We first experienced Enchant, the holiday light extravaganza at Nationals Park, when it debuted in DC in 2019. As I relayed in this review, we all loved it then, finding the 90,000 square foot light maze beautiful, dazzling, and a really fun way to get into the spirit of the season. When we were invited to visit again this year, I was excited to return, though I wondered how my kids would like it now. Three years makes a big difference at their ages, 16 and 13, and what they liked at 13 and 10 could easily change.
I finally found out last night as we spent the early part of Christmas evening there. (I had hoped to get there sooner in the holiday season, but we’ve had a really busy few weeks, then weather thwarted our plans to go last week). Turns out both kids still really enjoyed it, just a bit differently than last time. This year, there was a story book theme that had you searching for stars to put a broken Santa’s Magic Timepiece back together. While Sasha was gungho about the scavenger hunt a few years ago, she wasn’t so interested this time.
But we all had a fantastic time exploring the sprawling maze of illuminated areas on the ballpark field. There’s something about the twinkling scenes, some of them interactive, with delightful music playing, all where the Nats play that really is, well, enchanting.
Along with the maze, there is also ice skating (extra cost), concessions including yummy warm beverages, a “village” with shops to browse, areas for warming up, and plenty of photo ops. There are other experiences like photos with Santa, though they are no longer being offered.
You can get a better idea of what Enchant is all about in my post from a few years ago — I still think it’s a great holiday season activity if you’re up for a splurge. And just because Christmas is over, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some holiday magic.
Enchant
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Through January 1
Admission: $25+/adult, $23+/age 3-17
Specials to Note: * On Wednesday, admission is FREE for children! * A Family-4 Pack is available that gets you 20% off admission * Night Owl tickets for admission from 8:30pm on start at $25
Every year around this time, I take a little break over the holiday weekends. So, just like the modified title, I’m keeping this round-up simple — but definitely not leaving you hanging. The links below will still lead you to loads of ideas to fill the next few days with as much (or little) activity as you want, including holiday happenings and ongoing and seasonal fun. You can also check KFDC on Instagram and Facebook for any updates or extra ideas that might arise.
Merry Christmas (& Happy Chanukah) to all… and to all a Happy Weekend!
Stay warm and entertained at the American History’s Museum’s new Culture Wing
1. In case you haven’t heard, there’s winter weather on the way — just in time for the official start of winter. You’ll likely be seeking inside things to do and places to go, so keep The Great Indoors list handy. It has over 100 ideas for outings around the area that take place in the warm comfort of, well, the great indoors.
3. I’ve heard and read great things about this game — and finally found it for a reasonable price! (It was sold out for awhile and only available from third party sellers for much more.)
4. Just a reminder about the KFDC Holiday Gift Guide. If you still need ideas for presents, you’ll find plenty that you can buy with the click of a button or a quick trip to a local shop, many of them supporting area businesses and people that help make DC the amazing, dynamic city it is.
Imagination Stage will have weekday matinees throughout the whole week, December 26-30! Bring the kids, bring the neighbor’s kids, bring the cousins from out of town and their kids. Make it a play-date!
Mo Willems’ hilarious musical, based on the book, is a fantastic addition to your holiday plans. Tickets start at $12 — that’s less than a ticket to see a movie!
This post is paid for by Imagination Stage, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Winter Breakin’
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
For many of us, our kids’ Winter Break from school begins this weekend. If you’re going to be in town and seeking ways to keep the whole gang happy (and that includes us parents), this KFDC guide has you covered. Find recommendations for the best things to do now, from holiday-inspired happenings to special exhibits to live entertainment to outdoor adventures to indoor action to awesome day trips… and even more.
Winter Lantern Festival
Where: Lerner Town Square | Tysons, VA
When: Through February 12
Admission: $32/adult, $20/child (look for discount)
This new-to-the-area event lighting up Tysons begins this weekend. The illuminated display will transform Lerner Town Square into a dazzling world of light with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns, all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. The lanterns and bright displays will light the night and bring warmth this holiday season!
Mind Tricks
Where: Museum of Illusions | CityCenter, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $42/adult, $18/age 5-12
This just opened venue sounds like a fun one to explore. It’s a “one-of-a-kind edutainment destination where you can immerse yourself in the wonderful world of illusions! Guests will enjoy more than 50 visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms that are designed to tease the senses and trick the mind.”
Holiday Happenings
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
This probably is the weekend to embrace the holiday spirit. And there’s holiday fun to be had all over the area in all kinds of ways at every price point. Watch model trains buzz around model a delightful display at the US Botanic Garden. See pretty Christmas trees and enjoy an evening lighting. Experience Christmas magic at National Harbor. Celebrate the season at Mount Vernon. Take a festive train ride at the B&O Railroad Museum. Check out Light Yards, the annual illuminated installation at Yards Park. Find details on all of these events and many more in the 2022 KFDC Holiday Guide.
Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show
Where: Dulles Expo Center
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $11-12/adults /ages 12+, free/11 & under
Train enthusiasts young and old will have plenty to be excited about at the largest traveling expo in the northeast showcasing model trains. There will be intricately crafted model train displays, hundreds of tables with model train paraphernalia, a mini train for kids to ride, and a variety of workshops and demos, and more.
Book Signings — & Shopping!
Where: Steadfast Supply | Capitol Riverfront, DC
Where: Made in DC |
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday,
Admission: Free
Local author JoAnn Hill will be at two locations this weekend showcasing and signing her books: Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and DC Scavenger. They are both excellent books that would make perfect gifts. And not only does JoAnn possess a wealth of DC knowledge, she is a delightful personality. She’ll be at Steadfast Supply at The Yards on Saturday afternoon and Made in DC at The Wharf on Sunday. Be sure to stay and browse — both aregreat places to so some holiday shopping!
Model Trains & Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
What would the holiday season be without trains? Stop by the Historic Vienna Train Station where you can see and hear HO scale model trolleys and trains, including Thomas and some of his friends on display and in operation. The Polar Express will be running, too! A great family activity for the young and young at heart. The Vienna Depot is located at 231 Dominion Road NE in Vienna, VA. Masks required for all visitors age 2 and older regardless of vaccination status. Hand sanitizer will be available.
Search for Santa’s Critters
Where: Potomac Overlook Park | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday through Tuesday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: $5/child Go on a scavenger hunt to locate the Santa’s critters so they can help him deliver candy and treats for the holidays! No reservations are needed, but check in at the Nature Center to begin. The park in Arlington is a great place to hike around, even better when there’s an extra holiday adventure! Get some background on Potomac Overlook in this KFDC post from awhile back — but pretty much still applicable now.
Let’s Get Ornamental
Where: Brentwood Arts Exchange | Hyattsville, MD
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
The holidays are about being together, and there’s no better way to do it than creating together. Come enjoy a family friendly workshop and create handmade ornaments from a variety of materials. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be there to lend a helping hand. This workshop is FREE and all materials are provided.
Market Days
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. The Downtown Holiday Market, Victura Park Holiday Market, Eastern Market (FYI – Santa will be there 11am – 1pm Saturday and Sunday!), and Christmas Village in Baltimore are some running this weekend, and you can find details for all of them in the KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season.
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.
Roam Free
Where: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens | Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 3-5pm
Admission: Free
One of my favorite KFDC Tips to impart because it’s on of my favorite places in DC: During this time of year (from November through mid-March), there is no fee to roam the beautiful, enchanting garden at Dumbarton Oaks. Stroll among the various plats, find lovely tucked away places to sit, and enjoy a delightful, relaxing wander around the grounds. Hours are limited, but you can make a longer day of it with play time at Montrose Park next door, some holiday shopping along M Street, and/or a bite to eat at one of of the many options in Georgetown. This KFDC post about Dumbarton also has some nearby food recs and this one from earlier KFDC days has more info and scenes.
National Menorah Lighting
Where: President’s Park | The National Ellipse, DC
When: Sunday, 3:15-5:45
Admission: Free, but you must request tickets
This is the Jewish counterpart to the National Christmas Tree Lighting. Every Chanukah, the National Menorah is lit in a ceremony on the Ellipse. Along with the lighting, there will be live entertainment, plus menorah kits and dreidels to take home. And if you don’t mind waiting in line afterward, there should be latkes and donuts. Tickets are free, but you need to reserve them in advance through the website.
Chanukah on Ice
Where: Pentagon Row Ice Rink | Pentagon City, VA
When: Sunday, 5:30-7:30pm
Admission: $13
The Chanukah celebration returns to the ice at Pentagon Row this year! Celebrate the holiday with a giant menorah lighting, holiday treats, raffles, and ice skating! Ice skate rentals are included, but a kosher dinner will be sold separately for $5 and includes hot latkes, Kosher hot dogs, donut, and water. Prepay by November 25, admission is $10, after it’s $13.
More Chanukah Happenings
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
Sunday is the first night of Chanukah, and there are many events, mostly menorah lightings, to celebrate it. Join one at The Wharf, metrobar, in Kensington, in Leesburg, and see where more are coming up over the next eight days here.
WORLD CUP FINAL! Where: Around the DC Area When: Sunday, 10am Admission: Free, but plan to spend on food & drinks
Saving the best for last. I don’t know about the rest of you, but this is probably what our fam is looking forward to most this weekend. The Argentina vs. France match-up is sure to make for an exciting World Cup final. If you want to watch with fellow and sister fútbol fans, a bunch of places around the area will be showing the match. DCist has a list of places to watch with France or Agentina fans. This Washington Post round-up was published at the beginning of the tournament, and my guess is most of them will air the final, too. Here’s another list of places to check out. Who’s everyone rooting for?
[Side note: The tWitch news absolutely broke my heart. I’ve been a fan since the first time I saw him dance on SYTYCD, and have followed him and Allison on IG for years, their beautiful and fun dances, adorable family, and sunny vibe so uplifting, especially during the dark days of Covid. He seemed to exude joy and peace. His death is a reminder that we never know what’s going on with someone, to always be kind, and check in on our happy people, too.❤️]
