In case you weren’t aware (which must mean you’re new to KFDC), the Maryland Renaissance Festival is my very (very, very) favorite annual event in the area. I’ve rambled on about why so many times over the years, I’ll just direct you here, here, here, here, here, here, and here for the gist on why I love it so much.
In this post, you’ll find all the new info you need for this year’s event, plus some pics from last year to give you a glimpse of what to expect get you even more excited to go. Huzzah!
Logistics
The merriment begins this Saturday, August 25, and runs every weekend, rain or shine, through October 21 in the lovely 16th century-style hamlet of Revel Grove in Crownsville, MD. Hours are 10am – 7pm. Admission is $19/adults, $17/seniors, $8/ages 7-15, free for 6 and under through September 9. After that, tickets go up to $26/adults, $22/seniors, $11/ages 7-15, still free for 6 and under. Multi-day passes that offer a discount are also available. Tickets can be reserved in advance online.
Special Days: * August 25-26: Children’s Weekend – FREE admission for ages 15 and under with adult * September 3: Senior’s Day – FREE admission for ages 62+ * September 8 & October 7: ASL Interpretation Days * September 9: Renewal of Vows Ceremony — couples are invited to renew their commitment * September 15-16: Celtic Celebration * September 22-23: Special Guests – The Mediaeval Baebes * September 29-30: Pirate Weekend — dress in your pirate best, aaargh! * October 6-7: Shakespeare Weekend
KFDC Tips
* Bring a stroller or carrier for little ones, as there’s a lot of walking. I recommend a stroller that navigates over dirt paths easily.
* Get a map and schedule on your way in to help you navigate and plan your day
* If there’s show you really want to see, get to the stage a few minutes ahead of time to get good seats, so the kids have a good view.
* You might encounter less crowds on Sunday, when many folks are watching football
* Plan to spend on extras like food, games, and fun for kids (all reasonably priced, but it can add up)
* Let the kids dress up! Princesses, knights, fairies, pirates will fit right in.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD ( get directions)
When: Weekends August 25 – October 21, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $19-26/adult, $17-22/senior, $8-11/age 7-15, free/6 & under
This post is sponsored by the Town of Occoquan, however, I only promote events, programs, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Jousting isn’t just a great Ren Fest activity, it’s also Maryland’s state sport!
Now that the solar eclipse has passed, let’s move on to the next most exciting event of the summer, one that that will even last into fall: Ren Fest! If you’ve been reading KFDC for awhile, then I don’t need to tell you that the Maryland Renaissance Festival is my very, very, very favorite annual event in the area. And if you’re fairly new here, you can read all about why here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. (Oh, yeah, I dig it that much.)
The happening scene at Revel Grove
But to really understand why it’s so fantastic, you really have to go experience it for yourself. Thus, I’ll just get to the details about this year’s faire…
The merriment begins this Saturday, August 26, and runs every weekend through October 22 in the lovely 16th century-style hamlet of Revel Grove in Crownsville, MD. Hours are 10am – 7pm. Admission is $19/adults, $17/seniors, $8/ages 7-15, free for 6 and under through September 10. After that, tickets go up to $25/adults, $21/seniors, $10/ages 7-15, still free for 6 and under. Multi-day passes that offer a discount are also available. Tickets can be reserved in advance online.
Renaissance-style games for all
Some special events to help you plan:
* August 26-27: Children’s Weekend – FREE admission for ages 15 and under with adult
* September 4: Senior’s Day – FREE admission for ages 62+
* September 9: ASL Interpretation Day
* September 16-17: Celtic Celebration
* September 24-25 – Shakespeare Weekend
* September 30 – October 1: Pirate Adventure Weekend
* October 9: ASL Interpretation Day
Unicorn fairies welcome!
More tips to help you plan:
* Bring a stroller or carrier for little ones, as there’s a lot of walking. I recommend a stroller that navigates over dirt paths easily.
* Get a map and schedule on your way in to help you navigate and plan your day
* If there’s show you really want to see, get to the stage a few minutes ahead of time to get good seats so the kids have a good view.
* You might encounter less crowds on Sunday, when many folks are watching football
* Plan to spend on extras like food, games, and fun for kids (all reasonably priced but it can add up)
* Let the kids dress up! Princesses, knights, fairies, pirates will fit right in.
Holiday season is in full swing, and this round-up of recs is proof with a loads of ways to celebrate the season. And DC’s tried and true activities are always a good bet for family fun — you can refer to the big list of indoor activities, or enjoy some cool outdoor pursuits. Happy Weekend!
#StandWithComet
Where: Comet Ping Pong
When: Friday, 11:30a – 9:30pm
Admission: Your meal and a big tip!
Show some support for this local institution! A favorite of many for pizza and family-friendly dining has had an undeserved rough time as of late, and the community is showing we stand with them by patronizing the restaurant today. Eat some pizza, play some ping pong, and show them some love. Read more about Comet here.
DIY Holiday Cards
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Create one-of-a-kind handmade cards at the museum all about mail. The National Postal Museum provides beautiful holiday stamps from all over the world, along with a variety of crafts supplies to both inspire your creativity and decorate your cards. We’ve been to this event a few times over the years, and its always very well-organized and tons of fun. Plan to stay after to tour the exhibits, many of them interactive and interesting for all ages. Read more about the museum in here.
GLOW with It
Where: Georgetown
When: Nightly through January 1, 6-10pm
Admission: Free
See Georgetown in a whole new light — literally. Georgetown GLOW has the neighborhood sparkling with modern light art installations, some of them interactive, on display throughout the bustling community, which is extra lively and festive this time of year. The works are illuminated all around the neighborhood, and finding them is part of the adventure. Take the family to dinner or skating at Washington Harbour, then go for a stroll to check them all out.
Journey to Narnia
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: Throughout the Weekend
Admission” $19.50
Holiday magic comes to the Adventure Theatre stage in this very clever and creative production of the classic The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. The two-actor show is exciting and fun, getting the audience in on the adventure, too. All ages will enjoy the journey to Narnia with the Pevensie siblings!
Italian Holiday Festival
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am-3pm
Admission: Free
There’s no place like SAAM for the holidays. To celebrate the vibrant culture of Italy, Simona Rodano returns as The Italian Fairy to engage kids with the beauty of her native language. Along with Nutcracker ballet and winter-themed crafts, this festival will have all the music and Italian flair you’ll need to get in the spirit of this joyful season.
“Yes, Virginia” Family Day
Where: Newseum
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: FREE for kids (details below), $19.50/adult
Celebrate the season with the Newseum at its 18th annual “Yes, Virginia” Family Day. Join for a reading of the heart-warming editorial, Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus. Afterward, the One-and-Only Macy’s Santa Claus will make a special guest appearance to read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and pose for photos with good boys and girls as Figgy Puddings Holiday Carolers from the Washington National Opera provide entertainment. Kids 18 and younger will receive free admission that day if they bring a letter to put in Macy’s Believe Mailbox. (There will also be a table outside the Newseum where youth can fill out a letter on the spot). Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish® for every letter collected. For more about the museum, see this KFDC post.
Holiday Cheer
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Holiday-themed fun is happening all over the area in all kinds of ways at every price point. See model trains buzz around the National Parks and Historic Sites-themed display at the US Botanic Garden’s Season’s Greetings exhibit. Or take the Magical Holiday Express at the B&O Railroad Museum. Enjoy an atrium full of activities for little ones at Christmas on the Potomac. View holiday planes and trains at the Aviation Museum. Take a street car ride with Santa at the Holly Trolley Fest. Find details on all of these events and more are in the 2016 Holiday Guide.
“Shop” & Gift Hope
Where: Discovery Elementary School, Arlington
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Put a new spin on gift-giving and philanthropy. At this Gifts That Give Hope Fair, you can support the community and give a meaningful gift by making a donation to one of 17 locally-based nonprofits featured at the fair. Personalize the card to a loved one, then give that act of kindness in their name. Shoppers of all ages are making GTGH an annual tradition, and there are some special touches this year just for them, including a Spanish-language children’s choir, interactive science experiments with Rosie Riveters, face-painting, Dr. Bear from Children’s National, and refreshments.
EdFEST
Where: DC Armory
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Explore the city’s many public school PK3-12 options for your child. Representatives from DC public schools (DCPS) and DC public charter schools will showcase their programs, just in time to help you make informed school selections for the 2017-18 school year common lottery. The event will also feature many free services and fun activities for the whole family, including games and entertainment; sports activities; story time; and flu shots, immunizations, and dental services.
Nationals Winterfest
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am – 4pm
Admission: $33/adult, $23/child, under 2 are free
It’s the ultimate holiday season celebration for Nats fans! Join clinics with Nationals players and coaches, watch a Homerun Derby featuring the Nationals mascots, make a snow fort, take batting practice, hear a winter or baseball themed story read by a Nationals player, ride down The Slider – a giant slide reminiscent of a sledding hill, and more. Guests can also meet and greet their favorite Nats players and mascots, take a photo with Santa, strike a pose at the life-size snow globe photo station, and donate a toy to a child in need.
Hyattsville for the Holidays
Where: Hyattsville Arts District
When: Through December 17
Admission: Free (but plan to shop!)
Kick off a week of fun-filled neighborly holiday festivities for the whole family in Hyattsville. Participating businesses along the Arts District corridor are extending their shopping hours, offering engaging workshops for all ages, and hosting receptions for friends all over the DC Metro area to gather and celebrate all the innovative and artistic businesses that are blossoming in the Gateway Arts District. Franklin’s, Green Owl Design, and Tanglewood Works are a few of the places in the mix, plus there’s a chance to win prizes from them, too!
Family Opera: Goyesquitas
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre
When: Saturday, 2:30pm
Admission: $25/adult, $23/senior, $15/student
Take the whole family on a musical journey to Spain with composer-pianist Enrique Granados as your tour guide! Goyesquitas, an original production from The In Series: Opera & More, celebrates Spanish culture through lovely music and lively dance. Audiences of all ages can explore cultural traditions as they hear, see, and dance along to the music around them.
Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker
Where: Woodrow Wilson High School
When: Saturday, 5pm & Sunday, 3pm
Admission: $23-30/adults, $20-24 seniors/10+, $14-18/under 10
Capitol Hill’s Momentum Dance Theatre presents its 18th annual Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker. The show is a unique, high-energy twist to the typical Nutcracker, set to music from Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite plus hip hop, pop, funk, and more. Momentum’s professional performers are joined by students as young as age 5. Expecting a tree? Nope. A Nutcracker? Yes, but not the one you knew as a child. A prince and mice? Yep. Rats and ninjas? You bet! (The school is located at 3950 Chesapeake Ave. NW.)
Russian Winter Festival
Where: Hillwood Estate
When: Saturday
Admission: $18/adults, $12/members, $5/ages 6-18, free under 6
Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden are on hand at Sviatki, a Russian-style celebration of the holidays. Winsome characters will surprise and delight visitors across the estate, create and wear your own headpiece, listen to festive music, and enjoy a variety of live cultural entertainment.
Show Time
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
For shows without the seasonal trimmings, dance along with Rainbow Rock at Jammin Java. Enjoy Adventures with Mr. Bear at The Lab at Convergence. Or take little ones to Aquarium at Imagination Stage. Make it date night to see a fantastic production of Carousel at Arena Stage or take older kids to see Moby Dick there. Go Into the Woods at the Kennedy Center. See Sheakepeare Theatre Company’s enchanting and moving performance of The Secret Garden.
Holidays on Stage
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
If you’re looking for holiday-inspired entertainment, there’s plenty of that now. Enjoy the ultimate holiday classic The Nutcracker performed by the Washington Ballet at Warner Theatre. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre, or see Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Imagination Stage. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up in the 2016 Holiday Guide.
Santa Brunch & The Nutcracker
Where: City Club of Washington
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: $15/child, $30/member, $40/non-member, Nutcracker tickets sold separately
Jeté into the holiday spirit by joining City Club Members and their families for a delicious meal, pictures with Santa, and gingerbread house making. All of this will be followed by a matinee presentation of The Nutcracker at 2pm at The Warner Theatre!
Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: $17.50/ages 10-17, $19.50/18 and up
Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt for kids 10 & up! 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. Wizards and muggles alike can play and enjoy this hunt. 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. It’s a great way to discover—or rediscover—the museum. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together, but all-adult teams will be allowed to compete separately. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Advance purchase is required.
Winter’s Eve
Where: Glen Echo Park
When: Saturday, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
Get into the holiday spirit at Glen Echo Park’s annual Winter’s Eve celebration. It’s free, open to the public, and visitors of all ages can enjoy performances, arts & crafts open studios, hot chocolate, and a holiday sing-along. Browse and buy fine artworks at the Holiday Art Show and artist studios. Kids and adults can create gifts to share in the holiday-themed craft rooms.
Songs for Unusual Creatures
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy free entertainment on Saturday evening! It’s Target Family Night at Millennium Stage, the Kennedy Center’s free nightly performance. Composer, multi-instrumentalist, and writer Michael Hearst presents a special music program featuring some of Earth’s strangest animals and interesting, uncommon instruments.
Santa’s Elves Hunt
Where: Mansion on O Street
When: Sunday, many times slots available
Admission: $35
Join a festive holiday treasure hunt to help Santa find special goodies found only at O Museum in The Mansion! Easily one of the neatest places in the city, the Dupont Circle locale is filled literally floor to ceiling with all kinds of interesting items — and all of them for sale, so you can do some holiday shopping, too! Be ready to see some really funky decor, and keep an eye out for secret doors. Read more about this wonderful site here.
Magical Mirrors Children’s Book Fair
Where: Sankofa Video, Books & Café
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
Stock up on kids’ holiday gifts as DC’s largest collector of African-American children’s literature hosts its 5th Annual book fair! A special treat this year will be a chance to see author Sherrita Berry-Petus on Sunday, as she reads from her books, “Rock on With Your Afro Puffs” and “Smile Bright Chocolate Prince.”
Sunday at the Studio
Where: Gary Rosenthal Collection
When: Sunday, several time slots available
Admission: $22.50/family
Feeling a need for a joyful creative outlet? Want to take some broken pieces and make them whole? Join PJ Library for a unique craft opportunity. Nationally renown local artist Gary Rosenthal is welcoming guests to his studio to create fused-glass mosaic and metal art! These beautiful, heirloom-quality keepsakes also make great gifts. A wide range of project choices will be offered. All levels of artistic ability and ages welcome, but small children need supervision. Gary’s studio is located at 4218 Howard Avenue in Kensington, MD.
Christmas on the Big Screen
Where: Arlington Cinema Draft House
When: Sunday, 12:30-9pm
Admission: $8
Catch a merry flick — or eight — and get into the holiday spirit. This Christmas-themed movie marathon welcomes you to join for as many films as you’d like. You can even pop in for one early, leave, then return for evening entertainment. All for one very reasonable admission price!
Family-Style with Shakespeare Theatre
Where: Sidney Harman Hall
When: Sunday (and through December 18)
Admission: Varies by activity
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual Family Week is returning with free and low-cost programs, something for all ages. STC will celebrate the themes, story, and artists of their current production, The Secret Garden, through the workshops, events and conversations. Families can also get a special discount on tickets during this time — see the website for details.
Market (Holi)Days
Where: Eastern Market
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
A Capitol Hill weekend institution gets extra festive this weekend as Eastern Market celebrates the holidays. Along with the numerous vendors selling their art, accessories, treats, and more, there will be special activities for all ages, Make crafts, here stories, watch a juggler, and do some tree decorating, and more. See the website for the day’s schedule.
Ice It
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Warm up with a quintessential cold weather activity! Lace up the ice skates and get gliding at one of many outdoor rinks in the area. Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; meander the paths at Canal Park; or do some holiday shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Tyson’s Corner, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.
Colonial Wassail
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday
Admission: $3/adult, $2/child, free for 2 and under
“Stand fast, root! Bear well, top! God send us a howling crop!” In the winter the apple trees need encouragement to bear fruit during the coming year, so Claude Moore Colonial Farm invites you to gather in the orchard to wassail the trees with singing, dancing and chants to ensure “a howling crop.” Enjoy hot spiced cider, sugar cakes, a roaring bonfire, and 18th century games, too – a fun and educational activity for all!
Light it Up
Where: Around the area
When: Evenings
Admission: Varies by locale
Twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are easily a holiday season favorite. Visit one of several parks or gardens (or the Zoo!) that has transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. If you opt for the latter, dress the kids in PJ’s, turn up the holiday tunes, and bring along a thermos of hot chocolate. Either way, expect to be dazzled!
**If you’re doing some holiday shopping this weekend, check out the KFDC Holiday Gift Guide, full of ideas and inspiration for gifts for all ages at all price points (even free!), from kids’ products to theatre tickets to unique experiences to gifts that give back!**
See model trains zip around National Parks and Historic Sites at the U.S. Botanic Garden
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! With the big feast behind you, it’s time to get out and take advantage of the long weekend. Embrace the holiday spirit at a seasonal event. Keep the brood entertained at a theatre — there are several live shows on local stages. Enjoy extended hours at the museums. Enjoy an outdoor adventure. Or find a place to hang in the great indoors. I, for one, am thankful for all these great options the DC-Metro has to offer. Happy Weekend!
#OptOutside
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission:Varies by Locale
Take a cue from REI and get outside! You’ve got your pick of places around the DC-Metro for adventures in the fresh air. Bundle up and take a hike, hit a playground, explore a garden, visit animals, or see what else there is to do al fresco in this post with tons of ideas for outdoor fun.
Post-Thanksgiving Puppets
Where: Library of Congress
When: Friday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the Library of Congress to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter at their annual day-after-Thanksgiving Puppet Show. The 40-minute performance will be an original production based on three of her famous stories, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” “The Tale of Benjamin Bunny,” and “the Tailor of Gloucester.” Showtimes are at 10:30am and 1:30pm with puppet-making crafts all day. This will take place in the Young Readers Center Room G-29.
Nights at the Museums
Where: American History and Air & Space Museums
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free
If you’re making the rounds at the museums on the National Mall, save Natural History, American History, and Air & Space for last. The three Smithsonian favorites will have extended hours this weekend, open until 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday. (And FYI: The American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery in Penn Quarter are always open until 7pm.)
Season’s Greenings
Where: US Botanic Garden
When: Through the weekend
Admission: Free
Easily one of DC’s most popular holiday attractions, Season’s Greenings is an annual delight for all ages. The conservatory exhibit features Washington landmarks constructed from plant materials, and the West Gallery boasts one of the city’s largest Christmas trees. But the highlight, hands-down, is the garden railway, which never fails to impress and enchant with intricate, imaginative designs. This year’s National Parks and Historic Places-themed exhibit is a gorgeous as it is impressive. Get a better idea and a glimpse of what to expect in this post and this one about some of our past Season’s Greenings experiences.
Northwest Coast Dance Celebration
Where: National Museum of American Indian
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free
Performances at the at the NMAI are always festive and engaging, and this one is sure to follow suit. Experience a dance celebration with internationally renowned West Coast First Nations mask-dancing group Git Hayetsk (People of the Copper Shield) from Vancouver B.C. and the award-winning multi-generational Tsimshian dancers Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim (Our Own Dance in Our Hearts) from Southeast Alaska. The program will include humor and theatrical dance to teach about Indigenous lifeways of the Northwest Coast.
CANstruction
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Check out sculptures built entirely with cans of food! The works are the results of a creativedesign-build competition that benefits the Capital Area Food Bank. Teams from architecture and design firms from Washington, DC used their skills to construct the sculptures, which are on display for all to view through the weekend. After the de-canstruction, the nutritious shelf-stable food will be donated to for distribution to those in need after the event.
Must-See Modern Art
Where: Hirshhorn Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The Ragnar Kjartansson exhibit at the Hirshhorn is a must-see for modern art fans. The mix of performance art, video installations, paintings, dioramas, and more inspired works is intriguing and moving and unlike anything I’ve seen before. Kids will be just as captivated as adults (though if that’s not the case for you, there’s always the carousel right outside on the Mall).
Christmas on the Potomac
Where: National Harbor
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Gaylord National Resort’s annual holiday extravaganza has festivities galore that capture the spirit of the season. And the best part is that there are activities for all ages at varying price points (even free!), from dancing fountains and indoor snowfalls to a tour of amazing “Christmas Around the World”-themed ice sculptures.
Light Up Old Town
Where: Market Square in Old Town Alexandria
When: Friday, 6-8pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Alexandria’s official start to the holiday season in Old Town’s Market Square this evening. Along with the tree lighting, entertainment will include a visit from Santa, musical performances, plus caroling and a community sing-a-long.
More Holiday Happenings
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
This weekend is the start of even more big holiday events around DC and the continuation of others. If you hope to hit ‘em all during the season, you should get going now. For the complete rundown on all the area’s holiday happenings, see the 2016 KFDC Holiday Guide.
A Spin on the Carousel
Where: Arena Stage
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Tickets start at $64
The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, Carousel, recently opened at Arena Stage, and it is wonderful! Owen and I saw the musical last week, and we were both completely captivated and moved by the show. Brilliant performances by the talented cast, a simple yet beautiful theatre-in-the-round-setting, and a story that is emotional and hopeful make for a an excellent theatre experience. I recommend it for ages 10 and up, or make it a date night.
The Secret Garden
Where: Sidney Harman Hall
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Tickets start at $44
Shakespeare Theatre Company brings the beloved children’s story to life on stage in a beautiful, enchanting production. When orphaned, 10-year-old Mary Lennox moves to England to stay with her uncle, she seeks refuge in her late aunt’s mysterious walled garden and discovers amazing secrets. It’s a show that kids and adults can enjoy, though the long running time (2.5 hours with intermission) and serious tone could make some some children antsy.
Holidays on the Stage
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
If you’re looking for holiday-inspired entertainment, there’s plenty of that, too. Enjoy the ultimate holiday classic The Nutcracker performed by the Washington Ballet at THEARC or catch a tot-friendly version 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 or see Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Imagination Stage. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up in the 2016 Holiday Guide.
Downtown Holiday Market
Where: 8th & F Strets, NW
When: Through December 23, 12-8pm
Admission: Free
This, to me, is the holiday market in DC. It’s not even so much about the merchandise for sale (though there’s always a great variety of gift items — I never leave empty handed). There’s something about the usually bustling block in the middle of Penn Quarter transforming into an open air market for a few weeks that is so charming and kind of magical, making our big city feel like a small town. A bonus is the free live entertainment along with treats and coffee drinks available for purchase. And after you’ve done your shopping and enjoyed a snack and music, you can pop into the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum that are literally right next to the market.
Night Lights
Where: Around the area
When: Evenings
Admission: Varies by locale
Twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are easily a holiday season favorite. Visit one of several parks or gardens (or the Zoo!) 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. If you opt for the latter, 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
Winter Festival
Where: Ticonderoga Farms
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $9.95/person, free for children under 2
The annual festival includes hayrides to the white pine fields with access to all of the farm attractions — swings, forts, slides, tunnels, and more. Fire pits are inviting to keep you warm and make some s’mores or roast hot dogs. Cut down your Christmas tree while you’re there or buy one from the lot. Read more about the Festival in this post about one of our experiences there.
Kids Day at Bobby McKeys
Where: Bobby McKeys at National Harbor
When: Saturday, 1pm
Admission: Starts at $18
The whole family can enjoy an afternoon of fun at one of Bobby McKey’s dueling piano shows. It’s two hours of all-request live music paired with a lunch buffet, that’s sure to make everyone happy. And this is a performance where kids are encouraged to wiggle in their seats and dance in the aisles!
The Inside Scoop
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
If you’d prefer to spend the day indoors, or just want more options for activities around town, this post list more than 80 suggestions for things to do.
