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25 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Scottish Santa is coming through town bag pipes and all. Photo courtesy of the Scottish Christmas Walk
Scottish Santa is coming through town bag pipes and all. Photo courtesy of the Scottish Christmas Walk
11/29/24 - By Jennifer Swope

This December is filled with sparkles and merriment, from holiday lights and parades to menorah lightings and New Year's Eve events.

You've seen our round-up of must-do Christmas events and holiday activities, and hopefully you've added some of them to your December to-do list. Smithsonian institutions have reopened just in time to bring back one of the DC area's most iconic holiday light shows, ZooLights at the National Zoo. Another must-do holiday event, Season's Greenings at the US Botanic Garden, has a dinosaur theme this year. It's also FREE!

If you're looking for a unique holiday show, try Imagination Stage's The Snowman and the Snowdog. My kids have always loved this theater's productions, and I can't recommend them enough.

And if you need a break from the holiday madness, check out the FREE Embassy Showcase Winternational, when over 70 embassies from around the world come together to share their food, culture, art, and traditions. 

Want even more fun things to do this December? Our DC events calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the month— 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!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Ring in the Noon Year with music, games, and a big balloon drop when the clock hits 12. Photo courtesy of The Yards DC
Ring in the Noon Year with music, games, and a big balloon drop when the clock hits 12. Photo courtesy of The Yards DC

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids this December

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Washington, DC
Various dates, through January 3, 2026
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

Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden

Washington, DC - FREE
Daily (except December 25), through January 4, 2026
Celebrate the holiday season in the US Botanic Garden's annual holiday display, with the Conservatory full of poinsettias, holiday decor, and DC landmarks made from plants. In the outdoor gardens, find festive lights and decor and a model train show. This year, G-gauge model trains will chug through displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts, including T-rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor, and more, plus living plants whose ancestors lived alongside them such as cycads, ferns, and magnolias. READ MORE

The Snowman™ and the Snowdog at Imagination Stage

Bethesda, MD
Various dates, through January 4, 2025
Come see this soaring new musical for the holiday season! This follow-up to Raymond Briggs’ “The Snowman™” is based on the animated short of the same name. It is told with breathtaking theatre magic by talented actors, stunning puppetry, and beautiful projections. A boy has moved into a new house and lost his beloved dog. In the garden, he builds a snowman and then, to keep it company, a snow dog. They both come to life during the night, and the three embark on a fantastic journey. READ MORE

The Washington Ballet: The Nutcracker (at The Warner Theatre)

Washington, DC
Wednesdays - Sundays, through December 28, 2025 (except December 25)
This classic ballet has a historic twist this holiday season in one of DC's most iconic theaters, the Warner Theatre. The Washington Ballet's adaptation is set in 1882 Georgetown, with characters that include George Washington, Harriet Tubman, King George III, and others.  READ MORE

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at B&O Railroad Museum

Baltimore, MD
Various dates, through December 23, 2025
Whether you’re starting a family tradition, planning a festive date night, or celebrating with friends, The Polar Express Train Ride brings the spirit of Christmas to life—for all who believe. This adventure includes live performances, hot chocolate and a sugar cookie, a special moment with Santa presenting the First Gift of Christmas, and continued magic at the North Pole with holiday crafts, cozy s’mores, and festive shopping. READ MORE

Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park

Washington, DC
Daily, through December 30, 2025
Celebrate the season with Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park! Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities on the field, including a tubing slide, curling lanes, a train ride, LED seesaws, putt-putt and snowball speed-throw challenges, a Northern Lights experience, a sculpture garden, and more. Grown-ups can enjoy a 21-and-over area with a hidden speakeasy.  READ MORE

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Washington, DC - FREE
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse features live musical performances. The tree will be lit every evening and open to the public from December 6 through January 1.  READ MORE

Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park

Woodbridge, VA - FREE
December 4-28, 2025
Experience the magic of the season at the 3rd Annual Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk. Stroll through a sparkling winter wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights, holiday-themed characters, a holiday market, and joyful holiday music. Enjoy a hot beverage, seasonal treats and food vendors, and special photo ops along the illuminated paths, perfect for families, friends, and holiday lovers of all ages. READ MORE

Holiday on the Farm (at Frying Pan Farm Park)

Herndon, VA
Fridays & Saturdays, December 5-20, 2025
Celebrate the holidays at Frying Pan Farm Park with an evening of wagon rides, indoor activities, food, animal interactions, campfires, and s'mores.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park

Fairfax Station, VA
Saturdays & Sundays, December 6-21, 2025
Climb aboard the Holiday Express for a train ride, take a spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf, and warm up by the fire and cook s'mores. Enjoy hot chocolate and candy canes. Don't forget to visit with Santa. READ MORE

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade

Alexandria, VA - FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
The annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade is back for its 52nd year to benefit programs that help children and families. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town Alexandria, joined by pipe and drum bands, terriers and hounds, and more. READ MORE

Santa Suite at the Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown

Washington, DC
Saturdays & Sundays, December 6-21, 2025
Santa and his elves are heading to the Santa Suite at the Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown. This year's Suite is a whimsical winter wonderland set up for Santa and his special guests, including Garfield, Winnie the Pooh, Elsa, Skye, Peppa Pig, Sponge Bob, Mickey Mouse, and Harry Potter. Families can enjoy 15-minute visits of up to 10 people to the Suite, where they can eat gingerbread treats and write letters to Santa.  READ MORE

The Sky Tonight: Live Planetarium Show at Udvar-Hazy Center

Chantilly, VA - FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Are you curious about the night sky? Come to the planetarium at the Museum in DC for a live, guided tour of what you can see after sunset. The facilitator will answer questions and customize the program based on audience interests. READ MORE

Santa's Farm Fest at Green Meadows Farm

Ijamsville, MD
Saturdays & Sundays, December 6-14, 2025
Santa is coming to Green Meadows Farm. Visitors can meet Santa, take pictures with the Grinch and his sleigh, see the animal barn, warm up in the heated stables and around firepits (s'mores kits are available for purchase), enjoy a Frozen-themed snow globe with Elsa and Olaf, take a holiday hayride, and purchase food. READ MORE

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Alexandria, VA - FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Head to the Alexandria waterfront at 5:30pm for a dazzling light display as decorated boats light up the Potomac River. While the parade is the main attraction, families can also enjoy dockside festivities from 2-8pm in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden, food, activities, and more.  READ MORE

12th Annual Embassy Showcase Winternational

Washington, DC - FREE
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Celebrate the spirit of global exchange as embassies from around the world come together to share their culture, food, art, and traditions for the 12th Annual Winternational Embassy Showcase. READ MORE

Holiday Trains and Planes at College Park Aviation Museum

College Park, MD
Friday - Sunday, December 12-14, 2025
Holiday-themed miniature trains, railroads, and villages are displayed at the museum located at the world's oldest continuously operating airport. READ MORE

Water Park Winter Wonderland at National Landing

Arlington, VA - FREE
Saturday, December 13, 2025
This festive event features Santa and Mrs. Claus, a snow globe photo booth, a wreath-making station, a hot chocolate bar, LED games, Arlington Philharmonic performances, and so much more. READ MORE

National Menorah Lighting (on The Ellipse)

Washington, DC - FREE
Sunday, December 14, 2025
One of the most prominent public Hanukkah programs in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House. Ticket holders get hot latkes and donuts as well as free dreidels and menorah kits. The US Navy Band performs. READ MORE

Waterskiing Santa (Alexandria Waterfront)

Alexandria, VA - FREE
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Watch Santa take to the Potomac on waterskis! After the show, he, Mrs. Claus, and his merry crew greet children on the waterfront and behind the Torpedo Factory. READ MORE

Miracle on 34th Street The Musical (at Capital One Hall)

Tysons, VA
Friday - Sunday, December 26-28, 2025
Enjoy Miracle on 34th Street The Musical, about a kind old man named Kris Kringle who is hired to be the department store Santa Claus and claims he is the real Santa Claus. This claim is met with skepticism, and when his sanity is questioned and he is put on trial, it tests the faith of everyone involved, particularly a cynical mother and her daughter READ MORE

Noon Yards Eve

Washington, DC - FREE
Tuesday, December 31, 2025
This family-friendly celebration at Yards Park includes train rides, an inflatable slide and bounce houses, glitter tattoos, games, musical performances, and more. When the clock strikes noon, guests can enjoy a signature moment to ring in 2025. READ MORE

Noon Time New Year at Port Discovery

Baltimore, MD
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Little ones can celebrate the new year at noon with a play session at Port Discovery Children's Museum. Families can go on a New Year Around the World scavenger hunt, make confetti cannons and noisemakers, and do so much more on all levels of the museum. Don't forget to draw a resolution on the Wish Tree. READ MORE

First Night Alexandria New Year's Event

Alexandria, VA - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
First Night Alexandria is back with a variety of performances and events for all ages. The Countdown to 2025 features a variety of activities, activations, dance parties, live music, and more. The festivities kick off at 2pm and conclude at midnight as thousands welcome in the New Year.  READ MORE

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The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

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Places featured in this article:

Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Water Park at National Landing
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Old Town, Del Ray, West End

About the Author

Jennifer Swope
Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.
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