December is here, and with it comes a multitude of opportunities for family fun. In addition to the events compiled here, please check out our guide to Chanukah events and activities, our 2025 Holiday Light Display Guide, and our Christmas Tree Lighting Guide. These and other resources – including some that can help you find the perfect gift – can be found in our Winter Holiday Guide. As you enjoy the lights, performances, crafts, and fireworks, know that DC Area Moms wish you and your family all the joy, peace, and love of the season.
Holly TrolleyFest
Now – December 21
National Capital Trolley Museum
Colesville, MD
This popular annual event at the National Capital Trolley Museum is sure to delight train lovers of all ages. This event includes trolley rides, holiday model train displays, hands-on activities, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Tickets can be purchased online.
Holiday Tree Light Show & Fireworks
Now – December 27
National Plaza
National Harbor, MD
Families can enjoy a custom light show on a 60-foot holiday tree at National Harbor every night through December 27th. The lights will dance to the sounds of a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band. The light show will begin every half hour from sunset until 9pm. The FREE festivities amp up on Saturdays, however, when the 5:30pm show will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display. While you are at National Harbor, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area and perhaps a ride on the ferris wheel.
ICE! featuring The Polar Express
Now – December 28
Gaylor National Resort & Convention Center
National Harbor, MD
ICE! provides frosty fun for the whole family. Guests will enjoy scenes from the holiday favorite, The Polar Express, carved in giant blocks of ice. Looking for a thrill? Enjoy zooming down the five ice slides! The scenes are created by over 40 master artisans working with roughly 2 million pounds of ice. To maintain the ice art, the event is cold…9 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact. As such, guests are provided with parkas designed for such temperatures. Tickets are available online. Kids 3 and under can get in for FREE.
The 37th Annual Nutcracker
Now – December 31
The Puppet Co.
Glen Echo, MD
The Puppet Co. is once again celebrating the season with its production of the ever-popular, The Nutcracker. Your family will delight in the rhymes and the charms of puppetry used in this retelling of the beloved story of Clara and her Prince. Tickets available online.
ZooLights
Now – January 3
National Zoo
Washington, DC
ZooLights is a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the winter season. Attendees will enjoy dazzling light displays and musical performances. Yummy seasonal food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are required and may be purchased online. If driving, attendees must pre-purchase tickets to park in the zoo lots.
Season’s Greenings
Now – January 4
U.S. Botanic Garden
Washington, DC
The ever popular holiday display at the United States Botanic Garden is back! Festive decor, poinsettias, and models of DC landmarks made with plant materials will delight visitors in the Conservatory. The beloved train display will be outdoors in the gated gardens. Trains will run daily, except for December 25. On select Tuesdays and Thursdays in December, the garden will remain open late. This is a FREE family-friendly event and tickets are not required.
Frosty the Snowman
Now – January 11
Adventure Theater
Glen Echo, MD
Join Frosty and his friends, including a skeptical cop, in this classic wintertime tale. Audiences will delight in the songs and energy of this show that follows Frosty on his one day of adventures before he melts away. Tickets are available online.
Holidays at the Tavern
December 3 – 31
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
Potomac, MD
Throughout the month of December, visitors at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park can learn about the holiday traditions of the people who lived and worked along the C&O Canal during the 19th and early 20th centuries through craft projects. For example, visitors can make holiday cards and take part in a holiday candle activity.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
December 5 – 23
Arena Stage
Washington, DC
Audiences will stomp their feet, clap their hands, and dance along with the talented performers in this holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping. It is toe-tapping fun for the whole family! The production’s exciting movement, captivating rhythms, and the sounds of DJ Nutcracker wow audiences every year. Tickets are available online.
First Saturday Festival
December 6
National Gallery of Art
Washington, DC
Each month, the Museum hosts its First Saturday festival in its East Building. The festival offers fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Participants will enjoy a pop-up library, face painting, story time, sketch lab, an interactive family concert, and more. This event is FREE to attend, but some activities require registration. Check out the event website for more information.
Georgetown Jingle
December 6
Georgetown
Washington, DC
From 1pm until 4pm, DC’s historic Georgetown neighborhood will once again host this musical holiday event. Fifteen musical performances will take place at 11 different locations. While attendees enjoy festive music, they will be able to take advantage of special discounts and complimentary refreshments at 45 shops and restaurants in the area. This event is FREE to attend.
54th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk
December 6
Old Town Alexandria
Alexandria, VA
The City of Alexandria was officially established by three Scottish merchants and named after its original founder, John Alexander, also of Scottish descent. Join the city as it celebrates this heritage with its annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Dozens of Scottish clans will take part in the parade. There will also be pipe and drum bands from around the region, Scottie dogs, and more. Check out other holiday events held in Alexandria throughout this festive weekend.
Music on the Canal
December 6
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Potomac, MD
On the first Saturday of the month, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park gives guests the opportunity to learn about music that would’ve been heard along the canal in the 19th century. Visitors to the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center between 10am and noon will enjoy learning about and hearing instruments from that time such as dulcimers, banjos, and the upright bass. This fun, family-friendly event is hosted by the Northern Virginia Dulcimer Group.
Holiday Boat Parade
December 6
The Wharf
Washington, DC
Celebrate the holidays at this beloved DC event that features over sixty boats adorned in holiday decorations parading along the Washington Channel. There will also be a number of family-friendly activities to enjoy at The Wharf, including visits with Santa, live holiday music, ornament decorating, and more. A fireworks finale will begin at 8pm. This event is FREE to attend. Many boaters will also participate in the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront the same evening at 5:30pm.
The Lodge Winter Festival
December 6
Metropolitan Park
Arlington, VA
If you can’t make it to the cosy ski slopes of the Alps, head to Metropolitan Park in National Landing for this ski-inspired winter festival. This family-friendly event is FREE to attend, and it welcomes well-behaved pups! All sorts of winter fun will be had, including holiday train rides, live music, a peppermint mocha latte competition, a dog holiday sweater contest, karaoke, selfies with Santa, and much more.
DC Public Library Family Holiday Festival
December 7
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
Washington, DC
Kick off the Washington Wizards Winter Reading Challenge at the MLK Library! From 1pm until 4pm, readers of all ages will enjoy activities like decorating gingerbread houses, singing karaoke, taking a free family portrait, creating their own books, and much more. While enjoying such family-friendly activities at this FREE event, families can sign up for fantastic programs such as Books from Birth and Beyond the Book Club.
Gingerbread Workshop
December 7
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
Participants can flex their creativity and building skills during this sweet family-friendly event. When you purchase a ticket, you will receive a kit to build one gingerbread house, complete with gingerbread walls, icing, and candy decorations. You must register online for one of two sessions (11am -12:30pm or 1:30pm – 3pm).
Home Alone in Concert
December 9
The Anthem
Washington, DC
If Home Alone is necessary holiday viewing for your family, this event is for you. Head to The Anthem to watch a screening of this family-friendly classic as the beloved National Symphony Orchestra performs the delightful score. Tickets are available online.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
December 11 – 22
The Puppet Co.
Glen Echo, MD
This delightful production, based on the book written by Eric Kimmel, follows the story of Hershel as he tries to save Hanukkah! The Queen and King of Goblins forbade the lighting of the candles, so Hershel’s village cannot celebrate. Cheer on Hershel as he tries to save the day! This show is recommend for kids age 5 and over.
Holiday Trains & Planes
December 12 – 14
College Park Aviation Museum
College Park, MD
Did you know that the College Park Airport is the world’s oldest operating airport? The Museum aims to preserve and promote this history and aviation innovations through its programming and its gallery that holds original and reproductions of aircraft with historical significance. This holiday season, in addition to the aviation relics it holds, the Museum will host train hobbyists who will set up their train displays for guests to admire. Tickets are required and can be purchased online.
The Little Prince
December 12 – 14
The Kennedy Center
Washington, DC
The Washington National Opera will bring the classic tale of The Little Prince to life in this whimsical, family-friendly production. Audiences will follow along with the little prince from another planet and the aviator that crash lands in the desert as they forge an unlikely friendship while discovering new ways of seeing and loving.
Family Fun Day
December 13
Atlas Theater
Washington, DC
This FREE family-friendly event, beginning at 10am, will include a music performance by Mr. Rob, a music educator specializing in early childhood music education. In addition to this engaging music performance, kids can show off their creativity at crafting stations.
Light Up Arlington – Clarendon Menorah Lighting
December 16
Clarendon Neighborhood
Arlington, VA
Celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of a 9-foot menorah at this community celebration. Lively music will entertain guests as they enjoy yummy latkes, hot cocoa, and donuts. This event is FREE to attend, but you must register online as space is limited. Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington is the host of this event. It is also hosting menorah lighting events in Alexandria and at National Landing. Check out their website for details about these events.
The Spirit of Kwanzaa
December 19 – 21
Atlas Theater
Washington, DC
For 30 years, the Dance Institute of Washington has brought this beloved production to DC audiences. Through it, artists use dance, song, and the spoken word to celebrate the spirit of Kwanzaa and honor African Diaspora traditions. This production lasts about 2 hours and it is appropriate for all ages. Tickets available online.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
December 20 – 21
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate
Mount Vernon, VA
Head to Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music. Before the fireworks begin around 8pm, visitors will be able to tour the recently restored first and second floors of the mansion. Additionally, they can take a stroll through the estate and enjoy the wintry lights of the gardens and the mansion, an 18th-century winter encampment, the working Blacksmith Shop, Christmas carolers, and Aladdin the Camel. Food will be available for purchase and a Winter Market will sell 18th century wares and crafts. Purchase tickets in advance.
Waterskiing Santa
December 24
Old Town Waterfront
Alexandria, VA
For 40 years, audiences have been delighted by this FREE holiday tradition in Alexandria, VA. Crowds gather along the Potomac River at the Old Town Waterfront to watch Santa waterski along with his faithful reindeer friends. After the show, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their merry crew meet and greet children and families by the Christmas Tree in Waterfront Park.
Family Day: Winter Wishes
December 26 – 27
Library of Congress
Washington, DC
For two days, the Library of Congress will offer families crafting activities related to the winter holidays. In addition to learning about the Library’s collections, visitors can create their own holiday cards and bookmarks, and add a wish for 2026 to the communal Family Day display. This FREE event runs from 10:30am to 3:30pm each day. Timed-entry tickets to the Library are required and can be reserved online.
Kwanzaa: A Week of Celebration
December 26 – January 1
Anacostia Community Museum
Washington, DC
Head to the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum for a week-long series of programming that will celebrate Kwanzaa. Mama Ayo, a storyteller and griot, will open the celebration with a traditional candle-lighting ceremony. She will also share the history of Kwanzaa and discuss the first principle of Kwanzaa, Umoja (unity). Check out the event website for further scheduling information. This event is FREE, but registration is requested.
Winter Skate Spectacular
December 27 – February 8
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
Show off your iceskating skills at this indoor skating experience at the National Building Museum. Visitors will purchase tickets ahead of time to reserve their time slots. Take a look at the website for scheduling details, including time slots specifically for toddlers and Museum Members. There will be drop-in sessions and themed activities for kids and families. There will also be after-hours programs and events for adults.
Washington Wizards First Responders Night
December 28
Capital One Arena
Washington, DC
Cheer on the Washington Wizards as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies. At First Responders Night, first responders across the DMV will be celebrated throughout the game. Discounted tickets are available, as well as a First Responders Wizards t-shirt jersey while supplies last. The Wizards will host a variety of other promotional nights during December including Kids’ Day, Healthcare Heroes Night, UNC night and nights honoring Greek, Latvian, French, and Filipino heritage. Check out the team’s schedule for details.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
December 30 – January 4
The National Theater
Washington, DC
The record-setting Broadway musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is coming to the National Theater! Max the Dog narrates the classic story of the Grinch, who plots to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. Of course, throughout his antics, he discovers the true meaning of the holiday season. Tickets available online.
Noon Yards Eve
December 31
Yards Park
Washington, DC
Yards Park will ring in the new year with its traditional early celebration (10am – 1pm) at a family-friendly, all-ages event during Noon Yards Eve. There will be music, dancing, and family-friendly activities to usher in the New Year. At night, your family can enjoy Light Yards, which is a larger-than-life interactive light installation. Light Yards runs every night through January 2nd. Both events are FREE.
