You can’t go wrong with a bike ride through our lovely city
Happy Weekend!
Downtown Holiday Market
Where: F Street, 7th-9th NW | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 12-8pm
Admission: Free
The DC holiday market may be even more wonderful this year with more space and a holiday magic vibe that we probably need more than ever right now. Festive music plays as you stroll and browse the fantastic array of exhibitors and vendors — more than 70 s of them, including Black-owned and minority-owned businesses, plus six food vendors providing tasty treats and hot beverages. For better social distancing, it’s now set up in the middle of F Street between 7th & 9th instead of along the sidewalk. And to ensure safety even more, temperatures are taken at the entrance, and exhibitors are offering contactless and convenient payment methods for purchases.
Holiday Movies at The Wharf: Elf
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 2pm & 6pm
Admission: $60
Join The Wharf throughout this holiday season for a pop-up outdoor movie theatre on Transit Pier where you can enjoy all the Christmas classics from your private firepit in front of a 20′ LED screen. They’re showing all the best holiday classics — this weekend it’s Elf at 2pm and 6pm showtimes. In advance of the event, reserve your fire pit, which seats up to four people. Drinks (both hard and soft) and snacks are available throughout the movie from Cantina Bambina. Each seating includes a special stocking stuffed full of great offers and holiday treats from Wharf restaurants, merchants, and partners.
Victura Park Pop-Up & Winter Holiday Market
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Saturday 12–9pm & Sunday 12-8pm.
Admission: Free
The grounds of The REACH at the Kennedy Center are great for hanging out on weekends. Victura Park, the pop-up wine bar and cafe that has been running since the summer offers snack and sips that you can enjoy at socially distanced tables or in other areas. Right now on there’s a festive Holiday Market to browse and shop, too. You can also just roam the gorgeous grounds, including the Kennedy Center Terrace and Plaza, and check out artfully designed buildings and fantastic views – there is plenty of space for safe social distancing. Check out this IG post with some pics from our outing there last weekend!
Ride On
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
It looks like there will be sunny days, perfect to get out for a bike ride, and you’ve got your pick of them around the area. Take in the last of the fall scenery, get some exercise, and have fun — all while easily social distancing. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recs, with something for riders of all levels. This recently posted route is ideal for the whole crew, and I mentioned another good family ride in last weekend’s Round-Up.
Ice It
Where: A few locations in the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
With sunny skies and cool temps in the forecast, conditions this weekend should be great for outdoor ice skating. While some places are not opening for the season, the ice rinks at Pentagon Row and Reston Town Center are two that are once again welcoming skaters to glide the day — and night — away. And the Color Burst Ice Rink at the Merriweather District in Columbia, MD, just started its inaugural skating season. All rinks have Covid precautions in place for safe, socially distanced skating.
Cool Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It’s a great time of year to get out for a family walk in the woods, the cool, crisp air invigorating and the scenery holding on to the last of autumn colors. Savor the time in nature, 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 recs: Roosevelt Island, Great Falls, Sky Meadow State Park, Quiet Waters Park, Harpers Ferry, and the just posted about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Georgetown History & Holiday Lights Tour
Where: Around Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout the weekend (register in advance)
Admission: Pay what you want
Join Free Tours by Foot for a special evening Historic Georgetown tour that brings you the history through the holiday window displays of Georgetown businesses and restaurants. It’s a unique way to learn about the art and the neighborhood itself. Explore the industrial and some of the oldest residential parts of the neighborhood by the water and along the canal. Note: All sites and homes will be viewed from the street.
Festival of Lights
Where: Watkins Regional Park | Upper Marlboro, MD
When: Throughout the weekend, 5-9:30
Admission: $8-10/vehicle
We’ve been doing this one since the kids were babes… Watkins’ spectacular holiday drive-through event of more than one million twinkling lights has been dazzling holiday-goers for over 25 years. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit from the comfort of your car — bring a thermos of hot chocolate, put on some holiday music, turn on the seat warmers, and take in the adorably festive illuminated scenes. Purchase tickets in advance online and pay only $8.
ZooLights Express
Where: Wards 3 & 4 | WDC
When: Friday & Saturday evenings
Admission: Free
To play it safe this year, ZooLights Express, powered by Pepco, is bringing the colorful glow of DC’s beloved National Zoo holiday tradition into the community. The 24-foot ZooLights Express truck is hitting the road, festively decorated with light displays and featuring “Panda Claws.” It will visit one District ward each Friday and Saturday night from 6-8pm. This weekend it will be in Ward 3 on Friday and Ward 4 on Saturday. (Click links for the mapped route.)
Let There Be (More) Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Even more parks and gardens in the area have transformed into sparkling wonderlands, and the twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are easily a holiday season favorite. Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. See where you can enjoy them in the KFDC Holiday Guide.
Christmas Village
Where: Leesburg Animal Park | Leesburg, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 5-9pm
Admission: $10.95 ($12.95 at door)
Celebrate Christmas with the Critters at the Animal Park’s evening holiday event! Activities include photos with Santa Claus, themed arts & crafts, live animal encounters + holiday photos with them, a kids’ indoor play zone, bonfire & marshmallow roasting, pony rides, nativity scene, animal petting & feeding, and thousands of holiday lights. Christmas trees & wreaths will be available for purchase at the Farm Market, too.
Deck the Yards
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday
Admission: $50
This isn’t so much an event but a box full of treats and fun for the whole family to deck the halls this holiday season — with pick up on Saturday! Each ticket package will includes 4 pre-packaged cookies and hot cocoa to-go, a wreath making kit — farm fresh wreaths by The Bouqs Co, featuring Lodegepole Pine and Noble Fir (valued at $64+), a hand painted ornament, a letter to Santa package, and a $20 gift card to any restaurant at The Yards .The estimated value of everything is close to $120! They’ll even help you decide what to have for your next meal or snack!
Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt at Green Spring Gardens. Celebrate Holidays at Walney with Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Enjoy a free virtual 70th Anniversary Puppet Show. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
PicklesDC Outdoor Consignment Pop-Up
Where: Stoddert Elementary | Northwest DC
When: Sunday, 9:20am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
PicklesDC, a thoughtfully curated children’s consignment boutique, is hosting its second outdoor pop-up event. In addition to gently used clothing, shoes, and toys, there will be a photo booth, bake sale, and plenty of space for a fun and safe shopping experience!
Free Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | WDC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free, but must reserve
The first and third Sundays of every month are a great opportunity to explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts when admission is FREE! Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world.
Christmas at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate, Museum, & Gardens
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $20/adult, $12/age 6-11, free/5 & under
Christmas past meets Christmas present at George Washington’s estate. Just as the Washingtons celebrated the holiday with family and friends, visitors can start a new tradition of visiting Mount Vernon this holiday season. It’s open every day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Years.
Crystalline
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through January 3
Admission: $12-17/child, $19-24/adult
ARTECHOUSE, known for its visually stunning digital art, has transformed the gallery into a blue-hued haven intended to evoke calm and peace during a turbulent time. Like all of the exhibitions there, just about all of it is interactive, as the images change with viewers’ motions, encouraging play. Immersing into the depths of the color, even just for a little while, is a dazzling and delightful escape from the bizarre Covid world outside.
**VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES**
“The Nutcracker” Virtual Ballet Class
Where: Online
When: Saturday, 10am & 11am
Admission: Free
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum and The Washington Ballet for two virtual ballet classes and discover the joy and excitement of The Nutcracker this holiday season. Cover ballet basics, discover the magical score of Tchaikovsky, and learn more about how this classical ballet has become a beloved annual tradition for so many. These live virtual ballet classes are led by The Washington Ballet School instructors Monica Stephenson and Pamela Bjerknes and designed for children ages 5-7 (10am) and 8-10 (11am).
Chanukah in a Box
Where: Online/Zoom
When: Sunday
Admission: $15/box
Join Chabad for virtual Chanukah fun for the whole family! You will receive a box of supplies before the online carnival, and then log in to create Chanukah masterpieces together on Zoom! (Or if you prefer, you can do it all on your own — instructions included in the box.) Receive an action-packed box with Chanukah activities, including a menorah kit, Chamukah cookie cutters, a dreidel craft, a foil card, and popcorn for snacking. Order by 12/4 and use the code KFDC to ensure you get your box in time! See more Chanukah events coming up here.
Holiday Sing-A-Long
Where: Wolf Trap Online
When: Saturday, 4pm
Admission: Free
Wolf Trap continues their wonderful community tradition of the Holiday Sing-A-Long — with a virtual twist. Traditionally, this event combined a festive instrumental performance by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band (USMB) and a sing-a-long of traditional holiday carols led by more than 500 local singers. This year’s event will be presented in a digital format, and you can join from the comfort of your home. The pre-recorded performances by the USMB at The Barns at Wolf Trap, will each begin with a short prelude of festive instrumentals followed by a series of favorite holiday sing-a-longs.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There’s still time to enter the giveaway for a chance to win free registration and a month of swim lessons from Goldfish Swim School opening in Gaithersburg in January.
* Don’t forget, the 2020 KFDC Holiday Gift Guide has lots of ideas for presents, many of them especially for this unique time.
* Opera Starts with Oh! has more virtual programs for kids coming up.
* The new Planet Word museum has closed temporarily due to rising Covid rates.
* Just read about this board game and getting it for our fam!
* Find Your Place in the Vaccine Line.
* The best books to gift this holiday season. 😂
We’d love to see your adventures around DC! Tag @kidfriendlydc (or use #kidfriendlydc) when you post on Instagram, especially if KFDC was your source of inspiration!
