1. It’s Giving Tuesday! If you want some ideas for where to donate, the GIVE page here on the blog has a long list of charities and causes, all of them shared by KFDC readers. And if you have one you’d like to highlight, leave a comment on that page or on these Five Things, and I’ll add it.
2. Starting tomorrow, December 1, the Hirshhorn Museum will be rolling out the Art Cart, where kids can stop by and pick up their own free self-guided art making kit. Each kit features a hands-on activity inspired by an artwork on view and includes tips for looking at the work with kids. It will be in the the galleries every Wednesday, 10am – 12pm, with new featured artworks and activities each week. Admission and the Art Cart are free. (PS: While you’re there, I very highly recommend checking out Laurie Anderson: The Weather, the fantastic exhibit I mentioned last month.)
3. A gift for younger children that lets them give back: Little Loving Hands provides parents and caregivers with a fun way to teach kids about kindness in their world, their community, and their homes through subscription craft boxes. Most of the crafts that are completed are sent back to Little Loving Hands in an included prepaid envelope to be donated to a charity. The boxes are specially designed for elementary-school kids, but fun for all ages!
4. Something neat: You can view the front page of the Washington Post from your birthday, the actual date you were born. You have to sign up and sign in, but it’s fun and interesting to check out. It would also make for a great present — you can download a PDF and print it.
5. The most amazing sweater keeps popping up in my IG feed (what does this say about me?!), and I wanted to share because somebody needs to buy it… just not me.😉🦄
#OptOutside
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
This initiative started by REI a few years ago was so good it became one of the most popular hashtags… Skip the Black Friday shopping (or do it off-hours online) and get out to enjoy some family QT outdoors. You’ve got your pick of places around the DC-Metro for adventures in the fresh air. Take a hike, hit a playground, explore a garden, or see what else there is to do al fresco in this post with loads of inspiration for fun in the sun.
Enchant
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Through December 29
Admission: $29-39/adult, $29/child, free 2 & under
The bedazzling holiday attraction is back at Nationals Park starting this weekend! There was a ton of buzz about it during its inaugural run in 2019, and I thought it was deserving. The world’s largest Christmas light maze and market is dazzling and delightful and really captures the spirit of the holidays. Read a KFDC review of it, including tips for visiting (that still apply this year). Purchase tickets here, and note there are some discounts for seniors, military, and EMS.
FUTURES
Where: Arts & Industries Building | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building just reopened with a new fascinating exhibition, to boot! FUTURES spans 32,000 square feet inside, and it’s full of large-scale installations, displays, and interactives that are exciting, powerful, and thought-provoking as they offer a glimpse of future possibilities — and prompt us to wonder how we can contribute. It’s an exhibition for everyone and all ages, and one to put on your must-visit list! Get a glimpse of it here.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $15/age 2+
It’s Hanukkah on strings at The Puppet Co.! Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? (Note that there will be a special 7pm performance on Sunday for the first night of Hanukkah!)
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Where: National Theatre | Downtown, DC
When: Through December 5
Tickets: $54-114 (look for discount)
In this holiday musical, sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville for the timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. It’s been a Broadway hit hailed as an “extraordinary performance” by the New York Times!
More 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, there is a lot to choose from! Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will enchant audiences of all ages. And you can catch a puppet 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. Get details on all of these shows and see what else is coming up soon in the KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season in the DC Area.
Science Adventures
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $29.95/adult, $19.95/child
The Maryland Science Center recently unveiled its new human body exhibit, You — The Inside Story. The 12,000-square-foot experience includes 35 hands-on activities that are the hallmark of the Science Center’s brand of informal science education. There are even more fascinating exhibits to check out — read all about the museum in this KFDC post. And for more Baltimore attraction, including food recs, that are great for families, see this guide to exploring Charm City.
The Inside Scoop
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
If you’re specifically seeking indoor fun or just want ideas for extra activities, there are plenty of options for things to do inside. This post has info on what’s open when, along with links for more about the places and Covid policies. Some specific recs for this weekend: Explore the STEAM inspired exhibits at the National Children’s Museum, wander among the works at the National Gallery of Art, scale the colorful walls at ClimbZone, go bowling and enjoy a family meal at Pinstripes.
Christmas at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate, Museum, & Gardens
When: Through December 31, 9am – 4pm
Admission: $26/adult, $13/age 6-11, free/5 & under
Christmas past meets Christmas present at George Washington’s estate, where the holidays are full of delight It’s open every day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Years. There are also Candlelight Tours on Saturday & Sunday, plus even more seasonal activities — visit the website for details.
Christmas at Gaylord National
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free, though some activities cost extra
The Gaylord National Hotel at National Harbor goes all out during the holidays — and it all starts this weekend. The atrium of the resort is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a spectacular glass Christmas tree, nightly tree lightings, the Potomac Express train offering rides for guests, photo ops with Santa, indoor snowfalls, fountain shows, and more. (Read about a KFDC experience there during a Christmas season past.) This year there will also be Ice Bumper Cars, a Snow Factory “Snowball Build & Blast,” The Greatest Story Stage Show, and the #LIT Holiday Light Show.
Recreation on Ice
Where: Ice rinks around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
With sunny skies and cool temps in the forecast, conditions over the next few days should be great for outdoor ice skating. Many ice rinks have already opened for the season, and Canal Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood will be joining starting Friday. See this post for details on all of the places you can glide the day (and night) away!
Small Business Saturday
Where: Around the DMV
When: Saturday
Admission: Free, but plan to buy & support local
If you’re planning to do some holiday shopping this weekend, make a point of going to local, independent stores, both to score great, unique gifts and to support people and places that help make our communities thrive. The KFDC Holiday Gift Guide has all kinds of suggestions for gifts from many local businesses.
Fallin’
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There’s still some autumn splendor left to enjoy. With pleasant temps and foliage still brightening the landscape, this weekend will be a good time to relish in the season. This post has recommendations for where to savor it around the area.
Let There Be Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: Evenings throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are easily a holiday season favorite. Several parks and gardens in the area have transformed into sparkling wonderlands. 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.
Downtown Holiday Market
Where: 8th & F Streets NW | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through December 23, 12-8pm
Admission: Free
The DC holiday market (to me, anyway) begins today. It’s a bit different this year as new safety measures are implemented, but the few blocks in the middle of Penn Quarter will still transform into a charming open air market with a great variety of art and wares for sale, treats to savor, and entertainment — though that last part will be presented on video screens instead of live on stage.
National Menorah Lighting
Where: President’s Park | The National Ellipse, DC
When: Sunday, 4pm
Admission: Free, but you must request tickets
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 are also latkes and donuts. Tickets are free, but you need to reserve them in advance through the website.
Chanukah, Oh Chanukah…
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There are even more Chanukah happenings starting on Sunday, the first night of the holiday. From menorah lightings to theatre productions to a firetruck parade, there are all kinds of community events to celebrate the Festival of Lights. See them all in the KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season.
***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * As we head into the giving season, you may be looking for ways for your family to give back, too. The KFDC post about volunteer opportunities around the area for kids has info on where and how to do that. * The National Building Museum is hosting Gingerbread Workshops on December 4. Space is limited, so register soon! * Chess, anyone? Silver Knights, which runs chess programs for kids, has a special Cyber Monday offer going on now through November 29! * Starting in March 2022, the National Air & Space Museum will close for about six months for renovations, so get a visit in before then! *Recipes for Hanukkah (PS: I highly recommend a subscription to NY Times Cooking as a gift — for yourself or someone else!) * My favorite family board game… planning to get another version of it this year! * Black Friday shopping tips. 😉
1.Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will all be open on Thanksgiving Day — good to keep in mind if you’re looking for things to do while the turkey is cooking and/or have out-of-town guests to entertain. Hours are 10am – 5:30pm at all of them, except for the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery which are open 11:30am – 7pm, and the Zoo from 8am – 4pm (be sure to reserve passes). The National Gallery of Art (which is not part of the Smithsonian, just a neighbor on the Mall) is open, too, from 10am – 5pm. [KFDC Tip: The new FUTURES exhibit at the just reopened Arts & Indutries Building (mentioned last week) is a great one to check out with the fam!]
2. Tell your friend Veronica… it’s (almost) time to celebrate Hanukkah! We start lighting the menorah on Sunday night — giant ones, at some places! If you’re looking for ways to celebrate the holiday around the area, there are a bunch of events happening that are open to all — menorah lightings, theatre performances, ice skating parties, even a Chanukah firetruck parade. Some of them require advance registration and/or offer discounts for early sign-up (though most are free), so check out the KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season, where there’s a Chanukah section with info on where and when to celebrate the eight craaaazy nights!
3. The Downtown Holiday Market opened this past weekend, and it always makes for a fun and festive outing during the season, plus you can pair it with a visit to the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum (open Weds-Sun) that are right next to the market. Located at 8th & F Streets NW in Penn Quarter, hours are 12-8pm daily through December 23, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and December 6. Admission is free.
4. Lots of tasty sounding recipes from an always trusted source — for Thursday or anytime.
Skate Under the Sky — on the National Mall
Where: National Gallery of Art Ice Rink | National Mall, DC
When: Opens Friday (through Mid-March)
Admission: $10/age 13+ , $9/under 13 & seniors
The National Gallery of Art Ice Rink located outdoors in the museum’s Sculpture Garden opens on Friday! If there is one quintessential DC ice skating experience, this is it (imo). I mean, you’re gliding at a locale right on the National Mall surrounded by big, fantastic art installations with iconic sights and places nearby. How cool is that? Even better, all skaters get free hot cocoa during this opening weekend, and admission gets you two 45-minute sessions. Make a day of it with time on the ice, visit a museum (or two…or more), and stop by the US Botanic Garden to see the delightful holiday train display. And for more area places to skate the day (and night) away, see this post with all the details you need to get gliding.
Downtown Holiday Market
Where: 8th & F Streets NW | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Opens Friday (through December 23), 12-8pm
Admission: Free
Do some holiday shopping and enjoy a festive time downtown at what, to me, is the holiday market in DC. It’s not even so much about the merchandise for sale (though there’s always an excellent variety of gift items — I never leave empty handed). There’s something about the city 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. 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.
FUTURES Opening Festival
Where: Arts & Industries Building | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The Smithsonian’s Arts & Industries Building is reopening with a groundbreaking new museum experience “FUTURES.” A free opening festival this weekend includes live-streamed activities on Friday, in-person activities on Saturday, and a public concert that evening. On Sunday, “FUTURES Remixed” is day for the littlest future-makers, welcoming families of all types for fun, pop-up, guided activities and bite-size experiences celebrating the everyday magic of futures ahead of everyone. The day includes “FUTURES” Roulette tours, robot races, craft making, and more!
DC Holiday Lights
Where: Main Streets Around DC
When: Opens Friday (through January 6)
Admission: Free
During the holiday season, Main Streets throughout the District are joining together to bring DC residents a spectacular holiday experience: DC Holiday Lights! Take a stroll down each of the participating corridors to experience a dazzling array of lights and decor, enjoy holiday promotions, and shop local. Visit the website to see where corridors are located and what to expect at each of them.
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Where: Silver Plaza | Downtown Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
The streets are being overrun with turkeys, dinosaurs, penguins, and reindeer! No, the zoo hasn’t opened their gates — it’s the Annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade! With marching bands, Latin dancing groups, floats, giant characters and balloons, and more, the procession is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the DC Metro area. Held in downtown Silver Spring, it traditionally heralds the start of the holiday season. The parade steps off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue.
Tinsel!
Where: Loudoun County, VA
When: Opens Friday (through January 22)
Admission: $28 (look for discount)
It’s a bit of a haul from DC, but if you’re up for a drive, this new holiday attraction in Loudoun County opens this weekend. The fully interactive winter destination is an outdoor festival with a unique collection of light displays, entertainment, fun activities for all ages, and food and drinks from popular area food trucks and Loudoun County’s wineries and breweries.
Holidays on the Stage
Where: A few local theaters
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices Vary
Several holiday productions for kids are opening this weekend —Hershel andthe Hanukkah Goblinsat The Puppet Co., Winterfest at Adventure Theatre, and Encore Stage and Studio’s Enchanted Bookshop Christmas at Gunston Performing Arts Center. Follow the show links for more details and tickets, and see all of the holiday-themed live entertainment coming to local stages throughout the season here!
Holiday Market & Festive Fun Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts | Germantown, MD When: Saturday, 10am – 10pm Admission: Free
Join BlackRock Center for the Arts at its all day (and evening) outdoor holiday market plucked right out of a European folktale! Even better, it will be followed by a live indoor concert of jazzy holiday standards with the Eric Byrd Trio at 8pm. Food, games, photos with Santa, holiday music, crafts, games, and surprises, this festive season kickoff only needs one thing — your family — to complete its winter wonderland magic.
Pickles Fall Consignment Sale
Where: Stoddert Elementary | Northwest DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Pickles DC, the kids consigment shop inthe city, is having its final sale of the season. Shop outerwear, boots, party dresses, and much more on Saturday morning. Everything must go, so you’ll find great deals! Sizes range fro newborn to 12 years old. Stoddert ES is located at 4001 Calvert St NW.
Go Take a Hike
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Get out for a family walk in the woods! Peep the autumn leaves before they’re all gone, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for great places to go with kids. A few recs for right now: National Arboretum in DC, Prince William Forest Park and Pohick Bay Regional Park in NoVa, and Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland.
Two-Wheel Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Get in family bike rides before it gets too cold. (Sure, you can ride in all temps, but there’s bound to be less complaining now.) Cruise along paths lined with fall foliage, get some exercise, and have a ton of fun. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recs, with something for riders of all levels, and this particular route is ideal for the whole crew.
Savor Autumn
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The trees may be starting to lose their leaves, but there’s still plenty of autumn left in the area — and a bunch of great ways to enjoy it. This post has recommendations for where to savor the season around the DMV.
Watch the Wizards
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Wizards are playing on home court on Saturday evening, and you can watch them take on the Heat in person. Plan on a pre-game dinner dinner in Penn Quarter, where there are a bunch of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Shake Shack, and Clyde’s. Find tickets here.
(W)Hoop It Up!
Where: Colleges around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The college basketball season just started, and with so many universities in the area, there’s always some good hoops action going on — and it’s also a good time for families. Here are some games you can catch this weekend: *Maryland men vs Hofstra on Friday at 6:30pm (Go, Terps!) *GW men vs. UMass Lowell on Friday at 7pm *Georgetown Men vs Siena on Friday at 6:30pm * Georgetown Women vs Columbia on Sunday at 2pm *Maryland women vs Baylor on Sunday at 6:30pm (Go, Terps!)
Let There Be Lights
Where: Around the area
When: Evenings
Admission: Varies by locale
Twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are easily a holiday season favorite. A few opened last weekend, and Brookside’s Garden of Lights, Cameron Run’s Ice & Lights, and Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park are also now welcoming guests to their sparkling wonderlands. 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, be prepared to be dazzled! (View scenes from one of our visits to Brookside, it’s a KFDC fave!)
Give Thanks Hunt
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Through November 30
Admission: $35
Have fun searching for Thanksgiving themed items found only at The Mansion on O Street, one of the quirkiest, coolest places in the city. This includes a self-guided tour of the many themed rooms and secret doors. Bring your own shopping bags — everything is for sale! Read more about this wonderfully unique DC attraction in this KFDC post.
We’ve Got Spirit (in the Finals), Yes We Do!
Where: metrobar DC | Brentwood, DC & National Harbor, MD
When: Saturday, 12pm
Admission: Free
The Washington Spirit are playing in the NWSL championship game in Louisville! There are two official watch party locations for fans to cheer them on from DC (and nearby). Catch the match at metrobar DC in Petworth. Or watch it by the on the jumbo screen located on the plaza at National Harbor.
DC, Inside & Out
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
More options for fun things to do with the kids are never a bad thing. If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits: Inside Info The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * The just-posted 2021 KFDC Holiday Gift Guide has ideas for presents for all ages at all price points (even free!), from theatre tickets to unique adventures to independent shops to membership ops — just about all of them DC-centric. * If there’s any great time to start using Rakuten, it’s this time of year when you’re likely doing a lot of online shopping — you can get cash back for just about every purchase you make! * A few things I should add to the gift guide: This, this, and this. *Kids’ reactions to getting vaccinated. * An interesting read. *Tiny Love Stories *Haha.
1. The Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building is reopening and celebrating the Smithsonian’s 175th anniversary with a new groundbreaking exhibition! “FUTURES” is the first building-wide exploration of the future on the National Mall, spanning 32,000 square feet inside. It is “your guide to a vast array of interactives, artworks, technologies, and ideas that are glimpses into humanity’s next chapter.” Opening Day is this Saturday, November 20, and there will be a free opening festival that includes live-streamed programs on Friday, in-person activities on Saturday, and a public concert that evening. And on Sunday, November 21, “FUTURES Remixed” will be a day for the littlest future-makers, welcoming families of all types for fun, pop-up, guided activities and bite-size experiences celebrating the everyday magic of futures ahead of everyone. The day includes “FUTURES” Roulette tours, robot races, craft making, and more. It’s all free, but RSVP to let them know you’re going.
2. Several holiday shows for kids are opening this weekend — at The Puppet Co., Adventure Theatre, and Gunston Performing Arts Center. Get details on those and see all the live entertainment coming to local stages throughout the season!
3. One of my favorite dishes to make for Thanksgiving — sounds a little different than your traditional holiday fare, but trust me, it’s delicious and always a hit with many palates. (And more TG recipes from a reliable source.)
