Holiday fun is starting at Christmas on the Potomac
Get into the holiday spirit, rock it at a gem and fossil show, go ice skating, get outdoors, enjoy a stage production… these are just some of the ways you can enjoy the weekend with the kids. And for even more ideas, check out the huge list of Everyday Play. Happy Weekend!
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Where: Silver Plaza, Downtown Silver Spring
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Turkey Day celebrations are starting early in Downtown Silver Spring. The line-up of over 100 parade units features a giant inflatable turkey, penguin and dinosaur; colorful dancing groups; glittering floats; marching bands; clowns; performing animals; and, of course, an appearance from Santa at the end. Don’t miss a fun family photo op: Right next to the ice rink, you can take a pic with a Frozen inflatable Elsa, a 10-foot tall turkey, or with Hanukkah or Christmas décor.
A Gem of an Event
Where: George Mason University
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $6/adult, $3/ages 13-17, free for 12 and under
Kids (and adults!) who like fossils, rocks, and/or gems are in for a treat. Northern Virginia’s 25th 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.
The Enchanted Forest
Where: Westin Tysons Corner
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: $15 (some activities are extra)
The Junior League of Northern Virginia’s annual holiday event returns. Stroll through the whimsical forest of theme decorated trees available for silent auction, while enjoying live entertainment, hands on cooking demonstrations, Kids in the Holiday Kitchen activities, a visit from Santa, a model train display by Capital Trackers, kids crafts, gifts for purchase, premium events for adults and kids, and much more. Proceeds benefit the JLNV’s community initiatives through the Kids in the Kitchen programming.
Christmas on the Potomac
Where: National Harbor
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Gaylord National Resort’s annual holiday extravaganza has festivities galore that capture the spirit of the season. And the best part is that there are activities for all ages at varying price points (even free!), from dancing fountains and indoor snowfalls to a tour of Christmas Around the World-themed ice sculptures. Get an idea of what to expect from this post about our experience there last year.
More Holiday Cheer
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
Shows and special events that embrace — and emit — the holiday spirit are beginning around the area. Attend a tree lighting, start your holiday shopping, stroll through Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights, visit Santa’s HQ at Tyson’s, catch A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre, and much more. The 2016 KFDC Guide to the Best of the Holidays in DC has ALL you need to help make the season bright.
A Spin on the Carousel
Where: Arena Stage
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Tickets start at $64
The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, Carousel, recently opened at Arena Stage, and it is wonderful! Owen and I saw the musical last week, and we were both completely captivated and moved by the show. Beautiful performances by the talented cast, a simple yet lovely theatre-in-the-round-setting, and a story that is emotional and hopeful make for a an excellent theatre experience. I recommend it for ages 10 and up (or a date night). Watch the stars perform on local news here.
Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Reserve free tickets for Rainbow Puppets’ The Really Big Dinosaur Show this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance
*Get in on The Secret Garden presented by Shakespeare Theatre Company at Sydney Harman Hall
* Disney’s Beauty and the Beast opens at Imagination Stage on Saturday
* And little ones will love Aquarium at the Bethesda Theatre
* See Where Words Once Were is at the Kennedy Center (look for discount tickets)
* The Olney Theatre presents Mary Poppins
* Catch a one-time performance of Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters-An African Tale at Alden Theatre
* Mark Jaster: Piccolo’s Trunk is a mime show that will delight children
* You’ll want some more of Oliver Twist at Creative Cauldron
* Enjoy a celebration of religious unity through the arts at the 37th Annual Interfaith Concert on Sunday
Skaters Gonna Skate
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Glide the day away as several area outdoor ice rinks start welcoming skaters for the season. Meander your way around Canal Park Ice Rink. Skate in Georgetown at the Washington Harbour. Do some shopping and snacking along with your skating at Pentagon Row in Arlington. Practice your axles and triple lutzes at Reston Town Center. Or get started on holidays gifts after a skating session at Tysons Corner Ice Rink. This post published last year has been updated to reflect this season’s skating details.
Go Whole Hog!
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $3/adults, $2/ages 3-12
With the first cold weeks of late fall comes the traditional season of preserving meats for the coming year. Join the Claude Moore Farm Family as they utilize historic methods for curing, salting, and smoking the mainstay of their diet — pork. You can also take part in helping with other farm tasks that involve the use of hog byproducts, such as rendering lard, dipping candles, and making soap. An educational and fun activity for families and small groups!
Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: $17.50/ages 10-17, $19.50/18 and up
Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt for kids 10 & up! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. Wizards and muggles alike can play and enjoy this hunt. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. It’s a great way to discover—or rediscover—the museum. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together, but all-adult teams will be allowed to compete separately. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Advance purchase is required.
CityJews PopUp: Havdalah
Where: Stead Park
When: Saturday, November 19, 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Celebrate the end of Shabbat with an outdoor, sensory Havdalah experience with PJ Library and our partners. Together you’ll play, snack, read, do crafts, and enjoy a delightful Havdalah ceremony to welcome the new week. This free program is particularly good for interfaith families. Stead Park is located at 1625 P Street NW.
Tykesgiving
Where: Blue Duck Tavern
When: Sunday, 5:30pm
Admission: $150/child & adult
The successful fine dining club for parents and pipsqueaks, Nibble+squeak, will be hosting its first annual DC “Tykesgiving” event at newly Michelin starred Blue Duck Tavern on Sunday, November 20th. The special pre-Thanksgiving dinner will take over the restaurant’s esteemed Chef’s Table just for infants, toddlers, children and their extended families. Ticket price includes the three-course meal for both adult and child, kid beverages, adult beverages (up to 2 glasses of wine!), gratuity, and tax.
Cool Hikes
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It’s might be cooling down a bit, but the weather should still be superb, so take advantage with some time on the trail. Peep the last of 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.
To Market, To Market
Where: Eastern Market
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Whether you want to get your holiday shopping started or just browse around and enjoy the nice vibe, this outdoor flea market on Capitol Hill, is a great place to hang on the weekend. Vendors sell everything from original artwork to fun T-shirts, handmade jewelry to funky accessories, home décor to furniture – and much, much more. Buy fresh produce from farmers’ stalls outside and butchered meats, fancy cheeses, baked goods, pasta, fresh produce, and more inside the actual Eastern Market. Even more, there is often live music courtesy of buskers around the area, and if the kids want some play time afterwards, you can hit one of several parks or playgrounds in the neighborhood (Lincoln Park, at 11th and East Capitol, is the largest and most popular among them).
