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

Now is the time to buy tickets for popular holiday light shows and other events! Photo courtesy of Brookside Gardens
Now is the time to buy tickets for popular holiday light shows and other events! Photo courtesy of Brookside Gardens
10/24/25 - By Stephanie Shipman

DC's most popular holiday events for families are already starting to go on sale, and many of them sell out fast! Book them—or be ready to book them—before you miss out.

The holidays in DC are magical, but the season is jam-packed. Between school schedules, holiday parties, and shopping lists, it can be hard to keep track of all the holiday and Christmas events for kids and families.

Whether you’re visiting a cherished family tradition or starting a new one, DC offers countless things to do with kids at Christmas and the holidays. Hop aboard a holiday train ride, watch a Christmas-themed performance, or wander through an impressive light display. You’ll also find plenty of Santa sightings along the way.

Here are 15 DC family Christmas events 2025 that will likely sell out, plus when tickets for them go on sale. Book these events ASAP, then explore more holiday activities with DC's Holiday Fun Guide. Sign up for our free newsletter to ensure you don't miss anything!

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Christmas and Holiday Events for Families in DC to Book Now

Ford's Theatre A Christmas Carol

Downtown
Various dates, November 20 - December 31, 2025
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

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Woodley Park
Various dates, November 21, 2025 - 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

Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park

Navy Yard
November 28 - 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

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

Downtown
Various dates, November 29 - December 28, 2025
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

Santa Suite at the Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown

Georgetown
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

Family Christmas Events 2025 to Book Now in Maryland

ICE! featuring The Polar Express (at Gaylord National Resort)

National Harbor
Daily, November 14, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Visitors can experience the beloved holiday ICE! featuring The Polar Express, a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. READ MORE

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Wheaton
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

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

Baltimore
Various dates, November 28 - 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

Holly TrolleyFest at the National Capital Trolley Museum

Colesville
Saturdays & Sundays, November 29 - December 21, 2025
The National Trolley Museum presents its annual Holly TrolleyFest. Families can ride the street cars, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a holiday model railroad display, do crafts, and more.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at B&O Railroad

Baltimore
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Our favorite guest, Santa, is visiting the B&O, and he is hungry! Join him for a breakfast buffet to welcome the holiday season. Bring out the family for a delicious meal, a visit with Santa (and a special gift for every child), special photos, and a train ride!  READ MORE

Holiday and Christmas Events for Kids in Virginia to Book Now

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (at Capital One Hall)

Tysons
Sunday, November 30, 2025
This acclaimed holiday tradition is live in theaters again this Christmas season. The show includes larger-than-life puppets, breathtaking acrobatics, and dazzling costumes. The international cast features stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique.  READ MORE

Whistle Stop Hobbies Annual Santa Train

Alexandria
Mondays, December 1-15; Thursday, December 18, 2025
Take a train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus from Alexandria's King Street Station to Old Town Manassas. There you 'll enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, a storytime in the station, and a Q&A with Santa on the platform before returning to King Street. The entire journey takes three hours, and every kid will receive a special holiday treat. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park

Fairfax Station
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

VRE Santa Train

Manassas
Saturday, December 13
Ride a VRE train to meet Santa and friends, who are on board to promote rail safety and Operation Lifesaver’s “Look, Listen and Live” campaign. Santa’s helpers hand out candy canes and coloring books. READ MORE

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon
Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 21, 2025
Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Watch stunning holiday fireworks over the Potomac River and enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter encampment. Greet General George Washington, visit with Aladdin the Camel, tour the mansion, and shop at a winter market featuring 18th-century wares and crafts. READ MORE

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