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Wave to waterskiing Santa on Christmas Eve! Photo by Toni Genburg
Wave to waterskiing Santa on Christmas Eve! Photo by Toni Genburg
12/23/25 - By Stephanie Shipman

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!

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our DC Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

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Things to do in Washington, DC this Christmas Weekend with Kids

Waterskiing Santa (Alexandria Waterfront)

Alexandria, VA - Wednesday, December 24
Free
Watch Santa take to the Potomac on waterskis! After the show, he, Mrs. Claus, and his merry crew greet children on the waterfront and behind the Torpedo Factory. READ MORE

ICE! featuring The Polar Express (at Gaylord National Resort)

National Harbor, MD - Daily, through Sunday, January 4
Visitors can experience the beloved holiday ICE! featuring The Polar Express, a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. READ MORE

National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace

Washington, DC - Daily, through Thursday, January 1
Free
The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse is lit every evening and open to the public. Surrounding it are more than 50 smaller trees representing the US states and territories, each featuring unique ornaments created by students. READ MORE

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

Gaithersburg, MD - Daily, through Wednesday, December 31
The popular drive-thru winter lights display at Seneca Creek State Park includes more than 450 illuminated displays and beautiful lighted trees. READ MORE

Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park

Washington, DC - Daily, through Tuesday, December 30 (except December 25)
Celebrate the season with Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park! Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities on the field, including a tubing slide, curling lanes, a train ride, LED seesaws, putt-putt and snowball speed-throw challenges, a Northern Lights experience, a sculpture garden, and more. Grown-ups can enjoy a 21-and-over area with a hidden speakeasy.  READ MORE

National Harbor Holiday Tree Light Show

National Harbor, MD - Daily, through Saturday, December 27
Each night, families can enjoy a beautiful light show as a 60-foot Christmas tree at National Harbor lights up. On Saturdays at 5:30pm, the show is followed by fireworks. READ MORE

The Washington Ballet: The Nutcracker (at The Warner Theatre)

Washington, DC - Daily, through Sunday, December 28 (except December 25)
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

Ford's Theatre A Christmas Carol

Daily, through Wednesday, December 31 (except December 24 & 25)
Experience a reinterpretation of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story in historic Ford's Theatre. This version of Ebenezer Scrooge's story is a music-infused production, capturing the magic and joy of this Yuletide classic. READ MORE

Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience (at Friendship Center)

Washington, DC - Daily, through Wednesday, December 31
Dopamine Land is a multisensory experience combining media, technology, and play in one place. Visitors travel through an interactive museum boasting multiple rooms and activities that provide something new and exciting at every corner. READ MORE

Winter City Lights (in Olney, MD)

Olney, MD - Wednesday - Monday, December 24-29
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

Fairmont Washington Christmas Day Brunch

Washington, DC - Thursday, December 25
Enjoy a delicious and festive Christmas Day buffet brunch with Santa at the Fairmont hotel. The buffet includes all the classic breakfast items, a children's buffet table, delectable desserts, and more. Santa visits each table, and an electric violinist performs holiday favorites. Adults can purchase drinks from a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar.  READ MORE

Family Program: Wrapped in Tradition (at Capital Jewish Museum)

Washington, DC - Thursday, December 25
Whether your Christmas Day traditions involve Chinese food, holiday movies, or service projects, the Capital Jewish Museum has it all and more. Enjoy classic traditions and make new ones with drop-in activities and projects for visitors looking to learn, play, and give back. READ MORE

Family Day: Winter Wishes at Library of Congress

Washington, DC - Friday & Saturday, December 26 & 27
Free
Use winter-themed imagery from the Library’s collection to create holiday cards, bookmarks, and add a wish for 2026 to the communal Family Day display.  READ MORE

Miracle on 34th Street The Musical (at Capital One Hall)

Tysons, VA - Friday, December 26 - Sunday, December 28
Enjoy Miracle on 34th Street The Musical, about a kind old man named Kris Kringle who is hired to be the department store Santa Claus and claims he is the real Santa Claus. This claim is met with skepticism, and when his sanity is questioned and he is put on trial, it tests the faith of everyone involved, particularly a cynical mother and her daughter READ MORE

Winter Skate Spectacular at National Building Museum

Washington, DC - Thursdays - Mondays, December 27 - Sunday, February 8
The Winter Skate Spectacular at the National Building Museum has an indoor synthetic ice rink featuring themed skating days, including disco and glow nights, as well as specific times for young children. READ MORE

Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park

Woodbridge, VA - Saturday & Sunday, December 27 & 28
Free
Experience the magic of the season at the 3rd Annual Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk. Stroll through a sparkling winter wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights, holiday-themed characters, a holiday market, and joyful holiday music. Enjoy a hot beverage, seasonal treats and food vendors, and special photo ops along the illuminated paths, perfect for families, friends, and holiday lovers of all ages. READ MORE

New Year's Tea at B&O Railroad Museum

Baltimore, MD - Sunday, December 28
Join the B&O Railroad Museum and Emma’s Tea Spot for a memorable New Year’s celebration like no other. First enjoy a train ride down the first mile of commercial railroad track in the country. Then get ready for an afternoon of tea, treats, prosecco toast, and fun at this traditional English afternoon tea! READ MORE
Celebrate Christmas all weekend long! Photo courtesy of The Scottish Christmas Walk
Celebrate Christmas all weekend long! Photo courtesy of The Scottish Christmas Walk

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Enjoy plenty of holiday activities with the family at home. Photo by Dragon Images via canva.com
Enjoy plenty of holiday activities with the family at home. Photo by Dragon Images via canva.com

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Free printable coloring pages for kids can be a lifesaver, especially during the busy holiday season. Kids who love to get crafty can use Christmas coloring pages to make tree decorations, wall art, gift tags, Christmas cards, and more. Plus, they're the perfect boredom buster for car rides or while you're trying to get some chores done. These printable Christmas coloring pages are fun, festive, and easy to download and share. We've found a variety of holiday coloring sheets& in classic Christmas themes like Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and Christmas tree coloring pages. Looking for... READ MORE

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Places featured in this article:

Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center