Tag Archives: Holiday Season in DC

December 10, 2025 · 9:30 am

Where to Encounter Santa Around DC During the Rest of the Holiday Season

Ride the Polar Express with Santa

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. Here’s where he’ll be this season, from free gatherings to special brunches to holiday shows to train rides to classic photo stops at the mall.

Christmas at Gaylord National
Where: Gaylord National Resort | National Harbor, MD
When: Through December 24
Admission: Varies by activity
The Gaylord National Hotel at National Harbor goes all out during the holidays, offering all kinds of activities for families, including photos with Santa. You have to sign up for a time and purchase a package. Plan to enjoy more activities while you’re there, like Christmas light shows, ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, and ICE! (Note that most cost extra.) Read more about Christmas at the Gaylord in this post from a few years ago.

Light Yards Express
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: December 10, 5:30-7:30pm
Admission: Free
Join The Yards for a family friendly festive event to celebrate the kick-off of Light Yards and the holiday season! Hop aboard a holiday-themed train for a magical ride through the enchanting Light Yards wonderland. Add some sparkle to your holiday outfit with dazzling glitter tattoos and dance the night away to merry tunes spun by a DJ. Enjoy fun holiday giveaways like bells, reindeer ears, and light-up necklaces while supplies last. Don’t forget to bring your wish lists and share your dreams with the jolly man himself—SANTA!

The B&O Polar Express
Where: B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: December 13-14, 19-23
Admission: Starts at $50/child, $60/adult
Climb aboard The Polar Express for a Christmas memory you’ll cherish forever! Bring the kids dressed in pajamas and kick off this two-hour immersive experience with a live performance of the Hot Chocolate song and dance, and receive the First Gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell, from Santa. Upon your arrival at the North Pole, his helpers will greet you and invite you to enjoy crafts, make s’mores, shop for themed goodies, and have your picture taken with Santa.

Holly Trolley Fest
Where: National Capitol Trolley Museum | Colesville, MD
When: Through December 21, weekends
Admission: $12.75
Explore a unique DC area museum this holiday season. Visit with Santa down a mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia, & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Reservations required.

Photos with Santa (& Maybe a Step Show, Too!)
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: December 13, 3:30-7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the magic of the season at Arena Stage with free photos with Santa! Dress in your holiday best with family and friends and let Arena capture the perfect festive memory. Then, seal the fun-filled afternoon with the 7pm performance of Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show — with promo code FOURPACK, families can get four tickets for just $179, up to 40% off! (Tickets to the show are not required for photos with Santa.)

Brunch with Santa
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC
When: December 13-14 & 20-21
Admission: Cost of your meal
We took the kids to this when they were little, and they loved the brunch buffet almost as much as they loved meeting Santa and getting photos with him. It includes lot of yummy options that will delight the whole family, and parents can make it extra fun with a little toast to the season! There is no photographer, but guests are encouraged to take pics when the man of the hour stops by.

Photos with Santa Paws
Where: Capital Wheel | National Harbor, MD
When: Saturdays through December 20, 12-2pm
Admission: $18/adult, $14.50/child
Bring furry fiends for a ride on the Capital Wheel — and for all of you to meet Santa! Bring the fam on Saturdays for a howl-iday ride high above National Harbor and snap the paw-fect holiday photo with Santa Paws himself. Dogs ride FREE with a paying adult (up to 2 pups per adult ticket).

Teddy Bear Tea
Where: Four Seasons | Georgetown, DC
When: December 13, 14, 20, & 21
Admission: $85-135
Guests and locals are invited to partake in a special holiday high tea featuring elevated tea sandwiches, scones, petits fours, and a choice of tea, hot chocolate, apple cider or sparkling wine, with a curated candy station for dessert. Each tea service will also feature festive live entertainment including a special appearance by Santa and other guest performers, with a percentage of proceeds benefiting Children’s National Hospital. Book online here.

Brunch with Santa
Where: Hank’s Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: December 13, 14, 20, 21 | 11am – 1pm
Admission: $35/child, $55/adult
Join Hank’s for a festive holiday gathering with special Brunch with Santa! Enjoy a delightful brunch buffet, live entertainment for kids, and a memorable visit from Santa. Held on our Second Floor, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Brunch with Santa
Where: District E | Penn Quarter, DC
When: December 14, 10am & 12:30pm
Admission: $33.60
Join District E, the sports entertainment venue in the heart of Penn Quarter, for a magical holiday experience at this brunch with Santa. Along with a buffet featuring eggs, bacon, waffles, toast, and more, each reservation includes guaranteed time and photos with Santa, story time sessions, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere straight out of a holiday movie.

Photos with Santa
Where: Tingey Square | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: December 14, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Get a festive portrait taken of the family, including pets, with Santat and have it handed to you immediately! Enjoy carolers and stick around for a special guest who might crash a portrait or two. Plan to browse the Tingey Plaza Holiday Market, too!

A Family Christmas
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: December 20 & 24
Tickets: $20-59
Bring the kids to experience the magic of the holidays as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them! We’ll take you on a merry tour of Christmas favorites that will have your family singing all the way home. Expect a special visit from Santa! This one hour concert is perfect for children ages 5+.

Jingle Jump
Where: Flight Adventure Park | Springfield, VA
When: December 20, 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.

Brunch with Santa
Where: Estuary | CityCenter, DC
When: December 21, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Cost of your meal
Families can enjoy thi shighly anticipated Brunch with Santa right before Christmas. Jolly Ol’ St. Nick will be on site to greet families, take photos, and share in the joy of the holidays while guests enjoy a festive and flavorful brunch. Reserve here!

Photos at the Mall
Where: Malls around the DC area
When: Throughout the holiday season
Admission: Varies by place
If you just want to get the classic photo with Santa at a shopping mall, here’s where you can find him:
Pentagon City
Tysons Corner Center
Westfield Montgomery Mall
Westfield Wheaton Mall
Springfield Mall
Prince George’s Mall

The Weekend Round-Up:
December 15-17

Happy Weekend!

Link up to loads of ongoing, non-holiday DC fun:
* The Great Indoors
* B est Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Kid-Friendly Eats
* Bike Rides
* Baltimore with Kids
* Peaceful Places

Winter Breakin’
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Winter Break from school begins for some 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.

Holiday Spirit
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
We’re in the thick of the season, so embrace the holiday spirit! There’s festive fun to be had all over the area in all kinds of ways at every price point. Watch model trains buzz around a delightful display at the US Botanic Garden. See pretty Christmas trees and twinkling lights at many spots. 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 so many more in the 2023 KFDC Holiday Guide.

The Night Market
Where: Eastern Market | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 5-9pm
Admission: Free
Do some shopping under the stars (and indoors)! Eastern Market will be open Friday evening so you can do some holiday shopping, get some food and treats for the evening and weekend, and pick up a Christmas tree if you still need one. Enjoy music and family fun inside, too!

Santa Encounters
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’re still hoping to hang with Santa around DC, you can find him at many places, often along with extra fun and treats. This post has a round-up of places he’ll be for the rest of the season, from free gatherings to special brunches to holiday shows to train rides to classic photo stops at the mall.

Hot Wheels Champion Experience
Where: Tysons Corner Center | Tysons, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission:
Another exciting immersive experience for kids is opens at Tysons this weekend! The Hot Wheels Champion Experience combines exhilarating digital and hands-on play in a 16,000-square foot interactive environment for all ages. Conquer all kinds of digital challenges, create a car and see in in 3D on a bog screen, immerse in AR fun, and more. (Look for a review soon!)

Wizards vs Pacers
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary (check for discount)
The Wizards are playing at home on Saturday evening — watch them work some on-court magic against the Indiana Pacers. Plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Daikaya, Shake Shack, and Hill Country BBQ… details on these and more here.

Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show
Where: Dulles Expo Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $10-12/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.

Hill Family Biking: Tiny Streets Ride
Where: Around Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Join Hill Family Biking on Saturday for their Tiny Streets Ride. What is a Tiny Street? A street that is only one block long, of course! And Capitol Hill is chalk full of these picturesque streets. Not only are these blocks beautiful, but often a safer route while biking. Hit up eight of these tiny streets on the ride and end at P.S. Mercantile for some hot chocolate, coffee, and tasty treats.

Merry Grinchmas: Photo with the Grinch
Where: Truist Bank Plaza | Adams Morgan, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
The Grinch will be leaving Whoville and visiting Adams Morgan on Saturday. You’re invited to meet him and get your holiday photo taken — people and pets are welcome. Guests can also enjoy face painting while listening to classic holiday music by Dickens carolers!

The Dragon King’s Daughter
Where: Kennedy Center | Fogy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday,1:30 & 4pm & Sunday, 4pm
Admission: $20-25
Chinese dragon mythology, martial arts, and stunning voices combine in this world premiere musical. Twelve-year-old Kenny Li is being bullied at school. When he finds a magical tablet, he is transported to the Jade Kingdom where he meets Xing, the Dragon King’s daughter. Together, they go on a quest to save the world, finding courage and friendship along the way.

The Lion, the Witch , and the Wardrobe
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through January 7
Admission: $25
In a two-person version of the classic tale, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy discover a secret portal to a magical world called Narnia. With an evil White Witch ruling the kingdom, can Lucy, her new friend Mr. Tumnus, and her family band together to save this land from the eternal winter?

A Family Christmas
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $20-45
Bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them! They’ll take you on a merry tour of Christmas favorites that will have your family singing all the way home. Expect a visit from Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph!

Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Where: MGM National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: $32-99
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family!

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. Step Afrika’s Magical, Musical Holiday Step Show is a stomping good time. 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. Go to a Family Edition of Handel’s Messiah at the National Cathedral. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up soon in the 2023 Guide to the Holiday Season.

Community Christmas Festival
Where: Foundry UMC | Logan Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Friends of Stead Park and Foundry fun family gathering at the Community Christmas Festival. There will be crafts, snacks and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. If you’d like to purchase a gingerbread house-making kit to make at the event or take home, you can do so here: https://bit.ly/SPgingerbread23

Baby-Wearing Dance Class
Where: Dance Exchange | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 12:30-1:30pm
Admission: $10 with code BestDancingPartner
Get your jingle on with your little one and enjoy some extra holiday cheer at a holiday-themed baby-wearing dance class! Any aged child in a carrier can dance with their mom/dad/caregiver in this fun, easy-to-follow class. Bring your baby-wearing friends or family members — the more, the merrier!

Procrastinators Market
Where: Kraken Kourts & Skate | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Discover a wide array of gifts, crafts, and goodies to delight everyone on your holiday list. From handmade jewelry to artisanal treats this market showcases the talents of local artisans and vendors. Peruse items from 50+ local vendors, plus enjoy family friendly entertainment, free holiday train rides and a special art activation from ARTECHOUSE.

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.

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. Through December 30, celebrate the world premiere of Marcus Yi’s new musical, The Dragon King’s Daughter — the Moonshot Studio has hands-on projects inspired by the tale. It’s normally open on Saturday and Sunday, but will be closed on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Mount Pleasant Holiday Market
Where: Mount Pleasant St & Lamont Plaza | Mount Pleasant, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The Mt. Pleasant neighborhood will become the DC’s Holiday Village in the City on Sunday. More than four dozen local artisans will line Mount Pleasant Street and Lamont Plaza, selling home décor, paintings, pottery, candles, vintage goods and other items. The event also includes a special visit from Santa — he’ll be be available for pictures and to hand out free toys to children. While you’re there, stop to create a free card with We Are Artistic, a group of local high school kids hosting a card-making table for Cards For Hospitalized Kids.

King Bullfrog Concert
Where: Calvary Episcopal Church | Northeast DC
When: Sunday, 4pm
Admission: $5
Mister Mike’s Music is presenting a King Bullfrog concert this Sunday. The high-energy acoustic act plays folk, rock, and original music for kids and their grownups. Did you know that the origins of King Bullfrog are in a Mister Mike’s class? They’ll tell you the story on Sunday. Tickets are available here. The church is located at 820 6th Street NE.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* If you’re still looking for holiday gifts, the KFDC Gift Guides have loads of ideas!
* How about a festive road trip? Here are 5 fun ideas.
* Enjoy a free Jingle Jam Holiday Concert at the Capital Turnaround on Monday evening.
* What do you think about the Wizards and Capitals moving to Virginia?
* Apple’s most popular podcasts of 2023.
* Finally watched and loved The Bear.
* And this new family movie is really cute.
* How cute are all of these drink coozies?
* Favorite New Yorker cartoons in 2023.

Fun Places to Encounter Santa During the Rest of the Holiday Season

So, not all Santa pics go as planned…

A visit or photo with Santa is the thing to make many a kid’s holiday season. If you’re still looking for the red-robed, white-bearded guy around DC, you can find him at many places — often along with extra fun and treats. Here’s where he’ll be for the rest of the season, from free gatherings to special brunches to holiday shows to train rides to classic photo stops at the mall.

Enchant
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Through December 31
Admission: $32+/adult, $24+/age 3-17
The 90,000-square foot Christmas light maze as Nationals Park offers more than just the dazzling lights show on the field. Along the concourse above it all, there is live entertainment, food and drink, a Play Place just for little ones, a Christmas market, and photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus. View scenes from last year’s event and read a KFDC review (from the first season it was here in 2019) of this newer-to-DC holiday attraction.

Christmas at Gaylord National
Where: Gaylord National Resort | National Harbor, MD
When: Through December 24
Admission: Starts at $40
The Gaylord National Hotel at National Harbor goes all out during the holidays, offering all kinds of activities for families, including photos with Santa. You have to sign up for a time and purchase for a package. Plan to enjoy more activities while you’re there, like Christmas light shows, ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, and ICE! (Note that most cost extra.) Read more about Christmas at the Gaylord e in this KFDC post from last year by Emily Moise.

Holiday Tree Lighting
Where: Canal Park Ice Rink | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: December 14, 6-9pm
Admission: Free (but skating require admission fee)
The holiday party will include the tree lighting, ice skating, live entertainment photo ops and a special appearance by Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot and a certain other white bearded guests. There will also be a cozy Holiday Lounge above the rink with mulled wine for adults along with a Hot Chocolate Bar and S’mores Station for all ages (while supplies last). Plus, the first 150 attendees to arrive can get free skate rentals at the ice rink and the first 100 will receive an exclusive Capitol Riverfront mug & hot cocoa kit giveaway.

The B&O Polar Express
Where: B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: December 15-19
Admission: $47-67
Climb aboard The Polar Express to create a Christmas memory that you and your family will cherish forever! Come in your pajamas as a family to watch the live performance of The Polar Express. Once on the train, the classic Christmas tale will be performed and little ones will have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive their first gift of Christmas! Santa’s helpers will greet you upon arrival to the North Pole, where you can take pictures with Santa and have lots of holiday fun.

Brunch with Santa
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC
When: December 16 & 17
Admission: Cost of your meal
We took the kids to this wehen they were little, and they loved the brunch buffet almost as much as they loved meeting Santa and getting photos with him. It includes a waffle station, an omelet station, and sweets table, plus maple glazed ham, shrimp cocktail, herb roasted Chicken, a chocolate fountain, and more! Champagne will be flowing with Bottomless Mimosas and Aperol Spritzes for Mom and Dad. There is no photographer, but guests are encouraged to take pics when the man of the hour stops by.

Holly Trolley Fest
Where: National Capitol Trolley Museum | Colesville, MD
When: December 16, 17, & 23
Admission: $10/adults, $8/ages 2-17 (includes unlimited rides)
Explore a unique DC area museum this holiday season. Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more.

A Family Christmas
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: December 16 & 24
Tickets: $20-45
This holiday concert by the Choral Arts Chorus is targeted to kids as they perform holiday classics just for them. A visit from Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph is promised, too!

Frosted
Where: Franklin Park | Downtown DC
When: Through December 17
Admission: Free
Santa and other characters will be making appearances at this winter pop-up at Franklin Park. Other holiday festivities include Ice Sculpture Island, Holiday Lane, the Frosted Maker’s Market, a larger than life Snow Globe Main Stage, and more! Most of them occur on the weekends — see the website for the schedule.

Mount Pleasant Holiday Market
Where: Mount Pleasant St & Lamont Plaza | Mount Pleasant, DC
When: December 17, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The Mt. Pleasant neighborhood will become the DC’s Holiday Village in the City on Sunday. More than four dozen local artisans will line Mount Pleasant Street and Lamont Plaza, selling home décor, paintings, pottery, candles, vintage goods and other items. The event also includes a special visit from Santa — he’ll be be available for pictures and to hand out free toys to children. While you’re there, stop to create a free card with We Are Artistic, a group of local high school kids hosting a card-making table for Cards For Hospitalized Kids.

Tea, Cookies, and Magic with Santa
Where: Hank’s Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: December 17 & 23, 11am – 1pm
Admission: $65
Parents and children can gather for a memorable performance by either the hilarious renowned entertainer the Great Zucchini. Santa Claus himself will make a grand entrance to greet the little ones and spread holiday cheer. After the show, guests will enjoy a holiday spread of tea sandwiches and sweets. Reserve your spot!

Santa Brunch
Where: Surfside | Tenleytown, DC
When: December 23, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Cost of your meal
The Mexican fast casual spot that’s great for a family meal is having a special brunch time with Santa the Saturday before he sets out on his big night. They’ll have hot coco and candy canes for kiddos, and a photographer will be on site to take photos with Santa. Doesn’t hurt to make reservations.

Christmas Market
Where: Schlagel Farm | Waldorf, MD
When: December 23, 9:30-11:30am
Admission: Free
Head to the farm for a visit with Santa and Mrs. They’ll be available for pictures during the Christmas Market, where you cab stock up on all the veggies and centerpieces (rib roasts, briskets, hams, and lamb cuts) you need for a holiday feast. Jams/jellies/ciders will be 10% off to stuff your stockings, too. The market is 9am – 2pm, but Santa will only be there from 9:30-11:30am.