Kid-Friendly Things to Do in DC This Weekend
Thursday, Dec. 11 - Sunday, Dec. 14

Things to Do for Kids This Weekend in DC

Looking for activities to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Top Things To Do in and Near DC This Weekend With Kids

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park)
Glen Echo, MD - Daily, December 11-22 (except December 15-17)
Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? Recommended for ages 5+. Website

Holiday Trains and Planes at College Park Aviation Museum
College Park, MD - Friday - Sunday, December 12-14
Board the “College Park Express” as we transform the College Park Aviation Museum gallery into a miniature holiday town from the past. Experience the holiday season and the thrill of our annual Trains and Planes program. Participate in a festive craft, see the museum’s own train collection, and “meet and greet” train hobbyists who will take you back in time to experience the sights and sounds of their train displays. Free with museum admission. Website

Lighted Nights at Claude Moore Park
Sterling, VA - Daily, through December 22
Free
Holiday light displays will be available for viewing during a special extended opening of Claude Moore Park. Stop by for a leisurely night stroll (self-guided) down Vestals Gap Road and into the historic district to enjoy the festive decorations. Friday and Saturday nights there will be a campfire, marshmallows, and hot chocolate. Website

Bethany Church Christmas Walk of Wonder
Ellicott City, MD - Friday - Sunday, December 12-14
Free
Bethany Church invites you to a unique Christmas experience. The Christmas Walk of Wonder is an outdoor journey through thousands of Christmas lights and a fanciful forest of themed Christmas trees telling the story of Jesus’ birth. A live animal nativity will bring Bethlehem to Ellicott City as attendees enjoy a live concert featuring Bethany Choirs, Student Bands, and Children’s Choir. Our synthetic ice rink will be open for skating and concessions will be available with warm snacks and treats. Reservations are required to secure your path entry time. Website

The Great Benjamins Circus at Dulles Town Center
Sterling, VA - Daily, December 12 - January 3 (except Tuesday, December 16)
Step into a world of dazzling holiday wonder and thrilling spectacle! Benjamin’s Winter Circus Adventure is transforming Dulles, VA, into a true winter wonderland of daring feats and unforgettable fun. Website

Santa Visits Frosted at Franklin Park
Washington, DC - Friday, December 12
Free
Visit Franklin Park for a free, family-friendly holiday celebration surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights. Take photos with Santa and holiday characters like the Gingerbread Lady, the Nutcracker, Snowman, Christmas Tree, and Elsa and Olaf. Sing along with holiday carolers. Watch a live, life-size ice sculpture-carving demonstration. Sip hot chocolate and hot apple cider. Grab free coloring books and crayons. Website

Milk and Cookies with Santa at McLean Community Center
McLean, VA - Saturday, December 13
Come to meet with Santa and other holiday characters at The MCC’s Milk and Cookies with Santa event! Enjoy the classic cookie decorating, winter arts and crafts, decadent hot chocolate, and of course a picture with the Jolly Guy himself. Kids will have the opportunity to design and stuff a new furry stuffie during this magical event! All attendees must register. Website

Christmas and Holiday Parade in Leesburg
Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, VA - Saturday, December 13
Free
The city of Leesburg's annual Christmas & Holiday Parade features floats, live music, and the arrival of Santa. The parade begins at Ida Lee Park and ends at Fairfax Street. Website

Santa at the Mill
Colvin Run Mill, Great Falls, VA - Saturday & Sunday, December 13 & 14
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at Colvin Run Mill. Visit and take a photo with Santa, tour the Millers' house decorated for the holidays, roast a marshmallow, drink hot cocoa, and enjoy festive music and children's crafts. Certain times are sensory-friendly. Check the website for details. Website

The Christmas Wish at Richard J. Ernst Theater
Richard J. Ernst Theater, NOVA Annandale Campus, Annandale, VA - Saturdays & Sundays, December 13-21
Daniel has no time for Christmas magic: He has to save his hotel from closing! But when Felix, a wish-granting visitor from the North Pole, gets mistaken for the hotel’s highly anticipated Christmas Consultant, Daniel’s perfectly planned life is thrown for an exciting holiday loop! The Christmas Wish features over 30 performers, creative choreography, elaborate sets, stunning costumes, and more than 20 musical numbers. Website

Santa's Farm Fest at Green Meadows Petting Farm
Ijamsville, MD - Saturday & Sunday, December 13 & 14
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. Website

Mosaic Holiday Village
Mosaic Districtl, Fairfax, VA - Saturday & Sunday, December 13 & 14
Free
Shop for everyone on your list from more than 65 makers at Mosaic's Holiday Village. Enjoy live entertainment, Christmas carolers, photos with Santa, and more. Website

Deck the Falls at West Falls
Falls Church, VA - Saturday, December 13
Free
Celebrate the magic of the season at West Falls! Take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy classic Christmas carols performed by the Meridian High School Choir, visit the hot cocoa bar, and write letters to Santa. Website

Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe Washington, DC
Washington, DC - Saturday, December 13
Enjoy a breakfast buffet, a holiday craft, and a visit with Santa Claus at Hard Rock Cafe Washington, DC. Adult tickets include a mimosa, while child tickets include a photo with Santa. Website

Santa & a Movie: Prancer at Publick Playhouse
Hyattsville, MD - Saturday, December 13
Embrace the joy of the season by joining Publick Playhouse at its annual December family event. Children can visit and take pictures with Santa. There will also be coloring activities and a short, animated movie to entertain the youngest guests before the feature film, Prancer. Website

National Menorah Lighting (on The Ellipse)
Washington, DC - Sunday, December 14
Free
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. Website

Kensington’s Annual Menorah Lighting
Kensington Town Hall
3710 Mitchell Street, Kensington, MD
Sunday, December 14
Free
The annual Kensington menorah lighting takes place at Town Hall, featuring music, treats, and the lighting of the menorah. All are welcome! Website

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Kid-Friendly Things to Do in DC This Weekend Thursday, Dec. 11 - Sunday, Dec. 14

Kid-Friendly Things to Do in DC This Weekend
Thursday, Dec. 11 - Sunday, Dec. 14