Enjoy a family night out at Georgetown GLOW
Happy Weekend!
Find tons of ideas for non-holiday fun in these go-to KFDC posts:
* The Great Indoors
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Autumn Adventures
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Kid-Friendly Eats
* Bike Rides
* Baltimore with Kids
* Peaceful Places
Holiday Happenings
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’re looking for holiday activities, you have your pick of them! There are all kinds of ways to embrace the spirit of the season, and at every price point. Some are listed in this round-up, and details for SO many more in the 2023 KFDC Holiday Guide to the Holiday Season Around DC.
Lights & Ice: Hanukkah Skate Night
Where: Canal Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: December 8
Admission: Free; skating is $15/12+, $12/under 12
The Festival of Lights is back at the Canal Park Ice Rink with Free Skate Rentals for the first 150 attendees to glide around the outdoor menorah. There will also be live music from DJ Ci Ci, free Hannukah-themed donuts, and hot cider from neighborhood confectionary shop Kilwins courtesy of the Capitol Riverfront BID. Plus, enjoy dreidels, glow sticks, gelt, and an exclusive Capitol Riverfront mug & hot cocoa kit for the first 100 attendees! An official menorah lighting will take place at 7pm.
A “Lit” Family Night Out
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the holiday season
Admission: Free (+ cost of dinner)
The holidays are always a fabulous time of the year in DC, especially in the evenings when twinkling lights make the cityscape sparkle and there is “illuminated” fun to enjoy. Even better, you can make a night of it and experience those lit activities and enjoy a family dinner out, too. This new post has five ideas for doing just that, all of them centered around a main activity with recommendations for places to eat, plus some suggestions for nearby fun to tack on if you want to make a day (or longer night) of it, too.
The Polar Express Pajama Party
Where: Miracle Theater | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $6
Sip some hot chocolate in your PJ’s while watching the holiday classic, The Polar Express. The film is an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
Disney Encanto x CAMP
Where: Tysons Corner | Tysons, VA
When: Through March
Admission: Starts at $32
The immersive experience inspired by the beloved movie opens at Tysons this weekend. Tickets are very limited in December, but you might luck out and get them. If not, then let this be your heads-up to snag them for a 2024 visit — they would make a great holiday gift!
Step Afrika! Magical, Musical Holiday Step Show
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through December 17
Tickets: $56-95 (look for discount)
Easily one of the best holiday show’s in town, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a fantastic, vibrant celebration. (And we know from many years’ experience!) This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats from Step Afrika! and special guest, DJ Frosty the Snowman. The internationally-renowned percussive dance company has created a fantastic, contemporary holiday tradition, featuring friendly, furry characters, fun photo ops, and a festive dance party.
Fiddler on the Roof
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $35-101 (look for discount)
A great show during Hanukkah… Tradition! The word itself is synonymous with this most classic of American musicals, set in the tiny shtetl of Anatevka. People all over the world continue to find universal truths in the story of Tevye and his headstrong, tradition-bucking daughters. Now, Olney Theatre creates a rich and re-imagined Fiddler for a new generation to embrace through unforgettable songs like “If I Were a Rich Man,” “To Life,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.” Like Tevye himself, this Fiddler knows the power of its traditional highlights, but like his daughters Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava – it also may surprise you with new ways of carrying forward its spirit.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Through December 31
Tickets: $15/age 2+
And one for little kids… It’s Hanukkah on strings once again at The Puppet Co. this year! In this puppet play, Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)?
More Holiday Entertainment
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
There’s so much holiday-inspired entertainment on local stages to celebrate the season. The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre is a classic that will enchant audiences of all ages. Or take littles to see a version on strings at The Puppet Co. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre. Go to a Family Edition of Handel’s Messiah at the National Cathedral. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up soon in the 2023 Guide to the Holiday Season.
A sculpture from the Simone Leigh exhibit
Art Cart: Who? You? Express Yourself!
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | Naional Mall, DC
When: Saturday 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Art Cart days are a great time to bring kiddos to the Hirshhorn because you can enjoy the exhibits, and they have a fun activity to connect to the art. On Saturday, dive into the world of Simone Leigh’s art! Explore her sculptures and make your own one-of-a-kind portraits and sculptures inspired by the things that make you special. Find the Art Cart in the Lerner Room on the Third Level.
Get Out of Dodge DC
Where: Around the region
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Mix it up with a quick getaway to a festive destination! If you feel like you’ve seen and done it all around DC, or just want to add a little extra magic to the season, road-trip-it to a location less than three hours away from the DC metro area — and maybe make some fun stops on the way. Your kids will love the thrill of it all (and, for overnighters, your heavily-tinseled hotel)! This post has ideas for places to go.
Go-Go Santa Caravan
Where: Sycamore & Oak | Congress Heights, DC
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Local business, community leaders, go-go bands, and “Go-Go Santa,” will spread holiday cheer as they travel through Congress Heights to The Retail Village at Sycamore & Oak for a day of holiday-themed activities and celebration. Around 5,000 curated holiday gifts will be distrinuted from eight local lifestyle businesses. Meal tickets and shopping coupons (up to $14 each) will also be given out while supplies last. Households will also receive complimentary tickets from Capital City Go-Go.
Capital Art & Craft Festival
Where: Dulles Expo Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $10/advance, $12/at door, free/12 & under
Browse the works of over 200 local artisans and crafters and find unique holiday gifts This festival features art in more than a dozen mediums — jewelry, paintings, prints, glass, leather, photography, pottery, wearable art, and wood, and more. Visit the website for more details.
Winter’s Eve
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 3-6pm
Admission: Free
It’s Glen Echo Park’s annual Winter’s Eve celebration, a holiday event designed with all ages in mind. The Park will be abuzz with activity throughout the event:Open studios, artwork sales, refreshments, and the Puppet Co. will present it’s beloved The Nutcracker at 4pm. There will also be free children’s holiday crafts, and many of the Park’s resident arts organizations will offer holiday activities, including performances by Washington Revels, a hands-on blown glass ornament workshop (pre-registration required), Washington Conservatory of Music student performances, holiday portrait photography (pre-registration encouraged), and more!
Holiday Extravaganza
Where: The Boro | Tysons, DC
When: December 9, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Here comes Santa Claus, right down Boro Lane! Get into the holiday spirit with a festive and fun morning in Boro Park to kick off the holiday season! At Santa’s Workshop at The Boro, guests of all ages are invited to enjoy a fun filled morning of holiday kids crafts, a DJ dance party, specialty hot chocolate bar with lots of fun fixings from Bluestone Lane, a holiday themed bounce house, and calligrapher on site to customize ornaments. And don’t forget to stop Santa’s Workshop in Boro Park, where you can take pictures with Santa — he’ll be there from 11:30am to 1pm.
Holiday Lights
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Parks and gardens around the area are brightening up the season with twinkling holiday light displays. Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a dazzling good time. See where you can enjoy them in the KFDC Holiday Guide.
Hike & Aprés Hike
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
If al the holiday hoopla is getting overwhelming, the get out for a family hike — then extend (and elevate) the day with some some snacks (or a whole meal) and sips after. Find some great combos to do that in this post about place to hike & aprés Hike.
Second Sunday Barn Dance
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Sunday, 1-3pm
Admission: $5 ages 4+
Bring the fam to the Barn Dance! The fun-spirited event is for all ages and ability levels, featuring live music and a caller who teaches all the dances and keeps everyone moving to the music. Expect a variety of circles, squares, longways sets, contras, waltzes, and ceilidhs. Families with pre-school kids, tweens and teens, grandparents, and everyone in-between will have a rollicking good time with Glen Echo’s intergenerational community.
Nature Calling
Where: Nature centers around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
If you’re not feeling outdoorsy, you can still get a dose of the outside world in the comfort of the indoors at a nature center. There are several great ones around the area that with lots of interesting exhibits, including live creatures. Buddie Ford Nature Center in Alexandria, Watkins in Upper Marlboro, Potomac Overlook in Arlington, Long Branch in Falls Church, and Brookside in Silver Spring all make for a great outing.
Day Trip from DC
Where: Around the region
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Get out of dodge for a day to enjoy some fun in areas that require a bit of a drive, but not an overnight stay (though you could consider it). Explore the spectacular underground world of Luray Caverns. Discover the charm and awesome attractions of Baltimore. Enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry. Take an ice cream making museum tour at Turkey Hill in Lancaster, PA. Or venture out to the Calvert Marine Museum to experience fascinating exhibits that highlight the history of the Chesapeake Bay.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There’s a new giveaway for a chance to win a Holiday Stocking filled with a music lessons gift certificate and more from International School of Music!
* It’s peak holiday shopping season, and the KFDC Holiday Gift Guides have loads of ideas for DC-inspired gifts and for specific age groups.
* Looking for an activity especially for little ones on Tuesday morning? Check out Art in the AM at the American Art Museum!
* National Gallery of Art shares tips for peaceful visits to the museum during the holiday season.
* Aristocrafts, an local mom-owned company that runs after school programs, now has their own studio and will be offering creative workshops for kids and adults.
* Always looking for organizing solutions, and this is a good one. Or this if you have a spare drawer.
* A few sales to check this weekend: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tea Collection, Bose, Pottery Barn, Anthro,
* Vanity Fair’s Best Movies of 2023.
* This Hanukkah, Light the Candles 💙
