Enjoying the season at Huntley Meadows Park
Happy Weekend!
Enchant
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $20-34/adult, $17-27/age 14-17, $15-25/age 4-13
This highly anticipated 90,000 square foot Christmas Light Maze opens on Friday and will run through the holiday season. There’s an adventure to it: As you explore the illuminated wonderland, you’ll help Santa find his reindeer before Christmas Eve. Held at Nationals Park, Enchant Christmas will also feature an ice skating trail, live entertainment, food and drink, a Christmas market and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Look for a discount on admission here.
Becoming Jane
Where: National Geographic Museum | Downtown DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15/adult, $12/seniors & students, free/5 & under
This exhibit about Dr. Jane Goodall that I first mentioned last month opens on Friday and will run through the summer. In this hands-on, transportive multimedia exhibition celebrating her extraordinary life and work, you’ll explore her early years through iconic images and a multiscreen experience and venture on a 3D exploration of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, where she did her famous behavioral research on chimps. You’ll also see a life-size hologram of Dr. Goodall, enter a replica of her research tent, and learn about her current role as a leader in community-centered conservation and youth empowerment. And before you leave, you will find out what you can do today to make a positive impact in the world.
Downtown Holiday Market
Where: 8th & F Streets NW | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through December 23, 12-8pm
Admission: Free
To me, this 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 the backdrop to the market.
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.
Autumn Adventures
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Fall is still bringing splendid colors and crisp, cool weather, so get out and enjoy it while you can! There are a bunch of great ways to do just that around the area. This post has 10 awesome recommendations for where to go.
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.
Sensory Friendly Screening: Frozen II
Where: Regal Rockville Center Stadium | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $6.50
Catch a Sensory-Friendly Screening of Frozen II 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.
Open Studio: Make Your Own Japanese Scroll
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Join the Museum of Asian Art for the opening weekend of Hokusai: Mad about Painting with free family-friendly activities. Drop-in anytime to learn the basics of painting on a scroll. A teaching artist then helps you to make your own colorful scroll. Follow a scavenger hunt to explore artworks large and small by Hokusai. All ages are welcome with adult companions.
Fall Bazaar
Where: Washington Waldorf School | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
For 50 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 many 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. All are welcome!
Boolean Girl Workshop
Where: Ritz-Carlton | Pentagon City, VA
When: Saturday, 3-6pm
Admission: $20/student
Is your daughter aged 8-13 interested in STEM, or maybe you’re looking to inspire them? Then sign them up for this coding and electronics workshop. It’s hosted by Boolean Girl, an Arlington-based nonprofit whose mission is bringing diversity to tech by teaching girls, non-binary individuals, and under-represented groups to code and build electronics. Along with hands-on learning (and fun), participants will have the opportunity to meet female role models working in the tech and engineering industries. An adult is required to stay with the child in attendance.
The Enchanted Forest
Where: Sheraton Hotel | Pentagon City, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $15/child, $10/adult
The Junior League of Northern Virginia’s annual Enchanted Forest returns! Stroll through the whimsical forest of theme decorated trees available for silent auction, while enjoying live entertainment, holiday crafts, breakfast and photos with Santa, Holiday tea, plus a cocktail reception and dancing.
More 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, stroll or drive through a light display, visit Santa, and much, much more. The 2019 KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season in DC has ALL you need to help make the season merry and bright.
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 Sitting Bull. 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 another visit.
Watch the Wizards
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday & Sunday, 8pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Wizards are playing on home court on Friday and Sunday evenings. See them work their magic on the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings. Plan on dinner in Penn Quarter before or after — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Camine’s, Oyamel, Shake Shack, and Pi Pizzeria.
Family Look-In: The Magic Flute
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Tickets: $15-50
In this introduction to opera designed for children and families, audience members will experience excerpts from The Magic Flute along with insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects such as lighting, scene changes, costuming, and more that go into creating stage magic. A whimsical production designed by children’s author/illustrator Maurice Sendak sets a playful landscape for this enchanting fairy tale. Join handsome prince Tamino and his silly sidekick Papageno as they set out on a fantastic journey to rescue the kidnapped Pamina in this special opera exploration. Recommended for ages 5+.
More Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical) opens at the Kennedy Center this weekend
* Reserve free tickets for Pinot and Augustine, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National show
* Enjoy NSO Music for Young Audiences: Peter and Friends at the Kennedy Center
* Let Newsies entertain you at Arena Stage (find discount tix)
* See Singin’ in the Rain at Olney Theatre
* Little theatre-goers will love Inside Out at Imagination Stage
* The Great Zucchinin is performing at Jammin Java on Saturday morning
* Source Theatre’s Little Shop of Horrors is recommended for tweens and up.
* Enjoy a performance of Amadeus at The Folger
* Make it a date night for John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons at National Theatre
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! A production of The Nutcracker will enchant audiences of all ages this weekend. Enjoy a classic with The Velveteen Rabbit at Adventure Theatre or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at Imagination Stage. 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 2019 Guide to the Holiday Season.
Superhero Family Yoga
Where: Yoga District | Bloomingdale, DC
When: Sunday, 3pm
Admission: $22.69
Join yoga teacher and mom, Ari through a fun filled 45- minute yoga class with your child/children! The class is appropriate for children ages 4 and up and will include all levels of vinyasa poses, opportunities for partner yoga, and a relaxing savasana meditation at the end. All children must attend with at least one parent or guardian. Adults pay at the workshop rate and children may attend for free with at least one accompanying caregiver. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class begins. Save your spot here and watch the video here to learn more about the family yoga practice.
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 at Washington Harbor; meander the frozen path at Canal Park; 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***
* Immigrant Food sounds pretty great.
* Which candidate agrees with you most?
* In case you need something to feed your ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>wanderlust.
* Who says you have to leave the city to go camping?
* The latest KFDC giveaway offers a chance to win admission to the Merriweather Symphony of Lights!
* Levi and the kids just got me this for my birthday, and it is AH-mazing!
