The Wharf is hosting the District’s Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday
Happy Weekend!
Lots of ongoing fun around DC listed in these posts:
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Kid-Friendly Dining
* Indoor Action
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* 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 2024 KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season Around DC.
Santa Encounters
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
A visit or photo with Santa is the thing to make many a kid’s holiday season. If you’re looking for jolly old Saint Nick around DC, you can find him at many places — often along with extra fun and treats. See where he’ll be this season in this post, from free gatherings to special brunches to holiday shows to train rides to classic photo stops at the mall — some of them listed here.
Heurich Christmas Markt
Where: Heurich House Museum | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $6-18/ages 15+, $2/age 2-15
Each December, the Heurich House Museum in historic Dupont Circle curates DC’s only multi-day holiday market consisting of ALL local makers. Stroll through the museum’s “Castle Garden” with a Glühwein in hand and find the perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones from 60+ local small-scale artisan makers. Plus, enjoy caroling and holiday-themed crafts.
‘Twas the Night before Christmas
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Starts Friday through January 5
Tickets: $25
Adventure Theatre’s adorable tribute to the holiday season begins this weekend… ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait! A mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say ‘Merry Christmas!’ we’re off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf and a spunky little girl who just won’t take no for an answer. [PS: Enter the giveaway for a chance to win tickets!]
Tiny Lights
Where: Edlavitch DCJCC | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 11am & 3pm | Sunday, 3pm
Admission: $12-15/child, $24-27/adult
Three masterful storytellers take on more than 40 roles as they bring you into the magical world of Isaac Bashevis Singer’s famed folktales. Created and directed by award-winning artists and Theater J favorites Aaron Posner and Erin Weaver, this funny and fast-moving show uses simple props and the art of storytelling to transport audiences to different worlds. Get ready for laughter, surprises, and lots of participation! Tiny Lights is best for families with children ages 3-9.
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. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up soon in the 2024 Guide to the Holiday Season.
DC Native Art Market
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
The museum’s annual art market features award-winning and innovative Indigenous artists from across the Western Hemisphere.Lovers of art and craftsmanship are invited to meet Native artists and learn about traditional Native arts and contemporary Native creativity. Of course, you c purchase traditional and can also purchase the contemporary handcrafted artworks, including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and sculpture.
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Where: Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The 53rd annual Scottish Christmas Walk 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 Wolfe Streets and ends at Market Square with a massed band concert – rain or shine.
Santa Fly-In
Where: College Park Aviation Museum | College Park, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $7
This will be an experience to remember as you watch Santa fly into the historic College Park Airport (it’s the world’s oldest continuously operating airport)! Also enjoy crafts and activities in the museum and take a photo with Santa. (Photos will be scheduled by reserved time slot — to reserve a slot, you will be sent a confirmation email after purchase that includes a link to sign up for photos.) All guests over the age of 2 must have a ticket.
Family Messiah
Where: National Cathedral | Northwest DC
When: Saturday, 12pm
Tickets: $45/adult, $25/child
Join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s beloved “Messiah,” and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a space unlike any other in Washington to experience Handel’s masterpiece. This noon concert is an abbreviated performance of “Messiah” highlights, perfect for busy families with young children. Experience the best of “Messiah” with the whole family. Purchase tickets here.
Family Workshop: Art Detectives
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Did you know science can reveal how art was made hundreds of years ago? Learn about Persian art from a scientific perspective in this family workshop, designed for children ages 6–11 and their caregivers. Tour the exhibition An Epic of Kings: The Great Mongol Shahnama and then create your own art and examine it with scientific tools like mini microscopes. Join us for a fun and educational experience that blends art and science!
Angel Making Workshop
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 12:30-2:30
Admission: Free
Kids are invited to join Artist Tamara Thomas as she leads a workshop in creating beautiful angels. The workshop is best suited for ages 12 and up, and supplies will be provided. Reserve a spot in advance.
Bethesda Winter Wonderland
Where: Norfolk Avenue Streetery | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Bethesda with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, live music, and more! At this annual 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. New this year is a Holiday Market with URBN Market and 50 artistans!
Georgetown Jingle
Where: Around Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Be there with bells on at Georgetown Jingle – the neighborhood’s first-ever holiday music event – featuring 10 live music performances at 10 outdoor locations throughout Georgetown. Artists will perform festive songs and holiday favorites, from soul to jazz, a cappella, pop, DJ sets, and kids’ music. More than 40 Georgetown shops, restaurants, and services will also be offering special discounts, complimentary refreshments, and pop-up events that day. Afterward, catch the procession of the St. Lucia Choir as they make their way from the Embassy of Sweden to Georgetown Waterfront, where you can enjoy samples of non-alcoholic Glögg and a Swedish holiday treat.
Open Studio: Hanging in the Balance
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
In this week’s drop in art session at the Hirshhorn, suspend your disbelief as you explore how Alexander Calder’s sculptures cast shadows and move to create abstract impressions of the natural world. Use pipe cleaners, coated wire, aluminum foil, and other loose parts to create your own hanging sculpture. All ages welcome.
Drop-In at the NGA
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the National Gallery of Art for artsy fun on Saturday! Free programs include story time for little ones, and kids of all ages can enjoy a Sketching Lab, Play-Space, and face painting. Of course, plan to tour the exhibits while you’re there!
Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: $18/age 10-17, $24/adult
Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt that kids and adults will love! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together (but all-adult teams are allowed to compete separately) Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.
Winter’s Eve
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 4-7pm
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. See The Puppet Co. present its beloved The Nutcracker or Adventure Theatre’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (purchase tickets). 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, and more!
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 5-9pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the season and the 32nd Anniversary of the District’s Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf. This free event features 60+ festively decorated boats parading along up the Washington Channel, as well as fun landside holiday activities including live music, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, a signature music performance by Yani the Band, family photos with Santa, fireworks, hot toddies, and so much more.
Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights
Where: Alexandria City Marina | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 2-8pm
Admission: Free
Alexandria’s harbor will also shine as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront for the 24th annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Enjoy festivities out on the dock and stop in the Torpedo Factory were there will be a holiday festival, too. Activities begin at 2pm, and the parade begins at 5:30pm.
Wizards vs Nuggets
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $64 (check for deal)
The Wizards are home this weekend, playing the Denver Nuggets Celtics on Saturday evening. Make a longer outing of it and stop by the DowntownDC Holiday Market before or grab a bite to eat at a family friendly eatery in the neighborhood — this KFDC post has recommendations.
Seth Kibel Trio: Klezmer and More!
Where: Edlavitch DCJCC | Downtown, DC
When: Sunday, 10:30-11:30am
Admission: $19/concert, free/7 & under
Get the Hanukkah party started ealry and join woodwind maestro Seth Kibel and his trio! Upbeat klezmer, jazz, swing and more will highlight this concert, suitable for both sitting and listening or, if you’re so inclined, getting up and dancing in the aisles! Some Hanukkah repertoire and maybe even a few of the many secular holiday tunes penned by Jewish songwriters. Kddos welcome — Seth promises to get them up, moving, and even make them part of the band for a song or two!
Family Holiday Festival
Where: MLK Library | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
DC Public Library’s Books from Birth and Beyond the Book programs invite families to celebrate the holidays at the MLK Library. Decorate gingerbread houses, write winter stories at a book-making station, do some crafting, enjoy guest readings by beloved children’s characters, sing karoake, and more! Read more about MLK Library here.
Holiday Market
Where: Congressional Cemetery | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Do some holiday shopping at the beautiful Congressional Cemetery (yes, the cemetery!). The historic cemetery grounds will transform into a winter marketplace, featuring unique gifts, handcrafted wonders, and delicious treats. Bring the family for a day of shopping, sipping, and seasonal delights — and a stroll through the historic cemetery. Dogs on leash are welcome too!
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 post from last yea has some 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. [However, note that Georgetown Glow is, sadly, not happening this season.]
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.
Nature Calling
Where: Nature centers around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
How about some “outdoor” fun in the comfort of the indoors ? You can get that 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.
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.
***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!
* You can also enter for a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at Adventure Theatre!
* It’s peak holiday gift shopping season, and the KFDC Holiday Gift Guide has loads of ideas for DC-inspired gifts.
* Best Children’s Books of 2024.
* And an essential one for Swifties is now available.
* Btw, guess who was Spotify’s most streamed artist in 2024? (Plus, more Wrapped stats from the year.)
* I like the sound (and look) of this family board game.
* What a cool and pretty gift for a soccer player. (Or this and this for non-players.)
* Levi and I just finished watching the series, Your Honor, on Netflix, and I cannot recommend it enough — we were both obsessed!
* Getting ready to start this show, an adaptation of the novel.
* 10 Happy Things for December ✨
