What is Open on Christmas Day in DC: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Need something to do on Christmas Day? Here are some places you can visit near DC.
Jennifer Marino Walters
Jennifer Marino Walters is the DC and travel editor for Mommy Poppins and the author of over 20 beloved children's books. A proud mom of three—plus twins!—she lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and busy brood. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find Jennifer cheering from the sidelines of a baseball game, supporting her daughter’s cheerleading squad, diving into a good book, or exploring new destinations. Connect with her on Instagram @jmwalters718.
Latest posts by Jennifer
Best Family Travel of 2025: Our Favorite Cities, Beaches, National Parks, Hotels, and More
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Here at Mommy Poppins, we love to share the best things to do with kids in the 16 regions we cover across the US. But we also love to travel, go on adventures, and help our readers discover the coolest places throughout the country and the world.
In 2025, our writers and editors visited some incredible destinations—and wrote about them for us! They traveled across the US, into Canada and Mexico, and all the way to Asia. And if you're looking for a truly bucket-list experience, check out our list of the top things to do on a Maldives vacation with kids—you'll be itching to save your money and book that trip ASAP!
Here are our favorite family vacation destinations of 2025, including fun cities, sunny beach vacays, gorgeous national parks, and awesome hotels and resorts. Check out our Family Travel Guide for even more great places to visit with your family. And, join us in 2026 to see where we'll go next!
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 21 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids in Winter 2025 -2026
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Winter in the Washington, DC area can be a parenting challenge in the best of times, but there's no stopping us! I am here to help you keep boredom at bay during the colder months with this ultimate winter bucket list.
With so many things to do in DC and nearby during the colder months—from outdoor activities like ice skating and snow tubing to indoor fun such as trampoline parks and tons of free museums—even the most finicky kids will remain entertained until the warmer weather returns.
Here are 21 things to do in DC to cross off your winter bucket list with kids. For even more fun, check out our Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids and our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC. We're also adding more fun events to our events calendar each day.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Don't feel like cooking this year? Here's where to eat on Christmas Day in DC.
You've decked the halls, trimmed the trees, and bought the presents. Now it's time to plan your holiday dinner. If you've run out of steam, don't stress. There are several restaurants open on Christmas Day in DC and the surrounding areas that will give your family a memorable meal without all the cooking and cleanup.
Here are 14 family-friendly restaurants open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia in 2025. Many of these restaurants are serving up special Christmas menus, and most are offering special pricing for children. Make reservations soon, as these restaurants open on Christmas are sure to fill up quickly!
For ideas on fun things to do with kids before or after your Christmas meal, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids, which includes our roundup of what is open on Christmas Day near DC.
Best US Resorts and Hotels for Kids at Christmas and the Holidays
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Want a holiday getaway with your family without giving up any of the magic and sparkle of the season? We've found some of the best Christmas resorts for kids and families across the US. Whether they're snowy mountain retreats, sunny beachside getaways, thrilling theme park vacations, or jolly city escapes, these kid-friendly holiday hotels go all out with over-the-top decor, Santa sightings, festive meals, and seasonal activities for all ages.
Here are 17 of the best US resorts for families at Christmas. For even more ideas for Christmas family getaways, visit our Family Travel Guide, and check out our lists of family resorts that will sell out for the holidays and magical Christmas towns.
Christmas at Gaylord National Resort with Kids: ICE! and More Holiday Fun Near DC in National Harbor
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There is nowhere in the DC area that has more Christmas in one place than Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor. From the annual ICE! event to visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus to over-the-top lights and decorations, there are activities to suit all ages. You'll truly feel like you've stepped into a holiday movie.
My family has come to experience Christmas at Gaylord National nearly every year since moving to the DC area 11 years ago, and it only seems to get more magical each year. One year we even stayed overnight to ensure we'd get to do everything!
This year, only my 11-year-old daughter was able to attend with us. Read on to learn all about our 2025 visit to Christmas at Gaylord National, all the holiday activities the resort is offering, and my tips and tricks for getting the most out of your experience. Then check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids for more holiday fun!
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC (in Maryland and Northern Virginia)
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Driving around to see neighborhood Christmas lights is a fun holiday tradition for many families. There's nothing better than loading the family into the car with hot chocolate, turning on holiday music, and taking in all the dazzling Christmas light displays. And the best part is, it's free!
Though DC itself offers gorgeous holiday lights in public places, like Light Yards and ZooLights at the National Zoo, we've found that the best places to see Christmas light displays on houses are in the suburbs. Luckily, there are many neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia that get way into the holiday spirit. Many of them host animated light shows that are synchronized to music played through car radios, so families can stay warm and cozy inside their vehicles.
Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia to see over-the-top neighborhood Christmas lights. For more holiday fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids.
Caribe Royale Orlando:The Perfect Luxury Resort Near Disney World for Families
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Does your family want to visit Disney World without having all Disney, all the time? I've got the perfect resort for you—Caribe Royale Orlando! This tropical-themed, AAA Four Diamond resort only 1.5 miles from Disney World is a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, meaning it meets high standards set by Disney for quality and service. But it's also packed with activities and amenities that will help your family unplug from all the Disney craziness once you're back from the parks.
I visited Caribe Royale Orlando with my 10-year-old daughter, and we had an absolute blast. The resort is perfect for families with kids of all ages. Younger kids can enjoy the wading pool and splash zone, the playground, and family-friendly movies under the stars. Tweens and teens will love the sport court, the fishing pier, and the sports simulators. There's also a main pool with a water slide, an arcade, a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and more. Even dogs and cats are welcome and given the royal treatment!
Read on to learn more about my visit to Caribe Royale and why it's the perfect place to stay when visiting Orlando. Then check out our list of the 100 best things to do in Orlando with kids (other than theme parks).
