Happy Weekend!
Links to all kinds of ideas for ongoing fun:
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* The Great Indoors
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Autumn Adventures
* Peaceful Places
* Bike Rides
Glow with It
Where: Around Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free – $15
See Georgetown in a whole new gorgeous light — literally. Georgetown Glow is back and brightening the neighborhood with modern light art installations on exhibit around the bustling community. Tour them on your own or join a DC by Foot walking tour of the works that sounds really fun for families. Either way, plan to make an evening of it and take the family to dinner at one of the many restaurants there pre- or post-light tour. Get a glimpse of a past Glow here. (PS: There are more festive lights along with the Glow installations!)
Holidays on the Ellipse
Where: President’s Park | National Ellipse, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The National Christmas Tree, the National Menorah, plus trains and displays representing all 50 states will be accessible for viewing starting this weekend. It’s a staple on many a holiday activity repertoire. The whole scene lit up at night with the White House and Washington Monument glowing in the distance makes for a brilliant holiday scene. There are often musical performances throughout the season, too.
Heurich Christmas Markt
Where: Heurich House Museum | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: $10-16/ages 15+ and $2/ages 2-15
Heurich House’s annual holiday market, Christkindlmarkt, has is now a block-wide celebration. Stroll through the festive German-style craft market from the Heurich House garden up New Hampshire Ave towards Dupont Circle to find holiday gifts. The Markt will feature over 50 local small-scale makers, a mini exhibit about the historic revival of the Chr. Heurich Brewing Co.’s Senate Beer, children’s ornament making, and more! Hours are Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 12-8pm, and Sunday 12-6pm.
World Cup Watch
Where: Locations around the DC area
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free, but plan to spend on food & drinks
If you’ve bothered to read this, then you likely don’t need me to tell you that the US plays Netherlands in the World Cup on Saturday morning. It should be a very exciting match, like the one versus Iran earlier this week. If you’re looking for places to watch with other local fútbol fans, the Washington Post has a round-up of bars airing the match. And here’s a list of places in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood that should be showing it, too. You may want to look into how kid-friendly these will be (that might be individual preference), and plan to get there early wherever you go.
Super Stamps and the Season of Giving
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station Area, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Join the wonderful Postal Museum for this new holiday event! During a time of year when many are seeking opportunities to make a difference, this event will share how semipostal stamps issued by the US Postal Service fundraise for important causes. There will be all kinds of hands-on activities and performances for all ages that explore the themes of community action and caring for others. Be sure to reserve a spot! And plan to tour the museum while you’re there — it’s one I always recommend as a great one with kiddos.
Children’s Drawing Workshop
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday,10:30–11:30am
Admission: Free
Artist Monica Rickert-Bolter, featured in the museum’s online exhibition Ancestors Know Who We Are, demonstrates creating illustrations for books such as Journey of the Freckled Indian: A Tlingit Culture Story. Participants are encouraged to make their own drawings during the workshop. Recommended for ages 5–10. While you’re there, plan for time for kiddos to play in the fantastic imagiNATIONS activity area.
Drop-In Art Making
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Get your creative juices flowing as you make some art at the National Gallery of Art. The East Building Atrium is transformed into a drop-in art making space on the first Saturday of every month! Activities are inspired by the museum’s collection and designed for all ages and abilities.
Light Yards
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Evenings through January 1
Admission: Free
The annual holiday season light exhibition at The Yards debuted! This year, Swinging Bells invites guests to become part of the artwork with interactive swings that animate the lights and amplify the cheerful sound of holiday bells. Five, 13-foot tall bells on The Yards’ Sun Deck and are the perfect stop for taking photos and enjoying the holiday spirit. When you go, plan for dinner at one of the nearby restaurants then stay to play and enjoy the lights (or vice versa). Get a glimpse of other previous Light Yards here, here, and here.
More Night Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Even more parks and gardens in 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.
Holiday Family Day
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the season with SAAM! Enjoy winter-themed crafting, face painting, and story time under the twinkle lights in the Kogod Courtyard. Enjoy a reading of The Nutcracker, groove to the beat of DJ Harry Hotter, and embark on a scavenger hunt in the galleries to find winter-themed artworks. Reserve a spot!
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Where: Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
The Scottish Christmas Walk is back for its 51st year. Once again, the parade will be a showcase of marching units filled with the magnificent tartans of Scottish Clans, the stirring sound of Scottish bagpipes and drums, Scottish dancers, reenactment groups, Scottie dogs, dignitaries, classic cars, Santa Claus, and more. The parade begins at St. Asaph and Wilkes Streets and ends at Market Square with a massed band concert – rain or shine. There will also be other festive events throughout the weekend — see the website for details.
Bethesda Winter Wonderland
Where: Norfolk Avenue Streetery | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
This annual community event is back! Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Bethesda with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, live music, and more! At this outdoor street bazaar, see blocks of ice transformed into wintery works of art before your eyes, enjoy a student concert, and partake in more festive activities.
Holly Trolley Fest
Where: National Capitol Trolley Museum | Colesville, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am – 5pm
Admission: $10/adults, $8/ages 2-17 (includes unlimited rides)
Visit a unique DC area museum this holiday season. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus down the mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia, & Maryland Garden Railway Society; a Live Steam demonstration (December 10 only), photo opportunities; and more.
STEAM Box Party
Where: American University LETT Bldg | Northwest DC
When: Saturday, 1pm
Admission: $15
Erandi’s STEAM Box party is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) workshop designed for girls and boys from 8 to 12 years old. During the event children will learn about robotics by assembling a car and discover the science behind color by painting their own color wheel. The workshop will last 2 hours, and the participation cost includes workshop materials, certificate, and snacks. The LETT Building is located at 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW. The workshop will take place in Room 110.
Book Signing (and Buying!)
Where: East City Book Shop | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday,
Admission: Free
Local author JoAnn Hill will be talking about and signing her books, DC Scavenger and Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, published by Reedy Press. This guide to the obscure helps to unlock the city and surrounding area’s most intriguing, entertaining, and arcane surprises. And the other helps you discover DC through a series of fun riddles and clues!
Holidays on the Stage
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
If you’re looking for holiday-inspired entertainment to get into the spirit, there is a lot to choose from! We just saw A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre and really enjoyed it. Start celebrating Chanukah with Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at The Puppet Co. Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Warner Theatre is a classic that will enchant audiences of all ages. Arts on the Horizon presents Squeakers & Mr. Gumdrop for little ones. Get details on these shows and see what else will be on local stages in the 2022 Guide to the Holiday Season.
Holiday Sing-A-Long
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 4pm
Tickets: Free
Kick off the holiday season at Wolf Trap’s Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long! This musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area. Bring along a few things: 1) A candle to join the tradition of exiting the Filene Center with a candlelight processional during the last verse of “Silent Night.” 2) A new, unwrapped toy — Wolf Trap will be collecting them for Toys for Tots (donations are voluntary and not required). 3) Your holiday cheer!
The Day You Begin
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $20-25
This new musical is based on the bestselling children’s book by author Jacqueline Woodson. The plot: the first day at a new school with diverse new people; the setting: a familiar, yet more vividly modern elementary school classroom. The message? The day you truly “begin” is when you discover what makes you unique, but also the same as people who may seem so different.
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through January 8
Admission: $25-39
It’s a high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves.
More (Non-Holiday) Live Entertainment
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 waht else is coming soon here.
* 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)
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 6-9pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the season and the 30th Anniversary of the District’s Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf. This iconic DC event will feature over 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. Get into the spirit with ornament decorating and face painting, s’mores roasting at the Camp Wharf fire pit, the lit 45-foot Christmas tree, and some ice skating on the rink at Transit Pier. Note that some activities, like s’more and skating, need to be purchased.
Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights
Where: Alexandria City Marina | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Alexandria’s harbor will also shine as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront for the 21st annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Enjoy festivities out on the dock 2-7pm, including a Letters to Santa postcard pop-up, a hot chocolate bar from Dolci Gelati, and a beer garden from Port City Brewing Company. And stop in the Torpedo Factory were there will be a holiday festival, too. The parade begins at 5:30pm.
Native Art Market
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
Make your holiday shopping special! Meet more than 30 award-winning Indigenous artists offering handcrafted traditional and contemporary artworks. The museum’s annual Native Art Market features works by Indigenous artists from the Western Hemisphere. The weekend event offers visitors a unique opportunity to purchase traditional and contemporary handcrafted artworks—including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and sculpture. In its 15th year, the Native Art Market invites art lovers of art and craftsmanship to meet Native artists and learn about traditional Native arts and contemporary Native creativity.
Ice It
Where: Ice rinks around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Enjoy a quintessential winter activity — ice skating! Glide above the Potomac at The Wharf; enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; skim over the meandering paths at Canal Park; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; or do some shopping along with your skating at Pentagon Row, Tyson’s Corner, Veteran’s Plaza, or Reston Town Center. If it’s raining, take it indoors at Fort Dupont Ice Arena in DC, Cabin John or Herbert Wells Ice Rinks in Maryland, or MedStar Ice Arena in Ballston. This post has details on all these ice skating options in the area.
NaLa Days at National Landing
Where: National Landing | Crystal City, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The holiday season is kicking off at National Landing this weekend with several fun activities. There will be a market to shop on Saturday, a peppermint mocha latte competition to taste, a Christmas tree lot to pick up yours, and in the evenings, a light installation to enchant.
Chanukah LEGOLAND
Where: Northeast Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 3-4pm
Admission: Free, but reserve a spot
Does your child love Legos? Are you ready to get into the Chanukah spirit? Get started early at this ego-themed party at Northeast Neighborhood Library. Enjoy Lego activities, Chanukah treats, and help build a giant lego menorah. Duplos will be available for the younger kids, regular lego for the older ones. This fills up, so be sure to sign up early!
Chocolate Binge Festival
Where: Downtown Annapolis, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $5
Everyone loves chocolate and Annapolis will be celebrating by filling West Street with all things chocolate to help chocoholics get through the holiday season. Prepare your sweet tooth with an afternoon of chocolate decadence as over 20 local and regional chocolatiers vend their specialies, plus make s’mores at a bonfire in the street, and enjoy hot cocoa from the popo. The Festival will also feature family friendly entertainment, lots of holiday shopping, and the lighting of West Street’s BGE Holiday Light Canopy.
More Holiday Happenings
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There’s SO much holiday inspired fun to be had all over the area in all kinds of ways at every price point. See model trains buzz around model farms around the world at the US Botanic Garden. See the Christmas tree at the US Capitol. Experience Christmas magic at National Harbor. Head out to Middleburg for holiday fun. Find details on all of these events and many more in the 2022 KFDC Holiday Guide.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Save your seats…there’s a new round-up of live entertainment coming to local stages this winter.
* Registration is open for Winter/Spring performing arts classes at Imagination Stage.
* Eater DC’s list of kid-friendly restaurants in the area that parents will actually enjoy.
* The Washington Post’s 10 best books of 2022.
* Not among the 10, but I’m currently absorbed by this novel.
* Speaking of books, so many of these are very giftable!
* Definitely giving this game as a gift for some of my peops.
* And the KFDC Gift Guide has more ideas for holiday presents.
* This cheesy appetizer looks and sounds so delicious!
* Affirmations to end 2022. 🙂
* ❤️❤️❤️