S’mores at The Wharf
Happy Weekend!
Quick links to ideas for ongoing fun:
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Ice Skating
* The Great Indoors
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Autumn Adventures
* Peaceful Places
* Bike Rides
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 2022 KFDC Holiday Guide to the Holiday Season Around DC..
Entertainment Nation Opening Festival
Where: National Museum of American History | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
As the American History Museum debuts its new culture Wing, its celebrating the new permanent exhibition Entertainment Nation/Nación del espectáculo with a weeklong festival. Iconic objects from the museum’s renowned collection join graphics, video, and compelling stories to showcase how Americans have long used entertainment to both elicit delight and understand different viewpoints. Through December18, enjoy talks with curators, sneak peeks at objects from the national collection, film screenings of pop culture classics, musical performances, and free activities like hands-on family crafts, photo ops with beloved characters, and pop-up shows. View the full schedule.
African American Heritage & Culture
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: Friday & Sunday
Admission: Free with passes
You still need timed-entry passes to visit the National Museum of African American Heritage & Culture, and last I checked, a bunch were available for Friday and Sunday. If you’re looking for an enriching, non-holiday activity, this is a good one. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend reading the KFDC guide to exploring the museum with kids before you go, so you know what to expect and can make the most of your time there. Reserve passes here.
Half Street for the Holidays
Where: Half Street Farm Market | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: $10
This fun series of events is back! And on Saturday, Half Street for the Holidays will offer Santa portraits, festive face painting, roaming elf and toy soldier entertainers, DIY s’mores, a Letters-to-Santa station, and more. Each ticket includes a photo and one complimentary warm beverage from Silver Diner.
Drop Off Winter Workshop
Where: Silver Oaks Cooperative School | Adelphi, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 12pm or 1-4pm
Admission: $40
Drop your kids off for three hours of fun and have some time to yourself during this busy season. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to join Silver Oaks Cooperative School to make four lovely gifts. Kids will wrap the gifts so they can stay a surprise until it’s time to open them. The event will be held outside. If it rains, is below 45*F, or super windy, the crafting portion will move inside.
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.
Happy Trails
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If you’d rather spend time in nature than amid the holiday hoopla, hit the trail! Tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post has a bunch of recommendations for great places to go with kids. A few specific suggestions for this weekend: Riverbend to Great Falls, Patapsco Valley State Park, Huntley Meadows Park, or stay closer to DC at Greenbelt Park.
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.
Bear Square Express
Where: The Station | Riverdale Park, MD
When: Saturday, 10m – 1pm
Admission: Free
The Station at Riverdale Park is spreading holiday with the Bear Square Express. Reserve your ticketfor one ride on the festively-decorated train (which makes the perfect holiday photo op) while chugging along to fun, seasonal tunes. Plus, enjoy free, holiday-themed giveaways, arts & crafts, candy canes, and glitter tattoos.The Station is also encouraging each guest to bring one (unwrapped) gift to donate to Passion and Compassion, PG County’s #1 produce recovery and distribution program. All toys will be given out at the organization’s December 16 produce distribution, which serves more than 400 low-income and immigrant families.
Holiday Entertainment
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Celebrate the season with some holiday-inspired entertainment. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre. Have a stompin’ good time at Step Arfika’s Magical, Musical Holiday Step Show. The Nutcracker at Warner Theatre is a DC tradition for audiences of all ages. Be enchated by Snow Maiden at Synetic Theater. Or enjoy a show on strings as The Puppet Co. presents Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up soon in the 2022 Guide to the Holiday Season.
Non-Holiday Shows on Local Stages
Where: Stages around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
For shows the skip holiday themes, there are several to check out. and see what else is coming soon here.
* Wicked at the Kennedy Center
* Bat Boy: The Musical at Imagination Stage
* Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience at Imagination Stage
* Bixby the Cat at The Puppet Co.
* Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Olney Theatre (find discount)
* Into the Woods at Signature Theatre (find discount)
* Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare Theatre Company (find discount)
Victura Park Winter Holiday Market
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-6pm.
Admission: Free
The grounds of The REACH at the Kennedy Center are always nice for hanging out on weekends. Victura Park, the family-friendly wine and beer garden + cafe on premises, offers snack and sips that you can enjoy at picnic tables in pretty areas. This weekend (and next) it gets festive as they bring back the Holiday Market featuring a line-up of local artists, craftspersons, and other specialized vendors, including the Kennedy Center Gift Shop pop-up. Make a day of it shopping, noshing, sipping… and enjoying the gorgeous grounds including the KC Terrace and Plaza we well as the scenic river views!
More Market-ing
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by market
Add some fun to your holiday shopping! What might be a stressful activity for many this time of year, can actually be good time for you and the kids — if you know where to go. Many local holiday markets offer more than the standard browse-and-buy. Live entertainment, yummy treats, fun activities, and the chance to shop outdoors in a festive atmosphere will keep your inner-Scrooge at bay as you pick out perfect gifts for all. Along with Victura Park, the Downtown Holiday Market, Old Town Christmas Market, Eastern Market, and Holiday Market at Tysons are a few running this weekend (and beyond), and you can find details for all of them in the KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season.
Animals in Winter
Where: Potomac Overlook Park | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 1-2pm
Admission: $7
Enjoy a nature program at a local park.Meet some of the park’s animals and learn about the many ways they adapt to survive the chilly winter months through hibernation, migration, brumation and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advance!
A Little Christmas in the Little City
Where: Christ Crossman Church | Falls Church, VA
When: Saturday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Christ Crossman Church is once again hosting its annual holiday event that is fun for all and helps others. Family-friendly and outdoors, it features a live petting zoo, holiday craft stations, food trucks, and hot chocolate around fire pits. Kids can participate in a service project assembling Power Packs for local students in need through Food for Others. Free and open to all! Christ Crossman Church is located at 384 N Washington Street in Falls Church.
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.
Miniature Putz/Winter House Workshop
Where: Market At The Bank | Takoma Prk, MD
When: Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $25
Lea Craigie, the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Artist, designer, and muralist, is hosting this holiday house making workshop for kids and adults. Drop in anytime on Sunday from 10am – 3pm to create a miniature holiday Putz House. Popular during the mid century, they are little glitter houses with miniature accessories like bottle brush trees and tiny deer. There will be a selection of trees in rainbow hues, miniature creatures like pink flamingos, deer, squirrels, axolotl, unicorns, and more to choose for yours. You’ll get pre-assembled house-base-and two accessories and start building! When finished, you’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind Putz house. They take about 15 minutes, and you can make as many as you like. Register in advance!
Family Dance
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Sunday, 3-5pm
Admission: $5 ages 4+
Join the Family Dance session that takes place the second Sunday of each month. It’s a great opportunity to experience the joy of dance with your children and the community. No experience is necessary, just show up and dance — a family dance leader will show you everything you need to know right then and there, with a focus on having fun! While the target age is children age 4-12, many babies have started dancing by bouncing along in a parent’s baby backpack. Tickets sold at the door.
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 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***
* If you’re still holiday shopping, don’t forget about the KFDC Gift Guide full of ideas for all ages, many of them DC-centric.
* There’s a giveaway going on for a chance to win a Holiday Stocking filled with a music lessons gift certificate and more from International School of Music!
* Groupon has some good deals on a bunch of local experiences.
* The temporary Museum of Illusion opening at CityCenterDC this coming week looks interesting.
* National Geographic Live’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is returning to Nat Geo DC Headquarters January 30 – February 4 — tickets are on sale now.
* Recently enjoyed a fantastic dinner at Moon Rabbit.
* This board game sounds like a fun one.
* Who else is deep diving into White Lotus theories?
* For all the dog peops (so true!).
