Choir at the Kennedy Center
- [Just Added] 12/19 at 6:00 pm | Country Christmas Sing-Along Spectacular at the Kennedy Center
- Hybrid event!
- [Just Added] 12/20 at 6:00 pm | The Zanes Holiday Show with Special Guests at The Kennedy Center
- Sensory friendly!
- 12/20 – 12/22 | The Hip Hop Nutcracker at The National Theatre ($)
- 12/20 – 12/21 | Annie Costia, Best Ya Feet Afro Beats GoGo Musical at The Lincoln Theatre ($)
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 12/7 – 12/15 | BCPA Presents: A Christmas Carol at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts ($)
- 12/14 at 4:00 pm | A Charlie Brown Christmas with The Eric Byrd Trio at Montpelier Arts Center ($)
- 12/14 – 12/15 | Snow Queen at Greenbelt Community Center ($)
- *Scroll for calendar entry. Must call to book tickets.
- 12/14 & 12/21 at 11:30 am | All Ages Christmas Show at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar at National Harbor ($)
- 12/18 – 12/19 | Seasons of Light at Prince George’s Publick Playhouse ($) (Best for ages 5-10)
- 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 extravaganza bridging communities and cultures.
- 12/20 at 6:00 pm | Xclusive presents the 2nd Annual Step into Winter Showcase at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts ($)
- Culturally diverse holiday showcase hosted by the Xclusive Step Team of Bowie High School.
- 12/21 at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm | Class Act Performing Arts presents: Holiday Classics – The Magic of the Movies at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts ($)
Montgomery County
- 11/29 – 12/31 | The Puppet Co. presents the 36th Annual Nutcracker at Glen Echo Park ($)
- 12/6 – 12/15 | Rockville Civic Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre ($)
- 12/6 – 1/5 | Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at Glen Echo Park ($)
- 12/14 at 1:00 pm | Olney Dance Studio Performance at Westfield Wheaton
- 12/14 at 6:30 pm | Cabin John Winter Ice Show
- 12/14 – 12/15 | Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents “A Holiday Concert featuring The Many Moods of Christmas” at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville ($)
- 12/29 at at 1:15 pm | Wheaton Winter Ice Show
Virginia
- 12/6 – 12/15 | Jingle Bell Jam presented by Encore Stage & Studio in Arlington ($)
- 12/15 at 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm | Colonial Handbell Ringers Concert at the Lyceum
- The 2024 holiday concert will feature fun, uplifting classics such as “Caroling, Caroling” and “Jingle Bells,” beautiful arrangements of “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Simple Gifts” and “In the Bleak Midwinter,” and the rousing finale “Three Carols for Three Countries.”
- 12/15 at 3:00 pm | SONOVA World of Winter: A Global Celebration in Alexandria
- [Just Added] 12/16 – 12/17 at 7:00 pm | MetroStage at The Lyceum presents: Memories of A Child’s Christmas in Wales ($)
- [Just Added] 12/21 at 7:30 pm | Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents: The Gift of Music Aglow at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center
Holiday Movies
Washington, DC
- 12/8, 12/14 & 12/15 | Elf Movie Party at the Alamo Drafthouse DC ($)
- 12/13 at 7:00 pm | National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at The Miracle Theatre ($) (Rated PG-13)
- [Just Added] 12/14 at 2:00 pm | Home Alone with ASL and Open Captions at MLK Memorial Library
- 12/14 at 2:00 pm | Miracle on 34th Street (1947) at The Miracle Theatre
- 12/14 at 4:30 pm | National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at The Miracle Theatre ($) (Rated PG-13)
- 12/15 at 11:00 am | It’s a Wonderful Life Brunch at Alamo Drafthouse DC ($)
- 12/15 at 2:00 pm | Elf at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- [Just Added] 12/19 at 3:30 pm | Cinema at Northwest One Library featuring Home Alone
- [Just Added] 12/19 at 5:00 pm | Rosedale Library Cinema How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- 12/20 at 7:00 pm | It’s a Wonderful Life at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 12/21 at 11:00 am | The Polar Express at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 12/21 at 2:00 pm | Elf at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 12/21 at 4:30 pm | A Christmas Story at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 12/21 at 7:00 pm | It’s a Wonderful Life at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 12/22 at 2:00 pm | The Polar Express at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 12/22 at 4:30 pm | A Christmas Story at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- [Just Added] 12/23 at 4:00 pm | Children’s Movie featuring Jingle Jangle at Woodridge Library in NE
- [Just Added] 12/24 at 9:00 am | Holiday Movie Marathon at Parklands-Turner Library in SE
- 12/27 at 4:30 pm | The Polar Express at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 12/27 at 7:00 pm | Elf at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- [Just Added] 12/28 at 1:00 pm | Holiday Movie Matinee at Bellevue Library in SW
- 12/28 at 2:00 pm | Home Alone at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 12/28 at 4:30 pm | Miracle on 34th Street (1947) at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 12/28 at 7:00 pm | It’s a Wonderful Life at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 12/29 at 2:00 pm | A Christmas Story at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- [Just Added] 12/29 at 3:00 pm | Extraordinary Cinema: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at The Kennedy Center
Maryland
- 12/14 at 3:00 pm | Elf at Greenbelt Cinema
- Don’t forget to bring a NEW pair of gloves or socks – we’ll use them for a mid-movie snowball fight, then donate them to Greenbelt CARES!
- 12/15 at 11:30 am | The Year without a Santa Clause (1976) at National Harbor
- 12/15 at 2:00 pm | Santa & a Movie: The Polar Express at Prince George’s Publick Playhouse ($) (Best for ages 3-12)
- 12/22 at 11:30 am | Jack Frost (1998) at National Harbor
- 12/23 at 6:00 pm | City of Laurel Holiday Movie ~ The Grinch at Partnership Hall
- 12/29 at 11:30 am | The Polar Express at National Harbor
Virginia
- 12/13 at 7:00 pm | Met Park Winter Movie Nights featuring Frozen 2 in Arlington
- 12/14 & 12/15 | Elf Movie Party at Alamo Drafthouse in Crystal City ($)
- 12/15 at 11:00 am | It’s a Wonderful Life Brunch at Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City ($)
- 12/20 at 7:00 pm | Met Park Winter Movie Nights featuring Abominable in Arlington
Holiday Neutral & Winter Activities
12/14 at 10:00 am | Make Spinning Snowflakes at Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores
Washington, DC
- 11/20 – 12/19 on Wednesdays & Thursdays | Holiday Ornament Making! at Made with Love DC ($)
- 11/28 – 1/5 | “Season’s Greenings” Holiday Exhibit 2024 at U.S. Botanic Garden
- Includes the Outdoor Train Display
- 12/10 & 12/17 | Ornament Painting at Bryant Street Market ($)
- Free with toy donation!
- 12/12 at 4:00 pm | Make a DIY Snow Globe at Merry Pin in NW($) (Best for ages 6-10)
- [Just Added] 12/13 at 5:00 pm | Cookies & Cocoa Toy Drive at Joseph H. Cole Recreation Center in NE
- [Just Added] 12/13 at 5:00 pm | Fort Stevens Winter Wonderland Family Night in NW
- [Just Added] 12/14 at 9:00 am | Holidays in CapRiv: Jolly Jog at the Yards Park
- 12/14 & 12/21 at 10:00 am | Family Activity: Wooden Ornament at DAR Museum (Best for ages 7+)
- Our knowledgeable educators will guide you through the process, providing all the materials needed to create a wooden ornament. This is a great opportunity for kids to express their creativity and have a blast while doing it!
- 12/15 at 2:00 pm | Gingerbread House Workshop at metrobar DC ($)
- 12/16 – 1/4 | Downtown DC Holiday Skate Spectacular
- Free to skate with your own skates. Skate rentals are $5! There’s a toddler skate hour and family-friendly hours. Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays!
- [Just Added] 12/17 at 3:30 pm | Crafternoon: Holiday Cards at Northwest One Library
- [Just Added] 12/17 at 4:00 pm | Gingerbread House Building at Parklands-Turner Library in SE
- [Just Added] 12/18 at 3:30 pm | STEM Snowball Catapult at Northwest One Library
- [Just Added] 12/18 at 4:00 pm | Winter Party at Southwest Neighborhood Library
- Activities include cookie decorating, snowflake making, a snow ball fight & movie screening!
- [Just Added] 12/20 at 4:00 pm | Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? at Parklands-Turners Library in SE
- Drop in after school to make fake snow and build a marshmallow snowman.
- [Just Added] 12/21 – 12/23 at 10:00 am | Winter Craft Workshop: Danish Hygge at National Building Museum ($)
- [Just Added] 12/21 at 12:00 pm | Winter Wonderland at Anacostia Park
- [Just Added] 12/21 at 2:00 pm | Ugly Sweater Decorating Party & Fashion Show at Shaw Library in NW
- [Just Added] 12/23 at 11:00 am | Winter Break Craft Time at Georgetown Library (Best for ages 2+)
- [Just Added] 12/23 at 12:00 pm | Winter Celebration at Bellevue Neighborhood Library in SW
- Includes winter crafts, a cozy movie, cookie decorating and more!
- [Just Added] 12/23 at 4:00 pm | Candy Cane Reindeers at Parklands-Turner Library in SE
- [Just Added] 12/24 at 11:00 am | Make a Winter Ornament at Bellevue Library in SW (Best for ages 3+)
- 12/24 at 12:00 pm | Southwest Skates! Preview of The Wharf Ice Rink
- 12/27 – 2/23 | The Wharf Ice Rink ($)
- [Just Added] 12/26 at 12:00 pm | Winter Wonderland Coloring at Bellevue Library in SW
- 12/26 – 12/28 at 10:30 am | Family Day: Winter Holiday Celebration at the Library of Congress
- [Just Added] 12/27 – 12/28 at 10:00 am | Winter Craft Workshop: Winter Lantern at National Building Museum ($)
- [Just Added] 12/31 at 12:00 pm | Create Your Own Fake Snow! at Bellevue Library in SW
- [Just Added] 12/31 at 12:00 pm | Make a Snowman! at Bellevue Library in SW
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 11/29 – 12/15 | 25th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show at Darnall’s Chance House Museum ($)
- 12/13 – 12/15 at 10:00 am | Holiday Trains & Planes at College Park Aviation Museum ($)
- 12/13 at 6:30 pm | Disability Services’ 50th Anniversary Creative Cookies at Lake Arbor Community Center ($)
- Have fun decorating your cookies with nonpareils, chocolate chips, icing, sprinkles, and more!
- 12/13 at 9:30 pm | Eras Skate at Herbert W. Wells Ice Rink
- Calling all the Swifties! Bring your friends and skate to music of Taylor Swift.
- 12/14 at 10:00 am | Riversdale Holiday Traditions at Riversdale House Museum Historic Site ($)
- 12/15 at 12:00 pm | Brushes and Beats: A Go-Go Themed Youth Paint & Sip at Arts’tination National Harbor
- 12/20 at 6:00 pm | Yule Spy: Bond on Holiday at Tucker Road Community Center in Fort Washington ($)
- Channel your inner spy at our secret intelligence themed holiday party, where elegance meets adventure! Dress to impress in your best semi-formal attire and step into a world of Bond-style sophistication with a festive twist.
- 12/21 at 10:30 am | Cub Corner: All Aboard! at College Park Aviation Museum ($) (Best for ages 3-6)
- Kids are invited to join us for a special reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, followed by a fun craft where they can make their very own paper conductor hats.
Montgomery County
- 11/30 – 1/4 at 10:00 am | Garden Railway Exhibit at Brookside Gardens
- closed 12/24, 12/25 & 1/1
- 12/13 at 2:00 pm | Holiday Candle Decorating at Cabin John Village Shopping Center
- 12/13 at 6:00 pm | Holiday Nite Out at Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center (Best for grades K-5th)
- 12/14 at 10:30 am | Winter Solstice Lantern Making at Maydale Nature Classroom in Colesville ($)
- 12/14 at 12:00 pm | Cocoa & Crafts at Ross Body Neighborhood Recreation Center in Sandy Spring
- 12/14 at 1:30 pm | Nature Ornaments at Black Hill Discovery Center in Boyds ($)
- 12/14 at 5:00 pm | Deck the Halls with Spaghetti and Meatballs at Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center in Silver Spring
- 12/14 at 5:30 pm | Winter at Longwood Community Recreation Center ($) (Best for ages 8-14)
- 12/20 at 2:00 pm | Holiday Pressed Flower Ornament Workshop at Cabin John Village
- 12/20 at 3:00 pm | Winter Wonderland Fair Workshop at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 4-8)
- Winter puppet fun!
- 12/21 at 11:00 pm | Nature Ornaments at Maydale Nature Classroom in Colesville ($)
- 12/22 at 9:30 am | Winter ASL Storytime with Dr. Alice Kreisle at People’s Book Takoma
More Maryland Events
- 11/22 – 12/31 on select days | Holiday Festival of Trains at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($)
- 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
- 11/29 – 12/22 on select days | The Polar Express Train Ride at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($)
- 12/14 – 12/15 | Frozen Fest 2024 at Robinson Nature Center in Columbia ($)
- Delight in a winter walk through the woods and investigate with frozen experiments. Learn about winter constellations in the planetarium, create tracks in the snow, and see an outdoor puppet show. Warm up by the fire with a roasted marshmallow and enjoy other winter-friendly fun.
Virginia
Arlington County
- 11/13 – 12/18 on Wednesdays at 11:30 am | MoCA on the Move: Handcrafted Holidays at Innovation Studio + Store
- Free holiday-themed crafts
- 12/13, 12/15, 12/20, 12/21, & 12/23 | Nailed It, Gingerbread House Cake at Cookology ($) (Best for older kids, families & adults)
- 12/15 at 2:00 pm | Learn to Letterbox: Winter Holiday Edition at Potomac Overlook Regional Park ($) (Best for ages 7+)
- [Just Added] 12/19 at 4:30 pm | Lantern Making Workshop & Hot Chocolate at Shirlington Library
City of Alexandria
- 12/14 at 7:00 pm | Winter Pool Jam at Minnie Howard Swimming Pool (Best for teens)
- 12/22 at 2:00 pm | Happy Holidays Family Crafting & Gift Making Workshop! Wood & Canvas at AR Workshop ($)
More Virginia Events
- 11/29 – 12/22 on select days | Mini Train Rides at Reston Town Center
- 11/29 – 12/21 on select days | Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at Reston Town Center ($)
- One reservation is good for one carriage ride, up to six people. All proceeds will be distributed to local charities.
- 11/30 – 12/30 | Holiday Bricktacular at LEGO Discovery Center ($)
- Festive activities include LEGO ornament decorating, meet & greets with characters and letters to the master builder!
- 12/14 at 2:00 pm & 3:30 pm | Caroling Wagon Ride & Campfire at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly ($)
- 12/21 at 6:00 pm | Family Skate Night – Holiday and Ugly Sweater Skate and Dance Night at Franconia Recreation Center
Phone Calls & Letters to Santa
USPS Operation Santa
Send your letter to Santa by December 9th!
Here are helpful tips for writing and sending your letter to the USPS Operation Santa Program.
You can also adopt a letter by December 16th and spread holiday cheer to those in need! Read letters of other families too.
North Pole Post Office
Visit the North Pole Post Office at Westfield Montgomery through 12/24 to create and send your letter directly to Santa.
Santa's Calling
Schedule a Call from Mr. or Mrs. Claus!
The form to register is open through 12/6. Phone calls will be made on 12/12 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Families can request calls in either English or Spanish.
Kings Dominion Winterfest
Road Trip Recommendation!
Kings Dominion WinterFest is open from 11/29 – 1/4 in Doswell, VA. Plenty of activities and things-to-do throughout the park including the North Pole Post Office, where Santa’s elves will send your handwritten letters directly to Santa.
More Ways to Contact Santa
- Drop off letters at Bowie City Hall or the Old Town Bowie Welcome Center through December 15th!
- [Just Added] Drop off letters to Santa Claus at Robert Walker Log Cabin at Gulf Branch Nature center or Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington, VA by December 15th to receive a postcard from Santa.
Christmas-Themed Activities
Washington, DC
- [Just Added] 12/13 at 11:00 am | Diversión Fridays Storytime – La Noche Buena: A Christmas Story at the American History Museum (Best for ages 4-8)
- 12/14 – 12/15 at 9:00 am | Breakfast with Santa at Salamander Washington, DC ($)
- [Just Added] 12/14 at 3:00 pm | Photos with Santa at Bryant Street Market in NE
- [Just Added] 12/14 at 4:00 pm | Christmas Card Craft at Southwest Neighborhood Library (Best for ages 2+)
- [Just Added] 12/15 at 11:00 am | Celebrate the Holidays with American History at the National Museum of American History
- Includes a singalong screening of White Christmas (1954), book signing and free performance!
- 12/21 at 11:00 am | Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe in Downtown DC ($)
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 11/29 – 12/18 | Christmas Wreath Workshop at FSC Workshop in District Heights ($) (Best for older kids, teens & adults)
- 12/14 at 2:00 pm | Ice Skate with Santa at Herbert W. Wells Ice Rink ($)
Montgomery County
- 11/7 – 12/23 | Santa’s Workshop at Westfield Wheaton
- *A fellow 4dmv’er mentioned they were underwhelmed by the activities at Santa’s Workshop. Let us know if your experience is different!
- 11/17 – 12/23 | Mrs. Claus’ Library
- Storytime in Santa’s Workshop
- 11/23 – 12/23 | Comet’s Craft Room
- Gingerbread craft
- 11/30 – 12/22 on Weekends + Friday 12/20 | Holly Trolleyfest at the National Capital Trolley Museum ($)
- 11/30 – 12/22 | Weekend Brunch with Santa at Pinstripes in Bethesda
- 12/15 at 9:30 am | Storytime with Santa & Mrs. Claus at People’s Book Takoma
- 12/15 at 11:00 am | Brunch with Santa at City Perch Kitchen + Bar in Bethesda ($)
More Maryland Events
- 12/11 at 6:00 pm | Stuff the Train Dance Party at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($)
- All-ages Holiday Dance Party in the Roundhouse of the B&O Railroad Museum! Bring new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages, from infants to young adults. Enjoy visits with Santa, special guests and more.
- 12/13 at 1:00 pm | Holiday Gift Cards & Bookmarks – Watercolor Workshop at Mary’s Land Farm ($) (Best for older kids, teens and adults)
- 12/15 at 2:00 pm | Christmas Cookie Decorating Class at Mary’s Land Farm ($)
- 12/18 at 6:30 pm | Christmas Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus at Billingsley Community Center in White Plains ($) (Best for ages 3-5)
- [Sold Out] 12/20 at 6:30 pm | Christmas Cookie Decorating Class & Milkshakes at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar in Ellicott City ($)
- 12/22 at 2:00 pm | Pajama Jam with Our Kind of Christmas at Azure Oxford Square in Hanover ($)
- [Just Added] 12/22 at 2:00 pm | Holiday Themed Cookie Decorating Class & Milkshakes at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar in Ellicott City ($)
Virginia
Arlington County
- 12/14 – 12/29 on select days | Search for Santa’s Critters at Potomac Overlook Regional Park ($)
- Holiday-themed scavenger hunt
City of Alexandria
- 12/14 at 11:00 am | A Victorian Christmas at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden ($)
- Activities include: seasonal crafts, meeting Santa, snacks/drinks, and special gift shop deals for last-minute holiday shopping.
- [Just Added] 12/14 – 12/15 & 12/21 – 12/22 at 11:00 am | Brunch with Santa at Hank’s Oyster Bar Old Town ($)
- 12/14 at 12:00 pm | Christmas in Camp at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
- Enjoy a patriotic Civil War Santa Claus, reenactors in winter camp settings, period decorations, fort tours, and kids’ activities.
- 12/14 at 2:00 pm | Santa Story Time at Hotel AKA ($)
More Virginia Events
- 12/6 – 12/21 | Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon ($)
- 12/7 – 12/22 | Winter Wonderland Event at Burke Lake Park ($)
- All aboard for a train ride on the Holiday Express. Take a spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf or warm yourself by the fire and cook s’mores as you usher in your holidays. Families will enjoy a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and candy canes.
- 12/14 at 10:00 am | Breakfast with Santa at Mt. Vernon Recreation Center ($) (Best for ages 1-7)
- 12/14 – 12/15 | Santa at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls
- Experience old-fashioned holiday fun at Colvin Run Mill. Visit Santa in the Mill, tour the Miller’s House decorated for the holidays, roast a marshmallow, and enjoy cocoa. Festive music and children’s crafts complete the experience.
- Sensory-friendly Santa on select days!
- 12/17 – 12/18 at 6:30 pm | Reading of “A Christmas Carol” at Woodlawn House in Edgewater
- 12/21 – 12/22 at 9:00 am | Holiday Entertainments at Mount Vernon Estate ($)
- 12/22 at 12:00 pm | Santa, Mrs. Claus, & The Grinch Kids & Family Festival at Shipgarten in McLean
Kwanzaa-Themed Activities
Washington, DC
- 12/19 at 11:00 am | NMAAHC Kids Connect: Joyous Kwanzaa at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (Best for ages 3-8)
- [Just Added] 12/19 at 5:00 pm | Exploring Kwanzaa at Rosedale Neighborhood Library in NE (Best for ages 5-12)
- [Just Added] 12/26 – 12/31 at 11:00 am | Kwanzaa 2024 at National Museum of African Art
- 12/26 at 12:00 pm | Umoja (Unity): Kwazaa Opening Program at the Anacostia Community Museum
- 12/27 at 12:00 pm | Kujichagulia (Self Determination) with the Culture Queen
- 12/28 at 12:00 pm | Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): Honoring Our Village with Verbal Gymnastics
- 12/29 at 12:00 pm | Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Creating Family Memory Boxes
- 12/30 at 12:00 pm | Nia (Purpose): African dance Workshop with Khepera Wellness
- 12/31 at 12:00 pm | Kuumba (Creativity): Creating Family Kwanzaa Bags
- 1/1 at 12:00 pm | Imani (Faith): Mime & Spiritual Dance Workshop with Crazee Praize
- [Just Added] 12/27 at 6:00 pm | The Legacy of the Dibinga Sisters and OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center at The Kennedy Center
- Come celebrate the second principle of Kwanzaa (Kujichagulia – Self-Determination) through African inspired dances and music celebrating 30 years.
- [Just Added] 12/28 at 12:00 pm | Celebrating Ujima and Educators at The Kennedy Center
- Enjoy an amazing family day of music, performances, an African marketplace, authors, and books!
Maryland
- 12/15 at 1:00 pm | Umoja: A Kwanzaa Experience for Families at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier
- 12/15 at 2:00 pm | Kwanzaa Essentials at Montpelier Arts Center
- This event features a ceremony, live music, and educational stories shared in the African tradition to enlighten and bring a better understanding of the occasion.
Virginia
- 12/14 at 11:00 am | Kwanzaa Workshop at the Alexandria Black History Museum ($)
- Come out and learn about the origins, concepts, practices, and foods of Kwanzaa!
Hanukkah-Themed Activities
Washington, DC
- [Postponed] 12/20 at 6:00 pm | Lights & Ice: Hanukkah Skate Night at Canal Park Ice Skating
- 12/25 at 11:00 am | Family Day: Hanukkah Cheer at Capital Jewish Museum
Maryland
- [Just Added] 12/22 at 2:00 pm | Hanukkah Cookie Decorating Class & Milkshakes at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar Ellicott City
- 12/29 at 9:30 am | Chanukkah Storytime with Ruth Polk at People’s Book Takoma
Virginia
- 12/5 – 12/8 | Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia ($) (Best for ages 6+)
New Years Activities
Washington, DC
- [Just Added] 12/29 – 12/30 at 10:00 am | Winter Craft Workshop: New Year’s Eve Ball Drop at National Building Museum ($)
- 12/31 at 10:00 am | Noon Yards Eve at The Yards
- Kick off the New Year early at Noon Yards, the ultimate family-friendly celebration at Yards Park!
- [Just Added] 12/31 at 11:30 am | Noon Year’s Eve ~ A Daytime Party for Children & Families at Georgetown Library
- 12/31 at 4:00 pm | Family New Year’s Party with Live Music at metrobar ($)
- One ticket per family!
Maryland
- 12/28 at 11:00 am | Happy Noon Year at Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville ($)
- 12/29 at 1:00 pm | New Year’s Edition at Black Hill Discovery Center in Boyds
- 12/29 at 1:00 pm | Afternoon Tea & A Toast: New Year’s at the B&O Railroad Museum ($)
- 12/31 at 10:00 am | Noon Year’s Eve at B&O Railroad Museum ($)
- 12/31 at 11:00 am | Smokey Bear New Year’s Eve Countdown at Maydale Nature Classroom in Colesville ($)
- 12/31 at 10:00 am | Noontime New Year at Port Discovery ($)
- 1/1 at 1:00 pm | First Day Hike for Families at Black Hill Discovery Center
Virginia
- [Just Added] 12/31 at 11:15 am | Noon Year’s Eve at Central Library in Arlington
- 12/31 at 12:00 pm | Kids Noon Year’s Eve at Shipgarten in McLean
- 12/31 at 7:00 pm | Watch Night: New Year’s Eve Celebration in Falls Church
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