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 2024 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 22
National Capital Trolley Museum
Colesville, MD
If your kids are fascinated by things that go, they will love the National Capital Trolley Museum. Families can celebrate the holiday season with a ride aboard an actual street car, by enjoying model railroad holiday displays, craft-making, photo ops, and more. Tickets are required for this event.
Holiday Tree Light Show & Fireworks
Now – December 28
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 28th. 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 A Charlie Brown Christmas
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, A Charlie Brown Christmas, carved in giant blocks of ice. 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 38th 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 4
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 5
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 from 10am to 5pm daily, except for select Tuesdays and Thursdays in December when they will run until 8pm. This is a FREE family-friendly event and tickets are not required.
DC Holiday Lights
Now – January 5
Various Neighborhoods
Washington, DC
Fourteen of DC’s Main Streets and commercial corridors have joined together to provide visitors with a twinkling, festive holiday experience. Take a stroll down each of the participating corridors to experience a variety of fun holiday light displays and decor. You can even vote for your favorite! You can maximize your experience by downloading self-guided walking tours of some of the neighborhoods or by joining a citywide scavenger hunt.
First Saturday Festival
December 2
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. This month, participants will learn how to create comic books as well as explore Black heroes in art. There will also be a pop-up library, face painting, story time, sketch lab, and more. This event is FREE to attend, but some activities require registration. Check out the event website for more information.
Georgetown Jingle
December 7
Georgetown
Washington, DC
From 1pm until 4pm, DC’s historic Georgetown neighborhood will host this musical holiday event for the first time. Ten musical performances will take place at 10 different locations. While attendees enjoy festive music, they will be able to take advantage of special discounts and complimentary refreshments at 40 shops and restaurants in the area. This event is FREE to attend.
53rd Annual Scottish Christmas Walk
December 7
Old Town from St. Asaph Street and Wolfe Street to Market Square
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 7
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. Music lovers of all ages 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 7
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.
DC Public Library Family Holiday Festival
December 8
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.
Holiday Trains & Planes
December 13 – 15
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.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
December 13 – 22
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.
Navidad Flamenca (Flamenco Holidays) 2024
December 14
Atlas Theater
Washington, DC
This family-friendly event explores some of the holiday traditions as celebrated in Spain and Puerto Rico. Attendees will tap their toes to Spanish holiday music, while marveling at the grace and energy of flamenco dancing. Tickets are available online.
A Family Christmas
December 15 and 24
The Kennedy Center
Washington, DC
This family-friendly concert is sure to delight, as the Choral Arts Chorus will perform holiday classics in the concert hall. Sing along as special guests like Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph visit this special holiday experience. Tickets can be purchased online. The Kennedy Center is hosting a variety of events throughout December that celebrate the holiday season, including plays, NSO performances, and much more. Check out a list of their holiday offerings here.
Holiday Skate Spectacular
December 16 – January 4
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
Head to the National Building Museum’s Great Hall for FREE indoor ice skating this winter. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent them for $5. There will be skating sessions for toddlers and families, as well as themed evening skate sessions, such as a Retro NYE party and a disco night with ABBA. While this event is FREE, capacity is limited so you must register online. Check out the event website for a schedule and further details.
Washington Wizards First Responders Night
December 19
Capital One Arena
Washington, DC
Cheer on the Washington Wizards as they take on the Charlotte Hornets. At First Responders Night, first responders across the DMV will be celebrated throughout the game. Attendees will receive a FREE special edition baseball cap while supplies last. The Wizards will host a variety of other promotional nights during December including UVA night and nights honoring Filipino, Serbian, and Slovenian heritage. Check out the team’s schedule for details.
Little Comedies
December 19 – January 4
Synetic Theater
Arlington, VA
This family-friendly production combines dance, mime, and physical theater to create a mesmerizing theater experience. The show, which is a reinvention of Synetic’s classic production, The Music Box, is a series of wordless vignettes set to entertaining music. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this captivating theater experience. Tickets available online.
Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes
December 20
Capital One Arena
Washington, DC
Enjoy holiday festivities as you cheer on your Washington Capitals as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes. This game will be filled with Holiday Party excitement throughout. If you can’t make it to the game on the 20th, there is also a Holiday Party on December 22nd when the Caps play the LA Kings. All attendees to that game will receive a Caps holiday t-shirt. Also, check out their game on December 3rd against the San Jose Sharks when the team will host a toy drive. Anyone attending who brings in a new, unwrapped kids toy to donate will get a limited-edition Caps poster.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
December 20 – 22
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, 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.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
December 20 – 22
The National Theater
Washington, DC
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is back and is sure to delight audiences with its reimagined take on this classic tale. This contemporary dance spectacle combines hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s beloved music together into a super exciting and entertaining holiday experience. Tickets are available online.
Waterskiing Santa
December 24
Old Town Waterfront
Alexandria, VA
Watch this long-running holiday tradition along the Potomac River at the Old Town Waterfront. After the show, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their merry crew meet and greet children and families by the Christmas Tree in Waterfront Park.
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 encouraged.
Winter Holiday Celebration
December 26 – 28
Library of Congress
Washington, DC
For three days, the Library of Congress will offer families a different crafting activity related to the winter holidays. In addition to learning about the Library’s holiday collections, visitors can create their own holiday cards and bookmarks. 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.
Menorah Lighting at National Landing
December 30
Metropolitan Park
Arlington, VA
Celebrate Chanukah at this fun community event! Attendees can enjoy Hanukkah music and yummy food and drinks as they celebrate the lighting of a 9-foot menorah. This event is FREE to attend but there is limited capacity, so you must register for tickets online.
Community Day: Watching and Waiting for Freedom
December 31
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Washington, DC
This Community Program celebrates the cultural holiday of Watch Night, which celebrates December 31, 1862 when enslaved people in the Confederacy watched until midnight to await the freedom granted to them by the Emancipation Proclamation. This Community Day event also celebrates January 1 as the day marking Haitian independence from French Colonial Rule. This event is FREE to attend, but tickets are required to enter the Museum.
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 1st. Both events are FREE.
