Explore The American Story at the National Archives
Happy Weekend!
Link up to tons of ideas for ongoing local fun:
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path DC Museums
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Inside Action
* MD & VA Museums
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
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 first night of Hanukkah at a Menorah Lighting. Find details on all of these events and so many more in the 2025 KFDC Holiday Guide.
The American Story
Where: National Archives | 701 Constitution Ave NW, DC
When: Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
I highly recommend seeing this new exhibition that just opened a few weeks ago. The American Story is an interactive exploration of the people, ideas, and events that shaped 250 years of U.S. history through nine galleries that highlight records in the National Archives. See original artifacts and documents, experience immersive mediascapes, view iconic photographs, and much more. It’s interesting and engaging, and the juxtaposition of state-of-the-art media highlighting some of the country’s oldest documents (the originals of some in the next gallery over) is fascinating.
Free Skate
Where: Fort Dupont Ice Arena | Anacostia, DC
When: Friday, 10am – 8pm & Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Fort Dupont Ice Arena just reopened after several years’ renovation, and they are hosting public skate every day but Sundays, and DC residents can skate for FREE during the holiday season! And FYI, they’re opening with free programs (lessons, etc.) and grants available. Programming will take place Monday – Thursday, 4:30-8pm — more info here!
Hershel and the Hannukah Goblins
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo. MD
When: Friday, 1pm | Saturday, 3pm | Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Tickets: $16
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)? Recommended for ages 5+.
Tingey Plaza Holiday Market
Where: Tingey Plaza | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Fri, 4-9pm | Sat & Sun, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Take the family to browse local makers, artists, and food vendors as the market brings a weekend of festive fun in the heart of Navy Yard. Explore neighborhood activations, enjoy music & food, and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. With fun lights, holiday cheer, and a vibrant lineup of small businesses, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and support local. On Sunday, 12-3pm, get a photo with Santa in Tingey Square!
The Christmas Revels
Where: Cultural Arts Center | Takoma Park/Silver Spring, MD
When: Fri, 7pm | Sat, 1pm & 7pm | Sun, 2pm
Tickets: $75-85/adult, $55-65/child
The 43rd annual winter production is set in ancient Spain and celebrates Jewish, Arabic, and Spanish music and traditions. Featuring guest ensemble Trio Sefardi, with Howard Bass, Susan Gaeta and Tina Chancey; Arab-American vocalist and oud player Laith Alattar, with Abderrahim Amthqal on ney and percussionist Ali Bandeali; and the Washington Revels Brass and chorus, a magical world of haunting melodies, folk carols, driving rhythms, and joyous singing unfolds.
Chanukah in the Dark
Where: Edlavitch DCJCC | Downtown DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am & 3pm
Admission: $12-15/child, $24-27/adult
DCJCC’s Theatre Jr presents this holiday show… When the lights go out during Chanukah, Max and family begin sharing songs, stories, and traditions – only to discover the lights they needed and the miracles they searched for were in their midst all along. Perfect for ages 5 and up.
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. Frosty the Snowman is bringing extra fun to Adventure Theatre. Encore Stage & Studio is brightening the season with Jingle Bell Jam: The Remix. The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre is a classic that will enchant audiences of all ages. Or take littles to see a version on strings at The Puppet Co. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up soon in the 2025 Guide to the Holiday Season.
Wizards vs Cavaliers
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary (check for discount)
Start the weekend with some basketball as the Wizards host the Cavaliers at home. Plan on a pre-game stroll through the DowntownDC Holiday Market and/or dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Daikaya, and Shake Shack… details on these and more here.
Family Day: Computers in Everyday Life
Where: National Air & Space Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Discover how computers help us navigate our world—from smart homes to space shuttles. Whether you’re a future pilot, coder, or curious explorer, there’s something for everyone on this journey through the skies and beyond! explore hands-on activities, demonstrations, and fun challenges that show how the same technology we use at home powers planes, satellites, and even Mars rovers. Be sure to get free, timed-entry passes.
Search for Santa’s Critters
Where: Potomac Overlook Park | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $5/child
Go on a scavenger hunt to locate the Santa’s critters so they can help him deliver candy and treats for the holidays! No reservations are needed, but check in at the Nature Center to begin. The park in Arlington is a great place to hike around, even better when there’s an extra holiday adventure! Get some background on Potomac Overlook in this KFDC post from awhile back — but pretty much still applicable now.
Holiday Trains & Planes
Where: College Park Aviation Museum | College Park, MD
When: Saturday, & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $2/child, $5/adult, $4/senior
Join the museum during the holiday season and experience the thrill of their annual Trains and Planes program. Meet and greet train hobbyists and go back in time experiencing the sights and sounds of their train displays.
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.
Van Ness Main Street Holiday Pop-Up
Where: Van Ness, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Head to the Van Ness neighbrhood for their 10th anunual holiday pop-up. Vendors include over 25 local makers and artists, plus there will be a Carpe Libre book sale and fun entertainment from The Puppet Co! From 11am – 1pm and 1-2pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus and Olly the Jolly Ostrich will be spreading holiday cheer for all!
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
Where: Carlyle Square | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Over 100 artisans, crafters, independent consultants, and other local small businesses will showcase their products, just in time for the holidays! From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods, to body and hair care, the vendors have perfect items for gifts for loved ones. Even more, there will be photo ops with Santa and a Kids Corner with ornament crafting.
Frostival Winter Market
Where: The PARC | Tysons, VA
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Fairfax is hosting the 5th Annual Winter Market at The PARC at Tysons. Immerse in a festive winter wonderland and shop local from 40+ local makers, artisans, and crafters offering unique gifts perfect for the holidays. Enjoy a day filled with holiday cheer and family-friendly activities.
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.
Holiday Lights Bike Ride
Where: Around Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 4:30-6:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Hill Family Biking for a special holiday, nighttime bike ride. Adorn yourself and your bike with lights to tour some of the best holiday light displays on Capitol Hill. Glow sticks necklaces will be provided for all participants to help light up the night on this 3.5-mile ride that stats at Watkins Elementary School parking lot and ends at Eastern Market Playground plaza with hot cocoa and cookies provided by La Dinette DC.
Brunch with Santa
Where: District E | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Sunday, 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.
More 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.
College Hoops
Where: Universities around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The college basketball season brings good hoops action to the area with so many schools here — and it’s also a great time for families. Here are some games you can catch this weekend: George Mason men vs Old Dominion on Saturday at 12:30pm; Maryland men vs Michigan on Saturday at 8pm (go, Terps!); GW women vs American on Sunday at 2pm.
National Menorah Lighting
Where: President’s Park | The National Ellipse, DC
When: Sunday, 3:30-5:30pm
Admission: Free with tickets (available on 11/10)
This is 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 should be latkes and donuts. Tickets are free, but you need to reserve them in advance through the website.
Hanukkah Lawnikah
Where: Bender JCC | Rockville, MD
When: December 14, 4:30-6:30pm
Admission: $5
Join in community to light the 1st candle, pose for pics in the Hanukkah Inflatables village, and marvel at a fire breather and light show. Nosh on latkes and sufganiyot, sing together, and enjoy a special performance by the U.S. Army Band Klezmer Ensemble.
End of Year Holiday ‘Hoppy’ Hour – POSTPONED!
Where: Hill Center | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 5-7pm
Admission: $7/adult, $14/child
Bring the family out to enjoy a Sunday evening filled with live music perfect for all ages. This King Bullfrog concert will be a great way to wind down the weekend and let the little ones run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs. Beer, wine, and cheese & pizza will be for sale.
Kensington’s Annual Menorah Lighting
Where: Kensington Town Hall | Kensington, MD
When: December 14, 6pm
Admission: Free
Kensington is celebrating the first night of Chanukah with its annual Menorah Lighting at the Kensington Town Hall. All are welcome to join. Music and treats wil be part of the festivities, too.
Light Up the Season
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
One of the best evening activities this time of year is seeing the holiday light displays. Parks and gardens in the area, and even the Zoo, 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 festively cozier than that.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There have been a few additions to the DC-inspired KFDC Holiday Gift Guide, so be sure to give it another browse for a variety of ideas!
* There’s still time to enter the giveaway for a chance to win an International School of Music holiday stocking that includes music lessons and more treats.
* So many unique, fun, and beautiful games and puzzles, like an “unlock the escape room” for adults, a card game for cat people, a supercute mix & match for kids, and a pretty DIY kit.
* NPR’s 125 Best songs of 2025
* And a rec for a fun, sunny destination in winter.
* Friends just gave us this gadget, and it’s amazing how well it works!
* Making this sometime very soon. Yum.
* Taylor Swift’s Top 5 Taylor Swift Songs (or maybe just 2 or 3).
* Haha… too relatable!
