Christmas Weekend 2024 in DC Top Things To Do: Christmas Lights, Breakfast with Santa, Waterskiing Santa, and More

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The DC Winter Lantern Festival features over 1,000 Chinese lanterns. Photo courtesy of the festival

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, and there are plenty of fun things to do to celebrate. My family likes to see holiday lights when we have out-of-town guests and need something to do. There are also outdoor ice skating rinks to help keep that festive energy under control.

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 catch Santa on waterskis in Old Town Alexandria on Christmas Eve.

Hanukkah begins on December 25 and the National Menorah will be lit on the Ellipse that evening.

For even more fun ideas, check out our list of what is open on Christmas Day in DC. Whatever you do, happy holidays from your friends at Mommy Poppins!

Family-Friendly Hotels for a New York Staycation

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The TWA Hotel isn't far from home, but offers a little mid-century glam and some unique views.

These family-friendly hotels in New York State are a perfect solution for a quick vacation if this isn't the year for traveling to a far-flung destination. With these local hotels, you don't have to forego an escape or hard-earned rest and relaxation just because you don't want to get on a plane. New Yorkers are fortunate to have a variety of family-friendly hotels right at their fingertips.

Whether you want to stay at a family-friendly hotel in New York City and masquerade as a tourist, drive a few hours to enjoy an authentic farm stay, find a place to truly recharge, or seek action and adventure, we've rounded up the 13 family-friendly New York hotels for a staycation.

To find more local destinations to explore, bookmark our Day Trips and Getaway Guide.

Santa Photos, Classic Films, and More Holiday Magic at PaleyLand

Jessica Laird's picture Submitted by Jessica Laird on

Until January 5, The Paley Museum has been transformed into a five-story winter wonderland.

Children under 12 are free at PaleyLand, the five-story winter wonderland at The Paley Center.

Known for its enormous library of TV shows and movies, and its action-packed VR-filled gaming studio, The Paley Museum also draws an adoring crowd for its annual holiday extravaganza. Running now through January 5th, “PaleyLand” invites visitors into a five-story winter wonderland to snap photos with Santa, sip hot chocolate, and catch screenings of classic holiday movies alongside much of the museum’s usual collection.

My daughters and I love visiting PaleyLand in Midtown Manhattan–just steps from Rockefeller Center and Radio City–for the hands-on activities and attractions, and the heavy dose of holiday cheer. Here’s what to know before you go:

Christmas Weekend 2024 in NYC Top Things To Do: Make Music NYC, BCM Birthday & Hanukkah

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Skate beneath the historic Brooklyn Bridge while taking in the iconic views of the Manhattan skyline at Roebling Rink. Photo courtesy of venue

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

You may still have gifts to wrap (or—gulp—shop for) and stockings to hang, but there's festive fun to be had all weekend and beyond. Make Music NYC returns for its winter solstice sessions and the Brooklyn Children's Museum is celebrating its 125th birthday with FREE admission all weekend. Our annual Christmas favorites include singing carols under the Washington Square Arch, catching a holiday show, and checking out the Dyker Lights.

Christmas Day marks the first day of Hannukah, and families can catch the Oran Etkin concert at the Jewish Museum or celebrate with Jazzukkah at the Museum at Eldridge Street.

No matter how you celebrate, Happy Holidays from the Mommy Poppins team!

Christmas Weekend 2024 in Dallas Top Things To Do: Scuba with Santa, Charlie Brown Christmas, and More

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Based on the classic animated short film, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang celebrate the holidays in 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' at the Dallas Children's Theater. Photo by Sylvia Elzafon/Sylvia Elzafon Photography

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas this weekend? Here are our picks for the coolest family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

The theater, musical, and visual arts are where it's at when it comes to things to do in Dallas this weekend. For those who want their holiday fun with a side of creativity, head to Meow Wolf's Winter Workshop. If you've got any theater kids at home, it's the last weekend Dallas Children's Theater will be performing A Charlie Brown Christmas, and your teen will get a kick out of Art Centre Theater's murder mystery dinner where guests will have to figure out who killed Rudolph.

If you're looking for a last-minute meet-and-greet with Santa, you can head to Reunion Tower or the Frisco Athletic Center to snag an underwater photo with a scuba-diving St. Nick. Honestly, it's not about finding things to do in Dallas or the rest of the Metroplex. It's about deciding between them all. 

Christmas Weekend 2024 in Philly Top Things To Do: Jolly Trolley, Selfies with Santa, Menorah Parade, and more.

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Bring the family to Main Street all season long for Holiday Light Nights. Photo courtesy of Manayunk

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

The countdown to Christmas is in full swing! Snap a Selfie with Santa for a good cause before the big night. Don't miss the Jolly Trolley in Manayunk for your last chance to shop on Main Street before the holiday. Drive on over to Cherry Hill for the annual Car Menorah Parade. If you love history, We love to take is slow at the Fairmount Park House Holiday Tour and take in the beauty and history of the houses. For more history during the holidays, Washington Crossing the Delaware is the place to be on Christmas day.