Christmas Weekend 2022 in DC: Christmas Lights, Waterskiing Santa, Holiday Shows, and More Things To Do with Kids

The DC Winter Lantern Festival features over 1,000 Chinese lanterns. Photo courtesy of the festival
The DC Winter Lantern Festival features over 1,000 Chinese lanterns. Photo courtesy of the festival
12/21/22 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for the best things to do in DC this Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend! Assuming you have some free time, the Washington, DC area is brimming with things to do this Christmas weekend. Enjoy several fantastic light shows, including Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights and Bull Run Festival of Lights. Children can delight in eating breakfast with Santa on Christmas Eve at Theismann's Restaurant, Ada's on the River, or Mia's Italian Kitchen. And be sure to watch Santa on waterskis in Old Town Alexandria on Christmas Eve!

It's also the last weekend of Hanukkah. The Lighting of the Menorah at the Wharf will continue until the eighth day, and Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins continues its run at Glen Echo.

Don’t miss our lists of what is open on Christmas Day near DC, the best things to do in DC over the holiday break, and holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows near DC.

Whatever you do, happy holidays from your friends at Mommy Poppins!

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Places featured in this article:


Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

National Museum of the United States Army

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Lerner Town Square at Tysons II

Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center