Spotlight Washington DC
Scottish Santa is coming through town bag pipes and all. Photo courtesy of the Scottish Christmas Walk
25 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Here are our top picks for things to do in DC in December 2025.
GUIDE
Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids
Find the best things to do near DC this holiday season.
Pull on the iconic blue parka and check out ICE! featuring The Polar Express. Photo courtesy of the author
What is Open on Christmas Day in DC: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Need something to do on Christmas Day? Here are some places you can visit near DC.
Don't want to cook this Christmas? Treat your family to a festive meal at a restaurant! Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Family-Friendly 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.
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
Here are our picks for the best holiday and Christmas lights displays in the DC area.
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
Enjoy tree lightings, Santa sightings, holiday parades, and more festive fun in and around DC this...
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens is one of several light shows open between Christmas and New Year's. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery Parks
DC Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids
Keep kids entertained with these fun things to do over Christmas vacation 2025.
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
Discover holiday fun in and around DC that doesn’t break the piggy bank.
Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year with a lively parade in late February. Photo courtesy of dcparade.com
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 21 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids in Winter 2025 -2026
Shake off the winter doldrums with these fun things to do in DC in 2025 -2026.
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.
The Sculpture Garden Ice Rink at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art is always popular. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families
Bring the kids to one of these DC outdoor ice skating rinks for winter fun.
Gaylord National Resort's ICE! has a fun new theme every year! Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near DC That Will Blow Your Mind
These Christmas towns and festive hotels will bring the fa-la-la vibes all season long.
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
Here's where to take the kids to see The Nutcracker and other holiday shows in 2025.
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)
All aboard these magical Christmas trains for a dose of holiday cheer.
Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Shop local and find some cool stuff for kids at these awesome stores.
The National Museum of the American Indian's imagiNATIONS Activity Center is full of interactive activities for kids. Photo by the author
Things To Do in DC That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
The whole family will have fun at these DC spots!
Planet Word has a 22-foot talking word wall!
The 12 Best FREE Hidden Gems & Secret Spots for Kids in DC
Tired of visiting the same old DC attractions with the kids? We've rounded up the best free hidden...
Learn the art of blacksmithing at Lawless Forge in Sterling, VA. Photo courtesy of the venue
19 Trending and Out-of-the-Box Activities for Kids in DC
Sometimes you just want to shake things up when it comes to family entertainment. Luckily, there...
Dave & Buster's is fun for all ages! Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
Best Kid-Friendly Arcades in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia
Gamers both little and big will love these awesome arcades.
You're never too old for a foam pit! Photo courtesy of Sky Zone
Safe and Fun Teen Nighttime Activities Near DC
Teens won't get bored at these 15 fun places!
LEGO® Discovery Center Washington, DC is the perfect birthday spot for little builders.
Only in DC Birthday Parties for Kids: Unique Birthday Parties for All Ages
Throw your child a one-of-a-kind birthday bash at these unique DC-area spots.
Go on a safari at Leesburg Animal Park. Photo by Sam Dean, courtesy of Visit Virginia
Ultimate Virginia Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in VA
Here is your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in Virginia as a family.
It doesn't get much better than a delicious slice of pizza! Photo courtesy of Stracci Pizza
Where to Find the Best Pizza in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia
These great places will satisfy any pizza craving.
Enjoy Art in Bloom during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo by Elvert Barnes via FLickr 2.0
101 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids
There are so many ways for families to have fun in and around DC without spending a dime!

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick
The Barter Players: “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” at the Alden Theater
McLean Community Center - 11:00 AM Pick
Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights
Watkins Regional Park - 5:00 PM Pick
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens - 5:30 PM Pick
Winter City Lights (in Olney, MD)
Winter City Lights - 5:00 PM Pick
Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick
Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights
Watkins Regional Park - 5:00 PM Pick
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens - 5:30 PM Pick
Winter City Lights (in Olney, MD)
Winter City Lights - 5:00 PM Pick
Dreaded Dead Descent of the District: DC Ghost Tour
Behind the Treasury Building - 7:00 PM Pick
STORYTIME at the Hirshhorn
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden - 10:00 AM Pick
Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick
Waterskiing Santa (Alexandria Waterfront)
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront - 1:00 PM Pick
Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights
Watkins Regional Park - 5:00 PM Pick
Winter City Lights (in Olney, MD)
Winter City Lights - 5:00 PM Pick
Family Program: Wrapped in Tradition (at Capital Jewish Museum)
Capital Jewish Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights
Watkins Regional Park - 5:00 PM Pick
Winter City Lights (in Olney, MD)
Winter City Lights - 5:00 PM Pick
National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace
President's Park - various times Pick
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience (at Rhode Island Center)
Rhode Island Center - various times Pick
Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick
Family Day: Winter Wishes at Library of Congress
Library of Congress - 10:30 AM Pick
Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights
Watkins Regional Park - 5:00 PM Pick
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens - 5:30 PM Pick
Winter City Lights (in Olney, MD)
Winter City Lights - 5:00 PM Pick
Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick
Family Day: Winter Wishes at Library of Congress
Library of Congress - 10:30 AM Pick
Night in the North Pole at B&O Railroad Museum
B&O Railroad Museum - 4:00 PM Pick
Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights
Watkins Regional Park - 5:00 PM Pick
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens - 5:30 PM Pick
Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick
Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights
Watkins Regional Park - 5:00 PM Pick
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens - 5:30 PM Pick
Winter City Lights (in Olney, MD)
Winter City Lights - 5:00 PM Pick
Miracle on 34th Street The Musical (at Capital One Hall)
Capital One Hall - 7:30 PM Pick

Latest Articles

Pull on the iconic blue parka and check out ICE! featuring The Polar Express. Photo courtesy of the author
What is Open on Christmas Day in DC: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Jennifer Marino Walters, Dec 21 - Need something to do on Christmas Day? Here are some places you can visit near DC. READ MORE
Photo by Devin Manky via Destination Vancouver
Best Family Travel of 2025: Our Favorite Cities, Beaches, National Parks, Hotels, and More
Jennifer Marino Walters, Dec 20 - Check out all the amazing places we visited in 2025! READ MORE
A year-long National Children's Museum membership makes the perfect experiential gift for kids and families.
The Ultimate Experience Gift for DC Area Kids: The Gift of Play
Jessica Laird, Dec 18 - Give the gift of National Children's Museum. READ MORE
Noisemakers and party hats make the evening feel festive from the start! Photo by Ivan Samkov via Pexels
How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Kids at Home: 22 Parent-Tested Ideas
Jean Kuo Lee, Dec 18 - Countdown treat bags, time capsules, and more ways to welcome 2025 at home. READ MORE
The Talent Machine Co.'s annual Holiday Spectacular is always a great show! Photo courtesy of Talent Machine
Holiday Theater, Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon, and More Fun Things To Do in DC this Weekend with Kids
Stephanie Shipman, Dec 17 - Enjoy the coolest events this weekend throughout the DC area. READ MORE
Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year with a lively parade in late February. Photo courtesy of dcparade.com
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 21 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids in Winter 2025 -2026
Jennifer Marino Walters, Dec 14 - Shake off the winter doldrums with these fun things to do in DC in 2025 -2026. READ MORE
More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Explore DC's Top Attractions with Kids
Wegmans Wonderplace is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Photo courtesy of Wegmans Wonderplace at the National Museum of American History
Best Attractions and Things To Do in DC that are Kid-Friendly
Here are some best kid-friendly attractions to visit in our nation's capital.
April is the ideal month to see the Washington, DC cherry blossoms. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Top Attractions in DC: The Best Things to See and Do with Kids
Here are the best things to see and do with kids in our nation's capital.
Climb the famous steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a gorgeous view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. Photo by anjanettew via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Visiting Washington, DC's National Mall and Memorial Parks with Kids
Here's what to see, where to eat, and how to get around at the iconic National Mall in Washington...
Explore amazing interactive exhibits at the National Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
3 Days in DC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Have a fun-filled long weekend in DC—without breaking the bank —with this three-day itinerary...
Your kiddos will be in awe of the size of this humongous African elephant I am in awe of its size. Photo by author Lisa Warden
Visiting Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in DC with Kids
Explore science and nature at this incredible free museum.
Did you know that the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is bigger than 18 football fields? Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress
Explore the Best Science Museums for Kids in DC: Educational Fun for All Ages
These top museums will truly engage young scientists.