Kid-friendly Activities in DC, Maryland & Northern Virginia this Weekend (12/6 - 12/8)

Washington, DC

• 9:00 am | Breakfast with Santa at Maggiano’s DC ($)
• 10:00 am | Illuminate Upshur in Petworth
• 10:00 am | Mount Vernon Triangle Santa Celebration in NW
  • Take a photo with Santa, write a letter to the North Pole, sip on a warming beverage and enjoy the festive sounds of live carolers while shopping local produce and goods at the MVT FRESHFARM Market. 
• 10:00 am | STEM Budding Builders at Palisades Library
• 10:00 am | Family Activity: Wooden Ornament at DAR Museum
• 10:00 am | First Saturday: December at National Gallery of Art
  • 10:00 am | Storytime: Polar Bear, Polar, What Do You Hear?
  • 11:00 am | Face Painting
  • 11:00 am | Sketching Lab
  • 11:00 am | Pop-up Library
  • 11:00 am | Kids’ Play Space
• 10:15 am | Crafty Tales: Mary Blair at Merry Pin in NW
  • Free art workshop based on artist/book
• 11:00 am | Community Day: The Universal Message of Kwanzaa at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
• 11:00 am | Adventuring Party ~ Dungeons & Dragons for Kids at Woodridge Library
• 11:00 am | Art Enables & Friends Holiday Market in NE
  • Includes photos with Santa, holiday ornament making, face paint & more!
• [Waitlist] 11:00 am | Family Workshop | Art Detectives at National Museum of Asian Art (Best for ages 6-11)
• [Limited tickets left] 11:30 am | In Person Heure du Conte at Alliance Française de Washington DC in NW (Best for ages 3-7)
  • Come listen to French stories.
• 12:00 pm | Chevy Chase Winter Market along Connecticut Ave in NW
  • Includes meet & greet with Elsa at Child’s Play and gingerbread station
• 12:00 pm | Soulful Santa at Skyland Town Center in SE
• 12:30 pm | Angel Making Workshop at Anacostia Community Museum
• 1:30 pm & 4:00 pm | Finn at The Kennedy Center ($)
• 2:00 pm | African Art Marketplace at National Museum of African Art
• 2:00 pm | GoGo Santa 2024 at Sycamore & Oak in SE
• 2:00 pm | Puzzle Swap! at Benning Library
• 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm | A Holiday Pops! with Special Guest Jessica Vosk at the Kennedy Center ($)
• 4:00 pm | Krampus’ Bazaar ~ A Festive Holiday Affair at City-State Brewery in NE
  • Includes story time & crafts for kids
• 5:00 pm | Zoo Lights at Smithsonian National Zoo ($)
• 5:00 pm | Holiday Boat Parade & Party at District Wharf
  • Includes photos with Santa
• 5:30 pm | Sensory-Friendly Evening at the Garden: “Season’s Greenings” Holiday Exhibit at U.S. Botanic Garden
• 6:00 pm | Tweens Night Out at iGen Educational Academy ($) (Best for ages 8-12)
• 7:30 pm | A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre ($)
• 8:00 pm | BalletX at the Kennedy Center ($)

Maryland

Prince George’s County

• 9:00 am | Sweaty Sweater Fun Run at Mount Rainier Elementary School
• 10:00 am | Santa Fly-in at College Park Aviation Museum ($)
  • Includes The Nutcracker with Berwyn Ballet School, activities & crafts, photos with Santa & more
• 10:00 am | Holiday Pajama Jam at Temple Hills Community Center ($) (Best for ages 4-12)
• 11:00 am | Local Author Expo at Laurel Library
  • Meet local kid-friendly Authors Jocelyn E. Cox, Taylor Darks and Jamila Romero
• 12:00 pm | 25th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show at Darnall’s Chance House Museum in Upper Marlboro ($)
• 12:00 pm | Dinosaur Park Open House in Laurel
• 12:00 pm | Crafternoon: Winter Whimsy Workshop at Beltsville Library
  • Create your own clay snowman, ugly holiday sweater ornament, and gingerbread house picture frame!
• 1:00 pm | Crafternoon: Winter Gifts at Spauldings Library
• 1:00 pm | Upper Marlboro Tree Lighting & Christmas Town Event
  • From delightful carolers singing your favorite holiday tunes to a visit from Santa Claus himself, there’s something for everyone at this event. Enjoy live performances, indulge in delicious treats from food vendors, and shop for unique gifts at the Christmas market.
• 1:00 pm | Candy Cane Click at Suitland Community Center ($)
  • Bring your family and capture the essence of the season with our array of backdrops and seasonal scenes.
• 2:00 pm | Photos with Black Santa at MahoganyBooks National Harbor (Best for ages 0-12) 
• 2:00 pm | Winter Wonderland – Holiday Market and Tree Lighting at College Park City Hall
  • Includes live music, fun giveaways, food trucks, fun activities for kids & more! 
• 3:00 pm | Santa’s Workshop & Caravan at Edmonston Town Hall
  • Enjoy engaging in Christmas-themed arts and crafts, write a letter to the North Pole, and have the magical experience of meeting Santa Claus. 
• 4:00 pm | Bowie Center for the Performing Arts presents: A Christmas Carol ($) 
• 4:00 pm | Winter Holiday Open House at Marietta House Museum ($)
  • Meet Papa Noël in the beautifully decorated Parlor. Enjoy treats and search for little gifts throughout the historic house.
• 5:30 pm | Holiday Tree Lighting & Fireworks at National Harbor 

Montgomery County

• 10:00 am | Mr. Gabe Music at People’s Book Takoma 
• 10:30 am | STEM at Little Falls Library in Bethesda 
• 11:00 am | Superb Saturday STEM at Noyes Library for Young Children in Kensington 
• 11:00 am | Winter Festival at The Collection Chevy Chase
  • Features photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the tiered plaza, a craft corner led by Red Panda, a hot cocoa station,and pastries from Junction Bakery, holiday-themed tunes, and a photographer onsite to capture pictures with Santa amidst the magic of holiday community gatherings throughout the event.
• 11:00 am | Read to a Dog at Aspen Hill Library 
• 11:00 am | Olfactory Science Family Workshop at the NatureLab in Takoma Park ($) 
• 11:00 am | Kaydee Puppets ~ The Billy Goats Gruff & The Princess and the Pea at Chevy Chase Library 
• 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park ($) 
• 11:00 am | Rock & Read with Tony M. Music at White Oak Library (Best for grades pre-k – 2nd) 
• 11:30 am | Holly Trolleyfest at National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville ($) 
• 11:30 am & 1:00 pm | The Puppet Co. presents the 36th Annual Nutcracker at Glen Echo Park ($)
• 11:30 am | Winter Wonderland with the Flash Bus at East County Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring
  • Includes decorative bus, hot cocoa, cookies, face painting, games, crafts & more
• 12:00 pm | Teens Matinee: Inside Out 2 at Twinbrook Library 
• 2:00 pm | Winter Holiday Craft – Yarn Gnomes at Germantown Library (Best for ages 13+) 
• 2:00 pm | Gift Wrapping Workshop at People’s Book Takoma 
• 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm | Rockville Civic Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre ($)
• 3:00 pm | Rock & Read with Tony M. Music at Potomac Library 
• 3:00 pm | Putz House Workshop at indigro plant design in Takoma Park ($)  
• 3:00 pm | Improv for Kids at Long Branch Library 
• 4:00 pm | Crafts at the Library: Folk Art Birds at Marilyn J. Praisner Library in Burtonsville 
• 4:00 pm | Winter’s Eve at Glen Echo Park
  • Includes kids’ holiday crafts, music, and open studios and galleries

More Maryland Events

• 9:00 am | 52nd Annual Holiday Mart Show at Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Cooksville
  • Includes a children’s craft corner 
• 9:00 am | Make a Kindness Quilt at P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library in Waldorf 
• 9:00 am | Breakfast with Santa at Robert J. DiPietro Community Center in Laurel ($) 
• [Limited Tickets Left] 10:00 am | Holiday Gingerbread House Decorating Extravaganza with Club SciKidz MD at Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia ($)
  • Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and a few holiday-themed science activities and crafts as well!
• 10:00 am | Paws to Read at Odenton Library (Best for ages 6-10) 
• 10:00 am | The Polar Express Train Ride at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($)
• 10:00 am | Natural Holiday Sale at Mt. Pleasant in Woodstock
  • Kids will have the opportunity to make and take whimsical critter crafts from natural materials (free!).
• 10:15 am | Frosty the Snowman at Savage Branch Library in Laurel
  • Enjoy stories and activities, then pose for a picture with Frosty. 
• 11:00 am | Puzzle Palooza Swap at Miller Branch Library in Ellicott City 
• 11:00 am | Cooking 101 for Tweens & Teens in Southern Maryland ($) (Best for ages 11-16) 
• 11:00 am | 500 by Five Celebration! at Waldorf West Branch Library
  • Includes story times, activities, photo ops & more for children celebrating their journey through reading  
• 1:00 pm | Planetarium Movie Showing at Robinson Nature Center in Columbia ($) (Best for ages 5+) 
• 1:00 pm | Holiday Ornament Paint Party at Joyful Studio in La Plata ($) 
• 1:00 pm | Holiday Craft Making Workshop at Elite Gymnastics in Waldorf ($) (Best for ages 5+)
• 2:00 pm | Savage Ukes: Holiday Sing Along at Savage Branch Library in Laurel (Best for ages 8+) 
• 2:00 pm | Family Movie Time: Encanto – Little Candle Day at Elkridge Branch Library 
• 2:00 pm | Animals in Winter at La Plata Branch Library (Best for ages 4+)
  • Learn local animals’ unique adaptations to survive the cold weather and what we, as good stewards, can do to help.
• 2:00 pm | Picture Perfect Chemistry at Odenton Library (Best for ages 6-10) 
• 3:45 pm | Holiday Parade & Armory Illumination at Laurel Armory – Anderson & Murphy Community Center 
• 4:00 pm | Make Digital Holiday Greeting Cards at Savage Branch Library in Laurel 

Virginia

Arlington County 

• 10:00 am | Washington – Liberty High School Holiday Bazaar 
• 10:00 am | Rosslyn Cheer 2024: Holiday Market at Central Place Plaza
  • Includes hot chocolate, write letters to Santa, barrel train rides and story times with Mrs. Claus and Buddy the Elf 
• 10:00 am | Holiday Ornaments at Arlington Mill Community Center ($) 
• 10:00 am | Jingle Bells & Jammies Book Shopping Party at R.E.A.D. Book Nook 
• 1:00 pm | The Lodge at National Landing
  • A ski-inspired winter festival at Metropolitan Park, complete with holiday cheer, seasonal treats, and activities for all ages—including kids and pets
• 3:00 pm | SEEK – Science and Engineering Engagement for Kids at Central Library (Best for grades 3-5) 
• 5:00 pm | Enchant Concert at Westover Baptist Church ($) 
• 6:00 pm | Family Skate Night at Thomas Jefferson Community Center ($) 
• 7:00 pm | Jingle Bell Jam at Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two ($)

City of Alexandria

• 9:30 am | Grinchmas at Charles Houston Recreation Center ($) (Best for ages 1-10) 
• 10:00 am & 1:00 pm | Nailed It! Cupcake Decorating hosted by Tiny Chefs ($) 
  • Two classes by age groups 6-9 & 9-12
• 10:00 am | Upcycled Wrapping at Kate Barrett Branch Library
  • Wrap gifts in a unique way!
• 11:00 am | 53rd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
• 11:00 am | Snack, Snooze, Skedaddle at Winkler Botanical Preserve (Best for ages 6 & under)
  • Explore the sights, sounds, and textures of winter with our Naturalist on a short sensory hike. Then, listen to a story about how animals spend the winter and enjoy a fun craft!
• 11:30 am | Family Winter Holiday Fun at Chick Armstrong Recreation Center ($) (Best for ages 4+)
  • Includes gingerbread house building, hearing Santa’s favorite story/activity, making holiday crafts, cookie decorating, games and viewing Santa’s favorite movie.
• 12:00 pm | Ice & Lights The Winter Village at Cameron Run ($)
  • Winter Village opens at 5:00 pm 
• 1:00 pm | I’m a Poet and I Know It: Creative Writing Workshop at Charles Beatley Central Library (Best for teens & adults) 
• 2:00 pm | Make Ship Biscuit Ornaments at Alexandria Archaeology Museum 
• 2:00 pm | 2024 Holiday Festival at Torpedo Factory Art Center  
• 2:00 pm | 24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
  • Stop by the ornament crafting pop-up hosted by AR Workshop!
• 3:00 pm | Gingerbread Decorating at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum ($) 
• 3:45 pm | Hot Cocoa Wetland Night Hike at Huntley Meadows Park ($) 
• 7:00 pm | Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Concert at Bishop Ireton High School  

More Virginia Events

• 8:30 am | Holiday Gift and Craft Show in Falls Church
  • The Children’s Holiday Shoppe hosted by the Friends of Cherry Hill Farmhouse takes place Saturday only.
• 10:00 am | Greater Manassas Christmas Parade  
• 11:00 am | Winter Wonderland Event at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax ($)
  • Includes a train ride on the Holiday Express, a spin on the Carolers Carousel, Gingerbread Man Golf and s’mores. Families will also enjoy a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and candy canes.
• 11:30 am | Santa’s Critters & Craft at Hidden Pond Nature Center in Springfield ($) (Best for ages 2-12)
  • Bring your camera to take a picture with Jolly Saint Nick, his elves and their animal friends.
• 12:00 pm | Magic Show at Manassas Mall 
• 12:00 pm | To Build a Fire at Riverbend Park in Great Falls ($)
  • Learn the science and art of building a fire and then test your skill with primitive fire bows and modern fire-making techniques. Roast s’mores at the end of the workshop.
• 1:00 pm & 7:30 pm | Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at the Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia ($) (Best for ages 6+) 
• 2:00 pm | Craft & Create: Coffee Filter Snowflakes at Park Central Library in Manassas Park 
• 2:00 pm | Wonderful Winter Wildlife at Riverbend Park in Great Falls ($)
  • Read a story book about animals and their unique adaptations that help them survive the cold winters. Take a hike & play outdoor games!
• 4:00 pm | Holiday Light Parade Program at Park Central Library in Manassas Park 
• 4:30 pm | Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon ($)