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Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids
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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Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights .event.
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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
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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
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Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Christmas Tree Farms Near DC
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
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
The rink at Gaylord National Resort is the perfect place to go ice skating in December. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families
Enjoy milk and cookies and meet Santa aboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad's North Pole Express. Photo by Kimberly Byard.
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The Washington Ballet gives The Nutcracker a historic twist at the Warner Theatre. Photo by XMB photography
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Many organizations are distributing free toys for kids in need this holiday season. Photo by Joe Shlabotnik, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
What masterpieces will your kiddo create at the National Building Museum’s PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit? Photo by Anne McDonough, courtesy of the museum
Best Museums for Kids in the DC Area: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Kids will enjoy touching a real iceberg. Brrr!
Visiting Titanic: The Exhibition at National Harbor Near DC with Kids
The new Kalahari Resort will be home to Virginia's largest indoor water park.
A New Kalahari Resort and Indoor Water Park is Coming to Northern Virginia
Beat the Bomb combines the skill of an escape room with the thrill of a video game—and colorful paint or foam! Photo courtesy of the Beat the Bomb Facebook page
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With 75 themed walls for kids to tackle, it's impossible to get bored at ClimbZone. Photo courtesy of ClimbZone
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Kids are allowed—and even encouraged—to touch Reclining Liberty. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Arlington
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37 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC for Kids

Seasons Greenings at the US Botanic Garden is a DC holiday tradition. Photo courtesy of the US Botanic Garden
Seasons Greenings at the US Botanic Garden is a DC holiday tradition. Photo courtesy of the US Botanic Garden
11/5/23 - By Jennifer Swope

If your family is ready to get into the holiday spirit, the DC area is brimming with fun Christmas events and holiday activities where you can do just that. It's best to start planning now, because many of these holiday activities and Christmas events near DC require advance tickets or registration. Whether it's a holiday boat parade, a drive-thru light show, or a Christmas market, there is something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.

We've rounded up the ultimate list of the best Christmas events and holiday activities in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to help you with your holiday planning. For even more fun things to do this holiday season, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids.

Remember: We're adding new events to our DC event calendar daily, so keep checking back for more holiday fun. Whatever you celebrate, we're wishing you all the wonders of the season!

See Mount Vernon all aglow during Christmas Illuminations. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon
See Mount Vernon all aglow during Christmas Illuminations. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon

Holiday and Christmas Light Displays in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Centreville, VA
Daily, November 10, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Families can enjoy 2.5 miles of holiday light displays from the comfort of their own cars, then get out to visit the Holiday Village and carnival complete with rides, a visit with Santa, bonfires, and more. READ MORE

Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights

Vienna, VA
Daily, November 10, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail decorated with thousands of sparkling lights. The half-mile walk through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens features lighted nature themes and animated displays along a paved wheelchair- and stroller-accessible trail. Stay warm by sipping on a hot beverage (with or without spirits) while walking, and enjoy s’mores to finish out the evening. READ MORE

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Wheaton, MD
Daily, November 17 - December 31, 2023 (except November 20-23; December 24 & 25)
Brookside Gardens transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with over one million colorful lights. The display includes original works depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements, as well as computerized light displays complete with music and fog. READ MORE

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Alexandria, VA
Daily, November 17, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Ice & Lights offers a fun, outdoor family experience to see unique holiday lights, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. The Village opens on November 17, 2023 and ice skating begins on December 1. READ MORE

Winter City Lights

Olney, MD
Select dates, November 19 - December 30, 2023
The largest light show in the DC and Baltimore areas, Winter City Lights is one of the most technologically advanced Christmas light experiences in the US. It includes a 1.5-mile-long trail of Christmas lights and displays through the woods, a 52-foot-high programmable Christmas lights tree and light show, an eight-lane snow tubing ride, 14 bonfires, and more. READ MORE

SPCA Lights on the Bay

Annapolis, MD
Daily, November 19, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Driving through this holiday light show at Sandy Point State Park is a tradition for many families. It boasts more than 60 spectacular animated and stationary displays along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Snag some 3D glasses for the full effects. READ MORE

Merriweather Symphony of Lights

Columbia, MD
Various dates, November 23, 2023 - January 1, 2024
The Symphony of Lights drive-thru light show is back for the holidays with one mile of beautiful light displays and holiday music. On November 26, December 5 (dogs welcome), and December 31 (fireworks), families can walk through the light display for an additional fee. READ MORE

LuminoCity Winter Light Festival

Gaithersburg, MD
Daily (except Tuesdays & Christmas Day), November 24, 2023 - January 15, 2024 (also on December 26, 2023)
LuminoCity brings its winter wonderland experience to the DC area this season. This luminescent adventure has three themed rooms—Winter Fantasy, Wild Adventure, and Sweet Dreams. LuminoCity contains the magic of unicorns, a glowing bamboo forest, shining pandas, and a captivating donut tunnel for vistors to slide down.  READ MORE

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Washington, DC
Thursdays - Sundays, November 24 - December 30, 2023 (except December 24, also on December 26 & 27)
This annual festive event features a variety of attractions including light shows, musical performances, inflatable slides, a train ride, and an outdoor market. READ MORE

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

Gaithersburg, MD
Daily, November 24 - December 31, 2023 (except December 25)
The popular drive-thru winter lights display at Seneca Creek State Park includes more than 450 illuminated displays and beautiful lighted trees. READ MORE

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

Upper Marlboro, MD
Daily, November 24, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Watkins Regional Park brings a little twinkle to the holidays with a drive-thru event featuring dazzling displays of more than 2.5 million lights throughout the park, culminating in a giant, 54-foot LED musical tree. READ MORE

Enchant Christmas: Reindeer Games

Washington, DC
Daily, November 24 - December 31, 2023
Enchant Christmas includes a giant light maze, a magical ice skating trail, a kids' play place, live music, and a Christmas market and eatery. Kids can also have professional photos taken with Santa and enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

DC Winter Lantern Festival

Tysons, VA
Fridays - Sundays, November 24, 2023 - February 18, 2024
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II transforms into a dazzling world of light with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns portraying Chinese myths, legends, and zodiacs; a world of ice including mammoths, polar bears, and penguins; and interactive light swings, see-saws, and tunnels. READ MORE

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Washington, DC - Free
Thursday, November 30, 2023
The annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse features live musical performances. The tree will be lit every evening and open to the public from December 2, 2023 through January 1, 2024.  READ MORE

Holiday on the Farm

Herndon, VA
Fridays & Saturdays, December 1-16, 2023
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

Georgetown GLOW

Washington, DC - Free
Daily, December 1, 2023 - January 7, 2024
The ninth edition of GLOW returns to winter this year. Set against the backdrop of Georgetown, GLOW is the area's only free, curated outdoor public light art experience.  READ MORE

National Menorah Lighting

Washington, DC - Free
Thursday, December 7, 2023
One of the most prominent public Hanukkah programs in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House. Ticket holders get hot latkes and donuts as well as free dreidels and menorah kits. The US Navy Band performs. READ MORE

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA
Friday & Saturday, December 15 & 16, 2023
At this family-friendly celebration, the historic area is lit up by lanterns, the mansion is aglow in amber light, and the upper garden and greenhouse are blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. There's also an 18th-century winter market and winter encampment, holiday food and drinks, season's greetings by George Washington, and a dazzling fireworks display over the Potomac River. READ MORE
See the Potomac River sparkle at the District's Holiday Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
See the Potomac River sparkle at the District's Holiday Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC

Holiday and Christmas Parades in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Alexandria, VA - Free
Saturday, December 2, 2023
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

The District's Holiday Boat Parade

Washington, DC - Free
Saturday, December 2, 2023
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

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade

Alexandria, VA - Free
Saturday, December 2, 2023
The annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade is back for its 51st 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

Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

Manassas, VA - Free
Saturday, December 2, 2023
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade includes marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons, dancers, and more. This year's theme is "Christmas in Toyland." READ MORE
Experience an authentic German Christmas Market without even leaving Baltimore. Photo courtesy of Christmas Village in Baltimore
Experience an authentic German Christmas Market without even leaving Baltimore. Photo courtesy of Christmas Village in Baltimore

Holiday and Christmas Markets and Villages in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Downtown Holiday Market

Downtown DC - Free
Daily, November 17 - December 23, 2023 (except November 23 & December 4)
With more than 70 regional artisans, crafters, and boutique businesses of ethically produced goods, the Downtown Holiday Market brings a unique and festive shopping village to the heart of downtown DC. There's also a live stage featuring regional performers.  READ MORE

Maryland Christmas Show

Frederick, MD
Fridays - Sundays, November 17-26, 2023
The annual Maryland Christmas Show includes seven buildings of local artists and craftspeople offering fine art, pottery, furniture, jewelry, clothing, wreaths and garlands, toys, and Christmas ornaments. There is also a food pavilion with lots of holiday goodies, and Santa is there to visit and take pictures with kids. READ MORE

German Christmas Village

Baltimore, MD - Free
Select Dates, November 18 - December 24, 2023
Experience an authentic German Christmas market at West Shore Park at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. There are a variety of vendors, thousands of Christmas lights, live music, rides, food, and more. READ MORE

Heurich Christmas Markt

Washington, DC
Friday - Sunday, December 1-3, 2023
The Heurich House Museum hosts its annual German-style holiday market outdoors with vendors from local small businesses, tastings of local beer and food trucks, and a kids' tent featuring free festive ornament-making and games. READ MORE

Fairfax City Holiday Market

Fairfax, VA - Free
Fridays - Sundays, December 1-10, 2023
Shop for holiday gifts from local artisans and small businesses at the Fairfax City Holiday Market. On Sunday, December 3, bring your camera to take a free photo with Santa from 1-4pm.  READ MORE

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

Alexandria, VA - Free
Saturday, December 9, 2023
This festive Christmas market in Old Town features arts and crafts, jewelry, baked goods, hair care products, and more from over 110 local vendors. There's also live entertainment, food and desserts, and hot cocoa to enjoy. READ MORE
For some families, it's just not Christmas without seeing The Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the Washington Ballet
For some families, it's just not Christmas without seeing The Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the Washington Ballet

Other Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Ice! featuring Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

National Harbor, MD
Daily, November 19 - December 31, 2023
Ice! is back at the Gaylord National. Visitors can experience the beloved holiday classic Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer through larger-than-life sculptures carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice. Don't miss the chance to race down ice slides and travel through awe-inspiring tunnels. READ MORE

The Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum

Baltimore, MD
Fridays - Sundays, November 24 - December 17, 2023 (also on December 18 & 19, 2023)
Chris Van Allsburg's classic book comes to life from the moment passengers climb aboard this Polar Express train ride, when the conductor punches their golden tickets. Once aboard, passengers can indulge in hot chocolate and cookies and receive the first gift of Christmas from Santa himself.  READ MORE

Holly-Days at Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD
Friday - Sunday, November 24-26, 2023
Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo. This festive event includes a Member Morning (9:30 early entrance) and Santa and Friends parade on Friday. The rest of the weekend is filled with holiday crafts, delightful carolers, and so much more. READ MORE

Festival of Trees

Lutherville-Timonium, MD
Friday - Sunday, November 24-26, 2023
Returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds, the Festival of Trees is a three-day holiday celebration benefiting the patients, students, and programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute. It includes gorgeously decorated trees and gingerbread houses, holiday entertainment, visits with Santa Claus, artisan vendors, and a silent auction.  READ MORE

Kings Dominion WinterFest

Doswell, VA
Select Dates, November 17 - December 31, 2023
Kings Dominion transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of shimmering lights, holiday decor, and lavish displays. The Eiffel Tower becomes a 300-foot-tall Christmas tree, and the fountain on International Street turns into an ice skating rink. The WinterFest Wonderland Parade features extravagantly decorated floats, live performers, and an appearance by Santa himself. There are also holiday stage shows. READ MORE

Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden

Washington, DC - Free
Daily, November 23, 2023 - January 1, 2024 (except December 25)
The US Botanic Garden's popular holiday display returns this year with both indoor and outdoor displays. The garden-wide "Season's Greenings" features G-gauge model trains in the outdoor gardens, while the Conservatory features DC landmarks made of plants, holiday decor, and more. READ MORE

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Glen Echo, MD
Thursdays - Sundays, November 30 - December 31, 2023 (except December 25, also on December 26 & 27)
The Puppet Co. brings to life the children's book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. Hershel wants to light the candles and celebrate Hanukkah in his village, but the King and Queen of the Goblins have forbidden it. Attendees of the performance during Hanukkah from December 7-14 receive a special gift. READ MORE

The Washington Ballet: The Nutcracker

Washington, DC
Wednesdays - Sundays, December 2-30, 2023 (also on November 25-26, December 19 & 26)
This classic ballet has a historic twist this holiday season in one of DC's most iconic theaters, the Warner Theatre. The Washington Ballet's adaptation is set in 1882 Georgetown, with characters that include George Washington, Harriet Tubman, King George III, and others.  READ MORE

Santa's Farm Fest

Ijamsville, MD
Saturdays & Sundays, December 2-10, 2023
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

Places featured in this article:

Montgomery County Fairgrounds
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Historic Downtown Manassas
F Street sidewalk in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
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