Tag Archives: Veterans Day Weekend

December 6, 2018 · 8:43 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: December 7-9

Kick up some some fun with the interactive art installations at Light Yards






Happy Weekend!

Light Yards
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday through January 4, 6-10pm
Admission: Free
The Yards is brightening up the holiday season with innovative light art once again with two fun, interactive installations! The Pool welcomes visitors to hop, skip, and jump across 106 circular pads of light, and as multiple visitors play in it, their movements come together to create a giant canvas of shifting and fading colors in mesmerizing patterns. And Angels of Freedom aims to reveal the inner beauties of everyone by visually turning visitors angels, letting them pose with five giant, neon-colored wings and white halos — and it makes for great photos ops. Plan on dining before and/or after you play with the light at one of the nearby eateries. (I highly recommend Whaley’s, where the seafood towers brings a nice feeling of summer to a cold winter night.)

DIY Holiday Cards
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station Area, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Create one-of-a-kind handmade cards at the museum all about mail. They provide 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 bunch of times over the years, and it’s always really well-organized and tons of fun. Plan to stay after to tour the exhibits, many of them interactive and interesting for all ages. Read a KFDC write-up about the museum.

Christmas is Afoot
Where: Christ Crossman Church | Falls Church, VA
When: Friday & Saturday, 6-8pm
Admission: Free
This Christmas season take a walk through historic Bethlehem as Christ Crossman United Methodist Church opens its doors to the community. The journey begins with a live nativity and petting zoo.  Once inside, children will enjoy making crafts resembling historical Bethlehem market goods and participate in a service project assembling power pack kits for students in need through Food for Others. Live Christmas music from members of the George Mason High School band, warm cider, and hot chocolate will make it even more festive.

Winter in Washington
Where: CityCenterDC | Downtown DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
CityCenterDC is excited to bring to life the DC landscape in a dreamy winter wonderland! The installation features monuments towering over 12 feet high, built with over 50,000 pounds of ice. Washingtonians can fulfill their subzero dreams for a weekend. Follow along on social media with @CityCenterDC #CCDCHolidays for weather updates and more.

EdFEST
Where: DC Armory| Capitol Hill, DC
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 2018-19 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.

Baltimore for a Buck
Where: Around Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $1 or less!
In the spirit of the holidays, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore presents Dollar or Less Days this weekend when participating attractions will open their doors offering free or $1 admission! The Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery, National Aquarium, Historic Ships of Baltimore, Jewish Museum of Maryland, Christmas Village, and more exciting places will be welcoming guests to take advantage. Go here for the full list of participating venues.

Holiday Family Day
Where: National Air & Space Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join a festive Holiday Family Day at the National Air and Space Museum. Take a look at the winter night sky for unique constellations you can only see during the winter solstice and learn how air and space technology make holiday travel, communication, and shopping possible. The event will also feature hands-on activities, a scavenger hunt, and special performances.

Winter Wonderland Sing-Along
Where: Balducci’s | Reston, VA 20190
When: Saturday, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free, but plan to dine there!
Winter Wonderland is a free, fun and interactive sing-along for your 0-6 year olds, sponsored by Balducci’s in Reston. Enjoy live music for kids, a hot chocolate bar, a cookie decorating station, and more! Limited capacity, first come, first serve. Get a coupon here for $10 off your next purchase of $50 or more at Balducci’s in Reston (valid 12/8-12/15).

Holiday Happenings
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There’s holiday inspired fun to be had all over the area in all kinds of ways at every price point. See model trains buzz around model train stations 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. Go on a holiday scavenger hunt (and shop for gifts) at the Mansion on O Street. Find details on all of these events and more are in the 2018 Holiday Guide.

Maker Morning
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
The Hirshhorn’s favorite kids’ series is back and brighter than ever, this time inspired by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s use of light and technology in his participatory Pulse installations. MAKER MORNINGS: Illuminate offers fun and festive hands-on activities for curious creators of all ages. It will be offered every Saturday through December!

Show Time
Where: Venues around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* It’s the first weekend of My Father’s Dragon at Synetic Theatre
* Interact with Cri Cri: The Mexican Singing Cricket at Source Theater
* Little ones can find out How to Catch a Star at the Kennedy Center
* Reserve free tickets for Virginia Ballet Company & School’s The Nutcracker, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance
* See a fairytale come to life with Cinderella at Imagination Stage
* Enjoy a performance of Billy Elliot: The Musical at Signature Theatre
* Anything Goes is on the Arena Stage
* Tween ages up can enjoy Miss Saigon at the Kennedy Center
* Be sure to check for ticket discounts to these and more productions!

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, it’s starting! Several productions of The Nutcracker will enchant audiences of all ages this weekend. Have some holiday fun at Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre or Elf the Musical at Olney Theatre. Celebrate the season with A Candlelight Christmas at the Kennedy Center. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre. Enjoy Madeleine’s Christmas with Creative Cauldron. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up soon in the 2018 Guide to the Holiday Season.

Holiday Pajama Party
Where: Ballston Quarter | Ballston, VA
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Pull out your holiday jammies for a fun afternoon at Ballston Quarter’s Holiday Pajama Party. While the special showing of the Grinch has sold out, there will be an afternoon celebration from 1-3pm with complimentary holiday sips and bites.

Chanukah on Ice
Where: Pentagon Row Ice Rink | Pentagon City, VA
When: December 8, 6-8:30pm
Admission: $10-$13
Celebrate Chanukah with a giant menorah lighting, holiday treats, raffles, and ice skating! Ice skate rentals are included, but food will be sold separately — hot latkes, Kosher hot dogs, and refreshments will be available.

Sock Monkey Saturday
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Don’t let the holidays drive you BANANAS! Relax by making your very own Sock Monkey—a great last-minute gift, and just something fun to do with the family. AVAM’s huge sock monkey making extravaganza is free to attend, but you must bring your own socks: 2 pair, clean & colorful (1 for your monkey and 1 to donate), and scissors to participate. Instructions, stuffing, sewing needles, thread, visionary baubles and camaraderie will be provided. The entire museum is open 10am-6pm — regular admission applies for that. Read more about the AVAM in this KFDC post.

Cirque on Ice
Where: Capitol One Arena, Penn Quarter, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to return to the Washington area with its coolest arena show yet – Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL. This unique arena production showcases synchronized, freestyle and extreme skating alongside circus disciplines such as swinging trapeze, aerial straps and hand to hand. Watch world-class ice skaters and acrobats explore their new frozen playground with speed and fluidity as they challenge the laws of gravity with never-before-seen acrobatics. Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL fuses circus arts and the world of ice skating in a stunning new production that will take the audience on a journey into a surreal world where figure skating blends with acrobatics and aerial feats.

Christmas on Wheels
Where: Around DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $34-64
Enjoy the holidays in DC in a new, active way! Bike and Roll DC is offering ”Christmas on Wheels” Bicycle and Segway Tours. Led by professionally trained guides, these adventures are filled with historical anecdotes, of the festive variety, as riders arrive at each tour stop.Tour highlights include the Holiday Showcase at the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Christmas tree, hotel and Embassy decorations, a hot chocolate stop, the White House Christmas tree, and more! Families and children of all ages are welcome with special kids equipment for young riders ages 2 and up. Tours are offered Wednesdays through Sundays from through December 22.

Breakfast with Santa
Where: Clyde’s Restaurants around the DMV
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Cost of your meal
Usher in the holiday season with Breakfast with Santa at Clyde’s! Visit the websites to see when locations are hosting brunch and enjoy a visit with Santa. Reservations are suggested, and the regular a la carte brunch menu and kids menu will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Winter’s Eve
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
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.

18th Century Christmas in the Country
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm | McLean, VA
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: $3/child, $5/adult
Have you ever wondered how 18th century Virginians celebrated Christmas? Join the colonial farm to find out! Enjoy colonial music, dancing, games, singing, and much merrymaking. Hot spiced apple cider and ginger cookies will be available for you to try. And FYI: This may be the last event conducted by the Claude Moore Colonial Farm unless the Senate introduces legislation to save the living history museum before it recesses for the year. 🙁

Santa on the Firetruck
Where: Whitehall Farm Store | Clifton, VA
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $10/family
Join Whitehall’s Farm Store to meet Santa and check out a firetruck from the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue. This is a FREE family friendly event. Take a wagon ride around the farm (weather permitting) complete with hot coco and apple cider!

Brunch and Kids Cooking Class with Santa
Where: SER | Ballston, VA
When: Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: $25/child, $50/adult
SER, a neighborhood restaurant in Ballston, is offering a special holiday brunch the next two Sundays! Enjoy delicious fare starting at 11:30am along with a visit from Santa and a cooking class for kids. At 12:30pm. During this brunch they’ll be offering a prix fix menu.

Kidz Graffiti Party
Where: Art Jamz | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Sunday, 12:30-2:30pm
Admission: $10
Get messy like a street artist at our Art Jamz! Children of all ages are invited to paint their very own master pieces on the ArtJamz walls.The lounge will be open for accompanying parents, and they’ll be playing jamming tunes to inspire all the little artists. Tickets include 1-hour Graffiti Pass with unlimited access to paints and art materials. Afterwards, families can purchase additional studio time and canvas and let your visions come to life off the wall!

Giant Lego Menorah Build
Where: Northeast Neighborhood Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: December 9, 3-4pm
Admission: Free
Join American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad) for some Chanukah fun! Along with helping build a giant Lego menorah, guests can enjoy even more festivities, including Chanukah crafts, a photo booth, hot latkes and doughnuts, and a Lego dreidel to take home. RSVP to let them know you’re coming.

**PLAN AHEAD!**
Prospective Families Camp
Where: Capitol Learning Academy | Capitol Hill, DC
When: December 22-23, 9am – 3pm
Admission: $40/day
Capitol Learning Academy, a new elementary school opening on Capitol Hill in fall 2019, is hosting a weekend camp for families who plan to apply, are thinking of applying, or even still undecided but would like to learn more. Kids ages 6-9 can experience a two-day trial of the school, find out what it’s all about, and see if it’s the right fit. The weekend program will include coding, reading, writing, virtual reality, and hands-on leaning, and kids can go for one or both days! RSVP to alex@capitollearningacademy.org.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* The 2018 KFDC Holiday Gift Guide has present suggestions for peops of all ages at all price points (even free!), from kids’ products to theatre tickets to unique experiences to gifts that give back.
* Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual Family Week is December 10-17. The family-friendly celebration of Twelfth Night is a perfect way to introduce kids to The Bard.
* If there’s any great time to start using eBates, it’s now when you’re likely doing a lot of online shopping — you can get cash back for just about every purchase you make.
* The line-up of local live entertainment this winter was just posted, so you can start saving your seats (and possibly get some holiday gift ideas)!
* You can still get 50-60% off cards + free shipping with code SHIPCARDS at Shutterfly — valid through 12/8.
* I love getting feedback from you guys both about your adventures around DC and my blog in general, and I think other KFDC readers would benefit from it, too — what you especially liked (or didn’t) about a particular place, whether or not you agree with my reviews, tips you might have for others. So, I wanted to take a second to encourage comments on the blog. Leave them on posts about the places you visit, or in the Weekday and Weekend Round-Ups or wherever you see fit. I’m always interested to hear your thoughts! 🙂


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November 29, 2018 · 8:03 pm

The Weekend Round-Up:
November 30 – December 2

Play with light in the New Nature exhibit at ARTECHOUSE



Happy Weekend!

Hamilton Sing-Along
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, 6pm
Admission: Free
Kick off the weekend singing some your favorite show tunes! The evening’s Millennium Stage performance is a Target Family Night: Honors Week Tribute featuring a Hamilton Sing-Along. Join noted DC musical theater performers in saluting the creators of Hamilton. It’s a celebration of the upcoming 41st Kennedy Center Honors, in which the co-creators of Hamilton – writer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, and music director Alex Lacamoire—will receive special recognition for their groundbreaking work.

Nationals Winterfest
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: December 1-2
Admission: $23-39/adult (look for a discount)
The annual weekend-long festival featuring Nationals players, coaches, and front office staff returns to Nationals Park as a celebration of baseball and the holidays. Indoor and outdoor activities will include autograph sessions, curling stations, interactive games, clubhouse tours, batting cages, and of course photo opportunities with your favorite Nationals mascots, the Bullpen Cart, and Santa! Enjoy these activities and more with s’mores, adult hot chocolate, and other specialty food items at the home of your Washington Nationals!

Story Time with Santa
Where: Kramerbooks | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $30/child
Make it a storybook holiday season this year and join Kramerbooks for Story Time with Santa! Gather ‘round to hear Santa tell your favorite festive holiday tales AND receive: Two Polaroid Instax mini photos of your child with Santa, a double-sided holiday ornament frame for each child, cider and hot chocolate for the kids (and nice parents), and spiked cider (for the naughty parents). This will take place every Saturday through December, and only 20 children’s tickets are available for each Saturday, so secure your spot soon!

Holiday Ballet Family Day
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the holidays with SAAM and The Washington Ballet. Acclaimed Artistic Director Julie Kent will give an introduction of how the ballet of the nation’s capital puts on their annual performance of The Nutcracker, then dancers will perform excerpts from the charming holiday classic. You can also enjoy holiday crafts, a scavenger hunt, and tasty winter treats from the Courtyard Cafe. 

Wonder & Wander
Where: Woodend Nature Sanctuary | Chevy Chase, MD
When: Saturday, 9:30-11am
Admission: $10/family
Join Audubon Nature Preschool for story hikes, tours of their classrooms and grounds, and a Q&A with staff. There will also be a bake sale, including your morning coffee and hot cider, and a gently used children’s book sale – every child leaves with a free book!  Register in advance here.

Open Studio: Nature-Inspired Holiday Decorations
Where: Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday,12–4 pm
Admission: Free
As the days get shorter and colder, take time to appreciate the beauty of nature in Asian art. Drop by the ImaginAsia Studio in the Sackler for a family-friendly open workshop. Take a tour (offered 12:30pm & 2:30pm) to explore how artists depict the natural world in the permanent collections, then return to the studio to make your own nature-inspired holiday decorations. All ages welcome with adult companions.

Santa Fly-In
Where: College Park Aviation Museum | College Park, MD
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: $5
Santa is making an early appearance this holiday season. It will be an experience to remember as you watch Santa fly into the historic College Park Airport (it’s the world’s oldest continuously operating airport)! Make some holiday arts and crafts, then have your picture taken with Santa Claus after his big flight.

Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Where: Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
For the 48th consecutive year, the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade will showcase marching units filled with the magnificent tartans of Scottish Clans, the stirring sound of Scottish bagpipes and drums, Scottish dancers, reenactment groups, Scottie dogs, dignitaries, classic cars, Santa Claus, and more. The parade begins at St. Asaph and Wilkes Streets and concludes at Market Square with a massed band concert, rain or shine. There will also be other festive events throughout the weekend — see the website for details.

New Nature
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15/adult, $8/child
The newest exhibit at ARTECHOUSE invites you to experience nature in a whole new way — through a colorful digital menagerie of nature-inspired creatures and plant life. It’s full of stunning imagery and fun interactives that all ages will find delightful. Even if you don’t plan to go this weekend, plan a visit for later, and snag tickets now. And FYI: IF you go Sunday through Thursday you can get a family package — 20% off an adult and child ticket.

Creativity Workshop
Where: The Phillips Collection | Dupont Circle
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: $18/adult & child, $15/members ($5/extra person)
Let your creativity fly at the Phillips’ new art-making stations — it’s an art materials “petting zoo” for the whole family! The workshop includes an Artful Wellness Kit for parents and caregivers. Geared toward families with children ages 2 to 8.

Show Time
Where: Venues around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Little ones can find out How to Catch a Star at the Kennedy Center
* Wheaton Family Theatre Series Saturday presents Happenstance Theater’s Pinot & Augustine on Saturday
* Fairfax City Theatre presents The Little Princess
* See a fairytale come to life with Cinderella at Imagination Stage
* The Nutcracker opens at The Puppet Co., and Nutcracker Fantasy is the featured Tiny Tots show all weekend
* Enjoy a performance of Billy Elliot: The Musical at Signature Theatre
* Anything Goes is on the Arena Stage

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, it’s starting! Several productions of The Nutcracker will enchant audiences of all ages this weekend. Have some holiday fun at Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre or Elf the Musical at Olney Theatre. 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 2018 Guide to the Holiday Season.

Holly TrolleyFest
Where: National Capitol Trolley Museum | Colesville, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $7/adults, $5/ages 2-17 (includes unlimited rides)
The Trolley Museum’s annual holiday fest begins this weekend. Guests can ride with Santa on the street cars and enjoy the model garden railway and holiday village inside the museum. Don’t miss the rest of the exhibits that offer a glimpse into the history of street cars.

Photos with Santa
Where: Bean Bar Loudoun | Leesburg, VA
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Bring the kids to see Santa, share a Christmas list, and snap a photo for your Christmas cards! Every year, local realtor hosts this free event for clients and the community network. In addition to a professional Santa and photographer, there will also be goody bags for the first 100 attendees and opportunities to
win door prizes, including gift cards to area businesses!

King Bullfrog Concert
Where: BloomBars | Columbia Heights, DC
When: Saturday, 4pm
Admission: Free
Jam out with the local kindie rock fave at BloomBars on Saturday afternoon! Not only will there be great music, the venue has loads of instruments for the kids (and grown-ups!) to groove along with the band.

Holiday Sing-A-Long
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 4pm
Tickets: Free
Wolf Trap’s Holiday Sing-A-Long is an annual musical celebration hosting a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Parking is free, but limited, so plan on arriving early. Bring along a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots, a bell for a “Jing-A-Long” during the singing of “Jingle Bells,” and a candle to join the tradition of exiting the Filene Center with a candlelight processional during the last verse of “Silent Night.”

Holiday Craft Show
Where: Falls Church Community Center | Falls Church, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: See below
Deck the halls during the holiday season with special gifts from the annual Holiday Gift and Craft Show. More than 50 crafters and merchants show their wares selling unique handmade items, baked goods, and more during the first weekend in December. There will also be special activities for kids, including a Children’s Holiday Shoppe, a show by Louis the Magician, and Lunch with Santa. Admission is $1 for the Craft Show, but kids’ activities cost extra — see the website for details.

Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: $17.50/ages 10-17, $19.50/adult
Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt that kids and adults will love! 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. 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. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together (but all-adult teams are allowed to compete separately) Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.

Healthy First Saturday & Super Sunday
Where: Port Discovery | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $15.95/age 2+
There’s special fun going on at Port Discovery all weekend. On Saturday, get the wiggles out as you learn about healthy activities and habits for your little one — and your entire family! Dance, sing and get active with Faza Fam Family Jam. Learn about science at our STEM Station, and help Port Discovery kick-off birthday celebrations in birthday-themed Pop-Up Art stations and Mother Goose on the Loose(r) programs. Plus, join in a fun holiday tradition as you decorate gingerbricks with the fantastic chefs from McCormick! On Sunday, experience Port Discovery’s indoor magic designed just for kids.  Explore movement and music together as you bop along to Tiny Tots Music Time.  Join interactive story times, and work together to create art or science projects during Pop-Up Art or at STEM Stations. Plus, build early literacy skills for infants and toddlers in Mother Goose on the Loose(r).

Glow with It
Where: Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday (& through January 6)
Admission:
See Georgetown in a whole new gorgeous light — literally. Every evening through January 6, the neighborhood will sparkle with modern light art installations on exhibit throughout the bustling community, the region’s only curated outdoor public light art experience. Works of local, regional, and international artists will be on display in both public and privately-owned spaces, including M Street, along the C&O Canal, and more nearby places. Take the family to dinner, then go for a stroll to check them all out. Get a glimpse of a past light show here.

Let There Be Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by location
Take a drive or a stroll through one of the many light displays in the area. The twinkling exhibits feature all kinds of delightful, festive scenes –holiday faves, animals, gardens, and the landscape illuminated in brilliant colors. You can find details for all of them in the 2018 Holiday Guide.

The District’s Holiday Boat Parade
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 5:30pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the holidays and see the beautifully decorated boats pass by. Get into the spirit as you decorate cookies and craft your own boat. Warm up by the big fire pit and visit the lighted Christmas Tree. Take the kids ice skating, and adults can sample winter drinks at our Waterfront Wine & Beer Garden. Bring the whole fam to meet Santa and make memories during this annual DC tradition!

Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights

Where: Alexandria City Marina | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 5:30pm
Admission: Free
Alexandria’s harbor will shine as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront for the 19th annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Enjoy festivities out on the dock 4-7pm, including a Letters to Santa postcard pop-up, a DIY holiday wood ornament craft activity from AR Workshop Alexandria, and a hot chocolate bar from Dolci Gelati. Parade-goers are invited to step into the Torpedo Factory Art Center, located at the Alexandria City Marina, for their annual holiday festivities from 2-8pm.

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
Where: Van Ness Main Street | Van Ness, DC
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
Head to this Holiday Pop-UP and enjoy shopping with local makers, Christmas tree sales from Olde City Farm and on Sunday, a gingerbread cookie decorating event with Bread Furst! Al children will receive one gingerbread cookie, freshly baked by Bread Furst, and a table full of decorative candies and icing. The best part? The kids take home the cookie to hang on the tree (or to eat:). They’ll have tables and about 12 chairs set-up for the kids, rotating spots about every 20 minutes (to give lots of kids a chance to decorate!). For kids 13 and under while supplies last.

More Holiday Happenings
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
There are so many more great activities running through the season to celebrate the holidays in DC. Watch model trains buzz around models of U.S. train stations at the U.S. Botanic Garden Season’s Greetings exhibit. See the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse. Enjoy Christmas on the Potomac at National Harbor. Deck the Halls at Tudor Place. Join the Frost Fest at Pentagon Row. If you hope to hit ‘em all, you better get on it! A few are highlighted below, but get the complete rundown on all the area’s holiday happenings, see the 2018 KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season.

Make Room for Latkes!
Where: Edlavitch DCJCC | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 10:30am – 12pm
Admission: $10/family in advance, $15 at door
Chanukah is coming and with it, eight nights of family fun! Join PJ Library, the Edlavitch DCJCC, the Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital, Federation’s Jewish Food Experience and the interfaith program, Love and Religion, for hands-on Chanukah activities including crafts, cooking, singing, candle lighting, latkes, a mitzvah (good deed) project and take-home goodies. It’s a perfect morning for Jewish and interfaith families with children ages 2 and older.

Come Light the National Menorah
Where: President’s Park | The National Ellipse, DC
When: Sunday, 4pm
Admission: Free, but you must request tickets
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, you can stay for latkes and donuts. Tickets are free, but you need to sign up for them through the website.

More Chanukah Events
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There are even more ways to celebrate the start of the Chanukah around the area. So if you want to spin the dreidle, enjoy crafts and snacks, and have a fun start to the Festival of Lights, check out the Chanukah section of the KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season in DC.

Chocolate Binge Festival
Where: Downtown Annapolis, MD
When: December 2, 12-5pm
Admission: $5
Everyone loves chocolate and Annapolis will be celebrating by filling West Street with local chocolatiers ready to help chocoholics get through the holiday season. Prepare your sweet tooth with an afternoon of chocolate decadence as over 20 local and regional chocolatiers vend their specialies, plus make s’mores at a bonfire in the street, and enjoy hot cocoa from the popo. The Festival will also feature family friendly entertainment, holiday shopping, and the lighting of West Street’s BGE Holiday Light Canopy.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* There’s a giveaway going on — you can win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see Elf the Musical at Olney Theatre!
* The Washington Post On Parenting blog has a nice article on raising generous children.
* Union Market will be open on Mondays in December! (That’s the one day of the week it’s usually closed.)
* Need a cocktail party convo starter? See this Instagram post by the National Zoo. 🙂
* A new season of one of the best TV shows (imo) begins this coming week, December 5!


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November 23, 2018 · 8:09 am

The Weekend Round-Up: November 23-25

‘Tis officially the season in DC!





Happy Weekend!

Season’s Greenings
Where: U.S. Botanic Garden | National Mall area, DC
When: Throughout 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, including a new botanical inspired National Museum of African American History & Culture. But the highlight, hands-down, is the garden railway, which never fails to impress and enchant with intricate, imaginative designs. This year’s Roadside Attractions-themed exhibit is as pretty and whimsical as it is impressive. Get a glimpse of it before you go in this new post!

Native American Heritage Day: Family Fun & Giving Thanks
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
This celebration of Native American Heritage Day features hands-on activities, “make-and-takes,” and music and interactive dance presentations. See the website for the day’s schedule. Most will take place in the Potomac Atrium, and the ImagiNATIONS activities center on the 3rd level is always fulls of interactive fun and learning for kids.

CANstruction
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Friday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $10/adult, $7/child, free/members
View the results of CANstruction, a creative design-build competition that benefits the Capital Area Food Bank as teams from DC architecture and design firms use their skills to build sculptures out of cans of food. You can vote for your favorite with the donation of a canned good. Museum hours are 10am – 5pm. PS: It’s “buy one get one free” admission for the day with the canned good donation! Of course, while you’re there, tour the rest of the exhibits, especially PLAY WORK BUILD for kids!

#OptOutside
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission:Varies by Locale
I love this initiative started by REI. Skip the 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, visit animals, or see what else there is to do al fresco in this post with tons of inspiration for fun in the sun. Be sure to bundle up — it’s going to be cooold.

Thankszipping
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $29-56
After all of that turkey, what’s better than a climb in the trees? Bring out-of-town relatives or just the fam to the Adventure Park for a day of navigating the ropes courses. There are 13 trails, 29 zip lines, 6 difficulty levels, and almost 200 challenge bridges — something for everyone! Thankszipping is officially Friday, but they’re open Saturday and Sunday, too. Read about one of our past experiences at the Adventure Park.

Light Up Old Town
Where: Market Square | Old Town Alexandria, VA
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.

Light Up Downtown DC
Where: CityCenterDC | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: Free
CityCenterDC will kick off the holiday season with an exciting evening of celebrations! You’ll be treated to a joyful music performance by The Washington Chorus and an official lighting ceremony and countdown emceed by NBC4’s Eun Yang. Families will be entertained with balloon artists, face painters, holiday activities, and more. Enjoy the dazzling 75 foot holiday tree, two resident 25-foot reindeer, and the return of our Palmer Alley overhead holiday display!

Night 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. The popular and free ZooLights begins this weekend (FYI: the DC Circulator is offering special weekend shuttle service to ZooLights from the Woodley Park Metro for just $1/ride! Several parks and gardens in the area have also transformed into a 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. Find out where to see the lights in the holiday guide.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Where: Mount Vernon Estate, VA
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: $25/age 12+, $17/ages 6-11, free/5 & under
Enjoy a festive evening at George Washington’s old digs. Take a guided, lantern-lit tour of the historic estate. Inside the Mansion, Martha Washington and other Mount Vernon residents will welcome you into their home and share stories of past Christmases. After the tour, there will be 18th-century dancing, just as the Washingtons might have done during the holidays. Enjoy cookies while sipping warm cider, listening to fireside caroling, and paying a visit to Aladdin the Christmas camel.

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.

Show Time
Where: Venues around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Get the holiday fun started with Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre
*Little ones can find out How to Catch a Star at the Kennedy Center
* See a fairytale come to life with Cinderella at Imagination Stage
* The Nutcracker opens at The Puppet Co., and Nutcracker Fantasy is the featured Tiny Tots show all weekend
* Spend Saturday morning with The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java
* Enjoy a performance of Billy Elliot: The Musical at Signature Theatre
* Anything Goes is on the Arena Stage
* Anastasia is enchanting audiences at the Kennedy Center

Sensory Friendly Screening
Where: Regal Rockville Center Stadium | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $6.50
Catch a Sensory-Friendly Screening of Ralph Breaks the Internet on Saturday morning. The newest My Way Matinee from Regal gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie once a month with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. Watch the trailer for the movie here.

Portrait Stories & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story and create art inspired by someone in the collection — this weekend features Chief Joseph. When you’re done there, pick up a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum (and the American Art Museum housed in the same building). For more about the program and gallery, see this post about a past experience and this one with scenes from a more recent visit.

Weekend Walk-In: Crazy Crown
Where: American Visionary At Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $5
Join the museum for this month’s Weekend Walk-in, a hands-on, drop-in, art-making workshop in the AVAM classroom! During this session, create a custom royal headpiece just for YOU using shiny tape, faux flowers & more — because everyone needs a crown. Supplies & boundless inspiration provided. Read more about the wonderful American Visionary Art Museum here.

Watch the Wizards
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 8pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Wizards are playing on home court on Saturday evening. See them work their magic on the New Orleans Pelicans. Plan on dinner in Penn Quarter before — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Camine’s, Oyamel, Shake Shack, and Pi Pizzeria.

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, it’s starting! Several productions of The Nutcracker will enchant audiences of all ages this weekend. Have some holiday fun at Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre or Elf the Musical at Olney Theatre. 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 2018 Guide to the Holiday Season.

More Holiday Happenings
Where: Around the DMV
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 2018 KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season in DC.

Downtown Holiday Market
Where: 8th & F Streets NW | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through December 23, 12-8pm
Admission: Free
This, to me, is the holiday market in DC, and it opens for the season on Friday. 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.

Get Your Skate On
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
It’s ice skating season, and just about all outdoor rinks (and indoor, too) around the area are welcoming folks to glide the day — and night — away! Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle the rink with costumed characters at Washington Harbor on Saturday morning or Rock n Skate at night; glide over the Anacostia at The Wharf; or do some holiday shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area.

Insider Info
Where: Around the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
If you’d prefer to spend the day indoors because of weather, or you just want more options for activities around town, this list has over 100 suggestions for things to do!

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* This New York Times article has good suggestions for helping victims of the California wildfires.
* Elena Ferrante’s novel, My Brilliant Friend, has been made into a series on HBO, and the first episode did not disappoint. (The rest is getting rave reviews, too!)
* Milk Bar makes the best birthday cake.
* Stitch Fix now serves kids! And would make a great gift idea for little fashionistas. (Disclosure: That’s my referral link.)
* Perhaps, like me, this will help with your reading list for 2019.

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November 15, 2018 · 8:16 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: November 16-18

Skate amid art at the National Gallery of Art Ice Rink!



Happy Weekend!

Ice It
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
With sunny skies and cool temps in the forecast, conditions this weekend should be perfect for outdoor ice skating. The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Canal Park, and Washington Harbor Ice Rinks are opening for the season, and most other local rinks are welcoming skaters to glide the day — and night — away. This post has details on all of them (and indoor venues, too), including bonus activities while you’re there. (UPDATE: The National Gallery of Art Ice Rink opening has been pushed back to Monday, November 19. The Canal Rink opening has also been postponed.)

Savor Autumn
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Don’t let a little snow have you thinking fall is over! There’s still some autumn left in the area, and there are a bunch of great ways to enjoy it. This post has 10 great recommendations for where to go (that aren’t farm festivals.)

Night Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Admission:
Brookside Garden’s annual Garden of Lights opens on Friday, and a few other seasonal light displays around the area — LightUp Fest Loudon, Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights, and Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point — are welcoming visitors to their twinkling wonderlands. Get details on all of them in the 2018 KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season in DC.

A Gem of an Event
Where: George Mason University | Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $6/adult, $3/ages 13-17, free/12 & under
Kids (and adults!) who like fossils, rocks, and/or gems are in for a treat. Northern Virginia’s 27th Annual Mineral, Gem, & Fossil show will have all that and then some. More than 20 dealers will be selling collectibles, plus there will be demonstrations, exhibits, door prizes & kids activities, including mini-mines and a fossil dig.

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 an Latin dancing groups, floats, giant characters and balloons, and over 120 units, the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the metro DC area. Held in downtown Silver Spring, the exciting parade 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.

Holiday Happenings
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
With so many ways to celebrate the holidays around the area, you may as well get started early, so you can enjoy all those you want. Shows and special events that embrace — and emit — holiday cheer have begun. Start your holiday shopping, attend a tree lighting, stroll or drive through a light display, visit Santa, and much, much more. The 2018 KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season in DC has ALL you need to help make the season merry and bright.

Tiny Tinkerers
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square DC
When: Saturday, 10:30-11:30am
Admission: $5/member, $10/non-member
Practice fine motor skills with your young learner as you twirl and whirl to fasten with screwdrivers. Toddlers and up explore different types of screwdrivers, learn about tool safety, and listen to a story to help build literacy and language skills. Adults do not need separate ticket.

Flight Festival
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 12-4
Admission: $24.94/adult, $18.95/age 3-12
Let imaginations soar at the Maryland Science Center during Flight Fest! Get up close with airplanes and birds and learn about the science of aerodynamics and wings. Participate in aeronautic challenges and test out your own flying contraptions. Enjoy all of the ongoing exhibits and offerings while you’re there — museum hours are 10am – 6pm. Read more about the Maryland Science Center in this KFDC post.

Park Grand Opening
Where: Swampdoodle Park | NoMa, DC
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Join DC Councilmember Charles Allen, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, the DC Department of General Services, the NoMa Parks Foundation, and the Friends of NoMa Dogs for the grand opening of Swampoodle Park. Festivities will include the official ribbon-cutting, an inaugural playground climb, a dog park procession, and fun swag. Everyone is welcome!

Nibble + Squeak
Where: Maketto | H Street NE, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: $58
DC area parents and their pipsqueaks are meeting up to chow down at Maketto, Erik Bruner-Yang & Will Sharp’s super-cool Restaurant/Retail/Cafe featuring their interpretation of Cambodian and Taiwanese cuisines. FYI: Adult tickets include alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, and all taxes, gratuities etc. Infants are free, but RSVP by selecting Infant Supplement. A child menu is available as a $15 supplement too.

Holidays on the Stage
Where: Theatres around the DMV
When: Througout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
If you’re looking for holiday-inspired entertainment to get into the spirit, it’s starting! Have some holiday fun with Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre. Go Jingle ARRGH the Way! with Encore Stage & Studio. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up in the 2018 Holiday Guide.

Sensory Friendly Screening
Where: Regal Rockville Center Stadium | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $6.50
Catch a Sensory-Friendly Screening of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald on Saturday morning. The newest My Way Matinee from Regal gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie once a month with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. Watch the trailer for the movie here.

Hopi Tribal Festival
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Festivals at this museum always include interesting hands-on activities and great entertainment, and this one will follow suit! Since time immemorial the Hopi people have lived in Hopitutskwa, knowledge and respect for the earth, and they continue to maintain a sacred covenant with Maasaw, its ancient caretaker, to live as peaceful and humble farmers. Over the centuries Hopi endures as a tribe, retaining its culture, language, and religion despite influences from the outside world. During their festival, the Hopi people will share artist demonstrations, history presentations, and performances of music and dance.

Fall Festival
Where: Right Proper | Brookland, DC
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: $5/adult or $10/family
Join the brewery for a family-friendly festival of fall fun! There will be carnival games, a DIY candy apple station, bounce house, and more. The cheese counter at Right Proper Shaw will be on site with some delicious eats, and they’ll be serving up fresh apple cider from Distillery Lane Ciderworks! Admission gets you unlimited access to all games, the bounce house, and the DIY candy apple station!

Rock (Creek) It
Where: Rock Creek Park | Northwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The urban oasis of nature is full of opportunities for family recreation. Visit the Nature Center, see a Planetarium Show, and stop by the stables at the Horse Center all in one outing. Take a hike through and savor what’s left of fall color. Check out Peirce Mill and enjoy a special program. See what other activities are on the calendar here.

Show Time
Where: Venues around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Get the holiday fun started with Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre
* Reserve free tickets for Traveling Lantern’s Sherlock, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance
* Take kids to see The Hollow Stump at the Atlas Performing Arts Center
* See a fairytale come to life with Cinderella at Imagination Stage
* BlackRock Center for the Arts presents the Wizard of Oz on Sunday
* Spend Saturday morning with The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java
* Enjoy a performance of Billy Elliot: The Musical at Signature Theatre
* Start enjoying holiday entertainment with Elf the Musical at Olney Theatre
* Anything Goes is on the Arena Stage
* The Wheaton Family Theatre Series presents Jack and the Beanstalk at Highland Elementary School in Wheaton, MD on Saturday
* This weekend is the last chance to see Beetlejuice at National Theatre
* Anastasia is enchanting audiences at the Kennedy Center
* Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra, a professional unconducted orchestra in DC, is performing on Sunday at St. John’s Church at Lafayette Square — families welcome!

Feel the Pulse
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
This new exhibit that just opened at the Hirhhorn will capture your heart, kind of literally. It’s comprised of three large-scale installations that use heart rate sensors to produce audiovisual experiences from visitors’ own biometric data. It’s beautiful, thought provoking, and unlike any exhibit I’ve experienced before. With interactive elements, cool visuals, and an interesting combination of science and art, kids and adults alike will be wowed. While you’re there, enjoy the museum’s Check It Out Library+Art Pop-Up and DRAW sketch sessions on Saturday, and Story Time on Sunday.

Fall Harvest Celebration
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 1:30pm
Admission: Free
Join the museum’s Urban Waterways team and gardening expert Derek Thomas to harvest vegetables in the garden while learning how to plant winter cover crops. The harvest will be followed by a family style meal and celebration. The workshop will conclude with a fall vegetable produce giveaway, prizes, and recipe exchange. Dress casually, and bring a pair of gardening gloves (not required) and your favorite Thanksgiving recipe to share! Sign up in advance for this event!

Model Trains and Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted)
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. It’s a great family fun and activity for the young and young at heart. The Station is at 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna, VA along the W&OD trail just past the Caboose.

Fall Bazaar
Where: Washington Waldorf School | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday,
Admission: Free
For 49 years, the Washington Waldorf School has been offering one of the highest quality bazaars in the DC area. The Bazaar has unique crafts and activities for children of all ages, including woodcraft, felt craft, candle making, plus and many fun games. They welcome 30 local artisans and offer an array of beautiful handcrafted items made by parents. There will also be live entertainment, coffee, delicious baked goods to munch on while you shop, and a delicious organic lunch for you to sit and enjoy. Entrance is free, but activities require tickets to be purchased. 

Menorah Workshop
Where: Home Depot | Northeast DC
When: Sunday, 2:30-4:30pm
Admission: Free
Get into the Chanukah spirit at a Menorah Workshop building with American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad) . Kids can build and paint their very own Menorah at the Home Depot in Northeast DC. There will also be dreidel fun and gelt (chocolate coins). Space is limited so be sure to sign up in advance! RSVP to shana@jewishwashington.com.

Canstruction
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
It’s the kick-off of Canstruction, a nationwide program that aims to raise awareness about hunger through a design-build competition that benefits the Capital Area Food Bank with donations of canned goods. Teams from architecture and design firms from DC use their skills to build sculptures out of cans of food. You can watch them at work in the Great Hall (and plan to check out some exhibits, too — admission fee for that.) The nutritious shelf-stable food is donated to the Capital Area Food Bank for distribution to those in need after the event.

Kidz Graffiti Party
Where: Art Jamz | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Sunday, 12:30-2:30pm
Admission: $10
Get messy like a street artist at our Art Jamz! Children of all ages are invited to paint their very own master pieces on the ArtJamz walls.The lounge will be open for accompanying parents, and they’ll be playing jamming tunes to inspire all the little artists. Afterwards, families can purchase additional studio time and canvas and let your visions come to life off the wall!

Park It in Fairfax
Where: Parks in Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Take littles for a history lesson at Go on a Family Owl Outing at Huntley Meadows. Ride the Turkey Train at Lake Fairfax. Take a sunset cruise at Burke Lake. Details and registration links for these and more activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

Cool Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It might be cooling down, but the weather will still be good for getting out, so take advantage with some time on the trail. Peep the autumn leaves, 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 good walks in the woods with the kids.

The Nutcracker and the Four
Where: Theaters around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by theater
Start getting the kids excited for the season with holiday movie! The Nutcraker and the Four is a great film for kids, a re-imagining of the classic story that is usually presented through ballet. And while there are some ballet scenes (with Misty Copeland!), most of the film follows Clara on a wondrous adventure in magical world.

Fall isn’t over yet – get out and savor it while you can!



***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Shutterfly is still offering 50% off Holiday Cards and Stationery through November 18 with the code SPECTACULAR at check out.
* Small Business Saturday is on November 24, and local shops in Georgetown and Capitol Hill are offering special promos to celebrate.
* This is something inspired by our fossil hunting excursions!
* These comments from Cup of Jo readers about parenting are really great — some had me LOL-ing, others in tears.
* Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill recently opened in Georgetown with delicious food, great service, and a family-friendly vibe, to boot!

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November 8, 2018 · 6:06 pm

The Weekend Round-Up:
November 10-11

The trees may be little, but the bonsai exhibit at the Arboretum is hugely impressive!




Happy Weekend!

New To You Sale
Where: Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten | Reston, VA
When: Saturday, 7:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Stock up for the kids at the biggest children’s yard sale in Reston! There will be thousands of items for babies & children available at unbeatable low prices, including high chairs, clothes from newborn up to size 10, bikes, strollers, kitchen sets, doll houses, trains, toys for all ages, children’s furniture, books, DVDs, and much more. Families in the Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten community donate a wide variety of gently used items, you don’t want to miss out! All remaining items will be 50% off from 12-1pm. Cash, credit cards and checks all accepted.

Family Day: I Can See My House From Here!
Where: GWU Museum & Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Washington looks quite grand, especially from above. Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities designed to help you see DC from a bird’s eye perspective. Contribute to a three-dimensional map by building the city’s houses, schools, national monuments, and more from recycled materials. Practice your drawing skills in special workshops with local artist and historian Peter Waddell—and don’t leave without seeing Waddell’s finished bird’s eye view paintings of Washington, DC, in Eye of the Bird: Visions and Views of D.C.’s Past.
Workshops begin at 11am and 1pm. This is a great opportunity to bring kiddos to the museum that is usually a bit sophisticated for young children.

Autumn Bonsai
Where: U.S. National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Through Monday
Admission: Free
Take your little people to see the little trees in their brilliant autumnal colors before the leaves fall away to reveal bare winter silhouettes. See red maples, yellow ginkgos, fruited trees, and more in the Museum’s permanent collection pavilions — it’s a fantastic exhibition. Be sure to tour the big trees around the rest of the National Arb while you’re there, too – it’s easily one of the best places in the city to do some leaf peeping, and it’s stunning right now! Get a glimpse in these scenes from our visit there last weekend.

Volunteer for Nature
Where: Kingman Island |
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
How about a great volunteer event that is easy for little helping hands? Help Living Classrooms promote biodiveristy and a healthy ecosystem by seeding the meadows on Kingman Island. The activity is suitable for all ages and is a wonderful way to connect with the community and environment! 

Story Time with the Author
Where: Solid State Books | H Street NE, DC
Where: Sunday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Join author Raakhee Mirchandani in the store’s adorable children’s section as she reads her book Super Satya Saves the Day, which introduces a precocious Indian-American heroine who faces her fears. (And FYI: The store hosts story time every Thursday, Saturday, Sunday morning at 10:30am, led by either local children’s performer Bearsong, a visiting or local author, or Solid State staff.)

Holiday Season Kick Off
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Saturday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Get the holiday season started at National Harbor with a full day of fun, topped off by their annual tree lighting. Spend the afternoon with Santa at the Carousel and Capital Wheel. Catch a screening of Frosty’s Winter Wonderland. The tree lighting ceremony starts at 5:30pm — followed by fireworks!

Show Time
Where: Venues around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Prepare to be bow-wowed at Mutts Gone Nuts, at Hylton Performing Arts Center on Sunday
* KAT Second Stage presents Mary Poppins, Jr. at BlackRock Center for the Arts
* See a fairytale come to life with Cinderella at Imagination Stage
* Hansel & Gretel is the Main Stage production at The Puppet Co.
* Little ones will love Old MacDonald’s Farm, this week’s featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theatre
* Enjoy a performance of Billy Elliot: The Musical at Signature Theatre
* Start enjoying holiday entertainment with Elf the Musical at Olney Theatre
* Anything Goes is on the Arena Stage
* Beetlejuiceis running at National Theatre
* Anastasia is enchanting audiences at the Kennedy Center

Creole for Kidz
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 1pm
Admission: $12-15
Bring the whole family to this groundbreaking, innovative, high quality, multicultural, performing arts program! Creole for Kidz and History of Zydeco offers a rare glimpse into the unique and complex Creole culture and zydeco music in a dynamic and fun show.

Trash to Treasure Green Craft Fair
Where: Watkins Nature Center | Upper Marlboro, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Do some eco-friendly shopping while the kids have fun at this special event featuring vendors selling items made from recycled, organic, or sustainable materials. Along with local artists selling their handmade wares, there will crafts for kids and food for sale. Of course, plan to stay and play at Watkins — read about all there is to do there!

Air Force One Experience
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Through early January
Admission: $20/adult, $10/child
Want to check out a Presidential plane? After days of being hauled by barge from Rhode Island down the Atlantic Ocean, up the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, the Air Force One Experience is now open for visitors at National Harbor. The craft is actually a Boeing 747 — a former Pan Am plane and then a cargo plane — that has been transformed into a replica of the president’s aircraft. And it will be open to the public for tours at least through until the new year. The above admission prices are the special opening rate, but tickets are regularly $30-35/adult, $15/child.

Catharsis on the Mall
Where: 15th & Constitution NW | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Calling kids and kids-at-heart! Head to the National Mall to join Catharsis on the Mall: A Vigil for Healing. The local expression of Burning Man seeks to promote principles of radical inclusion, participation, self-reliance, self-expression, and activism through art/play/creativity and care for community and the environment. The free lineup of events is appropriate for all ages and will include tutu making, face painting, and hula hooping, a sing-along, community yoga, dancing, fire spinning, and more!

Christmas Bazaar & Thrift Shop
Where: St. Jane de Chantal | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Shop “local” with more than 35 vendors at this 13th Annual Christmas Bazaar. Huge thrift shop, bake sale, and raffles, plus free pictures with Santa! This is sponsored by HSA for benefit of St. Jane de Chantal School located at 9525 Old Georgetown Rd.

Family Workshop: Luminous Lights in the Arab World
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm & 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Visit the exhibition Engaging the Senses with teaching artist Ebtisam Abdulaziz and learn about the beautiful patterns and designs on Arab glasswork. Then, return to the studio to collaborate with family and friends on decorating your own glass lamps. For ages 6-12 and adult companions.

Story Time
Where: Dumbarton Oaks | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Saturday, November 10, 2pm. Meet Tomie dePaola.
Award-winning author and illustrator Tomie dePaola will offer a reading of his celebrated children’s book The Clown of God, followed by a Q&A session moderated by Jewell Stoddard, children’s literature expert and retired Director of Children’s Services for Politics and Prose Bookstore. (FYI: This event will be preceded by a children’s program of Tomie dePaola books at the DC Public Library Georgetown Branch.)

Tree Lighting Celebration & Street Party
Where: Downtown Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 6-9pm
Admission: Free
The annual event in Downtown Silver Spring always includes the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind holiday tree on the Fountain Plaza. And this year’s tree, the “CommUNITY Tree,” is no exception! Embraces diversity and unity through visual harmony, four artists have come together to create an illuminated mural with images of a diverse congregation of people ringing the bottom half as prismatic energy organically flows from them and dances towards a mobile color sculpture at the top. Other fun festivities of the evening will include live entertainment, bites and drinks, art stations, games, and more!

Wood Stove Design Challenge
Where: 1160 Jefferson Drive SW | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The Wood Stove Design Challenge, an international competition to showcase innovative and clean-burning wood stoves, is running through November 13. The goal is to demonstrate how improved designs including sensors and computer controls can make wood stoves cleaner and more efficient. One portion of the competition will focus on how electricity can be produced from wood and pellet stoves and be paired with rooftop solar and other renewable technologies.

Observe Veterans Day at memorials on the Mall and other iconic places around the area

Tour the Memorials
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Observe Veterans Day by visiting the sites that honor those who have served. Make the rounds on the Mall at your leisure or attend a special ceremony — one will take place at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1pm, and the World War II Memorial and the Korean War Memorial are easy walks from there.

National Veterans Day Ceremony
Where: Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, VA
When: Sunday, 11am
Admission: Free
The National Veterans Day Ceremony begins at 11am with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. A prelude by the United States Air Force Band starts in the amphitheater at 10:30am. Free and open to the public, attendees are encouraged to get there by 9:30am. Read more about Arlington National Cemetery in this post about a KFDC experience there.

Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans
Where: Mount Vernon Estate | Mount Vernon, VA
When: Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free/military; $18/adult, $9/child, free/under 5
Special activities at George Washington’s former estate include a wreath laying ceremony, a concert by the Harmony Heritage Singers or the United States Air Force Strings before greeting General and Lady Washington. Throughout the day, write a thank you letter to an active duty service member in the Vaughan Lobby. Honored guests are also invited to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb. (Above admission fees are for online; prices are slightly higher on site.)

Free Parking
Where: National Parks around the DMV (and nation)
When: Sunday
Admission: FREE
It’s the last fee free day of the year for national parks, which means there’s no entrance fee where they usually charge to get in. Take advantage of complimentary admission and hit the trail at Shenandoah or Great Falls, take a ride on Skyline Drive to see the mountains covered in autumn colors, visit Harpers Ferry, or see the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner at Fort McHenry.

Drop-In Art Making
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Visit to the art museum to create some of your own works! Drop-in art making is a great way to try your hand at art making in an informal, relaxed environment. All ages and abilities are welcome to the Education Studio on the concourse level to experiment with different art materials and techniques. This will also take place on November 12, 22, and 25.

Concerto on the River
Where: Kingman & Heritage Islands |
When: Sunday, 1-2pm
Admission: Free
Concerto on the River is a live classical music performance along the bridge between Kingman Island and Heritage Island over DC’s Anacostia River. The musicians will perform separately from one another with varying distances between them, pushing sonic boundaries and physically opening space for the audience to freely move around and in between the musicians.  This is a live classical music concerto and families are welcome to come and enjoy music in nature!

Kids Cooking Class Brunch
Where: Ser Restaurant | Ballston, VA
When: Sunday, 12:30pm
Admission: Free with the cost of brunch
At Ser Restaurant, the Sunday brunch includes a complimentary cooking class every for the kids! Little sous chefs can learn the tricks of the trade straight from the chefs! (FYI: They also offer cooking parties for kids and adults!)

Skaters Gonna Skate
Where: Local ice skating rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Want to glide under the sky? Many outdoor ice skating rinks are welcoming guests to skate the day away. This post has details on all of them (and indoor venues, too), including bonus activities while you’re there.

The EmporiYum
Where: Union Market Dock 5 | Northeast, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $15
Meet, eat, and shop at this pop-up market and celebration of everything delicious. Over 90 artisans, producers, chefs, and restaurants will showcase their wares, works, and culinary creations. It’s a chance to meet the people behind the brands, taste and learn about their products, and shop for unique edible gifts.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* ‘Tis the season to start planning for the holidays! The just-posted 2018 KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season in DC has info and inspiration galore to help you prep for it all.
* Ordering holiday cards? You can get 50% off Shutterflythrough November 11.
* There’s a new giveaway for a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre!
* I have 25 “Admit 2” passes up for grabs for an advanced screening of Second Act, a feel good comedy starring Jennifer Lopez coming to theaters in December, on November 12 at 7pm at the Regal Majestic in Silver Spring. (Follow the link to get ’em.)
* If you’re looking for ways to give back during the holiday season, the round-up of Volunteer Opportunities in the DC Area Where Kids Can Help Out, Too has some suggestions.
* You can order a very delicious Thanksgiving Dinner from the Mitsitam Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian. (Yes, I’ve tried it…lots of it!) This is one of many, many suggestions in Kid Up & Go’s amazing list of places to get Thanksgiving to-go options around the area.
* If you haven’t yet seen the documentary RBG, it’s available to rent on Amazon Prime. Send her some healing vibes as you view it!

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