Homemade love is in the air at the annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm! Create handmade heartfelt cards to send to your loved ones. The museum provides a bountiful spread of patterned papers, rubber stamps and postage stamps for decoration, gems and other 3-D embellishments, special cut-out scissors, washi tape, stickers, markers of every color (with a surplus of red and pink of course!) and more.

Weekend Theatre
Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth at Imagination Stage: Best for ages 4+
Mouse on the Move at Imagination Stage: Best for ages 1-5
Rapunzel at Glen Echo Puppet Co: Best for ages 3.5-9
Snow Show at Tiny Tots: Best for ages 2-4

Friday

5:00pm-9:00pm: Movie Night at Dynamite Gymnastics
For kids ages 3.5 to 17 (participants must be potty-trained). Open gym play time starts promptly at 6 pm, followed by pizza dinner ($2 per slice), filtered water, movie popcorn and watching the movie in the gym.

5:30pm-7:30pm: Chinese Lantern Festival Celebration
Join for traditional Lantern festival activities, food, and fun while experiencing traditional Chinese tea culture as you celebrate the Lantern Festival and final days of Chinese New Year! Doors Open at 5:30pm – All are welcome!

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Lowes Kids Workshop: Love Note Holder
Child(ren) must be accompanied by parent/guardian.Valentine’s Day is almost here!  This month’s project is perfect for holding all your child’s Valentine’s cards and treats!  Sign them up and join us on Saturday, February 8th!  Space is limited, so register today! 

10:00am: The Great Zucchini at the Avalon Theatre
The Great Zucchini returns to the Avalon with more of the colorful surprises that define his performances. Join us for a memorable morning of laughs and wonder with this comedic magician that has been amazing audiences for over 20 years.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: Exploration Day with UpCycle Creative Reuse Center at The Oswald Durant Arts Center
Join a morning filled with tactile and sensory-based activities, creative play, and visual art. Visit the Creation Station to build your own skyscraper or flower, make your rhythm shakers at our Craft Station, and stop by the Creative Play Station to cook up a delicious three-course meal. They are offering three mini workshops with songs, stories, and creative movement at 10:30am, 11:00am, and 11:30am.

10:00am-5:00pm: Japan Day at KID Museum
In partnership with the Japan Information & Culture Center, the Embassy of Japan, and Table for Two, KID Museum presents Ume Matsuri, the plum blossom festival that marks the end of wintertime. Bring your family and enjoy hands-on, maker activities all day long. Build a communal zen garden, create a Kendama toy, take part in interactive performances, make your own Japanese rice balls, and much more! ASL interpretation will be available from 11 am to 2pm as we celebrate Japan Day at KID Museum.

11:00am-12:00pm: STORYTIME at Hirshhorn
Join a special STORYTIME exploring rights; looking at artworks in Manifesto: Art x Agency and read We March by Shane W. Evans. Stay, play, and make your own art. STORYTIME explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Each week features a fresh and fun theme. Bring your littlest art lover for an introduction to an artist on view, interactive read aloud, and a hands-on activity.

11:15am–1:00pm and/or 2:30pm–4:15pm: Family Workshop at the National Gallery of Art
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Mongolia’s Past and Present
Celebrate Mongolian culture past and present through performances, games, interactive art demonstrations, and conversations with scientists and artists. Meet and be inspired by throat singers, long song singers, musicians and dancers. Learn about Mongolian painting and calligraphy, and play traditional games in a real ger (yurt) set up in the middle of Q?rius. Archaeologists and museum conservators will be on hand to show and discuss ongoing research to understand and preserve Mongolia’s past.

More weekend events can be found here.

Valentine’s Day Date Night

The Chocolate Lovers Festival, an annual three-day festival held on the first full weekend of February, features activities for all to enjoy. The festival will be held Friday, January 31 for Liquid Chocolate only from 6-8pm, Saturday, February 1 from 10am-6pm (see schedule of events for times and locations) and Sunday, February 2 from 12-4pm. Join us for the Taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge, the Kiwanis BBQ Lunch and Craft Show, open houses at historic buildings and much more.

Saturday & Sunday head to the National Gallery of Art Family Workshop where kids will be provided the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together.

Zoom! Zoom! The Washington Auto Show is at the Convention Center wraps up this weekend. Your chance to check out the newest vehicles, ride in an all-new Jaguar, driven by a stunt driver, and test-drive an all-electric vehicle on the streets of DC. This year’s Family Fun Zone will be bigger than ever, featuring appearances by popular PBS characters including Splash and Bubbles, Daniel Tiger, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Jet Propulsion from Ready Jet Go!, and Luna from Let’s Go Luna! 

2020 is the Year of the Rat, an animal that symbolises wealth and the beginning of a new day. This weekend there are still a few ways to celebrate with the family- The REACH, Chinese New Year Day at the Kennedy Center & Chinese New Year Family Day at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Heart String Art
Create a loving memory with your child at our Heart String Art Workshop. As you help your child piece together the symbol of Valentine’s Day, they will develop hands-on skills by sanding, nailing, painting and more. Celebrate the moment as your child makes a unique keepsake.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambe @BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children.

9:30am & 11:00am: Mr. Jon & Carrie Rock & Rhyme at National Theatre
Mr. Jon & Friends makes music for kids and their families that inspire fun, laughter, and dancing. The music of Mr. Jon & Friends is sure to bring a smile to your face!

10:00am-5:00pm: Crêpe Day: Celebrate La Chandeleur! at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden
La Chandeleur, also known as Crêpe Day, marks the halfway point between winter and spring.  In France, families celebrate by eating crêpes, which are round and golden like the springtime sun. You are invited to celebrate this holiday in festive French fashion amidst Hillwood’s magnificent setting and exquisite French treasures. Snack on a tasty treat of sweet crêpes. Explore Hillwood’s French treasures through docent-led, family-friendly gallery talks and a printed treasure hunt. Decorate a plate with fanciful designs and flourishes inspired by Hillwood’s French Sèvres porcelain.

10:00am: Missing Link at the Avalon Theatre
PG movie alert playing at the historic Avalon Theatre! Tired of living a solitary life, Mr. Link, who is 8 feet tall and covered in fur, recruits a fearless explorer to guide him on a journey to find his long-lost relatives. Through it all, they learn that sometimes one can find a family in the places one least expects.

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio at the Kreeger Museum
Children, ages 3-5, are invited to use their imaginations as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum and then create a piece of work. 

10:00am-12:00pm: STEM Fair
Each year, District Architecture Center opens their doors to young people in the Washington Metro area and invite them to learn more about design-related fields—from architecture, engineering, and construction, to urban planning, landscape architecture, and interior design. Best for ages 10 through high school.

10:00am-1:00pm: Maker Morning at the Hirshhorn
This is a free series that invites kids of all ages to experience contemporary art through interactive hands-on making activities. Each month will introduce a new topic and a completely new way to think about art. Color your February with love. Try out Valentine’s Day activities including writing a love letter inspired by artist Marcel Duchamp’s word play, painting with light, and making a valentine to give to a loved one. Join us for a special kid-led tour of the Hirshhorn’s most loved artworks.

11:30am: Bilingual Art Talk & Tour for Kids at Strathmore
Young art lovers can get behind the brushstrokes and into the head and heart of the artists in current exhibitions. Kids participate in an interactive activity during the tour. Ideal for ages 5 and up. Free, but registration is encouraged to help for planning purposes. 

1:30pm-5:00pm: Ice Yards
DC’s Winter Festival is back at The Yards for its sixth year in a row with a retro twist. Now in its sixth year, Ice Yards has become the event of the winter season, with revelers enjoying an unparalleled afternoon in DC’s winter wonderland. Guests are invited to enjoy this retro aprés ski inspired event featuring icy cocktails and local DC brews, interactive ice activities, live music, and more.

6:30pm: Sleepover at the National Archives
The National Archives and the National Archives Foundation are partnering to host the 13th overnight event where children ages 8 to 12 years old can sleep where the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights are housed. The theme of the upcoming February sleepover is women’s suffrage, relating to the newest National Archives exhibit, Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote. After spending the night next to the Charters of Freedom in the Archives Rotunda and Rotunda Galleries, participants will enjoy pancakes made by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero.

Sunday

8:30am-9:00am: Groundhog Day
Potomac Phil, the National Groundhog, will make an appearance and offer weather and political predictions. 

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage: Pete the Cat
You and your child will bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

Enter to win tickets to Disney on Ice!

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2020 is the Year of the Rat, an animal that symbolises wealth and the beginning of a new day. This weekend is full of ways to celebrate with the family. The REACH, Chinese New Year Day at the Kennedy Center, Chinese New Year Family Day at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Lunar New Year at Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Lunar New Year Celebration at Freer|Sackler and DC Chinese New Year Parade are a few!

Zoom! Zoom! The Washington Auto Show is at the Convention Center January 24-February 2. Your chance to check out the newest vehicles, ride in an all-new Jaguar, driven by a stunt driver, and test-drive an all-electric vehicle on the streets of DC. This year’s Family Fun Zone will be bigger than ever, featuring appearances by popular PBS characters including Splash and Bubbles, Daniel Tiger, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Jet Propulsion from Ready Jet Go!, and Luna from Let’s Go Luna! 

Monster Jam has rolled into Capital One Arena and will be putting on a show Saturday and Sunday.

Jurassic Quest allows you experience over 80, true-to-life-size, dinosaurs and all-new water dwellers at the Dulles Expo Center Friday-Sunday. Young Paleontologists can uncover huge triceratops fossils, T-Rex fossils and more. Unearth million year old secrets just like a real paleontologist! Children can ride on the back of our special animatronic dinosaurs. There all lots of different species to ride and our guests always find their favorite. Many activities for children including face paint, crafts, bounce houses, science stations and more.

Saturday

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambe @BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years Parental consent required. $10 per child $7 per adult suggested donation (sliding scale..invest more if you can!)

10:00am AND 11:30am: AMP: BSO Music Box at Strathmore
Back by popular demand! The BSO Music Box concert series is the perfect program for budding little music lovers. Maria Broom hosts these 30-minute highly engaging and interactive concerts featuring an ensemble of BSO musicians performing light-hearted classical and children’s songs to develop your child’s musicality, creativity, coordination, and literacy. Half an hour prior to each concert, the room fills with a range of musical, creative, and fun activities for children and families, presented by Levine First Music. Ideal for ages 6 months–3 years. What fun to frolic in a beautiful winter wonderland of fluffy snow!

10:30am AND 11:00am: Winter Blast: A Family Day of Native Games
This family-friendly event celebrates Indigenous games from the Arctic to Argentina. Visitors can meet Talibah Begay (Navajo) as she shares a traditional Navajo shoe guessing game, Leihua Stewart (Native Hawaiian) shares traditional Hawaiian games. Participants can learn to play Bolivian games with Julia Garcia (Aymara). The day features hands-on activities and “make-and-takes.”

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

Sunday

1:30pm AND 4:00pm: Beauty and the Beat
See NSO principal second violinist Marissa Regni and NSO principal percussionist Eric Shin in an exciting new program exploring the magic created when the violin and percussion join together. Ages 3+

3:00pm-5:00pm: Fairy Tale Ball at Noyes Children Library
Enjoy a winter theme and all of the same great elements as last year! Beginning with The Royal Procession, the Ball features lively dancing and friendly craft tables. The Royal Reading Room with stories and songs invites families to enjoy favorite children’s books read aloud. Children and families are encouraged to dress in costumes of any kind! The Winter Wonderland Ball is open to children of all ages, but the activities are geared to kids from 2 to 8 years old.  We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, as there is limited space!

3:00pm-6:00pm: STEAM Day
Tinker, experiment, create, and explore with Gesher JDS and PJ Library
Join this FREE afternoon of around the world family fun! Your child’s curiosity will take them to new and far-away places when they experience science, technology, engineering, art, math with hands-on projects for kids aged 3-8 and their parents! Get your passport stamped as you travel around the world trying out experiments and activities as you go.

3:30pm AND 5:30pm: Capital City Symphony’s Symphonic Dancing
This fun, interactive family concert will have every family member on their feet! The program explores the expressive, dance-like melodies of William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama, and Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer and Maple Leaf Rag. Come enjoy this energetic concert for all ages!  Join us 30 minutes before the performance for our Instrument Petting Zoo!

Enter to win 4 tickets to see A King’s Speech at National Theatre.

These are the weekend picks posts we live for! They are full and you will find fun for everyone. If you’d like to join the movement #womenrising2020 here is all of the information on the Women’s March happening this Saturday as well as a few gatherings leading up to the March.

DC Public Library has several events honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

As always, check out the theatre and musical options for some indoor fun!

Friday

5:30pm-8:00pm: Badlands Nerf Night: Fornite
Are you ready for a Battle Royale? Grab your squad and drop in to Badlands this Friday for Fortnite Nerf Night. Help your team collect loot and floss like a boss at the mid-game dance off.

6:30pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Rox at Earth Treks
Kids get a fun night of climbing adventure (2.5 hours!) and parents enjoy a night out on the town- what could be more perfect! Activities include vertical games, age appropriate basic skills instruction, and tons of climbing, all under the supervision of our qualified instructors. No experience is necessary- ages 6-12.

Saturday

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambe @BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years Parental consent required. $10 per child $7 per adult suggested donation (sliding scale..invest more if you can!)

10:00am-12:00pm: Free the Trees on the Capital Crescent Trail
Bring gloves or clippers or use theirs and help free the trees along the trail. Dress to protect from angry vines and thorns. Kids under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult supervisor.

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio at Kreeger Museum
Children, ages 3-5, are invited to use their imaginations as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. 

10:15am–12:00pm or 1:30pm–3:15pm: National Gallery of Art Family Workshop
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together. See the complete listing below for topic, dates, and times. Workshops are free but preregistration is required.

10:30am and 11:30am: Art Investigators
How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Each program is approximately 60 minutes. These free drop-in programs are designed for individual families on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance registration and space is limited, so please plan accordingly. For ages 4-7.

11:00am AND 1:30pm: NSO Music for Young Audiences: Beauty and the Beat
Explore the thrilling language of instruments. Featuring musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra. See NSO principal second violinist Marissa Regni and NSO principal percussionist Eric Shin in an exciting new program exploring the magic created when the violin and percussion join together. Eric may have a vast array of percussion instruments, but Marissa shows how versatile the violin can be. This melodic and rhythmic ride for families proves that no matter how different the instruments are, they can come together to make some beautiful music. Most enjoyed by age 3 and up. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Come early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” Starting one hour before the 11am and 1:30pm performances hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Portrait Story Days: MLK, Jr.
Drop by on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to hear a story and create art inspired by someone in the Portrait Gallery’s collection.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Fire & Ice Festival
Some like it hot, some like it cold. Join us at The Wharf for the third annual Fire & Ice Festival presented by Proper No. 12 and featuring the WAFF Ice House. Come sample whiskeys from Catoctin Creek, Elijah Craig, St. George, Miscellaneous, Larceny, Filibuster, Proper No. 12 and Pendleton or grab a ginger whiskey hot toddy at the Johnnie Walker tent.  Play ice shuffleboard or ice corn hole, sit in the official Capitals ice throne and don’t miss the fire dancers and DJ on the main stage. Plus they will be showing the Capitals game on the jumbotron at the Capitals Campfire, where you can roast s’mores over a roaring fire.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Rock the Rink
It’s ALL CAPS at The Wharf this winter. Through February, make Caps s’mores at the Capitals Campfire at The Wharf and check out the Washington Capitals décor and ice resurfacer at The Wharf Ice Rink. On Rock The Rink days, join fellow hockey fans at The Wharf to show your Caps pride. From 1-4pm, skate at the Wharf Ice Rink with a DJ, Caps trivia and gear giveaways, a visit from Slapshot, and special Caps-themed drinks from Cantina Bambina. At 1pm, they’ll broadcast the Capitals’ away game against the NY Islanders on a jumbotron at the Capitals Campfire. Throughout the day, fans wearing Capitals gear receive $5 off admission to the Wharf Ice Rink.

1:00pm-2:30pm AND 3:00pm-4:30pm: MLK Painting for Peace Freestyle Sessions
Join on Saturday or Sunday for a family-friendly Painting for Peace Weekend. In honor of MLK Day ArtJamz is donating $5.00 per canvas order to local charity DC Central Kitchen. During Painting for Peace Weekend they encourage the creation of original art under the guidance of local artists and with inspiration from their jamming social art studio and lounge. There will be plenty of images and quotes inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. to help you create a unique masterpiece.

Sunday

10:00am-11:30am: Spots and Stripes Preschool Class at the National Zoo
Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children
ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me”
format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and
crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of
wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. Please note that classes do not include any behind-the-scenes access or animal contact.

10:00am-12:00pm: Picture Perfect Pets Workshop at Red Panda Art Studio
Which pet would you get? Celebrate pets you already have— and discover ones you may want! Email ahead a photo of your pet or favorite stuffed animal! Children will draw, paint, and sculpt during this two-hour workshop!

10:00am-11:00am: EYE TO EYE: STORYTIME in ASL
EYE TO EYE: STORYTIME in ASL is for the Deaf Community, and explores contemporary art through stories and movement.  Each week STORYTIME features a fresh and fun theme. Bring your littlest art lover for an introduction to an artist on view, interactive read aloud, and a hands-on activity.

11:15am–1:00pm or 2:30pm–4:15pm: National Gallery of Art Family Workshop
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together. See the complete listing below for topic, dates, and times. Workshops are free but preregistration is required.

11:15am: A Boy Called Patches at Bloombars
An interactive puppet show featuring chants, movement, songs and storytelling! The show focuses on the acceptance of differences between yourself and others, therefore aiding in having less need for conflict resolution in certain areas at the early childhood level while reinforcing that it’s okay to be different! $7 Suggested donation per child, $5 suggested donation per adult. Recommended for ages infant and up.

11:30am and 12:30pm: Art Investigators
How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Each program is approximately 60 minutes. These free drop-in programs are designed for individual families on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance registration and space is limited, so please plan accordingly. For ages 4-7.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Portrait Story Days: MLK, Jr.
Drop by on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to hear a story and create art inspired by someone in the Portrait Gallery’s collection.

1:30pm-3:00pm: MLK Painting for Peace Freestyle Sessions
Join on Saturday or Sunday for a family-friendly Painting for Peace Weekend. In honor of MLK Day ArtJamz is donating $5.00 per canvas order to local charity DC Central Kitchen. During Painting for Peace Weekend they encourage the creation of original art under the guidance of local artists and with inspiration from their jamming social art studio and lounge. There will be plenty of images and quotes inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. to help you create a unique masterpiece.

2:00pm AND 5:30pm: Daniel Tiger Live!
“Won’t you be my neighbor?” Daniel Tiger and all of his friends from the beloved PBS KIDS television series are hopping aboard Trolley to your town with DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE! Along with “O” the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, Mom and Dad Tiger and many more, Daniel Tiger will take live audiences on an interactive musical adventure to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing stories of friendship, helping others and celebrating new experiences. This live theatrical production filled with music, dancing, laughter and “grr-ific” surprises will warm the hearts of multiple generations.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Sunday Jam at Bolt Parkour
Parkour is all about the thrill of movement – so we’re opening up the gym every month for everyone to share in the fun. Join us for a no-holds-barred event where you can vault, leap, kong, swing and more in our 7,000 square foot facility dedicated to all forms of parkour and free running. Bring your friends and register above!

Monday– Martin Luther King, Jr Day post

9:30am: Rise + Rhyme at various Busboys & Poets locations
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under with the goals of teaching children to engage with their community, learn to love performing and become rising artivists!

10:00am-4:00pm: Celebrate MLK, Jr at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
They are typically closed on Monday’s! Take advantage of this great museum. If you can dream it you can change it! Join Port Discovery in celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy during our “Be the Light” event! Experience the strength of celebrating differences in our community and learn how you too can become a Change Maker. Take part in interactive programs and performances designed to educate, inspire and help children understand the positive impact that their actions can have, inspired by Dr. King’s message of promoting fairness. 

10:00am-5:00pm: Open Explore: MLK Day at KID Museum
Drop-in to create felt peace pins, help build a model all-inclusive playground, tell us your dreams with screen printing, and experience our new Reflection Room. Listen in to Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous speeches and take the time to reflect on his history, legacy, and impact.

10:15am–12:00pm or 1:30pm–3:15pm: National Gallery of Art Family Workshop
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together. See the complete listing below for topic, dates, and times. Workshops are free but preregistration is required.

Winterfest is here! Nationals Park is turning into a winter and baseball wonderland for the annual weekend-long fan fest, complete with both indoor and outdoor programs. Interact with players and coaches, hear updates on the team, and enjoy special behind-the-scenes access to several parts of Nationals Park that are typically closed during the season! There will be a variety of activities including: Photo opportunity with the Commissioner’s Trophy, Photo opportunities with players, coaches and team mascots, Clubhouse tours, Dugout Dance photo opportunity in the Nationals dugout, Hit in the Nationals batting cages, Race the Racing Presidents, WGL Energy Bullpen Cart photo opportunity, Winter-themed activities and interactive events, Stories read by Nationals players Youth baseball clinics from the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy and more.

Friday

6:00pm-9:00pm: Parents Night Out at Bolt
Every month parents can drop kids off at BOLT and have an evening to themselves, secure in the knowledge that their children are having fun, getting exercise, and making friends in a safe place. For ages 5+ due to the size of the equipment in the gym. Kids have a blast with open gym play time, pizza dinner (must order pizza separately, see below*), popcorn and watching an appropriate movie in the gym. $20 if currently enrolled at any Dynamite gym, $25 for the general public.

Saturday

9:30am AND 11:30am: Sound Health at the Kennedy Center featuring CityDance POP
This series of free workshops designed for families with children under the age of 5 explores the power of the arts to promote wellness of the mind and body. Every second Saturday of the month, local arts organizations offer two 45-minute workshops in the Kennedy Center Grand Foyer.

10:00am-2:00pm: Camp Arena Stage Open House
The open house will feature sample activities and classes taught by camp staff and provides an opportunity for prospective campers and parents to experience a taste of Camp Arena Stage and have all their camp questions answered. The event is free and children ages 8-15 are welcome to participate in sample workshops and classes focusing on theater, musical theater, visual art, singing and dance. Prospective campers and their families are welcome to drop in for any portion of this event.

10:00am-12:00pm: Clean the Little Falls Creek and Parkway
Clean Creek/Clean Parkway – Help us help the Bay! Join Little Falls Watershed Alliance to clean the creek. Pre-approved for MCPS SSL hours.  Under 14 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

10:15am-12:00pm AND 1:30pm–3:15pm: Family Workshop at National Gallery of Art
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together. Workshops are free but preregistration is required.

10:30am-12:00pm: The World and Me: Family Program: Backyard Habitats for Birds and other Wildlife
Learn more about your place in the world through explorations of nature and culture. Every second Saturday of the month, museum educators lead a program that combines a book reading, activities, and a chance to look more closely at the museum’s collections.  For this month’s program, participants will do activities to understand the needs of birds, how this changes seasonally, and how birds have adapted to living in various habitats. Horticulturists from Smithsonian Gardens will serve as special guest experts to help us learn about making our own backyards safe and welcoming habitats for birds and other wildlife, and why this is important. Visitors will also learn how to participate in the nationwide Backyard Bird Count in February where anyone can count birds they find in their backyard and share their information with scientists!

5:00pm-8:00pm: Parents Night Out at Dynamite Gym
Every month, from September through May, parents can drop kids off at Dynamite and have an evening to themselves, secure in the knowledge that their children are having fun, getting exercise, and making friends in a safe place. Please note attendees must be ages 3½+ and reliably potty trained. Kids have a blast with open gym play time, pizza dinner (must order pizza separately, see below*), movie popcorn and watching an appropriate film in the gym.$22 if currently enrolled at any Dynamite gym, $30 for the general public.

Sunday

10:30am-12:30pm: Washington Wizards Kids Day
Head to Capital One Arena for a fun-filled afternoon of LEGO themed activities, STEM projects, face painting, balloon artists, crafts, prizes and more! The first 200 kids will receive a gift!*Kids Day is a FREE event from 10:30 A.M. -12:30 P.M. The Washington Wizards will take on the Utah Jazz at 3:30 P.M. that day. Discount tickets will be available for purchase during Kids Day if you would like to attend the game. Don’t miss out, RSVP today.

11:00am-12:00pm: Storytime at Hirshhorn
Storytime explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Each week features a fresh and fun theme. Bring your littlest art lover for an introduction to an artist on view, interactive read aloud, and a hands-on activity.

11:15am–1:00pm AND 2:30pm–4:15pm: .Family Workshop at National Gallery of Art
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together. Workshops are free but preregistration is required.

5:00pm: Step Afrika! Step Xpolsion at Strathmore
Strathmore is proud to welcome back Step Afrika!, the first professional organization dedicated to the African American tradition of stepping. This performance begins with a showcase of the region’s finest step squads featuring lightning-fast footwork, percussive chants, and incredible synchronicity. In addition to Step Xplosion, Step Afrika! will showcase a portion of their new work, Drumfolk, commissioned by Strathmore. Drumfolk honors the heritage of step and places the evolution of this vibrant art form in its historical context. Tracing step’s roots to the African American percussive traditions of patting juba, hambone, ring shout, and tap, Drumfolk reflects on the harsh realities of the American South and celebrates the fortitude of enslaved Africans who practiced these transcendent musical forms.Ideal for ages 8 and up.

Weekend Theater:
Narnia at Encore Stage & Studio: January 10-19, 2020
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe at Imagination Stage: Final weekend
Mouse on the Move at Imagination Stage: January 11-February 16, 2020
Pete the Cat at Olney Theatre Center: January 11-12, 2020

GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win 4 tickets to the Monster Jam show on January 25 at 7pm. Enter on Facebook and/or Instagram just by commenting! A random winner will be announced on January 19, 2020.

You can still sign-up for some winter classes!

Here we are–the first weekend of 2020 and perhaps for some kids their final hurrah of winter break. It is also the final weekend to enjoy holiday light displays. Be sure and visit our top 5 most viewed posts of 2019 and check some items off of our winter bucket list! A date night idea is for you to see Jersey Boys at National Theatre as the curtains close on this spectacular show this Sunday. I can’t recommend the show enough.

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop
Face off with fun in this Mini Hockey Game Workshop. Kids develop hands-on skills by sanding, nailing, painting and more. With help from parents and Store Associates, your child will create and own their own game. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

9:45am-12:35pm: Summer Camp Sampler at Imagination Stage
Try a sample camp for free to get an up-close-and-personal taste of what camp is like at Imagination Stage for kids ages 4-grade 9.

10:00am-1:00pm: Maker Morning: New Year, New Color
Ring in the new year with a musical color parade through the Hirshhorn! Keep the celebration going at our hands-on activity stations. Build noise-makers, create art using light, and make a cyanotype (a photographic print) inspired by artists Harold Ancart and Takashi Arai, on view in Feel the Sun in Your Mouth: Recent Acquisitions.

10:00am-10:30am: Tunes 4 Tots at Anxo Cidery
Kids music + cider!

10:30am-12:30pm: Creativity Workshop at Phillips Collection
Let your creativity soar in our art-making stations! Designed for families with children ages 2 to 8. The workshop includes multiple “Creativity Stations.” Each station has a different project with art materials, instructions, and artistic inspiration from The Phillips Collection. An art educator is on site to support families who would like guidance. From 10:30am-11:00am join the Family Playdate: The first Saturday of the month for a family-friendly playdate. Guided by a professional art educator, explore one to two galleries through fun, hands-on activities. Geared for families with children ages 4 to 8.

3:30pm & 6:00pm: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe at Imagination Stage
Leap through the wardrobe and into a winter wonderland in this dance-based adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s treasured novel from the Chronicles of Narnia. A remount of Imagination Stage’s Helen Hayes award-winning 2012 production, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe tells the story of four siblings who journey from war-torn England to a magical land frozen in eternal winter, where the powerful lion Aslan leads them on a journey to discover their destiny. Music, modern dance, and breathtaking puppetry tell a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Best for ages 5+.

Sunday

10:15am-11:45am: Toddler Trailblazers: Polar Bear, Polar Bear (Also takes place Saturday at 10:15am)
January is one of our coldest months – and a perfect time to read Eric Carle’s famous Polar Bear, Polar Bear! This lesson will combine the classic book with the National Museum of Natural History’s collection of Arctic specimens. Museum Visit: National Museum of Natural History

1:30pm & 4:00pm: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe at Imagination Stage
Leap through the wardrobe and into a winter wonderland in this dance-based adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s treasured novel from the Chronicles of Narnia. A remount of Imagination Stage’s Helen Hayes award-winning 2012 production, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe tells the story of four siblings who journey from war-torn England to a magical land frozen in eternal winter, where the powerful lion Aslan leads them on a journey to discover their destiny. Music, modern dance, and breathtaking puppetry tell a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Best for ages 5+.

2:15pm-3:45pm: Preschool Pioneers: Cave Art (Also takes place Saturday at 10:15am)
Thousands of years ago, early humans drew on the wall of caves all over the world and at different times. This class will give children the chance to explore the life of early humans and explore these mysterious symbols, how they were made, and what they might have meant. Museum Visit: National Museum of Natural History

Light displays:
Bulls Run Festival of Lights- Lights out on Jan. 5
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Avoid crowds and go Mon-Thurs at a discounted rate.

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– Lights out on Jan. 5
Explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year’s holiday show. The best times to visit are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 pm with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10am-5pm, free of charge.

Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– Lights out on Jan. 4
As one of the D.C. area’s great community traditions, the Festival features free performances nightly in the comfortable, state-of-the-art theater located in the Visitors’ Center while the Temple grounds glow with 650,000 lights.

Georgetown Glow– Lights out on Jan. 5
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine.

Light Yards– Lights out on Jan. 4
The DC region’s premier outdoor public light art installation, returns for its fourth year at The Yards, with two must-see, worldwide traveling light installations, The Pool, by New York-based Jen Lewin Studio and Angels of Freedom, by Israel-based OGE Group. The Poolwill invite visitors to hop, skip, and jump across 106 interactive circular pads of light, roughly 3 feet in diameter and 2.5 inches tall. As multiple visitors play in The Pool, their movements will come together to create a giant canvas of shifting and fading colors in mesmerizing patterns.A beautiful and social sculptural installation, Angels of Freedom aims to reveal the inner beauties of everyone by visually turning visitors into real-life angels. Visitors will be invited to pose with five giant, neon-colored wings and white halos as a reminder that everybody counts and deserves love.

Miracle Theatre will be showing holiday movies all weekend long perfect for the entire family!

Holiday Caroling at the Willard InterContinental through Christmas, taking place from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Friday

5:30pm-8:00pm: Nerf Nights at Badlands
Badlands invites kids ages 7+ to join us for an evening of team based challenges! Participants are encouraged to bring the blaster of their choosing and protective eye wear. Badlands will provide the foam darts, a complimentary dinner for the kids, and FUN! Be on the lookout for our weekly themed Nerf nights, including Pokemon, Fortnite, Superheros, and much more!

5:45pm-6:45pm: Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at My Gym Bethesda
Ring in the Holiday Season at My Gym Bethesda with play time, cookies, cocoa and a special visit from SANTA!  $15 members, $20 non-members, 20% off siblings

Saturday

9:00am-11:00am: Santa Breakfast at Maggiano’s
Children will get the opportunity to meet and take a photo with Santa and will also receive a holiday gift to take home! Breakfast will include a fabulous buffet along with action stations. Click Here to Purchase Tickets

9:30am AND 11:00am: Virginia Repertory Theatre: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at the National Theatre
The careworn Clement Moore is struggling to compose a Christmas poem; he is uninspired until his eyes and heart are opened with the help of his Dutch gardener Kris Kringle, a couple of dancing mice, and the loving, joyous images of his own home and family. He then pens the immortal opening words, “‘Twas the night before Christmas.”

5:00pm-7:00pm: Caroling at the Wharf
Enjoy music from strolling Christmas carolers and a meet-and-greet with Santa and one of his elves!

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio: Enchanted Forest Workshop
During this 2 hour workshop, each child will create his or her own enchanted forest terrarium. Colored sand, floral pieces, and individual touches go into creating the perfect terrarium. This terrarium will be the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings! This workshop is designed for ages 5+.

3:00pm: National Menorah Lighting
Perhaps the most prominent public Chanukah program in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House in Washington, DC. The lighting of this menorah – the world’s largest – is attended by thousands every year and seen  via TV newscasts, internet feeds and other media by tens of millions across the nation and around the world, many of them hundreds of miles from any Jewish community. Concerts, food including latkes, family fun and more.

4:30pm: Chanukah in Chevy Chase
Join the giant Menorah Lighting, The event is free (donuts and goodies included!) Amazing fire juggling show, Brooklyn Food Co. food truck will be there. Sponsored in part by Chevy Chase Land Company.

Holiday events wrapping up this weekend:

National Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah at Strathmore: Dec. 21-22
No Christmas celebration is complete without a performance of Handel’s uplifting oratorio Messiah, a work that has delighted and inspired audiences worldwide since its premiere in 1741. The perennial favorite features such timeless highlights as “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Kids 7-17 Free!

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum: Dec. 21-22
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30pm-4:30pm, and on December 28 & 29 without Santa. Also see the Winter Wonder Garden and Winter in Washington displays.

National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 19-22
Since its debut nearly three centuries ago, one work reigns unchallenged as the ultimate celebration of holiday cheer: Handel’s Messiah. This year, experience Messiah’s supreme glory in Sir Andrew Davis’s must-hear orchestration of the beloved classic. A stellar cast of singers joins Davis, the Orchestra, and The Washington Chorus.

Cathedral Choral Society: Joy of Christmas at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 21-22
Celebrate the warm spirit of the season in a majestic setting. A well-loved Washington, DC holiday tradition, this concert includes Christmas favorites and a festive carol sing-along.

On going holiday happenings:

The Nutcracker presented by Maryland Youth Ballet: Dec. 20-26
Voted both Outstanding Production in Classical Dance and Outstanding Youth Performance by Metro DC Dance Awards, Lees’ version of the holiday classic is a metropolitan area family favorite.  There is something for everyone in this fun and engaging version of The Nutcracker—a huge cannon that fires at the mice, a beautiful growing Christmas tree, whirling flakes in a snowstorm, cute little Ginger Snaps peeking out of a huge Mother Ginger skirt, a lovely Sugar Plum dancing with her handsome Cavalier, and extraordinary costumed characters from the Kingdom of Sweets. With VIP experiences as well as photo ops available.

Christmas Lessons and Carols at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 23-24
Join us for this service as they proclaim the Nativity in word and song. Through readings from Holy Scripture, favorite, hymns, choral and instrumental music, you’ll move from Creation to the manger in Bethlehem, telling the ancient story of God’s continued love as shown in Christ.

The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents A Family Christmas at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 24
Bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them!

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre: Through Dec. 31
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge. This annual production has been a Washington tradition for more than 35 years. Length: 2 hours with one intermission. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre: Through Dec. 29
Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation’s capital. With over 40 scheduled performances, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences of all ages into a winter wonderland that has become a lasting holiday tradition not to be missed. This year they will also celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of the Washington School of Ballet.

The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo: Through Dec. 29

The Snow Queen at Synetic Theater: Through Dec. 29
Just in time for the holidays, Synetic presents a whimsical, family-friendly adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, Snow Queen. Join Gerda, a little girl with gumption, a magic mirror, and a quest to save her best friend, as she sets out on a life-changing journey that takes her over mountains and across distant lands to the Snow Kingdom. Synetic Theater’s striking visuals and embodied storytelling turn this chilling tale into a heartwarming adventure.

Frosty the Snowman at The Performing Arts Factory: Dec. 7 – 28
An OVT favorite returns! Developed by the creative team at Other Voices Theatre, Frosty the Snowman is a heartwarming original musical that tells the story of the magic hat that brings Frosty to life and also has the magical ability to transform others who wear it. You can join Frosty and Jack Frost in helping their young friends. Perfect for the young ones and family alike.

Zoo Lights: Through Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31)
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. A free event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland!

Light Yards: On display through Jan. 4.
The DC region’s premier outdoor public light art installation, returns for its fourth year at The Yards, with two must-see, worldwide traveling light installations, The Pool, by New York-based Jen Lewin Studio and Angels of Freedom, by Israel-based OGE Group. The Poolwill invite visitors to hop, skip, and jump across 106 interactive circular pads of light, roughly 3 feet in diameter and 2.5 inches tall. As multiple visitors play in The Pool, their movements will come together to create a giant canvas of shifting and fading colors in mesmerizing patterns.A beautiful and social sculptural installation, Angels of Freedom aims to reveal the inner beauties of everyone by visually turning visitors into real-life angels. Visitors will be invited to pose with five giant, neon-colored wings and white halos as a reminder that everybody counts and deserves love.

Holidays on the Harbor: Through Jan. 1
Holiday movies and fireworks takes place each Saturday through December. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance.

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Through Jan. 5
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments).

Bulls Run Festival of Lights: Through Jan. 5
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Avoid crowds and go Mon-Thurs at a discounted rate.

Enchant Christmas: Through Dec. 29
Unwrap new traditions and make memories big and small as you wind your way through a luminescent land of beautiful arches, larger-than-life sculptures and decadent delights. Welcome to Enchant. Where magical memories are made. The Nats outfield will be transformed into a twinkling maze of stunning light displays, while the infield will house an ice-skating trail adorned with spectacularly lit archways. The concourse will transform into a Christmas Market stocked with more than 60 local food and artisan merchant vendors, and the PNC Diamond Club along with other premium areas will become VIP and private holiday party experiences.

Merriweather Symphony of Lights: Through Jan. 1
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion. Made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights and a refreshed course, your time through the twinkling, winding path will surely be a night to remember!

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens: Through Jan. 5
Explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year’s holiday show. The best times to visit are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 pm with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10am-5pm, free of charge.

Christmas at Mount Vernon: Through Dec. 31
Christmas past meets Christmas present at George Washington’s estate. Just as the Washingtons celebrated the holiday with family and friends, visitors can start a new tradition of visiting Mount Vernon this holiday season.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park: Through Jan. 1
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event featuring more than 2.5 million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays.You won’t want to miss the giant, 54-foot LED musical tree!

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park: Through Dec. 31 (closed on Dec. 25)
The wondrous themed display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park is a 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting taking you past more than 450 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that light up the night.

Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights: Through Dec. 31
Check out this new month-long community event. The businesses along Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street and the 800 Block of Upshur Street will be decked out with holiday lights. As part of the fun, the local businesses will be competing for the chance to win one of seven different awards for their Holiday Lights displays, and will be organizing amazing holiday events, activities, and promotions throughout the month. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting for a few days—stop by Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights to explore, shop, and play this holiday season.

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse: Through Jan. 1
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is on December 5 and kicks off the holiday celebrations. You can view the lighting on TV on Dec. 9. Musical groups from Washington D.C. and across the country provide holiday entertainment to the countless visitors for a one of a kind holiday experience set against the backdrop of the National Christmas Tree. The tree is lit each day at 4:30pm and will stay up through Jan.1.

Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park: Dec. 20, 21, 22 & 23
Photos with Santa Claus from 6:30-8:30pm, Christmas arts & crafts room, live animal encounters, holiday photos with live animals, kid’s indoor play zone and more, bonfire & marshmallow roasting, thousands of outdoor holiday lights, nativity scene, animal petting & feeding, Christmas tree & wreath sales from local farms.

Georgetown Glow: Through Jan. 5
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine.

Posts:
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Gift Guide for Kids
Memberships & Experiences
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Family-friendly New Year’s Eve
Winter Break Camp & Classes

Saturday & Sunday from 10am-5pm, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden has a Russian Winter Festival. Meet Grandfather Frost, Russia’s Santa Claus, and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden in a fun family play, based on traditional Russian stories, produced by Flying V Theatre. Create and wear your own kokoshnik (lady’s headdress) or Russian gentleman’s winter hat to dress in the style of boyars (old Russian nobles). Join in the playful antics of strolling characters, presented by Happenstance Theater. Enjoy lively music performed by Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble and festive dances performed by Kalinka Dance Ensemble.

Miracle Theatre will be showing holiday movies all weekend long perfect for the entire family!

CityCenterDC will transform into an icy maze, surrounded by 7-foot-tall walls made of 110,000 pounds of clear ice. Visit Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm and 4pm-9pm.

Friday

5:30pm-7:30pm: Holiday Caroling at the Willard InterContinental
Step into the lobby of the Willard InterContinental between December 1 and 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to enjoy complimentary caroling performances.  A time-honored tradition for over 18 years,  The Willard’s holiday caroling program features a wide range of highly accomplished vocal and choral ensembles, and is regarded as one of the most comprehensive of its kind in Washington, D.C. Sip a seasonally inspired cocktail from the lobby’s pop-up bar while listening to a medley of classic holiday carols from popular groups including the Annandale Singers of Annandale High School. 

Saturday

8:30am: National Wreaths Across America Day
Each December on , our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Virginia Ballet Company and School: Nutcracker at National Theatre
It’s a National Theatre holiday tradition: selections from Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet performed by the Virginia Ballet Company and School. Dancing sugar plums and snowflakes abound, the gingerbread soldiers triumph over the evil Rat King, and Clara goes on her magical journey to the Land of Sweets.

10:00am-4:00pm: Smithsonian Winter Family Festival
Kick off this holiday season with a special Family Day at the Smithsonian Castle. The Smithsonian, in collaboration with Brightest Young Things, will offer special holiday-themed activities for visitors of all ages including: Holiday Story Time at 10:30am and 1pm. Create your own air plant seasonal ornaments. Customize a letter to Santa, or a holiday haiku with the help of poets from Ars Poetica. Take a photo at our special photo station with a holiday backdrop and props. Enjoy musical performances throughout the event with Chord of Appeals A Cappella and the Capitol Hill Chorale. Castle Tours: 11:30am and 1:30pm.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

11:00am-3:00pm: EdFEST
Students and families can meet representatives from all public and public charter schools in the District that serve PK3 – grade 12. With the launch of the public school lottery application on December 16, 2019 for the 2020-21 school year, EdFEST is a timely event to help students and families make informed choices. EdFEST will also feature many free services and fun activities for the whole family:Flu shots and immunizations for youth and adults; Free boxed lunches for children and youth up to age 18 (while supplies last); Recreational activities; Key educational information, including a section dedicated to “Special Education in the District”; Access to the city’s high quality PK community-based organizations; and WordGirl will be there with WETA TV!

4:00pm-7:00pm: Winter’s Eve at Glen Echo
Get into the holiday spirit at Glen Echo Park’s annual Winter’s Eve celebration! It’s FREE, open to the public, and visitors of all ages will enjoy: Holiday Crafts, Hot Chocolate Bar, Open Artist Studios, Holiday Sing-Alongs, Storytime and more.

7:00pm: Getty Music Presents Keith & Kristyn Getty and Friends: SING! An Irish Christmas at The Kennedy Center
Come sing along with Keith and Kristyn and special guests for an evening that unites tradition and innovation in a vibrant celebration of the season!

8:00pm: A Candlelight Christmas at Strathmore
It’s not Christmas without The Washington Chorus! Featuring the National Capital Brass, over 130  singers, organ, sing-alongs, and the magnificent candlelight processional, A Candlelight Christmas  includes popular songs such as The Dream Isaiah Saw, Hallelujah Chorus, and more holiday favorites to fall in love with! This concert is not presented by Strathmore.

Sunday

10:00am: Mister G Concert at Temple Sinai
Hailed as “a bilingual rock star” by the Washington Post, Mister G tours internationally playing everywhere from Lollapalooza and Lincoln Center to climate change rallies on Capitol Hill. His spirited bilingual performances aim to help children see each other across borders and foster cross-cultural
connections. Bagels, fruit and coffee will be served. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online here or at the door. All proceeds benefit Temple Sinai Nursery School. 

10:00am-12:00pm: Gift Making Workshop at Red Panda Art Studio
Join to create holiday gifts for loved ones. Each child creates a set of holiday cards to start, and then choses from different project options. Each child leaves the workshop with at least two gift-ready items custom designed and carefully wrapped! Workshop is designed for ages 2 to 8. Drop-off welcome for ages 3.5+.

10:30am-12:00pm: Make Room for Latkes
Chanukah is coming and with it, eight nights of family fun! Bring your family for hands-on Chanukah activities including crafts, cooking, singing, stories, latkes, mitzvah (good deed) projects and take-home goodies.  It’s a perfect morning for Jewish and interfaith families with children ages 2 and older. Tickets will be $18.00 per family at the door.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

12:00pm: A Children’s Christmas Story
Join a family-friendly, highly interactive telling of the Christmas story. Kids will have an opportunity to choose a role in the Nativity story, create a craft to take home, and even snap a photo with St. Margaret’s own (papier-mache) donkey, Clementine. St. Margaret’s is located at 1830 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009. Come as you are, all are welcome!

1:00pm AND 3:00pm: The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas at The Kennedy Center
It’s not Christmas without The Washington Chorus! Featuring brass, organ, sing-alongs, and the magnificent candlelight processional. Playing through Dec. 22.

2:00pm AND 7:00pm: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Strathmore
This Christmas give your family the gift of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! Step into a simpler time filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic. With world-class artists, dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets, and soaring birds, don’t miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this acclaimed Christmas extravaganza. Described as the holiday season’s “Hot Ticket!” by The New York Times, celebrate this cherished tradition and relive the dream with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. This concert is not presented by Strathmore. Also on stage on 12/16.

3:30pm: Christmas at the Cathedral at The Washington National Cathedral
Join Washington National Cathedral for a mix of mystery and celebration of the Christmas season. Experience Benjamin Britten’s sublime “Ceremony of Carols” and alongside medieval and modern Christmas favorites. Join in as they raise the roof with rousing Christmas congregational favorites with the help of the Cathedral’s grand organ and the incomparable Washington Symphonic Brass. If you’re not in the holiday spirit yet, you will be after this concert!

Holiday Happenings:

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre: Through Dec. 31
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge. This annual production has been a Washington tradition for more than 35 years. Length: 2 hours with one intermission. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre: Through Dec. 29
Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation’s capital. With over 40 scheduled performances, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences of all ages into a winter wonderland that has become a lasting holiday tradition not to be missed. This year they will also celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of the Washington School of Ballet.

The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo: Through Dec. 29

The Snow Queen at Synetic Theater: Through Dec. 29
Just in time for the holidays, Synetic presents a whimsical, family-friendly adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, Snow Queen. Join Gerda, a little girl with gumption, a magic mirror, and a quest to save her best friend, as she sets out on a life-changing journey that takes her over mountains and across distant lands to the Snow Kingdom. Synetic Theater’s striking visuals and embodied storytelling turn this chilling tale into a heartwarming adventure.

CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators at Encore Stage & Studio: FINAL WEEKEND
Santa Claus is missing! During the last rehearsal for the annual Christmas Show, the action comes to a screeching halt when the cast discovers that the Santa Claus statue has been stolen! Mrs. Dickens calls in the Clue Club — a group of ambitious and eccentric students who take mystery and detection into the realm of science. Full of more surprises than a fruitcake, the Clue Club finds they have successfully fulfilled their duty as “Christmas Scene Investigators” when they discover the true meaning of Christmas. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

Frosty the Snowman at The Performing Arts Factory: Dec. 7 – 28
An OVT favorite returns! Developed by the creative team at Other Voices Theatre, Frosty the Snowman is a heartwarming original musical that tells the story of the magic hat that brings Frosty to life and also has the magical ability to transform others who wear it. You can join Frosty and Jack Frost in helping their young friends. Perfect for the young ones and family alike.

The Christmas Revels: A French-Canadian Celebration of the Winter Solstice: FINAL WEEKEND
Magic is just around the corner in a rustic village in Europe! As the Winter days grow short, three wandering performers from far-off lands weave music, dance and stories from their cultures into an enchanting and dramatic tale of the Winter Solstice. But when the sun finally sets on the longest night — and darkness seems to stretch on without end — these “Celestial Fools” lead us on a journey into the heavens to reclaim the light and restore its warmth to the world. The cast of over 100, ages 9-90, invites you to join tradition bearers Karim Nagi, Shizumi Shigeto Manale and Mark Novak for this timeless fable. Sing along and dance through the aisles to eclectic instrumentals by Seth Kibel, Vladimir Fridman and Bob Abbott, with the glorious tones of the Washington Revels Brass. And as we prepare to call back the Sun, let’s light a candle, deck the hall, and revel in this exuberant blend of seasonal celebrations from around the world and across the centuries. Welcome Yule!

Zoo Lights: Through Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31)
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. A free event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland!

Light Yards: On display through Jan. 4.
The DC region’s premier outdoor public light art installation, returns for its fourth year at The Yards, with two must-see, worldwide traveling light installations, The Pool, by New York-based Jen Lewin Studio and Angels of Freedom, by Israel-based OGE Group. The Poolwill invite visitors to hop, skip, and jump across 106 interactive circular pads of light, roughly 3 feet in diameter and 2.5 inches tall. As multiple visitors play in The Pool, their movements will come together to create a giant canvas of shifting and fading colors in mesmerizing patterns.A beautiful and social sculptural installation, Angels of Freedom aims to reveal the inner beauties of everyone by visually turning visitors into real-life angels. Visitors will be invited to pose with five giant, neon-colored wings and white halos as a reminder that everybody counts and deserves love.

Holidays on the Harbor: Through Jan. 1
Holiday movies and fireworks takes place each Saturday through December. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance.

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Through Jan. 5
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments).

Bulls Run Festival of Lights: Through Jan. 5
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Avoid crowds and go Mon-Thurs at a discounted rate.

Enchant Christmas: Through Dec. 29
Unwrap new traditions and make memories big and small as you wind your way through a luminescent land of beautiful arches, larger-than-life sculptures and decadent delights. Welcome to Enchant. Where magical memories are made. The Nats outfield will be transformed into a twinkling maze of stunning light displays, while the infield will house an ice-skating trail adorned with spectacularly lit archways. The concourse will transform into a Christmas Market stocked with more than 60 local food and artisan merchant vendors, and the PNC Diamond Club along with other premium areas will become VIP and private holiday party experiences.

Merriweather Symphony of Lights: Through Jan. 1
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion. Made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights and a refreshed course, your time through the twinkling, winding path will surely be a night to remember!

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens: Through Jan. 5
Explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year’s holiday show. The best times to visit are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 pm with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10am-5pm, free of charge.

Christmas at Mount Vernon: Through Dec. 31
Christmas past meets Christmas present at George Washington’s estate. Just as the Washingtons celebrated the holiday with family and friends, visitors can start a new tradition of visiting Mount Vernon this holiday season.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park: Through Jan. 1
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event featuring more than 2.5 million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays.You won’t want to miss the giant, 54-foot LED musical tree!

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park: Through Dec. 31 (closed on Dec. 25)
The wondrous themed display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park is a 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting taking you past more than 450 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that light up the night.

Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights: Through Dec. 31
Check out this new month-long community event. The businesses along Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street and the 800 Block of Upshur Street will be decked out with holiday lights. As part of the fun, the local businesses will be competing for the chance to win one of seven different awards for their Holiday Lights displays, and will be organizing amazing holiday events, activities, and promotions throughout the month. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting for a few days—stop by Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights to explore, shop, and play this holiday season.

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse: Through Jan. 1
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is on December 5 and kicks off the holiday celebrations. You can view the lighting on TV on Dec. 9. Musical groups from Washington D.C. and across the country provide holiday entertainment to the countless visitors for a one of a kind holiday experience set against the backdrop of the National Christmas Tree. The tree is lit each day at 4:30pm and will stay up through Jan.1.

Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park: Dec.14, 20, 21, 22 & 23
Photos with Santa Claus from 6:30-8:30pm, Christmas arts & crafts room, live animal encounters, holiday photos with live animals, kid’s indoor play zone and more, bonfire & marshmallow roasting, thousands of outdoor holiday lights, nativity scene, animal petting & feeding, Christmas tree & wreath sales from local farms.

Georgetown Glow: Dec. 6 – Jan. 5
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine.

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum: Dec. 14-15, & 21-22
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30pm-4:30pm, and on December 28 & 29 without Santa. Also see the Winter Wonder Garden and Winter in Washington displays.

Win a pair of tickets to opening night on Tuesday, December 17th at 7:30pm. Enter by liking the post on Facebook and an extra entry if you share the post on Facebook. Winner will be announced on Sunday, December 15th.

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