What Are the Best Things to Do with Kids Between Christmas and New Year’s in DC?

Looking at neighborhood Christmas light displays not only keeps the holiday spirit going during that post-Christmas lull, it also keeps you from spending more money after the holiday spending spree! Check out the best neighborhood Christmas light displays near DC.

Ice skating is another festive winter activity, and there are so many great places to do it. Here are the best outdoor ice skate rinks near DC.

You can even catch some holiday-themed live shows after Christmas, like Miracle on 34th Street at Capital One Hall and Frosty the Snowman at Adventure Theatre.

Winter vacation is also a great time to check out some indoor experiences you haven't yet seen, like Bubble Planet or Machu Piccu : The VR Experience.

Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in DC?

Yes—many of the shows in our roundup of the best holiday light shows near DC are open through January! Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights is one of my favorites. Other great ones include the Bull Run Festival of Lights, Ice & Lights Winter Village, Zoo Lights, and Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens.

Are There Any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Weekend Events for Kids in DC?

Yes! Many of them take place in the afternoon, like Noon Yards Eve, Noon Year's Eve at Shipgarten, and Noon Year's Eve at B&O Railroad Museum. For more, head to our roundup of New Year's Eve fireworks, balloon drops, and other DC celebrations for kids.

FAQ – Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s in DC

Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in DC?
A: The new Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park is open through December 30 and is full of winter fun, from ice tubing to curling to snowball speed-throw challenges. The Holiday Festival at Trains at B&O Railroad Museum is open through New Year's Eve. And How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical at National Theatre on December 30.

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in DC?
There are loads of free activities, including holiday light displays like Light Yards, holiday events such as Season's Greenings at the US Botanic Gardens, and Sailing Through the Winter Solstice. Find more free fun in our list of 101 free things to do in DC with kids.

Q: What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s?
Tons! Find them in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC. 

Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?
Yes! Many of the ones we've linked, like Light Yards, are open through the beginning of January.

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in DC?
Yes! Smithsonian museums and all of the other spots in our list of free museums in DC are open. I also suggest checking out the new Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream Museum, which is also free and has some cool features kids 8 and up will enjoy, like answering trivia questions and taking selfies to add to the Portrait Tree.

Q: What’s the best day trip from DC during Christmas break with kids?
There are several options! You can spend the day at one of our favorite indoor water parks. If you want to take advantage of the cold temps, head to one of the best snow tubing spots near DC. Or go to Frederick, Maryland to see the Winter Solstice sailboats.