Winter Holiday Activities in DC for Kids and Families

1. See The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre

There are a variety of great Nutcracker performances in the DC area, as you'll see on our list of The Nutcracker ballet and other holiday shows for kids near DC. But there's nothing like the Washington Ballet's historic adaptation of the show, set in 1882 Georgetown with characters that include George Washington, Harriet Tubman, and more. It's truly magical!

2. Look at Christmas Lights

The DC area dazzles at Christmastime, and there are some breathtaking holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows to check out. Or, keep it simple and head to some of our favorite neighborhood Christmas light displays near DC.

3. Experience Christmas at Gaylord National Resort

Nowhere in the DC area has more Christmas in one place than Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor, which is why my family goes nearly every year. From ICE! to storytime with Mrs. Claus to ice tubing down Snow Flow Mountain, there is so much to do there. Read all about it in my Christmas at Gaylord National post. 

4. Celebrate the Season at Nationals Park

Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park is new this year—it's different than the Enchant event from years past, and tons of fun! There are loads of family-friendly activities on the field, including a tubing slide, curling lanes, putt-putt, a Northern Lights experience, LED seesaws, snowball speed-throw challenges, a sculpture trail, and more. Visit before it closes on December 30, 2025!

5. Check Out the Train and Dinosaur Display at the US Botanic Garden

Season's Greenings at the US Botanic Garden is one of DC's most beloved holiday events, and this year it's even cooler—there's a dinosaur theme! Visitors can see dino-shaped plants in addition to the model trains and other holiday decor. And the best part is, it's FREE!

6. See Arlington National Ceremony at Christmastime

Arlington National Cemetery is a sight to behold in the days before Christmas, with wreaths resting against rows and rows of white headstones. Our guide to visiting Arlington National Cemetery with kids will tell you everything you need to know before you go.

7. Celebrate New Year's Eve

Let's face it—midnight may be past the whole family's bedtime, not just the kids! Luckily, there are plenty of fun Noon Year's Eve events throughout the DC area. Try the Noon Year's Eve parties at the B&O Railroad Museum or Shipgarten, for two. Got older kids who can hang? First Night Alexandria is always a good time!

There are so many ways to celebrate MLK Day in the DC area. Photo courtesy of the Arlington National Cemetery Tour

Best Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids in DC

8. Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

What better time to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial than on MLK Day itself on January 19, 2026? The memorial to the civil rights icon is near the National Mall. Families can also join the MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade or participate in the MLK Day of Service.

9. Go Ice Skating on the Georgetown Waterfront

Ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities, and there are plenty of places to skate in the DC area—just see our list of outdoor ice skating rinks. I really like the Washington Harbour Ice Rink for families because it offers scenic river views, twinkling snowflakes at night, and penguin skate aids for beginner skaters.

10. Visit Mount Vernon

Whatever the weather, a visit to Mount Vernon is always worthwhile. What better time than on Presidents Day or on George Washington's birthday, when admission is FREE? Get tickets for a mansion tour so your family can warm up indoors for a bit. And look at our handy guide to visiting Mount Vernon with kids.

11. Go Snow Tubing

Take a day or overnight trip to one of these great places to go snow tubing near DC and participate in one of the most classic winter activities there is. Don't forget hats and gloves!

Sailing Through The Winter Solstice is dazzling—and free!

12. See Lighted Sailboats

Carroll Creek Park in Frederick, Maryland comes alive with individually designed lighted sailboats every day through March 14, 2026 as part of the FREE Sailing Through the Winter Solstice event. Vote on your favorite boat and make a donation to support local non-profit organizations.

13. Explore the US National Arboretum

Winter is a gorgeous time to visit the 446-acre US National Arboretum. Many shrubs have berries or blossoms that visitors won't see in other seasons, and evergreen trees such as pine, cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees abound. Be sure to stop by the on-site Washington Youth Garden! Admission and parking are free.

14. See DC's Famous Monuments and Memorials

With thinner crowds, winter can be a great time to visit DC's National Mall and Memorial Parks. Bundle up and check a bunch of the monuments and memorials off your list. Hint: Climbing or jogging the steps at the Lincoln Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial can warm you up quickly!

15. Celebrate Lunar New Year

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade on February 22, 2026! The high-energy parade includes traditional lion and dragon dances, live music and marching bands, Kung Fu demonstrations, and more, culminating in a dazzling firecracker finale in the middle of H Street.

Indoor Things To Do in DC This Winter for Kids and Families

16. Visit the National Building Museum

This winter is a fantastic time to visit the National Building Museum, one of our favorite museums for kids in the DC area. The Winter Skate Spectacular takes place December 27, 2025 - February 28, 2026. Guests can ice skate on an indoor synthetic ice rink, and there are special skating times for young kids. Brick City, an exhibit featuring spectacular architecture made out of LEGO bricks, is also still happening!

17. Explore Mexican Culture at the National Children's Museum

Haven't visited the National Children's Museum yet? This winter is the perfect time—the Placita Mágica exhibit is open through February 28, 2026. The immersive plaza includes decorations, architecture, and cityscape silhouettes of Mexican cities that allow kids to explore Mexican culture. It's enchanting!

18. Catch a Live Show

Live theatre is a great indoor activity on a cold day. Some shows to check out this winter: Balloonacy at Imagination Stage (January 10 - February 15, 2026), Gabby's Dollhouse Live! at National Theatre (January 21 and 22), Curious George: The Golden Meatball at George Mason Center for the Arts (January 31), Freckleface Strawberry The Musical at Adventure Theatre (February 12 - March 29), and the Be Like Blippi Tour! at Warner Theatre (March 11).

19. Geek Out at Awesome Con

Everyone from toddlers to adults can celebrate their favorite comics, movies, TV shows, books, toys, and games at Awesome Con. Families can see incredible performances and get moving in the Awesome Con Jr. Movement Zone, experience tons of hand-on activations at vendor booths, and get creative in the Awesome Con Jr. Workshops area, being taught my professional artists.

20. Journey to Ancient Egypt

History buffs ages 10 and up will love Horizon of Khufu, an immersive VR experience that takes guests to ancient Egypt. Discover the Great Pyramid of Giza, walk through its mysterious corridors, enter the Queen's Chamber, and even try to decipher some hieroglyphics. This experience is located in the same building as Machu Picchu: The VR Experience, which my family did and enjoyed!

21. Dine in an Igloo

I'll never forget the time I dined with friends in our very own private igloo at King & Rye in Old Town Alexandria! It was absolutely magical with its twinkly lights and heaters to keep us warm. This year, the igloos are themed! There's a ski house, a Northern Lights igloo, an Into the Woods cabin, and even a Hawaiian Holiday hangout! Kids menus are available. Reserve an igloo now!