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Holiday Theater, Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon, 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 kicked off last Sunday! Take part in fun festivities like the Hanukkah Cookie Playdate with Red Bandana Bakery at Pink Moon in Bethesda. 

If you want to stay warm this weekend, there are lots of holiday shows happening. The Christmas Wish, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, and Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show are just a few. There were still tickets available at press time, but hurry before they get snapped up!

Feel like braving the cold? This is the last weekend for the free Lighted Nights at Claude Moore Park and the holiday markets in DC. Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon also takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

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

Lighted Nights at Claude Moore Park

Sterling, VA - Daily, through December 23
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

Downtown DC Holiday Market

Washington, DC - Daily, through December 23
Free
The entire family can enjoy one of the best holiday markets in the country. READ MORE

Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show (at Arena Stage)

Washington, DC - Friday - Sunday, December 19 - 21
This fun holiday show highlights the African American tradition of stepping with engaging choreography and energetic beats. Furry friends from the Arctic, including Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear with DJ Nutcracker, take audiences on a magical holiday journey. READ MORE

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

Glen Echo, MD - Daily, through Monday, December 22
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

Cirque Dreams Holidaze (at The Theater at MGM National Harbor)

National Harbor, MD - Friday & Saturday, December 19 & 20
Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a breathtaking holiday spectacular for the whole family. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts. Guests will be on the edge of their seats as holiday characters come to life, captivating audiences while defying gravity. Reimagined for 2025, Cirque Dreams Holidaze features original music, fresh twists on beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, dazzling scenery, and stunning costumes. READ MORE

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle

Washington, DC - Daily, through December 23
Free
The DC Holiday Market features over 35 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 to an iconic location adjacent to Dupont Circle and Kramer’s Books & Café. READ MORE

The Talent Machine Co. Presents "A Merry Mix-Up" Holiday Spectacular! (in Crownsville, MD)

Crownsville, MD - Friday - Tuesday, December 19-23
Don’t miss The Talent Machine Company’s annual Holiday Spectacular! This year’s show promises to be an exciting experience for kids of all ages, with all of your favorite holiday songs and dances, plus a special surprise. What could possibly get mixed up during the busy holiday season? The only way to find out is to get your tickets today! Enjoy this annual musical revue featuring an amazing cast of kids ages 5-18, and visits from Rudolph, Frosty, the Elves, and the irrepressible Santa himself. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland Festival at Francis A. Gregory Library

Washington, DC - Saturday, December 20
Free
Embrace the magic of the season at the Winter Wonderland Festival, where ice skating, festive music, food, and joyful activities bring the spirit of winter to life. Families and friends can enjoy holiday crafts, warm treats, and cheerful entertainment for all ages. READ MORE

The Christmas Wish at Richard J. Ernst Theater

Annandale, VA - Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 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

Hanukkah Cookie Playdate with Red Bandana Bakery (at Pink Moon)

Bethesda, MD - Saturday, December 20
Come join Pink Moon and Red Bandana for a fun morning of cookie decorating and play for the kids, and coffee and conversation for the adults.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker with the Fairfax Symphony and Fairfax Ballet (at GMU Center for the Arts)

Fairfax, VA - Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 21
The Fairfax Symphony joins The Fairfax Ballet to present The Nutcracker. This production is unique in the Washington region as one of few presented with live musical accompaniment. READ MORE

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA - Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 21
Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Watch stunning holiday fireworks over the Potomac River and enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter encampment. Greet General George Washington, visit with Aladdin the Camel, tour the mansion, and shop at a winter market featuring 18th-century wares and crafts. READ MORE

Chanukah in the Dark at Theater J

Washington, DC - Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 21
When the lights go out during Chanukah, Max and family begin sharing songs, stories, and traditions – only to discover the lights they needed and the miracles they searched for were in their midst all along. Perfect for ages 5 and up. Join us December 14 for a Chanukah Party at 10am and then a performance at 11am! Tickets available on our website READ MORE

Holiday Pops (at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall)

Baltimore, MD - Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 21
The esteemed Pops conductor Stuart Chafetz returns to the BSO to conduct the annual Holiday Spectacular. A perfect wintertime outing, this performance features special guest artists, audience sing-a-longs, and the ever-popular tap-dancing Santas. Make this concert a part of your holiday family traditions! READ MORE

Holly TrolleyFest at the National Capital Trolley Museum

Colesville, MD - Saturday - Monday, December 20-22
The National Trolley Museum presents its annual Holly TrolleyFest. Families can ride the street cars, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a holiday model railroad display, do crafts, and more.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park

Fairfax Station, VA - Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 21
Climb aboard the Holiday Express for a train ride, take a spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf, and warm up by the fire and cook s'mores. Enjoy hot chocolate and candy canes. Don't forget to visit with Santa. READ MORE

Winter Solstice Celebration at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library

Washington, DC - Sunday, December 21
Free
Spend some time celebrating the shortest day of the year with winter themed crafts, games, and stories at Cleveland Park Library. READ MORE

Asia's Indoor Community Day at Harborside Hotel

Oxon Hill, MD - Sunday, December 21
Free
Get ready for one of the most anticipated community holiday events of the year! Asia’s 5th Annual Indoor Christmas Community Day is back — bigger, brighter, and full of joy! This unforgettable celebration brings together families, friends, and the entire DMV community for a full day of fun, music, giving, and holiday spirit under one roof. 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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There are so many ways for families to have fun in and around DC without spending a dime! READ MORE

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

These houses and neighborhoods near Washington, DC really bring the holiday magic. READ MORE
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

More Fun and Festive Things To Do With Kids

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

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Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids

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Places featured in this article:

1500 block of 19th Street, NW
Francis A. Gregory Library
Richard J. Ernst Theater, NOVA Annandale Campus
George Mason University Center for the Arts
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall