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Champions of Magic, Holiday Markets, and More Fun Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

See dazzling lighted sailboats at Sailing Through the Winter Solstice. Photo courtesy of the Tourism Council of Frederick County
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11/20/24 - 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 weekend.

Holiday markets open this weekend. Baltimore's German Christmas Market is one you won't want to miss with its unique shopping, food, and fun for all ages. Mosaic Holiday Village also offers more than just shopping, with carolers and Santa.

A Christmas Carol opens at Ford's Theatre this week, and is a timeless show that every kid should see once. Who doesn't want to know the references of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim?

As you plan for your kids to be out of school and family to be in town, check below for more performances happening this week, many of which run through December. These are great ways to get out of the house and do something that will entertain everyone.

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Enchantment Theatre Company presents My Father's Dragon at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy of the Brad Simon Organization & Enchantment Theatre
Enchantment Theatre Company presents My Father's Dragon at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy of the Brad Simon Organization & Enchantment Theatre

Top Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

Champions Of Magic at The Kennedy Center

Washington, DC - Tuesdays - Sundays, November 19 - December 1
Following a decade touring the world as one of the most successful magic shows in history, the Champions Of Magic team is back with an explosive all-new show featuring thrilling and mind-bending illusions. Combining their signature humor with groundbreaking magic, this team of illusionists presents a brand-new production unlike anything that has come before. READ MORE

Ford's Theatre A Christmas Carol

Washington, DC - Tuesdays - Sundays, November 21 - December 31 (except December 24 & 25, also on December 23)
Experience a reinterpretation of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story in historic Ford's Theatre. This version of Ebenezer Scrooge's story is a music-infused production, capturing the magic and joy of this Yuletide classic. READ MORE

Stargazing at Meridian Hill Park

Washington, DC - Friday, November 22
Free
Take a look through the Air & Space Museum's telescopes while out exploring Washington, DC. Join Museum staff at Meridian Hill Park, at the top of the fountain near the Joan of Arc statue, and see the wonders of the night sky. Experienced staff will help visitors observe a variety of things, including planets, stars, and the Moon. READ MORE

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle

Washington, DC - Daily, November 22 - December 15 (except November 28)
Free
The DC Holiday Market features 30-plus small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts, and unique gift items. The market brings its signature style, local performers, festive decor, and popular holiday treats (Migues Mini Donuts and the Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts) to an iconic location adjacent to Dupont Circle and Kramer’s Books & Café. READ MORE

DowntownDC Holiday Market at Gallery Place/Chinatown

Washington, DC - Daily, November 22 - December 23 (except November 28)
Free
With regional artisans, crafters, and boutique businesses of ethically produced goods, the DowntownDC Holiday Market brings a unique and festive shopping village to the heart of downtown DC. There's also a live stage featuring regional performers.  READ MORE

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello at The Lyric

Baltimore, MD - Friday, November 22
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside favorite furry friends, all while following Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. Put on some dancing shoes and head to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street. READ MORE

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Wheaton, MD - Daily, November 22 - January 5, 2025 (except November 25-28, December 24-25, January 1)
Brookside Gardens transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with over one million colorful lights. The display includes original works depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements, as well as computerized light displays complete with music and fog. READ MORE

Maryland Christmas Show (at Frederick Co. Fairgrounds)

Frederick, MD - Fridays - Sundays, November 22 - December 1
The annual Maryland Christmas Show includes seven buildings of local artists and craftspeople offering fine art, pottery, furniture, jewelry, clothing, wreaths and garlands, toys, and Christmas ornaments. There is also a food pavilion with lots of holiday goodies, and Santa is there to visit and take pictures with kids. READ MORE

Finn at The Kennedy Center

Washington, DC - Fridays - Sundays, November 23 - December 22
From the creator of Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, Finn is filled with quirky sea-creature characters and catchy tunes. Hilarious and heartwarming, this world-premiere musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of a young shark following his dreams. READ MORE

German Christmas Village (in Baltimore, MD)

Baltimore, MD - Various dates, November 23 - December 24
Experience an authentic German Christmas market at West Shore Park at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. There are a variety of vendors, thousands of Christmas lights, live music, rides, food, and more. READ MORE

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

Frederick, MD - Daily, November 23 - March 15, 2025
Free
Carroll Creek Park once again comes alive with individually designed lighted sailboats. Visitors can view the boats anytime day or night, with the lights turning on at sunset. READ MORE

Enchantment Theatre Company: My Father’s Dragon at Hylton Performing Arts Center

Manassas, VA - Saturday, November 23
Nine-year-old Elmer Elevator is on a mission to rescue a baby dragon held captive on Wild Island. How will he pull off such an adventurous rescue? With pure luck—plus chewing gum, lollipop sticks, and rubber bands! In honor of the 75th anniversary of Ruth Stiles Gannett’s Newbery Honor-winning adventure book My Father’s Dragon, Enchantment Theatre Company brings to life the story of an unlikely friendship between a courageous boy and a yellow and blue-striped dragon.  READ MORE

Mosaic Holiday Village

Fairfax, VA - Saturday & Sunday, November 23 & 24, December 14 & 15
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

SPCA Lights on the Bay

Annapolis, MD - Daily, November 24 - January 1, 2025
Driving through this holiday light show at Sandy Point State Park is a tradition for many families. It boasts more than 60 spectacular animated and stationary displays along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Snag some 3D glasses for the full effects. READ MORE

My Father's Dragon (at GMU Center for the Arts)

Fairfax, VA - Sunday, November 24
Nine-year-old Elmer Elevator is on a mission to rescue a baby dragon held captive on Wild Island. How will he pull off such an adventurous rescue? With pure luck—plus chewing gum, lollipop sticks, and rubber bands! READ MORE

Vienna Turkey Trot

Vienna, VA - Sunday, November 24
Families can get some exercise before Thanksgiving by participating in the annual 5k, 10k, or kids fun run in Vienna. The event features music by the James Madison High School Band, fun prizes, refreshments, and a Finish Line Festival. READ MORE

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