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Things to Do in DC This Weekend: Holiday Boat Parade, Train Show, Scottish Walk

Enchant Christmas features a light maze, ice skating, a holiday market, and more. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas
Enchant Christmas features a light maze, ice skating, a holiday market, and more. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas
12/4/19 - By James Smith

As the calendar inches toward Christmas in the DC area, little minds become filled with big dreams. And why not, Washington and Baltimore are just shining with seasonal possibilities.

This weekend alone, families can usher in the season with a boat parade, traditional Scottish holiday walk,  a train show, holiday lights, even a card-making workshop.

If you prefer some non-holiday entertainment options, why not check out a Saturday morning workshop at the National Theatre, introduce your child to the magic of opera in Baltimore, or enjoy Lego crafts with dad in Laurel.

As always, see our holiday guide for the best seasonal entertainment in Washington, including our must-do list of holiday events, great Santa breakfasts and brunches, and a look at FREE holiday events in the area. And remember, our events calendar is loaded with fun, family events right through New Year's Day.

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Make your own seasonal card at the National Postal Museum's Holiday Card Workshop. Photo courtesy of the museum
Make your own seasonal card at the National Postal Museum's Holiday Card Workshop. Photo courtesy of the museum

Things to Do With Kids in the DC Area All Weekend

Annual Holiday Card Workshop

Washington, DC - FREE
Families can kick off the holiday season at the National Postal Museum’s annual Holiday Card Workshop. The museum lays out pretty papers, vintage stamps from around the world, and other supplies to inspire creativity and encourage everyone to create one-of-a-kind holiday greetings. READ MORE

14th Annual Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

Chantilly, VA
The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Chantilly features more than 350 of the nation’s most accomplished fine artists and craft designers offering their one-of-a-kind work in functional and decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, wood, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography, and fine art. The festival also includes delicious gourmet foods for sampling and purchase, live demonstrations by talented artists and interactive children’s theater. It’s the best place to shop for those special holiday gifts that you can't find online. READ MORE

Holiday Train Show

Fairfax Station, VA
During the first full weekend of December, Fairfax Station Railroad Museum welcomes young and old to its annual Holiday Train Show. This rain-or-shine event features model trains of many sizes. Santa makes an appearance too. READ MORE

ZooLights

Washington, DC - FREE
Zoolights won't be held onsite this year. Instead, it's hitting the road and coming to you. READ MORE
Create holiday treats, including gingerbrick houses, with the chefs from McCormick. Photo courtesy of the Port Discovery Children's Museum
Create holiday treats, including gingerbrick houses, with the chefs from McCormick. Photo courtesy of the Port Discovery Children's Museum

Things to Do With Kids in the DC Area, Saturday, December 7

Saturday Morning Live! at the National

Washington, DC - FREE
Saturday Morning Live! returns to the National Theatre. Enjoy wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, including interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music, all designed to light up imaginations and celebrate a world of wonder.  READ MORE

Gingerbricks Decorating with McCormick

Baltimore, MD
Gingerbread houses, gum drops, and icing…oh my! Join Port Discovery and the chefs from McCormick to decorate gingerbricks with tasty treats. READ MORE

Jingle Bell Rockout

Rockville, MD - FREE
Jingle Bell Rockout features performances by members of LDE Unplugged with Friends, as well as appearances by the Grinch, Elvis, and the guest of honor, Santa Claus. READ MORE

The District's Holiday Boat Parade

Washington, DC - 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

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade

Alexandria, VA - FREE (also, Friday, December 6)
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

Enchant Christmas: Reindeer Games

Washington, DC
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
Meet Santa and his elves at Sandy Spring Museum's Family Holiday Party. Photo courtesy of the museum
Meet Santa and his elves at Sandy Spring Museum's Family Holiday Party. Photo courtesy of the museum

Things to Do With Kids in the DC Area, Sunday, December 8

Family Holiday Party

Sandy Spring, MD
The museum kicks off the holiday season with its festive Family Holiday Party, which includes all manner of classic holiday treats. READ MORE

Dad Crafternoon: LEGO Ornaments

Laurel, MD - FREE
Build an ornament with dad. The FREE event is made possible by the cool dads of Howard County. Thanks to generous donations, kids can keep the ornaments they make. READ MORE

A Storytelling Opera-tunity

Baltimore, MD
Take the stage and learn about the exciting world of opera, how the art form is an old and thrilling form of storytelling, and help a lead performer bring larger-than-life elements to life. READ MORE

WondeRoom Create Date

Sandy Spring, MD - FREE
Children and grown-ups work together during hands-on activities that challenge and inspire creativity. Each week focuses on a different theme that assists parents and children to collaboratively engage in problem-solving adventures. READ MORE

Sunday Morning Bird Walks

Alexandria, VA - FREE
Visit Dyke Marsh for an early Sunday morning bird walk led by experienced birders. Guests are asked to gather in the south parking lot of the Bell Haven picnic area at 8am. READ MORE

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