Top Free Things To Do with Kids in DC in January 2026, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
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There is lots of free fun to be had all around the DC area this month!
Latest posts by Stephanie Shipman
DC New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks, & More
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New Year's Eve with kids might feel as wild as those pre-children celebrations with sugar highs and post-holiday excitement —just earlier in the day, and everyone falls asleep well before midnight! When my now teenagers were a baby and a toddler, we attended the very first Noon Yards Eve. It's grown and become the premier DC event for kids to celebrate the new year. I can't recommend it enough!
But that is only one of the many great things to do with kids on New Year's Eve in the DC area. There are daytime New Year's Eve events like the Rocknoceros New Year's Eve Party at Jammin Java and Noon Year's Eve at the B&O Railroad Museum. Families with older kids might enjoy nighttime New Year's Eve family parties like the popular First Night Alexandria or the new New Year's Eve Drone & Fireworks Show in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
From fireworks and ball drops to drone shows and parties, here's what to do with kids on New Year's Eve in DC.
Christmas Weekend 2025 in DC Top Things To Do: Christmas Lights, Holiday Theater, and More
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Looking for the best things to do in DC this Christmas weekend? Here are some awesome events and activities to add to your list for Christmas 2025.
Santa Claus is coming to town, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate all weekend long! Start by seeing Waterskiing Santa at the Alexandria waterfront on Christmas Eve, and keep the spirit alive Friday - Sunday with Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical at Capital One Hall. If you're looking for things to do on Christmas itself, check out our list of what is open on Christmas Day in DC.
The Winter Skate Spectacular kicks off in the National Building Museum this Saturday. If you prefer skating in the fresh air, our list of the best outdoor ice skating rinks near DC has plenty of fun options.
And if you want to get a jump on New Year's celebrations, there's a New Year's Tea at the B&O Railroad Museum on Sunday. Whatever you do, happy holidays from your friends at Mommy Poppins!
DC Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids
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Looking for the best things to do with kids in DC during winter break? We've got you covered!
Christmas vacation can be a long stretch of time to keep children entertained—they're out of school for two entire weeks! Once the presents are all opened, the cookies are baked, and the holiday anticipation is over, kids will likely say, "I'm bored!" at least once. And when that happens, consider this our ultimate guide to the best attractions, experiences, and holiday break events for kids in DC between December 26, 2025 and January 4, 2026.
If you're in the DC area over the holiday break, read on for a ton of fun ideas for things to do. You can also check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces and our DC Winter Vacation Guide for even more suggestions.
25 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
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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 hopefully you've added some of them to your December to-do list. Smithsonian institutions have reopened just in time to bring back one of the DC area's most iconic holiday light shows, ZooLights at the National Zoo. Another must-do holiday event, Season's Greenings at the US Botanic Garden, has a dinosaur theme this year. It's also FREE!
If you're looking for a unique holiday show, try Imagination Stage's The Snowman and the Snowdog. My kids have always loved this theater's productions, and I can't recommend them enough.
And if you need a break from the holiday madness, check out the FREE Embassy Showcase Winternational, when over 70 embassies from around the world come together to share their food, culture, art, and traditions.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
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The DC area is always merry and bright with so many Christmas light shows, holiday lights drive-thrus, and other festive displays. I know I'm having trouble selecting the one (or three) my family will visit because they're all so good.
Light Yards is always a fun and quick stop, especially when you get to swing on the bells as they light up. For years, I've been wanting to check out the Holiday Boat Parade which is visible from both The Wharf and Alexandria. And then there are the tree and menorah lightings, neighborhood displays, and twinkles all over the area.
Below I've compiled the ultimate list of 33 amazing Christmas light shows, holiday lights drive-thrus, and tree and menorah lightings around the DC area.
While you're in a festive mood, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids. And remember, we are constantly updating our events calendar with more Christmas events and holiday activities all over the DC area. Whatever you celebrate, we're wishing you all the wonders of the season!
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in DC: Parades, Holiday Lights, and More Things To Do
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Looking for the best things to do in DC this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.
We can't believe Thanksgiving weekend is already here! This year, we are grateful for meaningful time with family and for all of the magical moments families will make at holiday events around DC. From Christmas lights displays like Merriweather Symphony of Lights to a festive holiday parade to taking a ride on The Polar Express, there is an activity for your entire family.
Lots of Nutcracker shows also start this week, and Santa will soon follow! Your kids can get ahead on their lists with a breakfast with Santa at B&O Railroad Museum.
33 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Submitted by Stephanie Shipman on
The holiday season can be as expensive as it is festive. Luckily, there are loads of free holiday events throughout the DC area for families. Tree and menorah lightings, such as the National Harbor Tree Light Show and the National Menorah Lighting, are some of the most popular. Then there are the parades like the Scottish Christmas Walk in Old Town Alexandria and the Christmas and Holiday Parade in Leesburg.
These are just a few of the many free events I've found for your family. Don't miss the section dedicated to holiday markets, where you can soak up the cheer while buying unique gifts for family and friends.
Read on for the ultimate list of free holiday and Christmas events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia in 2025. For more ideas for seasonal fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids, which includes our list of must-do Christmas and holiday activities in DC for kids. Happy holidays!
