Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids

The most magical time of year is here: the holiday season! Find fun Christmas activities near DC, restaurants open on Thanksgiving, Hanukkah events, holiday day trips to see Christmas lights, and find out where to call and see Santa Claus this season.

Check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide to all the best things to do in DC this season, as well as in nearby NOVA and Maryland.

Christmas Activities for DC Kids
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
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 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)
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
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 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

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids
Jody Mercier photo of little boy opening Christmas gift in delight before Christmas tree
Mommy Poppins Gift Guide 2025 for Kids
Make baby's first Christmas extra special with these awesome gift ideas.
Baby's First Christmas Gifts
Toys make perfect first birthday gifts for budding toddlers! But which ones? We've got you covered.
Best First Birthday Gifts: Toys and More for 1-Year-Olds
The KidKraft Wooden Train Set & Table is hours of creative fun that grows with your kids.
Best Toddler Gifts: Toys, Books, and More for 2- & 3-year-olds
There are tons of creative ways to use Magna-Tiles, like playing matching games or making your own marble runs. Photo courtesy of Magna Tile
Best Gifts and Toys for 4- & 5-Year-Olds: Top Birthday Gift Ideas for Preschoolers
Suspend Family is a game the whole family can play. Photo courtesy of the Melissa & Doug Toy Company
Gift Guide to the Best Toys & Gifts for Kids, 5-Year-Olds to 9-Year-Olds
Holiday & Christmas Crafts for Kids
Armed with our giant list of Christmas crafts, you'll keep kids busy until the New Year!
101 Fun Christmas Crafts and Games for Kids to Do at Home
Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History
There are so many fun ways to incorporate dreidels into your Hanukkah festivities.
How To Play Dreidel and Other Dreidel Games
The Furoshiki method is a practical way to wrap gifts using pieces of cloth. Photo courtesy of Invaluable
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas Kids Can Do: Holiday and Christmas Gift Wrap with Less Waste
Easy Handmade Thumbprint Holiday Cards Kids Craft
Hot chocolate bombs are a tasty winter treat for kids!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps

Latest Christmas/Hanukkah News

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.
READ MORE
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
Share a morning meal with Santa at these festive events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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...
READ MORE
Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
These amazing places are giving out free toys for kids this holiday season.
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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.
READ MORE
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