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Menorah Lightings, Santa Meet-and-Greets, and More Fun Things To Do in DC this Weekend with Kids

Santa is ready to meet you at the Hard Rock Cafe! Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Santa is ready to meet you at the Hard Rock Cafe! Photo courtesy of the restaurant
12/10/25 - By Stephanie Shipman

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 weekend.

Hanukkah kicks off on Sunday! Celebrate by attending a menorah lighting, like the National Menorah Lighting on the Ellipse, or by seeing Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins in Glen Echo. 

Holiday light displays are in full swing, and two of our favorites are FREE: Lighted Nights at Claude Moore Park and Bethany Church Christmas Walk of Wonder.

And if your child still hasn't seen Santa, stop by Frosted in Franklin Park, indulge in Milk and Cookies with Santa at McLean Community Center, or stop by the Pink Moon Holiday Hang for a picture with the Big Guy!

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our DC events calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

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Kick off Hanukkah with the lighting of the National Menorah. Photo via nationalmenorah.org
Kick off Hanukkah with the lighting of the National Menorah. Photo via nationalmenorah.org

Top Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

Holiday Trains and Planes at College Park Aviation Museum

College Park, MD - Friday - Sunday, December 12-14
Holiday-themed miniature trains, railroads, and villages are displayed at the museum located at the world's oldest continuously operating airport. READ MORE

Lighted Nights at Claude Moore Park

Sterling, VA - Daily, through December 22
Free
Holiday light displays will be available for viewing during a special extended opening of Claude Moore Park. Stop by for a leisurely night stroll (self-guided) down Vestals Gap Road and into the historic district to enjoy the festive decorations. Friday and Saturday nights there will be a campfire, marshmallows, and hot chocolate. READ MORE

Bethany Church Christmas Walk of Wonder

Ellicott City, MD - Friday - Sunday, December 12-14
Free
The Christmas Walk of Wonder is an outdoor journey through thousands of Christmas lights and a fanciful forest of themed Christmas trees telling the story of Jesus’ birth. A live animal nativity brings Bethlehem to Ellicott City as attendees enjoy a live concert featuring Bethany Choirs, Student Bands, and Children’s Choir. A synthetic ice rink will be open for skating, and concessions will be available with warm snacks and treats. READ MORE

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park)

Glen Echo, MD - Daily, December 11-22 (except December 15-17)
Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? READ MORE

The Great Benjamins Circus at Dulles Town Center

Sterling, VA - Daily, December 12 - January 3 (except Tuesday, December 16)
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

Santa Visits Frosted at Franklin Park

Washington, DC - Friday, December 12
Free
Visit Franklin Park for a free, family-friendly holiday celebration surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights. Take photos with Santa and holiday characters like the Gingerbread Lady, the Nutcracker, Snowman, Christmas Tree, and Elsa and Olaf. Sing along with holiday carolers. Watch a live, life-size ice sculpture-carving demonstration. Sip hot chocolate and hot apple cider. Grab free coloring books and crayons. READ MORE

Milk and Cookies with Santa at McLean Community Center

McLean, VA - Saturday, December 13
Meet and greet Santa and other holiday characters and enjoy cookie decorating, snowy crafts, milk, and hot chocolate. READ MORE

Water Park Winter Wonderland at National Landing

Arlington, VA - Saturday, December 13
This festive event features Santa and Mrs. Claus, a snow globe photo booth, a wreath-making station, a hot chocolate bar, LED games, Arlington Philharmonic performances, and so much more. READ MORE

Christmas and Holiday Parade in Leesburg

Leesburg, VA - Saturday, December 13
Free
The city of Leesburg's annual Christmas & Holiday Parade features floats, live music, and the arrival of Santa. The parade begins at Ida Lee Park and ends at Fairfax Street. READ MORE

Santa at the Mill

Great Falls, VA - Saturday & Sunday, December 13 & 14
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at Colvin Run Mill. Visit and take a photo with Santa, tour the Millers' house decorated for the holidays, roast a marshmallow, drink hot cocoa, and enjoy festive music and children's crafts. READ MORE

The Christmas Wish at Richard J. Ernst Theater

Annandale, VA - Saturdays & Sundays, December 13-21
Daniel has no time for Christmas magic: He has to save his hotel from closing! But when Felix, a wish-granting visitor from the North Pole, gets mistaken for the hotel’s highly anticipated Christmas Consultant, Daniel’s perfectly planned life is thrown for an exciting holiday loop! The Christmas Wish features over 30 performers, creative choreography, elaborate sets, stunning costumes, and more than 20 musical numbers. READ MORE

Santa's Farm Fest at Green Meadows Farm

Ijamsville, MD - Saturday & Sunday, December 13 & 14
Santa is coming to Green Meadows Farm. Visitors can meet Santa, take pictures with the Grinch and his sleigh, see the animal barn, warm up in the heated stables and around firepits (s'mores kits are available for purchase), enjoy a Frozen-themed snow globe with Elsa and Olaf, take a holiday hayride, and purchase food. READ MORE

Mosaic Holiday Village

Fairfax, VA - Saturday & Sunday, December 13 & 14
Free
Shop for everyone on your list from more than 65 makers at Mosaic's Holiday Village. Enjoy live entertainment, Christmas carolers, photos with Santa, and more. READ MORE

Deck the Falls at West Falls

Falls Church, VA - Saturday, December 13
Free
Celebrate the magic of the season at West Falls! Take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy classic Christmas carols performed by the Meridian High School Choir, visit the hot cocoa bar, and write letters to Santa. READ MORE

Pink Moon Holiday Hang with Santa

Bethesda, MD - Saturday, December 13
Enjoy a special morning of treats (for kids and grown-ups), holiday crafts, storytime, and open play. Families can take pictures with Santa, and each ticket includes a complimentary family photo by Tabitha Maegan Photography andthe option to purchase additional images. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe Washington, DC

Washington, DC - Saturday, December 13
Enjoy a breakfast buffet, a holiday craft, and a visit with Santa Claus at Hard Rock Cafe Washington, DC. Adult tickets include a mimosa, while child tickets include a photo with Santa. READ MORE

Santa & a Movie: Prancer at Publick Playhouse

Hyattsville, MD - Saturday, December 13
Embrace the joy of the season by joining Publick Playhouse at its annual December family event. Children can visit and take pictures with Santa. There will also be coloring activities and a short, animated movie to entertain the youngest guests before the feature film, Prancer. READ MORE

National Menorah Lighting (on The Ellipse)

Washington, DC - Sunday, December 14
Free
One of the most prominent public Hanukkah programs in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House. Ticket holders get hot latkes and donuts as well as free dreidels and menorah kits. The US Navy Band performs. READ MORE

Kensington’s Annual Menorah Lighting

Kensington, MD - Sunday, December 14
Free
The annual Kensington menorah lighting takes place at Town Hall, featuring music, treats, and the lighting of the menorah. All are welcome! READ MORE
There's plenty of indoor fun to be had if it's too nippy outside. Photo courtesy of Climb Zone
There's plenty of indoor fun to be had if it's too nippy outside. Photo courtesy of Climb Zone

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Holiday light shows are in full swing! Photo courtesy of Winter City Lights
Holiday light shows are in full swing! Photo courtesy of Winter City Lights

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Places featured in this article:

Water Park at National Landing
Richard J. Ernst Theater, NOVA Annandale Campus
Hard Rock Cafe Washington, DC