Happy Weekend!
Link up to loads of ongoing, non-holiday DC fun:
* 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
Winter Breakin’
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Winter Break from school begins for most area kids this 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 annual 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.
Celebrate the Season
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
If you haven’t yet gotten your holiday spirit on, this is the weekend to do it. There are only a few more days to enjoy some of the season’s best events and activities, and the vibe is sure to be extra festive with the big days right around the corner. Tree and train displays, lights shows, and holiday entertainment are happening around the area all weekend long. Check out the KFDC Holiday Guide for the scoop on all of it.
The Night Market
Where: Eastern Market | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 5-9pm
Admission: Free
Do some shopping under twinkling lights! Eastern Market will be open Friday evening so you can do some holiday browsing, get some food and treats for the evening and weekend, and pick up a Christmas tree if you still need one. Bring little ones to see local faves KidSinger Jim and Rocknocerous from 5-7pm, followed by a sing-along with the Capitol Hill Chorale.
DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 12-8pm
Admission: Free (rentals $5)
Go ice skating inside the National Building Museum! The DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular features a synthetic ice rink set up in the stunning Great Hall, welcoming the public to skate the day away. BYO skates for a completely FREE experience, or pay $5 for rentals if you don’t have your own. Be sure to reserve free tickets! While you’re there, check out Visible Vault: Open Collections Storage, a new permanent exhibition for all ages showcasing significant historical artifacts from the Museum’s collection from the 1800’s to present day.
Shop the Holiday Market
Where: 8th & F Streets NW | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 12-8pm
Admission: Free
It’s the last weekend for the holiday market in the heart of Penn Quarter. It’s a fun, festive scene, and great to walk around with the fam. Browse a variety of vendor booths along the bustling, closed-to-traffic street, and enjoy some bites and treats and photo ops, to boot. After (or before) you shop, you can pop into the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum that are literally right next to the market.
Santa at The Boro
Where: The Boro | Tysons, VA
When: Friday, 5-7pm
Admission: Free
Santa Claus is coming to The Boro on Friday evening for meet and greets and pictures ahead of Christmas in the vintage toy shoppe holiday installation. Be sure to stop by your favorite Boro restaurant, too, to grab dinner and a holiday bite after your visit with Mr. Claus!
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, you have many options! Stomp along with Step Afrika’s Holiday Step Show at Arena Stage. 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 more in the 2024 Guide to the Holiday Season.
Jingle Jump
Where: Flight Adventure Park | Springfield, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Starts at $14
Flight is hosting a morning of fun to celebrate the season. Jump for joy and experience festive craft stations and treats, and even meet Santa and his elves! The park also features trampolines, Lunar dodgeball, climbing structures, Airslam basketball, arcades, and more. Read more about Flight here.
Family Activity: Wooden Ornament
Where: DAR Museum | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy a fun-filled time of creativity and crafting. Kids will learn how to make a project to take home, based on the Sewn in America: Making – Meaning – Memory exhibition. Museum educators will guide you through the process, providing all materials needed to create a wooden ornament. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Registration requested.
Search for Santa’s Critters
Where: Potomac Overlook Park | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $5/child
Santa’s animal friends are lost in the park and need rescuing! Go on a scavenger hunt to locate the critters so they can help Santa deliver candy and treats for the holidays! Appropriate for families and children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Winter Solstice Stellar Star Show
Where: Nature Center | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Saturday, 11-11:30am
Admission: Free
In celebration of the winter solstice, come to this unique Stellar Star Show to understand what exactly is happening in the universe on this unique day and how cultures throughout history have made sense of this phenomenon.
Make a Clay Flower Menorah
Where: Relume | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 12pm
Admission: $35
Do a little crafting to prep for the holiday! Add a personal touch to your Hanukkah celebration with a handmade Menorah. Made from air dry clay, you’ll learn the basics of working with clay and have a functional piece to take home with you.
Moonshot Studio
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Get creative at this studio within The REACH at the Kennedy Center, where all are groups are welcome and encouraged to partake in various art projects and activities. This weekend, the studio will celebrate the show Finn! Inspired by Finn’s journey of self-discovery, friendship, and adventure, Moonshot invites you to celebrate being yourself with silly self-portraits, funny fish, and catchy theme songs.
Night Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: Evenings throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Visit one of many parks or city corridors in the area that has transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. Either way, expect to be dazzled. But if you opt for a drive, dress the kids in PJ’s, turn up the holiday tunes, and bring along a thermos of hot chocolate — it doesn’t get much cozier than that.
Fun on Ice
Where: Ice rinks around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
With sunny skies and chilly temps in the forecast, it’ll bve great weather outdoor ice skating — the activity will warm you up! All of the ice rinks have opened for the season, so see this post for details on all of the places you can glide the day (and night) away!
Santa, Mrs. Claus, & The Grinch Family Festival
Where: Shipgarten | Tysons, VA
When: Sunday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Step into a winter wonderland of family-friendly fun and join a jolly day of festive excitement hosted by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and The Grinch. Let your little ones’ imaginations sparkle with free face painting and arts & crafts. The holiday cheer continues with live music, great drinks, moon bounces, and a full outdoor playground. Furry friends welcome, too!
Kid’s Terrarium Workshop
Where: PlantHouse | Alexandria, VA
When: Sunday, 1:30-2:30pm
Admission: $21.50-33
Calling all young explorers and budding botanists! Join a fun-filled adventure at this Kid’s Adventure Terrarium Workshop, where imagination knows no bounds. Children aged 6 and up, along with their families, are invited to unleash their creativity as they select air plants and craft their own magical terrariums filled with sand, rocks, animal figures, moss, and other delightful decorations.
Caps vs Kings w/Holiday Fun
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Sunday, 5pm
Admission: Tickets start at $69 (check for deals)
Caps fans can celebrate the holidays with their favorite hockey team at this game versus the LA Kings. There will be a vibe of holiday cheer, plus everyone in attendance can received a free Caps holiday t-shirt.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There’s still a bit of time for last minute gifts… these guides have ideas, many for things that can be delivered quickly.
* Of course, there’s always the easiest last second gift.
* And don’t forget about furry family members! Lots of options that will arrive in time. Teddy the Aussiedude recommends this and this… and this for feline friends.
* If you’re going to be in town over Winter Break, put the Library of Congress Winter Holiday Celebration on your to-go list. You have three dates to choose from, December 26, 27, or 28. And it’s free! (But be sure to reserve tickets.)
* The Yards DC is hosting their annual Noon Yards Eve, a family-friendly daytime New Years Eve event on December 31. Reserve free tickets!
* How DC’s best restaurants are celebrating Christmas.
* Hanukkah food specials across the DC area.
* How cool are these pants for a party (think New Years)? Even paired with a t-shirt would make a great outfit.
* A riveting interview with Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman.
*A Tiny Desk concert kiddos will dig! (Gosh, it brings back memories, especially of Owen’s YGG 2nd birthday party.)
* 2024: The Year in Pictures
