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MoCo Thanksgiving Parade, ZooLights, and More Fun Things To Do in DC this Weekend with Kids

Kick off the holiday week at the fun and festive Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade. Photo courtesy of the Montgomery Parks MNCPPC
Kick off the holiday week at the fun and festive Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade. Photo courtesy of the Montgomery Parks MNCPPC
11/19/25 - By Stephanie Shipman

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

The government has reopened, and that means Smithsonian institutions are open again—including the National Zoo! Which also means the popular ZooLights is happening! Reserve your tickets and nab parking passes if you need them, because this event might sell out even faster than normal!

The holidays are creeping closer and closer, and there are so many events to kick-start the season. Starting Thursday, the classic A Christmas Carol will be showing at Ford's Theater, and the Winter Lantern Festival will light up Tysons Corner. And stop by Mosaic Holiday Village to see Santa and start your holiday shopping.

Are you a staunch "Don't talk about Christmas until after Thanksgiving" family? If so, celebrate the holiday that makes November shine at the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade this Saturday.

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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See gorgeously lit boats at Sailing Through the Winter Solstice at Carroll Creek Park. Photo courtesy of the Tourism Council of Frederick County
See gorgeously lit boats at Sailing Through the Winter Solstice at Carroll Creek Park. Photo courtesy of the Tourism Council of Frederick County

Top Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

Winter Lantern Festival (at Tysons Corner)

Tysons, VA - Thursday, November 20 - Sunday, January 18
The Winter Lantern Festival is back this holiday season, with a display of electrifying lights made from more than 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns. Guests will enter and wander through a wonderland of light and color inspired by Chinese myths, legends, and zodiacs. Attractions will include a bounce house, sugar paintings, dino ride, interactive light swings, see-saws, tunnels, and many majestic creatures. READ MORE

Ford's Theatre A Christmas Carol

Washington, DC - Thursday, November 20 - Wednesday, December 31
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

Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular (at The Kennedy Center)

Washington, DC - Friday, November 21
Celebrate the season with Champions Of Magic and their all-new Holiday Spectacular featuring dazzling illusions, breathtaking, grand-scale magic, and festive surprises for the whole family. This high-energy, interactive show blends their signature humor, jaw-dropping magic, and holiday cheer, creating a one-of-a-kind experience perfect for the season. Don’t miss this enchanting celebration filled with wonder, spectacle, and joy! READ MORE

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (at Hylton Performing Arts Center)

Manassas, VA - Friday, November 21
Actor’s Theatre at the ARTfactory presents Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. This beloved stage adaptation of the classic holiday TV special tells the heartwarming story of Rudolph, the misfit reindeer with a glowing red nose, and his journey to find acceptance and save Christmas. READ MORE

DowntownDC Holiday Market at Gallery Place/Chinatown

Washington, DC - Daily, November 21 - December 23
Free
With regional artisans, crafters, and boutique businesses of ethically produced goods, the DowntownDC Holiday Market brings a unique and festive shopping village to the heart of downtown DC. There's also a live stage featuring regional performers.  READ MORE

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Washington, DC - Friday, November 21 - January 3
Free
This annual festive event features a variety of attractions including light shows, musical performances, inflatable slides, a train ride, and an outdoor market. ZooLights does not feature animals, and all indoor exhibits are closed. Attractions may not be open when temperatures are 35 degrees or below.  READ MORE

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Wheaton, MD - Various dates, November 21, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Brookside Gardens transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with over one million colorful lights. The display includes original works depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements, as well as computerized light displays complete with music and fog. READ MORE

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade

Silver Spring, MD - Saturday, November 22
Free
The streets are being overrun with turkeys, dinosaurs, penguins, and reindeer. No, the zoo hasn’t opened its gates – it's the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade! With marching bands, Bolivian dancing groups, floats, giant characters and balloons, and Santa, it is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the metro DC area. READ MORE

Holiday Gingerbread House Decorating at McLean Community Center

Mclean, Virginia - Saturday, November 22
Families can decorate a gingerbread house and make their own one-of-kind designs. McLean Community Center will supply a prebuilt house, frosting, and traditional and not- so-traditional toppings.  READ MORE

Saturday Morning Live! Presents: Capoeira with EducArte

Washington, DC - Saturday, November 22
Free
Experience the vibrant Afro-Brazilian tradition of capoeira, a blend of dance, music, acrobatics, and martial arts. Through interactive play, EducArte’s instructors introduce the audience to capoeira’s dynamic movements, drumming, and call-and-response songs, fostering creativity and cooperation in a fun, inclusive environment. READ MORE

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

Frederick, MD - Daily, November 22, 2025 - March 14, 2026
Free
Carroll Creek Park once again comes alive with individually designed lighted sailboats. Visitors can view the boats anytime day or night, with the lights turning on at sunset. READ MORE

Mosaic Holiday Village

Fairfax, VA - Saturday, November 22
Free
Shop for everyone on your list from more than 65 makers at Mosaic's Holiday Village. Enjoy live entertainment, Christmas carolers, photos with Santa, and more. READ MORE

Native American Heritage Month Celebration at KID Museum

Bethesda, MD - Sunday, November 23
Throughout the month of November, KID Museum will be honoring and celebrating Native American innovators and artists with hands-on activities, exciting performances, and workshops with visiting artists. READ MORE

Holiday Movies on the Potomac (at National Harbor)

National Harbor, MD - Sunday, November 23
Free
Enjoy a free family-friendly holiday movie every Sunday afternoon on the big screen outdoors at National Harbor. Show times vary and can be found online. READ MORE

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