Kick off the holiday season with a ride on the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum. Photo courtesy of the B&O Railroad

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in DC: Parades, Holiday Lights, and More Things To Do

LuminoCity will light up the night in Gaithersburg, Photo courtesy of LuminoCity

21 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

See a condensed Cirque show at Gaylord National Resort. Photo courtesy of Vivid Events

What’s Open on Thanksgiving in DC? Family-Friendly Places & Stores

GUIDE

Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids

There are so many family-friendly restaurants open for Thanksgiving dinner in the DC area! Photo by Cotton Bro Studio via Pexels

15 Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Now is the time to buy tickets for popular holiday light shows and other events! Photo courtesy of Brookside Gardens

The DC Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out

The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC

32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia 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)

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

There are so many places to have breakfast with Santa throughout the DC area. Photo courtesy of Theissman's Restaurant's Facebook page

Breakfast with Santa in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia in 2025

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

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

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 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)

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

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!)

Planet Word has a 22-foot talking word wall!

The 12 Best FREE Hidden Gems & Secret Spots for Kids in DC

Learn the art of blacksmithing at Lawless Forge in Sterling, VA. Photo courtesy of the venue

Dave & Buster's is fun for all ages! Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

Best Kid-Friendly Arcades in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

You're never too old for a foam pit! Photo courtesy of Sky Zone

Safe and Fun Teen Nighttime Activities Near DC

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

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

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

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

27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids

Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.

11/23/25 - By Ashley Jones

Looking for free Christmas events in Houston? We have a long list of free holiday events in Houston for kids.

Your holiday and Christmas activities don't need to cost a small fortune, so we rounded up over 25 free Christmas events near Houston that will have your holidays feeling all sorts of festive. From tree lightings to Santa sightings and more, there is something for everyone on our list of free Christmas events in Houston.

For even more free fun, we have a list of all the Best Neighborhoods with Holiday Lights Displays in Houston, and for more seasonal events and things to do, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.