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
The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
33 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens will dazzle the whole family. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery County Parks
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC for Kids
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)
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
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
Enjoy milk and cookies and meet Santa aboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad's North Pole Express. Photo by Kimberly Byard
Best Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near DC (2025 Guide for Families)

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids
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Mommy Poppins Gift Guide 2026 for Kids
Make baby's first Christmas extra special with these awesome gift ideas.
Baby's First Christmas Gifts
Toys make perfect first birthday gifts for budding toddlers! But which ones? We've got you covered.
Best First Birthday Gifts: Toys and More for 1-Year-Olds
The KidKraft Wooden Train Set & Table is hours of creative fun that grows with your kids.
Best Toddler Gifts: Toys, Books, and More for 2- & 3-year-olds
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
Best Gifts and Toys for 4- & 5-Year-Olds: Top Birthday Gift Ideas for Preschoolers
Suspend Family is a game the whole family can play. Photo courtesy of the Melissa & Doug Toy Company
Gift Guide to the Best Toys & Gifts for Kids, 5-Year-Olds to 9-Year-Olds
Holiday & Christmas Crafts for Kids
Armed with our giant list of Christmas crafts, you'll keep kids busy until the New Year!
101 Fun Christmas Crafts and Games for Kids to Do at Home
Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History
There are so many fun ways to incorporate dreidels into your Hanukkah festivities.
How To Play Dreidel and Other Dreidel Games
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
Easy Handmade Thumbprint Holiday Cards Kids Craft
Hot chocolate bombs are a tasty winter treat for kids!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps

Latest Christmas/Hanukkah News

See more than a million lights on Christmas Day at LumiNature t the Philly Zoo. Photo by Georgi Anastasov.
What's Open on Christmas Day in Philly: A List of Awesome Things To Do
If you're looking to get out of the house on Christmas, here's where to go.
READ MORE
The Magic Gardens are lit up for a festive new look after dark. Photo by Pinball Photos LLC
Philly’s Unusual & Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Find something a little less…traditional this holiday season!
READ MORE
Holidays in the Village at Peddler's Village is winter break fun for the whole family. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village
Philly Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Years with Kids
Shows, museums, lights, and more to get you out and about over winter break.
READ MORE
Tis the season to enjoy a traditional Christmas Dinner at Bank and Bourbon.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Philadelphia
Christmas Day restaurant options for great meals and less stress.
READ MORE
Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, LumiNature. Photo by Georgi Anastov Photography
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Philly
The Philadelphia region sparkles, glitters, and shines at these light shows.
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Rose Tree Park glimmers at night, welcoming visitors to enjoy a wintery walk at Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the park
18 Free Holiday and Christmas Events for Philly Kids
Holiday fun in Philly at no cost to families.
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