Washington DC

Ring in the New Year: Family-Friendly Celebrations in Washington, DC

December 27, 2024

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and families in the DC area have plenty of options to celebrate the start of a new year without staying up until midnight. Whether you’re looking for festive fireworks, kid-friendly countdowns, or unique experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations for families in and around Washington, DC.

Noon Year’s Eve at Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Located in Baltimore, just a short drive from DC, Port Discovery Children’s Museum hosts a spectacular Noon Year’s Eve celebration. Perfect for younger kids, this event features arts and crafts, live music, and a countdown to noon with confetti and balloons. Kids can enjoy all the fun of New Year’s without staying up past their bedtime.

Details:

When: December 31, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Included with museum admission

First Night Alexandria

First Night Alexandria is a long-standing tradition featuring music, magic, and interactive activities for the whole family. The event concludes with a colorful fireworks display over the Potomac River at 6:00 PM. Many activities are geared toward kids, including face painting, puppet shows, and craft stations.

Details:

When: December 31, 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: Various locations in Alexandria, VA
Cost: Admission buttons required (kids under 12 are free)

Noon Yards Eve at The Yards Park

This is an annual favorite at The Yards Park! Noon Yards Eve offers a fun and festive atmosphere with live entertainment, a balloon drop, and plenty of activities for kids. Families can enjoy crafts, face painting, and music while counting down to noon.

Details:

When: December 31, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: The Yards Park, Washington, DC
Cost: Free

Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball

The annual Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball at Jammin Java is the perfect way for families to ring in the new year. The show includes an apple juice toast, New Year’s resolutions, and our famous Ball Drop. Celebrate as they begin their 20th year making music together!

Details:

When: December 31,11AM and 2PM
Where: Jammin Java, Vienna, VA
Cost: $10

Midnight Noon at Maryland Science Center

Everyone’s favorite ball drop before bedtime is back again. Make memories and party, Science Center style, at MSC’S 17th annual Midnight Noon celebration! Enjoy loads of festive activities and games, explore all three floors of hands-on science exhibits, dance and sing along with the Rainbow Rock Band, and help ring in the New Year with a noontime ball drop!

Details:

When: December 31, 10AM – 2PM
Where: Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Included with museum admission

Family New Year’s at Metrobar

Jump aboard the “way-before-midnight” train at a family-friendly celebration starting at 4:00pm, with festive cocktails from our new winter menu, live music, and kids games & activities! Don’t worry about the cold: we have the heated and enclosed Railcar Bar & Lounge, fire pit cabanas, campfires, and heaters throughout. That, along with a selection of hot cocktails, will keep you warm as you celebrate 2025!

Details:

When: December 31, 4PM – 8:00PM
Where: Metrobar, Washington, DC
Cost: $15, only one ticket is needed per family

Midnight at 7

Want to experience the Symphony of Lights on New Year’s Eve, but still have the kids in bed by 10? Join for Midnight at 7, and enjoy the fireworks as you stroll through the lights one last time! Fireworks start 7pm.

Details:

When: December 31, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: Merriweather Symphony of Lights, Columbia, MD
Cost: $15 per person, $50 family 4-pack, ages 3 and under are free

Hanukkah in the Capital: Family-Friendly Celebrations

December 8, 2024

Hanukkah begins December 25 this year! In Washington, D.C., the holiday shines brightly with a diverse range of events, from iconic public menorah lightings to intimate community gatherings.

December 13: Fire & Ice Hanukkah Celebration
Join at Washington Hebrew as they bring the warmth of Hanukkah into the cold of winter with a celebratory oneg including hot and cold treats, foods, and much more. Participate in fire and ice activities, art projects and so much more! Come dressed as you normally would for Shabbat OR if you want to be a bit more festive, wear an ugly Hanukkah sweater, a favorite pair of Hanukkah pajamas, or dress in red to bring the heat or blue if you want to play it cool.

December 15: Kid and Family Hanukkah Celebration: Featuring a Mad Scientist Show
Join Kesher Israel for an afternoon of laughter, learning, and lunch!

December 17: Hanukkah Party at the National Museum of American Jewish Military History
Come to the annual Pre-Hanukkah Celebration for latkes, jelly doughnuts, chocolate gelt and holiday songs! The celebration is before the holiday this year. But they’ll have the same festive Hanukkah fun. Explore the museum and eat, play games and sing.

December 20: Lights & Ice: Hanukkah Skate Night
The Festival of Lights is back at the Canal Park Ice Rink with Free Skate Rentals for the first 150 attendees to glide around the outdoor menorah along with live music from DJ Ci Ci, free Hanukkah-themed donuts, and hot cider from neighborhood confectionary shop Kilwins courtesy of the Capitol Riverfront BID; PLUS dreidels, glow sticks, gelt, and Capitol Riverfront giveaways for the first 100 attendees! The official menorah lighting will take place at 7:00 pm.

December 25: National Chanukah Menorah Lighting
The annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of “Chanukah – Festival of Lights” in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally.

December 25: Lighting of the Menorah at the Wharf
The Wharf is continuing the annual tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah. Come to The Wharf to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

December 26: Chanukah Festival in Old Town Alexandria
Celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious Latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!

Family Fun in AU Park, Washington, D.C.: A Guide for Kids and Parents

September 12, 2024

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Washington, D.C., American University Park (AU Park) is a charming neighborhood that offers plenty of family-friendly spots. AU Park has plenty of places to keep kids entertained and parents happy.

1. Playgrounds

Friendship “Turtle” Park: A favorite among local families, this playground is located at 45th and Van Ness Street NW. The large turtle sculptures that give the park its nickname are a hit with kids, making for perfect photo ops. The park offers two separate playground areas, one for toddlers and one for older kids, with slides, swings, and climbing structures. There’s also a splash pad during the warmer months, plus plenty of benches and shaded areas for parents to relax. In the summer and fall you are sure to be able to catch a baseball game too.
Fort Bayard Park: For a more laid-back playground experience, head over to Fort Bayard Park at River Road NW and Western Avenue. This smaller, quieter park has swings, a slide, and open green spaces where kids can run around or play ball. It’s also a peaceful spot for a family picnic.
St. Columba’s Playground: Tucked behind St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, this lesser-known gem offers a small but well-maintained playground that’s great for younger kids. It has a shaded area, swings, and climbing structures, providing a quieter space for play compared to larger parks. Families often stop by after attending one of the church’s community events or preschool programs.

2. Family-Friendly Restaurants

Millie’s: Located just across the street from Turtle Park, Millie’s is perfect for family dining. With a relaxed atmosphere and a menu featuring tacos, burgers, salads, and seafood, there’s something for everyone. Their outdoor seating area is great for kids, who can enjoy ice cream from Millie’s own ice cream stand while parents savor a margarita.
Pizzeria Paradiso: Just a short drive away in nearby Spring Valley, this beloved pizzeria is great for grabbing a quick bite. The wood-fired pizzas are a big hit with kids, and they also offer sandwiches, salads, and small plates. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a great choice for a casual family meal.
Playa Bowls: A popular chain known for its healthy, tropical-inspired bowls and smoothies. Playa Bowls focuses on offering nutritious options with fresh ingredients like acai, pitaya (dragon fruit), coconut, chia pudding, and oatmeal as the base. These bowls are then topped with a variety of fresh fruits, granola, nuts, seeds, honey, and other delicious add-ons, creating colorful and refreshing meals.
Compass Coffee: A popular Washington, D.C. based coffee roaster and café known for its commitment to simplicity, quality, and community. Compass Coffee was created with the goal of providing high-quality coffee that’s easy to enjoy without any pretension.

3. Things to Do with Kids

American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center: For families with older kids or those looking to introduce their little ones to art and culture, the Katzen Arts Center offers rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. The museum is free and is just a short walk from the heart of AU Park.
Tenley-Friendship Library: Just a few blocks away from AU Park, the Tenley-Friendship Library is a great spot for a rainy day. They offer storytime sessions for toddlers and kids, as well as various children’s programs throughout the week.
The National Zoo: Although not directly in AU Park, the National Zoo is just a short drive away and makes for an excellent family outing. Kids will love seeing the animals, and the zoo’s educational exhibits make it both fun and informative.

4. Seasonal Events

Halloween and Holiday Celebrations at Turtle Park: Around Halloween and the winter holidays, Turtle Park hosts community gatherings that often include costume parades, games, and treats for kids. It’s a great way to meet other families in the neighborhood and join in the festive spirit.

Keep Kids Sharp with Music Lessons this Summer ♫

May 14, 2024

Are your children spending too much time on their devices? It’s a tough new frontier for parents, but we have an easy way to reduce screen time and help your child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Kids are creative! Put a keyboard, guitar or mic in their hands and we guarantee you’ll see a total transformation!

So let’s give the smartphone a break, and let’s MAKE MUSIC this summer at the International School of Music in-person or online!

Text or Call 301-517-9567 today to schedule your introductory lesson with one of the International School of Music’s voted-best instructors and save 50% off registration when you register by 5/25 HERE!

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

March 22, 2024

Hopefully you have been able to walk around and see the amazing cherry blossoms and other flowers blooming in our area! We have a post with details on where to view them and many places on the list are not on the National Mall.

Matchboxcon is taking over Montgomery County Fairgrounds this weekend. MatchboxCon is a public gathering of die-cast enthusiasts, a fun convention of collectors and buyers.

Friday
6:00pm-8:00pm: Family Flashlight Egg Hunt
Enjoy games and music before the egg hunt begins and don’t forget to bring your camera to take pictures with the bunny and friends. The cost is $5 per family member, children under 12 months free. Children under the age of 5 can arrive early for an egg hunt event at 6 p.m. and the flashlight egg hunt event will begin at 8 p.m. All kids are encouraged to bring a basket to collect eggs, kids attending the 8 p.m. event should also bring a flashlight.

Saturday
9:00am-3:30pm: Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm! Your family won’t want to miss the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking!! Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs filled with treats to enchant the children, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance. Come see spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring! The annual Easter Egg Hunt is a $7.99 add-on per child with your paid farm admission.

9:00am-6:00pm: Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs, exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony.

10:00am-4:00pm: Family Day: Japanese Fashion
Celebrate cherry-blossom season at the museum with a family day featuring Japanese kimono, “happi” coats and crafts for all ages. Performances of traditional Okinawan dance will showcase the colorful costume of the islands, and guests can enjoy the beautiful melodies of Japan’s national instrument, the “koto.” Design your own kimono bookmark, make a cherry blossom pendant or join us for a family-friendly tour of the galleries, including Japanese textiles on display in Irresistible: The Global Patterns of Ikat.

11:30am-3:00pm: Cherry Blossom Family Celebration
Celebrate the season of cherry blossoms with SAAM! Begin the day on the F Street Plaza (weather permitting) with a taiko drumming performance by drumming group Nen Daiko. Then head inside to the Kogod Courtyard for Japanese pop, boogie, and more with Les The DJ. Enjoy other performances while children (12 and under) make cherry-blossom themed crafts. Face painting is available for attendees ages 12 and younger. Treat yourself with tasty offerings for purchase from the Courtyard Café. Lastly, a spring-themed scavenger hunt takes you through the galleries for more cherry blossom fun.

1:00pm: Harlem Globetrotters
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan FUN! See the Globetrotter stars LIVE as they DRIBBLE, SPIN, SLAM, and DUNK their way past their relentless rivals, the Washington Generals! You’ll be amazed by new levels of mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills, and BIG LAUGHS with unrivaled opportunities for pre-game, post-game and in-game fan engagement!

7:30pm: Washington Spirit Homeopener
The Washington Spirit plays its first home match of the 2024 season this Saturday, March 23 at Audi Field against Bay FC.

Sunday
9:00am-6:00pm: Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs, exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony.

9:00am-3:30pm: Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm! Your family won’t want to miss the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking!! Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs filled with treats to enchant the children, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance. Come see spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring! The annual Easter Egg Hunt is a $7.99 add-on per child with your paid farm admission.

10:00am-12:00pm: Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place
Join us for Eggstravaganza!, a favorite spring tradition. Children of all ages can take part in a lively Easter egg hunt and egg roll on the South Lawn. Afterwards, make crafts and take a picture with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. and the egg roll begins at 10:45 a.m.

11:00am-6:00pm: Sakura Sunday
The wait is over and the springtime celebration of the season is here! Come to National Harbor’s official participating event of the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Sunday. Join for a wide array of free cultural activities including an artisanal Japanese marketplace, cultural performances, culinary delights, a Sakura Spirits Garden and more!

2:00pm-5:00pm: Purim Family Day
Join Washington Revels and the Seth Kibel Trio for an afternoon of Klezmer music, a Purim spiel (Purim comedy), costumes, and crafts. Make a grogger (noise maker) or a golden crown and celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim at this free, family-friendly event! And, while you are here, spend some time exploring the exhibitions. Crafts and activities start at 2pm. Performances start at 3pm.

3:45pm-5:30pm: Hill Family Biking – Books and Blossoms Ride
Hill Family Biking is teaming up with DC Public Library for a ride to the stunning, new SW Library for a special story time and a librarian-guided tour of the facility with Cherry Blossom peeping opportunities all along the route. They’ll start at Eastern Market Metro and weave down 3.7 miles of some of the most bikable streets in the District to SW Library. They’ll have a scheduled exit from SW Library for anyone that wants to ride back to Eastern Market as a group.

5:00pm-6:30pm: Opening Ceremony of Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Opening Ceremony is an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, and an annual tribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the United States. This unique, one-time-only performance will feature special performances from acclaimed artists with ties to both countries.

NSO in your Neighborhood has tons of events this weekend. The National Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with various communities in Wards 6 & 8 to amplify joy, unity, and shared humanity through music and the arts. Partnering with local schools, museums, and organizations, we will honor the history of these neighborhoods, while also building new connections and relationships. Events are open to the public with first-come, first-served seating, unless otherwise noted. Below is the schedule:

Friday
BOOMBOX Boxing Club
7:00 p.m., 1221 Van St SE, Suite 140, Washington, DC 20003
This concert will take place in the boxing ring of this black-owned boutique Boxing Gym.

Saturday
Culture House DC
11:30 a.m., 700 Delaware Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Housed in a former African American church, this community arts space will host a concert centered around its cherry blossom exhibits.

National Museum of the US Navy
1:00 p.m., 736 Sicard St SE, Washington, DC 20374
Established in 1961, this museum displays and preserves significant artifacts that tell the story of US naval history. The Navy Yard itself was one of the first places to employ African Americans in the city.

The Anthem
Full Orchestra Concert
7:00 p.m., 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
FREE full orchestra concert at this Southwest Waterfront music arena featuring local DC artists.

Sunday
Rubell Museum
11:30 a.m., 65 I St SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Rubell Museum contains an extensive collection of American and international contemporary art. The building that now houses the museum was formerly Randall Junior High School, which closed in 1978 and was a historically Black public school attended by Marvin Gaye.

Covenant Baptist UCC Church
3:00 p.m., 3845 S Capitol St SW, Washington, DC 20032
This African American congregation in Bellevue has survived racial discrimination, changing city demographics, and now gentrification. The concert will take place on Palm Sunday.

Bald Eagle Recreation Center
Full Orchestra Concert
7:00 p.m. 100 Joliet St, Washington, DC 20032
This free performance will feature mezzo-soprano, Marquita Raley-Cooper, DC artist and native.

Plan Ahead
Peter Pan at the National Theatre: April 9-21
Bourbon & Bluegrass at President Lincoln’s Cottage: May 18-19

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

February 9, 2024

It’s a busy weekend and special week ahead with the Super Bowl (Go Chiefs) & Valentine’s Day! Speaking of, have you gotten your loved ones (or yourself) some delicious chocolate yet?

All weekend
Junie B. Jones, The Musical at Adventure Theatre
It is Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, does not want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your audience members’ hearts just as the books captivated an entire generation of students.

Friday
6:00pm-8:00pm: Kid’s Night Out at Red Panda Art Studio: Pop Art Hearts
It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Get into the holiday spirit with a pop art-inspired Valentine’s heart project.

Saturday
9:30am & 11:00am: Saturday Morning Live! at the National Theatre
The Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA) Ensemble will perform a children’s story, I Don’t Want to Be Me, by Patricia Lee Davis and Jocelyn Mack. This story is about a young African-American girl named Michelle struggling to accept her natural beauty. In the end nature and animals remind her that she is beautiful the way she is and to embrace herself. This story is about self-acceptance and embracing imperfections. Children will participate in an interactive drama about the story

10:30am: The Great Zucchini at Avalon Theatre
The Great Zucchini and Abracadabra Alex are teaming up for one unforgettable belly laughing show. Start the day laughing and clapping with your family! Two of the DC area’s favorite children’s entertainers are teaming up for a not-to-be-missed show at the historic Avalon Theatre! We anticipate this show to sell out so grab your tickets today!

10:30am-3:30pm: Family Day: Make a Magazine at The Library of Congress
In honor of Black History Month, explore the Library’s collections during a magazine-making activity for families inspired by W.E.B. DuBois’ “The Brownies’ Book,” the first magazine for African American children. Join on the mezzanine level of the Thomas Jefferson building with special appearance from honored guest Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden at 1 pm.

11:00am-4:00pm: Lunar New Year Family Festival at the National Postal Museum
The Lunar New Year is right around the corner, so come celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon at the National Postal Museum! Join for FREE crafts, activities, live dance performances and more! Folks from the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) will be leading a trivia game about the Chinese zodiac and our friends from the District of Columbia Public Library are bringing their book bike stocked full of wonderful reading materials about the Lunar New Year and dragons. An interactive Lion Dance—a traditional dance often staged at Lunar New Year celebrations—will be performed throughout the day.

11:00am-3:00pm: Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor
Part of a quarterly Family Day series: Kids and families of all ages are welcome to drop-in to the Black History Month Family Day. Enjoy story times and hands-on activities celebrating African American heritage and accomplishments as told through this year’s theme: The Arts. Contribute to the “I Have a Dream Canvas”, create your own compass, and follow the path of Harriet Tubman.
The event takes place inside Woodlawn Manor.

11:15am: Storytime at National Museum of the American Indian
Families are invited to an interactive story time featuring a children’s book by a Native author and in consultation with Native communities. Visitors will engage with objects and photographs that deepen their understanding of the community represented in the story.

12:30pm-2:00pm: Lunar New Year Celebration with Chia Chinese Learning at Red Panda Art Studio
Join in celebrating the Lunar New Year with Chia Chinese Learning! There will be Lunar New Year themed crafts and Chinese language practice.

1:00pm-3:00pm: STEAM Saturday at National Building Museum
The second Saturday of each month, families are invited to join the National Building Museum for STEAM activities related to our new Brick City exhibition. Each activity challenges children to think creatively and experimentally using principles of design thinking and engineering.
NOTE: The beloved area, PLAY, WORK, BUILD area is being taken down on Feb. 19.

3:00pm-7:00pm: Mardi Gras at the Wharf
Watch the parade on Wharf Street, dance to live music, grab a hurricane from the District Pier Bar, and party on!

5:30pm-7:30pm: Kid’s Night Out at Red Panda Art Studio: Beaded Hearts
Drop your child(ren) off for an evening of Valentine’s themed sculpture making! We’ll use wire, beads, and paint to make our own 3D crafty hearts.

Sunday
1:45pm: DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
The 2024 Annual Chinese Lunar New Year parade is organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, DC (CCBA) in partnership with the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA). In the lunar calendar, it will be the year 4722! The streets of DC Chinatown will fill will revelers and spectators as we celebrate the Year of the Dragon. We will host a dynamic community-based parade that will include a range of cultural and community performers. The finale will feature a firecracker show in the middle of H Street. Come early for a bite to eat at one of the many local eateries and restaurants and then grab your curb-side vantage point to witness the colorful pageantry to come!

Recent posts:
Summer camp guide
Ski and snowboard near DC
Ice skating

Plan ahead:
Peter Pan at National Theatre

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

December 1, 2023

It’s that time of year when holiday events take over the town! See the posts below for all of the details:
Holiday lights, Christmas trees and holiday markets
Holiday shows, ballets and concerts
Hanukkah celebrations

**Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights**

All weekend

The Polar Express at B&O Railroad Museum
Climb aboard The Polar Express to create a Christmas memory that you and your family will cherish forever! Come in your pajamas as a family to watch the live performance of The Polar Express. Once on the train, the classic Christmas tale will be performed and little ones will have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive their first gift of Christmas! Santa’s helpers will greet you upon arrival to the North Pole, where you can take pictures with Santa and have lots of holiday fun.

Annual MERRI & Bright Holiday Market at Merriweather District
Have yourself a MERRI little holiday season with a visit to the annual Merriweather District Holiday Market. Support unique small businesses as you venture through a variety of holiday pop-ups from regional vendors. Warm up with hot cocoa from The Charmery, sip some wine in the outdoor wine chalet and enjoy carolers while checking off your holiday shopping list. ‘Tis the season to celebrate with Merriweather District!

Holly Trolley Fest at The National Capital Trolley Museum
Visit with Santa down a mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Come join for this special holiday event!

Arts on the Horizon: Winter Festival
Celebrate the season with Arts on the Horizon! They’re hosting a weekend of winter wonderland fun for the whole family. Come meet and greet some of your favorite AOTH characters, make winter wonderland crafts, participate in one of the interactive storytimes, share the holiday cheer in a winter-themed sing-a-long, and more!

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe at Adventure Theatre
In a two-person version of the classic tale, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy discover a secret portal to a magical world called Narnia. With an evil White Witch ruling the kingdom, can Lucy, her new friend Mr. Tumnus, and her family band together to save this land from the eternal winter?

A Year With Frog & Toad at Imagination Stage
Inspired by the acclaimed children’s books, this Broadway musical favorite follows two best friends with opposite personalities as they wake up from hibernation and enjoy hilarious adventures through the seasons. Join cheerful Frog and grumpy Toad as they eat too many cookies, fly a faulty kite, and celebrate the holidays together, learning valuable life lessons along the way. Don’t miss out on this light-hearted, musical celebration of friendship, sprinkled with nostalgia and holiday fun.

Saturday

9:00am: Holidays at the Tavern
For generations, the Great Falls Tavern at C&O Canal hosted gatherings and festivities. Join us in kicking off the winter season by exploring holiday traditions and sharing in the spirit of community, both past and present. Come enjoy a day of holiday music, crafts, and a celebration of community!

10:00am-2:00pm: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center 20th Anniversary Celebration
Twenty years ago this December, our Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center opened to the public on December 15, 2003. Since then we have welcomed over 24 million people through the Udvar-Hazy Center’s doors. Join us as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Udvar-Hazy Center with a day packed full of everything you know and love about the museum. From a behind-the-scenes look at the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar to talks with curators about your favorite artifacts to hands-on activities your family will love, this event will highlight why the Udvar-Hazy Center is a must-visit destination and look forward to what’s next.

10:00am-4:00pm: Winter Festival at the US Arboretum
Join the Friends of the National Arboretum for the 3rd annual Winter Festival at the National Arboretum! Shop from local vendors at the Holiday Market and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities hosted by DC Child Care Connections. Have a hassle-free holidays and get all your shopping done in one place.

11:00am-1:00pm: 52nd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups and more.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland
Celebrate the holiday season on Norfolk and Cordell Avenues in downtown Bethesda with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, live music, face painting, games and more! Please bring a new toy for Toys for Tots.

3:00pm-8:00pm: City Ridge Tree Lighting and URBN Market
City Ridge is celebrating the holiday season by hosting fun, seasonal activities all weekend long with URBNmarket. On Saturday, the celebration will culminate in a tree lighting ceremony featuring a performance and sing-along with Children’s Chorus of Washington.

5:30pm: Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 23rd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more.

Sunday

11:00am-4:00pm: City Ridge Tree Lighting and URBN Market
City Ridge is celebrating the holiday season by hosting fun, seasonal activities all weekend long with URBNmarket. On Saturday, the celebration will culminate in a tree lighting ceremony featuring a performance and sing-along with Children’s Chorus of Washington.

1:30pm-2:30pm: Dreidel Workshop at Home Depot
Do you already have a menorah for Chanukah and looking for something new?! Join us at the Home Depot for a dreidel workshop! Driedel games! Chocolate gelt coins! And your very own dreidel game to bring home!

Fall events in and around Washington, DC

October 9, 2023

In addition to checking things off our fall bucket list and jumping in the car soon to look at fall foliage, there are plenty of fall events happening in the next few months that will allow families to experience Washington, DC. Don’t miss out on a fall favorite; apple and pumpkin picking!

Adam’s Morgan Porchfest: October 14

The Great Pumpkin Race & Fall Festival: October 14

Bethesda Row Arts Festival: October 14-15

Boo at the Zoo: October 20 – 22

Oxon Hill Farm Fall Festival: October 21

Fall Harvest Festival at Mount Vernon: October 21 – 22

NSO Family Concert- Halloween Spooktacular: October 22

First Studio at The Kreeger Museum: October 28

Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos at the National Museum of the American Indian: October 29

El Día de los Muertos Festival: November 2

Diwali Family Festival at National Museum of Asian Art: November 5

Bluey’s Big Day at The Kennedy Center: November 21-26

Enchant: November 24 – December 31

Disney’s Frozen at The Kennedy Center: December 20, 2023 – January 21, 2024

Order new seasonal treats from Milk Bar.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake + Truffles. This popular flavor returns for fall at all bakeries. A vanilla cake is layered with cinnamon “goo,” crunchy cinnamon streusel, pumpkin cheesecake filling and pumpkin frosting. It’s then topped with the *best* part of coffee cake – heaps of coffee cake topping. Available online and bakeries nationwide.

Caramel Apple Pie Cake. Layers of caramel cake are slathered in a combination of gooey apples and vanilla caramel, and have hidden bits of cinnamon pie crumb in the center. True to pie form, the cake is topped with a layer of ice cream frosting and mini “scoops” of ice cream crumb. Available online and bakeries nationwide.