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Santa Fly In, Christmas Parades, and More Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

The Mini-Nut is perfect for younger theatergoers! Photo by Jeri Tidwell for the Maryland Youth Ballet
The Mini-Nut is perfect for younger theatergoers! Photo by Jeri Tidwell for the Maryland Youth Ballet
12/4/24 - 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.

With the late Thanksgiving this year, I know my family is hustling right into holiday festivities. There are many ways to be festive this weekend no matter where you live in the area. I'm partial to the holiday boat parade, which can be viewed from the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront.

If you like the idea of caroling but want to do it in one location, Wolf Trap hosts its annual Holiday Sing-A-Long on Saturday. This event is free, but attendees must register in advance.

And Breakfast with Santa events are plentiful starting this weekend. Be sure to check on ticket availability before arriving.

More Things To Do in DC This Week with Kids:

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The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade is always a fun and festive event. Photo by Matt Chenet for Visit Alexandria
The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade is always a fun and festive event. Photo by Matt Chenet for Visit Alexandria

Top Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

Seasons of Light (at Discovery Theater)

Washington, DC - Mondays - Fridays, December 2-20 (except December 18 & 19)
Discovery Theater's holiday classic show Seasons of Light celebrates the history and customs of Diwali, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice. READ MORE

Winterfest (in Reston, VA)

Reston, VA - Thursday - Saturday, December 5-7
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

The Rockville Civic Ballet: The Nutcracker (at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre)

Rockville, MD - Fridays - Sundays, December 6-15
Join Clara on her magical journey as the Rockville Civic Ballet presents the holiday classic The Nutcracker for eight performances. READ MORE

'Twas The Night Before Christmas at Adventure Theatre

Glen Echo, MD - Fridays - Sundays, December 6 - 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

Fairfax City Holiday Market

Fairfax, VA - Fridays - Sundays, December 6-15
Free
Shop for holiday gifts from local artisans and small businesses at the Fairfax City Holiday Market. On Sunday, December 8, bring a camera to take a free photo with Santa.  READ MORE

Holiday on the Farm (at Frying Pan Farm Park)

Herndon, VA - Fridays & Saturdays, December 6-21
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

Encore Stage's Jingle Bell Jam (at Gunston Theatre Two)

Arlington, VA - Saturdays & Sundays, December 6-15 (also on Friday, December 6)
Encore Stage & Studio presents its first-ever winter revue. With heartwarming holiday scenes and songs, Encore's Jingle Bell Jam is the perfect way to deck the halls and bring in the holiday spirit. READ MORE

Christmas Village (at Capital Turnaround)

Washington, DC - Saturday, December 7
Free
Ring in the joyous season with your family and neighbors at Christmas Village. Visitors can enjoy free photos with Santa, an indoor skating rink, a Santa train ride for kids, delicious goodies, Christmas movies, and lots more. READ MORE

The District's Holiday Boat Parade

Washington, DC - Saturday, December 7
Free
More than 60 beautifully decorated boats pass by the Wharf at this iconic annual DC holiday event. Other activities include ornament decorating, s'mores, family photos with Santa, and live music under the Wharf's Christmas tree. READ MORE

National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace

Washington, DC - Daily, December 7 - January 1, 2025
Free
The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse is lit every evening and open to the public. Surrounding it are more than 50 smaller trees representing the US states and territories, each featuring unique ornaments created by students. READ MORE

Bethesda Winter Wonderland

Bethesda, MD - Saturday, December 7
Free
Celebrate the holiday season with Santa at the Norfolk Avenue Streetery in downtown Bethesda. Enjoy live ice sculpting, live music, and more. READ MORE

The Nutcracker at Publick Playhouse

Cheverly, MD - Saturday, December 7
The National Ballet is Maryland's oldest professional ballet company founded by Helen Moore in 1948.The National Ballet Company returns to its origins and brings the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, back to the stage where it was first developed. Bring the entire family and delight in Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy as they perform to Tchaikovsky's classic music. READ MORE

Santa Fly In at the College Park Aviation Museum

College Park, MD - Saturday, December 7
Watch Santa fly into the College Park Airport and Aviation Museum. Guests have the opportunity to take two pictures with Santa and create crafts. READ MORE

Winter's Eve at Glen Echo

Glen Echo, MD - Saturday, December 7
Free
Glen Echo invites families to the Park for kids' holiday crafts, music, and open studios and galleries. This free event is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit and spend time with loved ones. READ MORE

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, December 7
Free
Head to the Alexandria waterfront at 5:30pm for a dazzling light display as decorated boats light up the Potomac River. While the parade is the main attraction, families can also enjoy dockside festivities from 2-8pm in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden, food, activities, and more.  READ MORE

Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

Manassas, VA - Saturday, December 7
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

Leesburg Holiday Tree Lighting

Leesburg, VA - Saturday, December 7
Free
The Town of Leesburg holds its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on the Town Green. Enjoy lights, live music, holiday characters, and community cheer. READ MORE

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, December 7
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

Time for Christmas, an original holiday musical (at Richard J. Ernst Theater)

Annandale, VA - Fridays - Sundays, December 7-15
Encore Theatrical Arts Project presents an original Broadway-style holiday musical, Time for Christmas. Two high-tech elves trying to prove their worth and a harebrained-but-hopeful scientist accidentally throw the world into a time loop. With the same day repeating over and over, when will it ever be Christmas? READ MORE

Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long

Vienna, VA - Saturday, December 7
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 Suite at Fairmont Georgetown

Washington, DC - Saturdays & Sundays, December 7-22
Santa and his elves are heading to the Santa Suite at the Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown. This year's Suite is a whimsical winter wonderland set up for Santa and his special guests, including Garfield, Winnie the Pooh, Elsa, Skye, Peppa Pig, Sponge Bob, Mickey Mouse, and Harry Potter. Families can enjoy 15-minute visits of up to 10 people to the Suite, where they can eat gingerbread treats and write letters to Santa.  READ MORE

Tiny Lights at Theater J

Washington, DC - Saturdays & Sundays, December 7-15
Three masterful storytellers take on more than 40 roles as they bring audiences into the magical world of Isaac Bashevis Singer’s famed folktales. Created and directed by award-winning artists and Theater J favorites Aaron Posner and Erin Weaver, this funny and fast-moving show uses simple props and the art of storytelling to transport the audience to different worlds. Get ready for laughter, surprises, and lots of participation!  READ MORE

The Mini-Nut (at Cultural Arts Center)

Silver Spring, MD - Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8
The Mini-Nut, Maryland Youth Ballet's abbreviated version of The Nutcracker, is a one-hour performance with no intermission. It's a wonderful introduction to ballet for families with young children. READ MORE

Santa's Farm Fest at Green Meadows Farm

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

Little Theatre of Alexandria: A Christmas Carol

Alexandria, VA - Wednesdays - Sundays, December 7-21
Little Theatre of Alexandria presents the holiday classic A Christmas Carol for the entire family to enjoy, complete with special effects, Victorian carols, and Tiny Tim himself. READ MORE

Teddy Bear Tea at Bluemont Vineyard

Bluemont, VA - Sundays, December 8-22
Looking for a holiday outing that kids will cherish forever? Bring the whole family to Teddy Bear Tea at Bluemont Vineyard in Virginia Wine Country! Bring a favorite teddy bear and enjoy a delicious selection of traditional teas, classic tea cookies, and sweet tarts. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Discovery Theater – Ripley Center
Brown's Chapel Recreation Area
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre- Rockville Civic Center Park
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Historic Downtown Manassas
Richard J. Ernst Theater, NOVA Annandale Campus
Wolf Trap Filene Center
Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown