Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids

The most magical time of year is here: the holiday season! Find fun Christmas activities near DC, restaurants open on Thanksgiving, Hanukkah events, holiday day trips to see Christmas lights, and find out where to call and see Santa Claus this season.

Check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide to all the best things to do in DC this season, as well as in nearby NOVA and Maryland.

Christmas Activities for DC Kids
Seasons Greenings at the US Botanic Garden is a DC holiday tradition. Photo courtesy of the US Botanic Garden
37 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC for Kids
The National Christmas Tree lights up the Ellipse every evening through New Year's Day. Photo by Kelsey Graczyk, courtesy of the National Park Service
33 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights .event.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
There are so many places to have breakfast with Santa throughout the DC area. Photo courtesy of Theissman's Restaurant's Facebook page
Breakfast with Santa in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Christmas Tree Farms Near DC
Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC in Maryland and Northern Virginia

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Build the excitement as the festive celebrations approach! Photo courtesy of Lego
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The Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table brings hours of fun on a hot day.
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There are tons of creative ways to use Magna-Tiles, like playing matching games or making your own marble runs. Photo courtesy of Magna Tile
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Jenga is a game that kids can play alone, with friends, or with the whole family.
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Armed with our giant list of Christmas crafts, you'll keep kids busy until the New Year!
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Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
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There are so many fun ways to incorporate dreidels into your Hanukkah festivities.
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The Furoshiki method is a practical way to wrap gifts using pieces of cloth. Photo courtesy of Invaluable
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas Kids Can Do: Holiday and Christmas Gift Wrap with Less Waste
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Hot chocolate bombs are a tasty winter treat for kids!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps

Latest Christmas/Hanukkah News

Enjoy Christmas dinner in a rustic setting at Mia's Italian Kitchen. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Skip the cooking and cleanup and head to one of these restaurants on Christmas Day and Christmas...
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Put on a holiday sweater—ugly or not!—and strike a pose!
Best Family Christmas Card Photo Ideas
Want to make your family Christmas photo cards stand out this year? Here's how! We're making...
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Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page
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.
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The National Christmas Tree lights up the Ellipse every evening through New Year's Day. Photo by Kelsey Graczyk, courtesy of the National Park Service
33 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Discover holiday fun in and around DC that doesn’t break the piggy bank.
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Uh-oh! The elf tangled up your tree lights! Photo by Mark Baylor, courtesy of Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
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50 Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2023: Easy To Set Up Tricks for Mischievous Elves
Simple but hilarious Elf on the Shelf shenanigans that will delight your kids.
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Take pictures with Santa and enjoy loads of other holiday activities at Gaylord National Resort. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National
Pictures with Santa Claus in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Santa Claus is coming to town! Take pictures with him at these fun events and places.
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