Berry Merry Christmas begins this Thanksgiving weekend in Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Houston: Thanksgiving Parade, The Nutcracker, and Holiday Celebrations
Let someone else cook Thanksgiving dinner this year. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Houston
Go Rio Riverboat at Hilton Palacio del Rio San Antonio during Christmas. Photo by Nan Palermo via Flickr 2.0
The Best Family Christmas Getaways in Texas
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Pictures with Santa Claus in Houston: From Malls to Rodeos
Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids
There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston
Visit Froberg's Farm for fall festival fun, a pumpkin patch, and more. Photo courtesy the fall
GUIDE
Houston Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
Holidays at Moody Gardens. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
19 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Houston for Kids
Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston
Annual City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade! 2023 photo © Richard Carson
Best Things to Do in Houston November 2024 with Kids
Christmas trains near Houston 2024. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
From pumpkins to corn mazes, there's loads of seasonal fun at local farms. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 30 Top Things To Do in Houston This Fall
Galveston Oktoberfest is one of many kid-friendly festivals near Houston. Kid zone photo courtesy of Galveston Oktoberfest
Best Fall Festivals and Fairs in Houston for Families
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
Little girl playing at an indoor play space in Houston. Photo courtesy of Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales
Top Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Houston
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Ice at the Galleria provides year-round ice skating in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Houston for Kids and Families
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
30 Things To Do Near South Padre Island, TX with Kids
Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with Kids
San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Houston Families
Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
Best Things to Do in Memorial, West Houston with Kids
Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids
Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
15 Fun Houston Birthday Party Entertainers Who Will Come to Your House
Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
Best Breakfasts in Houston for Kids and Families
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide
Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
Best Baby Stores in Houston, From Clothes to Gear to Resale
The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
3 Days in Houston with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
25 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston: Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
Accessible Playgrounds in Houston: 14 Places Where All Kids Can Play
Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
Toddler Dance Classes in Houston for your Tiny Dancer
Baby music classes are a great way to bond and learn. Photo courtesy of Musik Garden
Baby and Toddler Music Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Exploring The Children's Museum Houston
Birthday party places near Houston include arcades, escape rooms, climbing gyms, and more. Photo courtesy of The Main Event
Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Houston: 10 Cool Party Places for Teens and Tweens
There are a variety of fishing lakes near Houston to fish with your kids. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Fishing Lakes Near Houston and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
San Antonio is full of amusement parks, good food, and lots of other things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio with Kids: 26 Best Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas
Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
Fun Things to Do in Lake Livingston State Park with Kids
Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's
13 Kid-Friendly Barbecue Restaurants in Houston
The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
Best Family-Friendly Spa Resorts And Hotels Near Houston
Photo courtesy of Lake Conroe KOA Campground, Facebook
Camping in Houston: Best Campgrounds in Texas for Families
Hiking at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Texas Hill Country with Kids: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay
Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Top 10 Stroller Hikes in Houston and the Suburbs
Come for the queso, stay for the ice cream at these Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston with FREE Ice Cream
Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.
20 Things to Do in Huntsville State Park with Kids
Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
Top Attractions in Houston for Kids and Families: Museums, Theme Parks, & More
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes
10 Black-Owned Restaurants Near Houston to Try with Kids
Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
17 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Clear Lake and Webster
Toddlers can enjoy playing with the foam block structures at Exploration Park. Photo courtesy of Exploration Park
Best Houston Playgrounds and Parks for Toddlers
The Menil Collection is a free art museum in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Menil Collection
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
​Galveston's Schlitterbahn is an indoor waterpark near Houston. Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn in Galveston Island
The Best Indoor Waterparks in Texas
Reaching for Butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Best Things to Do at the Houston Museum of Natural Science with Kids
Horseback riding is a favorite kid activity in Conroe
20 Things To Do in Conroe with Kids

24 Best Things to Do in DC December 2024 with Kids: Sing-A-Longs, Christmas Events, and New Year's Eve

Take a lighted trail walk at Reston's Winterfest. Photo courtesy of Winterfest
Take a lighted trail walk at Reston's Winterfest. Photo courtesy of Winterfest
12/2/22 - By Jennifer Swope

This December is filled with sparkles and merriment, from holiday lights and parades to menorah lightings and New Year's Eve events.

You've seen our round-up of must-do Christmas events and holiday activities, and you may have purchased tickets to a holiday show or a Christmas light display. Now I'm going to tell you about events this month that aren't on those lists.

Imagination Stage's Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood opens mid-month and runs until early February 2025. My kids have always loved this theater's productions, and I can't recommend them enough.

And the Udvar-Hazy Center is hosting a family day about Rocket Blasts and Star Bursts. I don't know about your kids, but explosions are super exciting to mine.

And when this year closes, so do two immersive experiences. Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience closes December 29 and Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures closes December 31.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family in December, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day, as we're always adding more events.

More Things To Do in DC This December With Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Wave hello to waterskiing Santa on the Alexandria Waterfront! Photo by Toni Genburg via Flickr 2.0
Wave hello to waterskiing Santa on the Alexandria Waterfront! Photo by Toni Genburg via Flickr 2.0

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids this December

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Washington, DC - Thursday, December 5, 2024
The annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse features live musical performances. The tree will be lit every evening and open to the public from December 7, 2024 through January 1, 2025.  READ MORE

Winterfest (in Reston, VA)

Reston, VA - Thursday - Saturday, December 5-7, 2024
Reston Association's Winterfest includes a 0.41-mile lighted trail walk through the Enchanted Forest and a visit to the Vendor Village with luminaries, fire pits, musical performances, food, drinks, and keepsakes. Kids also have an opportunity to meet and write a letter to Santa and do a craft as part of the Santa Experience. Bring a camera to capture a photo with Santa.  READ MORE

'Twas The Night Before Christmas at Adventure Theatre

Glen Echo, MD - Fridays - Sundays, December 6, 2024 - January 5, 2025
"‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait! A mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say “Merry Christmas!," we are off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who just will not take no for an answer. Do not miss this joyful tribute to the holiday season! READ MORE

Holiday on the Farm (at Frying Pan Farm Park)

Herndon, VA - Fridays & Saturdays, December 6-21, 2024
Celebrate the holidays at Frying Pan Farm Park with an evening of wagon rides, indoor activities, food, animal interactions, campfires, and s'mores.  READ MORE

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, December 7, 2024
Free
The annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade is back for its 52nd year to benefit programs that help children and families. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town Alexandria, joined by pipe and drum bands, terriers and hounds, and more. READ MORE

Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

Manassas, VA - Saturday, December 7, 2024
Free
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade includes marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons, dancers, and more. This year's theme is "Christmas in Candyland." READ MORE

Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long

Vienna, VA - Saturday, December 7, 2024
Free
Wolf Trap’s Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a sing-a-long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan DC area. READ MORE

Santa's Farm Fest at Green Meadows Farm

Ijamsville, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, December 7-15, 2024
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

Big Screen on the Green (at Vienna Town Green)

Vienna, VA - Friday, December 13, 2024
Free
Vienna screens family-friendly flicks on the Vienna Town Green during the summer, with a special holiday feature in December. Bring a blanket and a picnic. READ MORE

A Christmas Festival (at Capital One Hall)

Tysons, VA - Friday, December 13, 2024
This show features ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas with full symphony orchestra, alongside music from Christmas movies including Home Alone, The Polar Express, and It’s A Wonderful Life. Sing-along carols complete the perfect holiday concert. READ MORE

Jungle Book at The Kennedy Center

Washington, DC - Friday - Sunday, December 13-15, 2024
Step into the jungle, where adventure awaits! Orphaned child Mowgli seeks refuge with a group of wolves deep in the jungle. Should the pack accept Mowgli as its own, even if it makes an enemy of the dangerous tiger Shere Khan? READ MORE

Holiday Trains and Planes at College Park Aviation Museum

College Park, MD - Friday - Sunday, December 13-15, 2024
Holiday-themed miniature trains, railroads, and villages are displayed at the museum located at the world's oldest continuously operating airport. READ MORE

Family Day: Rocket Blasts and Star Bursts at Udvar-Hazy Center

Chantilly, VA - Saturday, December 14, 2024
Free
What is an explosion, and why are they important for air and space? Most people know about the quick, sudden burst of a rocket engine, but now they're going to discover other exciting explosions featured in aerospace.  READ MORE

Water Park Winter Wonderland at National Landing

Arlington, VA - Saturday, December 14, 2024
Free
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

Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood at Imagination Stage

Bethesda, MD - Various dates, December 14, 2024 - February 8, 2025
A Cajun Red Riding Hood updates the classic tale, sending the plucky heroine—now a red-robed little duck—and her ‘fraidy cat friend Te Jean on a perilous journey through the bayou. Along the way the pair tangle with a Big Bad Gator. Petite is no sitting duck, though, and leads her nemesis on a merry Mardi Gras chase through New Orleans. A chorus of swamp dwellers sings backup to the Zydeco-driven score in this foot-stomping musical. READ MORE

Sing! Holiday Concerts (at Atlas Performing Arts Center)

Washington, DC - Sunday, December 15, 2024
The Capital City Symphony’s annual holiday concert fills the air with joyous music once again, featuring the dynamic sounds of The Capital Hearings. Audiences are invited to sing along as the orchestra takes them on a whirlwind tour of seasonal favorites. READ MORE

Santa & a Movie: The Polar Express at Publick Playhouse

Cheverly, MD - Sunday, December 15, 2024
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, The Polar Express. READ MORE

A Family Christmas Concert (at The Kennedy Center)

Washington, DC - Sunday, December 15 & Tuesday, December 24, 2024
The Choral Arts Chorus sings holiday classics in this one-hour performance. Families are invited to sing along to their favorites and enjoy a visit from Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty. READ MORE

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live (at The Lyric)

Baltimore, MD - Friday, December 20, 2024
A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in a stage adaptation that celebrates the timeless television classic so the whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. READ MORE

Waterskiing Santa (Alexandria Waterfront)

Alexandria, VA - Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Free
Watch Santa take to the Potomac on waterskis! After the show, he, Mrs. Claus, and his merry crew greet children on the waterfront and behind the Torpedo Factory. READ MORE

National Menorah Lighting (on The Ellipse)

Washington, DC -Wednesday, December 25, 2024
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

Noon Yards Eve

Washington, DC - Tuesday, December 31, 2024
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 2025. READ MORE

Noon Time New Year at Port Discovery

Baltimore, MD - Tuesday, December 31, 2024
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 - Tuesday, December 31, 2024
First Night Alexandria is back with a variety of performances and events for all ages. The Countdown to 2025 features a variety of activities, activations, dance parties, live music, and more. The festivities kick off at 2pm and conclude at midnight as thousands welcome in the New Year.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Brown's Chapel Recreation Area
Historic Downtown Manassas
Wolf Trap Filene Center
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Water Park at National Landing
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Old Town, Del Ray, West End