Wave to waterskiing Santa on Christmas Eve! Photo by Toni Genburg
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Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights event
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The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
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Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page
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Gaylord National Resort's ICE! has a fun new theme every year! Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
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New Year's Eve Weekend 2025 in DC: Noon Year's Eve, Fireworks, and More

Experience Tingle Bells at ARTECHOUSE. Photo courtesy of ARTECHOUSE
Experience Tingle Bells at ARTECHOUSE. Photo courtesy of ARTECHOUSE
12/25/24 - By Jennifer Swope

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

With the holidays falling mid-week this year, there is an extended amount of family time to fill. Our list below combines things you can do the weekend before New Year's Eve as well as some New Year's Eve events your family might enjoy. 

There are many holiday performances running, with extended dates, throughout the week. 

If you want to say goodbye to 2025 with a bang, you won't want to miss Baltimore's New Year Eve's Drone and Firework Show or family-friendly (read: early) fireworks displays in Annapolis and Alexandria.

Don’t miss our complete lists of things to do on New Year's Eve with kids and what to do with kids over the holiday break.

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It's a beautiful day to check out Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit. Photo courtesy of the National Children's Museum
It's a beautiful day to check out Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit. Photo courtesy of the National Children's Museum

Things To Do in DC this New Year's Weekend with Kids

Noon Yards Eve

Washington, DC - Wednesday, December 31
Free
This family-friendly celebration at Yards Park includes train rides, an inflatable slide and bounce houses, glitter tattoos, games, musical performances, and more. When the clock strikes noon, guests can enjoy a signature moment to ring in 2026. READ MORE

Merriweather Symphony of Lights Midnight at 7

Columbia, MD - Wednesday, December 31
Ring in the New Year early with festive lights and fireworks at Merriweather Symphony of Lights. Families can walk through the beautiful Symphony of Lights holiday display, then enjoy fireworks, entertainment, and food trucks at 7pm. READ MORE

Midnight Noon at the Maryland Science Center

Baltimore, MD - Wednesday, December 31
The Maryland Science Center's annual Midnight Noon celebration includes fun New Year’s festivities, music by Rainbow Rock Band, and a noontime ball drop. Families can also enjoy all of the museum's hands-on science exhibits. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Drone & Firework Show in Baltimore

Baltimore, MD - Wednesday, December 31
Free
Baltimore's Inner Harbor lights up this New Year's Eve with a simultaneous fireworks and drone show at midnight. Pre-firework entertainment takes place along the Inner Harbor from 8-11:45pm.  READ MORE

Noon Time New Year at Port Discovery

Baltimore, MD - Wednesday, December 31
Little ones can celebrate the new year at noon with a play session at Port Discovery Children's Museum. Families can go on a New Year Around the World scavenger hunt, make confetti cannons and noisemakers, and do so much more on all levels of the museum. Don't forget to draw a resolution on the Wish Tree. READ MORE

First Night Alexandria New Year's Event

Alexandria, VA - Wednesday, December 31
First Night Alexandria is back with a variety of performances and events for all ages. The Countdown to 2026 features a variety of activities, activations, dance parties, live music, fireworks, and more. The festivities kick off at noon and conclude at midnight as thousands welcome in the New Year.  READ MORE

New Year's Eve Around the World (at Children's Science Center)

Fairfax, VA - Wednesday, December 31
Ring in 2026 in STEM style! With three time slots to choose from—10am-12pm, 1-3pm, and 3:30-5:30pm— your family can enjoy all the fun of New Year's Eve without the late night. Decorate “2026” headbands, create your own noisemaker, and add some sparkle to the new year with Celebration Slime. This event includes its own count down and Ball Drop along with a kids' sparkling cider toast to the new year. READ MORE

First Day Hike: Seneca Creek State Park

Gaithersburg, MD - Thursday, January 1
Free
Hikers are invited to take a self-guided hike around the Lakeshore Trail at Seneca Creek State Park. This 3.7-mile loop along natural surface trails offers scenic views of nature and the opportunity to observe winter wildlife. Maps, field guides, scavenger hunt activities, and trivia games are available. Friends of Seneca Creek State Park is providing coffee and hot chocolate as supplies last. READ MORE

Winter Block Party at McLean Community Center

McLean, VA - Saturday, January 3
Join McLean Community Center for the 5th annual Winter Block Party! Participants will enjoy entertainment, games, food, and a wide variety of amusements, crafts, and more. READ MORE

The Great Benjamins Circus at Dulles Town Center

Sterling, VA - Daily, through Saturday, January 3
Step into a world of dazzling holiday wonder and thrilling spectacle! Benjamin’s Winter Circus Adventure is transforming Dulles into a true winter wonderland of daring feats and unforgettable fun.  READ MORE

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (at National Theatre)

Washington, DC - Daily, through Sunday, January 4
The musical version of Dr. Seuss' holiday classic includes the hit songs, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Ginch," and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog serves as narrator. READ MORE

Holly-Days at Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD - Daily, through Sunday, January 4
Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo. This festive event includes holiday crafts, photo ops, special appearances, and more.  READ MORE

Furia Flamenca: “A Trip to Spain” at Alden Theater

Mclean, VA - Sunday, January 4
Audience favorite Furia Flamenca is back with a show for the whole family. A Trip to Spain introduces children to flamenco music and dance, shares some of the art form’s history, and invites audience members to participate in flamenco-making. READ MORE

Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden

Washington, DC - Daily, through Sunday, January 4
Free
Celebrate the holiday season in the US Botanic Garden's annual holiday display, with the Conservatory full of poinsettias, holiday decor, and DC landmarks made from plants. In the outdoor gardens, find festive lights and decor and a model train show. This year, G-gauge model trains will chug through displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts, including T-rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor, and more, plus living plants whose ancestors lived alongside them such as cycads, ferns, and magnolias. READ MORE

The Snowman™ and the Snowdog at Imagination Stage

Bethesda, MD - Daily, through Sunday, January 4 (except January 1)
Come see this soaring new musical for the holiday season! This follow-up to Raymond Briggs’ “The Snowman™” is based on the animated short of the same name. It is told with breathtaking theatre magic by talented actors, stunning puppetry, and beautiful projections. A boy has moved into a new house and lost his beloved dog. In the garden, he builds a snowman and then, to keep it company, a snow dog. They both come to life during the night, and the three embark on a fantastic journey. READ MORE

Folger Frost Fair

Washington, DC - Daily, through Sunday, January 4 (except January 1)
Free
Celebrate the season with a month-long winter festival at the Folger. Enjoy festive decorations, holiday music, free activities, and more, through the first weekend in January! READ MORE

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Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC (in Maryland and Northern Virginia)

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Winter Activities Guide for Kids

Find the best things to do this winter with kids, from indoor crafts to snow fun. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jennifer Swope
Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.
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