Happy Weekend! Lots of ideas for ongoing, non-holiday local fun in these posts: * The Great Indoors * Off-the-Beaten-Path DC Museums * Best Outdoors in the DC Area * Local Hikes with Kids * Inside Action * MD VA Museums * Baltimore with Kids * Bike Rides * Stunning Spaces * Peaceful P laces Holiday Happenings Where: Around the DC Area When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Varies by activity If you’re looking for holiday activities, you have your pick of them!  There are all kinds of ways to embrace the spirit of the season, and at every price point. Some are listed in this round-up, and details for SO many more in the 2025 KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season Around DC. Skate Under the Sky Where: Ice rinks around the area When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Varies by rink Skate the day–or night!–away at one of many outdoor rinks around the area. Canal Park is the last of them to open and starts welcoming skaters Friday night at 6pm (FYI: free skate rental for the first 150 skaters). This post has details on all the places to glide, including indoor spots, too. Tree Lighting Where: Canal Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC When: Friday, 6-9pm Admission: Free Bundle up  to enjoy an evening celebrating the holidays with fun for the whole fam — a vibrant Snow Globe Photobooth with instant photos, live holiday music, a S’mores Station, and more. The official tree lighting countdown will take place at 7pm. Plan for ice skating at the Canal Park rink, too! Step Afrika! Magical, Musical Holiday Step Show Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC When: Friday, 7pm | Saturday Sunday, 2pm 7pm Tickets: $49+ (look for discount) The Magical, Musical Holiday Step Show is one of the most vibrant holiday celebrations in town. (And we know from many years’ experience!) Bring the whole family to join DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends for an electrifying journey packed with high-energy stepping, festive music, and non-stop holiday cheer with the award-winning Step Afrika! performers. This fan-favorite tradition promises laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments. The District’s Holiday Boat Parade Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC When: Saturday, 5-9pm Admission: Free Celebrate the season and the 33rd Anniversary of the District’s Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf. This free event features 60+ festively decorated boats parading along up the Washington Channel, as well as fun landside holiday activities including live music, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, a signature music performance by Yani the Band, family photos with Santa, fireworks, hot toddies, and so much more. Frosty the Snowman Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD When: Saturday Sunday, 11am 2pm Tickets: $28 Do you want to build a snow man? How about watching him spring to life in front of you for one day of adventures before he melts away? In this merry wintertime romp, chock-full of chuckles and comic antics, Frosty gallops into the hearts of kids and adults alike- even the heart of one skeptical cop– through his uproarious antics. More Holiday Entertainment Where: Local theatres When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Varies by venue There’s so much holiday-inspired entertainment on local stages to celebrate the season. The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre is a classic that will enchant audiences of all ages. Or take littles to see a version on strings at The Puppet Co. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre.  Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up soon in the 2025 Guide to the Holiday Season. Heurich Christmas Markt Where: Heurich House Museum | Dupont Circle, DC When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday Admission: $6-18/ages 15+, $2/age 2-15 Each December, the Heurich House Museum in historic Dupont Circle curates DC’s only multi-day holiday market consisting of ALL local makers. Stroll through the museum’s “Castle Garden” with a Glühwein in hand and find the perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones from 60+ local small-scale artisan makers.  Plus, enjoy caroling and holiday-themed crafts. Winter Festival Christmas Tree Sale Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC When: December 6, 10am – 3pm Admission: Free Friends of the National Arboretum are hosting this market at one of the prettiest places in DC. Shop from local vendors and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities, plus get your family’s tree! There will be all kinds of wares for sale along with Christmas trees, plus train rides, a carousel, Santa’s Mailbox, face painting, food drinks, and more. Plan for time to tour the plant collections, too! Scottish Christmas Walk Parade Where: Old Town | Alexandria, VA When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm Admission: Free The 54th annual Scottish Christmas Walk will be a showcase of marching units filled with the magnificent tartans of Scottish Clans, the stirring sound of Scottish bagpipes and drums, Scottish dancers, reenactment groups, Scottie dogs, dignitaries, classic cars, Santa Claus, and more. The parade usually begins at St. Asaph and Wilkes Streets and ends at Market Square with a massed band concert – rain or shine. Santa Fly-In Where: College Park Aviation Museum | College Park, MD When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm Admission: $7 This will be an experience to remember as you watch Santa fly into the historic College Park Airport (it’s the world’s oldest continuously operating airport)!  Also enjoy crafts and activities in the museum and take a photo with Santa. (Photos will be scheduled by reserved time slot — to reserve a slot, you will be sent a confirmation email after purchase that includes a link to sign up for photos.) All guests over the age of 2 must have a ticket. Winterfest Where: Stead Park | 1625 P Street NW, DC When: Saturday, December 6, 10:30am-12:30pm Admission: Free Friends of Stead Park is presenting this holiday event in partnership with DPR, Foundry UMC, and the Edlavitch DCJCC… Celebrate winter and the December holidays with crafts, cocoa, games and fun! Get a free photo with Santa, too! Sneaker Con Where: Washington Convention Center | Mount Vernon Sq, DC When: Saturday Sunday, 12-7pm Admission: Starts at $34.60 People who are really into their kicks will want to check out this event dedicated to all things sneakers. The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth returns to DC, this time with a special Godzilla collaboration. Fine brand-new merch and products inspired by the King of Monsters. Expect surprise appearances and activations from the biggest names in sneakers, music, and design. As always, Sneaker Con will bring together the region’s top collectors, vendors, and thousands of passionate attendees for a weekend of buying, selling, trading, and community. Bethesda Winter Wonderland Where: Norfolk Avenue Streetery | Bethesda, MD When: Saturday, 12-4pm Admission: Free Celebrate the holiday season on Norfolk and Cordell Ave 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. And don’t miss the Holiday Market with URBN Market and 50 artisans! Georgetown Jingle Where: Around Georgetown, DC When: Saturday, 1-4pm Admission: Free Be there with bells on at Georgetown Jingle, featuring 10 live music outdoor locations throughout the neighborhood. Artists will perform festive songs and holiday favorites, from soul to jazz, a cappella, pop, DJ sets, and kids’ music. More than 40 Georgetown shops, restaurants, and services will also be offering special discounts, complimentary refreshments, and pop-up events that day. Afterward, catch the procession of the St. Lucia Choir as they make their way from the Embassy of Sweden to Georgetown Waterfront, where you can enjoy samples of non-alcoholic Glögg and a Swedish holiday treat. Roam Free Where: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens | Georgetown, DC When: Throughout the weekend, 2-5pm Admission: Free with reserved tickets One of my favorite KFDC tips to impart because it’s one of my favorite places in DC:  From December through mid-March, there is no fee to roam the enchanting gardens at Dumbarton Oaks.  Stroll among the various plats, find lovely tucked away places to sit, and get ready for delights as you turn every corner. Hours are limited, but you can make a longer day of it with play time at Montrose Park next door, a hike at Dumbarton Oaks Park right behind the gardens, or a bite to eat at one of of the many options in Georgetown. This KFDC post about Dumbarton also has some food recs, this one has more suggestions for Georgetown eats, and this one from early KFDC days has more Dumbarton info and scenes. Winter’s Eve Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD When: Saturday, 3-6pm Admission: Free It’s Glen Echo Park’s annual Winter’s Eve celebration, a holiday event designed with all ages in mind. The Park will be abuzz with activity throughout the event: Open studios, artwork sales, refreshments. See The Puppet Co. present its beloved The Nutcracker or Adventure Theatre’s Frosty the Snowman (purchase tickets). There will also be free children’s holiday crafts, and many of the Park’s resident arts organizations will offer holiday activities, including performances by Washington Revels, and more! Holiday Tree Lot Where: Bridge District | Southeast, DC When: Saturday, 3-5pm Admission: Free Bridge District, DC’s most sustainable neighborhood, invites everyone to an afternoon of festive family-friendly fun at the Holiday Tree Lot. Guests can shop for the perfect tree while sipping hot cocoa, enjoying live holiday music, trying their hand at axe throwing, creating a holiday gift wish list at the Santa Station and more. The Holiday Tree Lot will remain open for three additional days in December for the community to shop at their convenience. Christmas in Middleburg Where: Middleburg, VA When: Saturday Admission: Varies by activity Middleburg is a perfect setting for evoking the Christmas spirit, and many events during the season — tree lighting, a Christmas parade, shopping, caroling — add to it.  Stay at one of the picturesque inns or the fabulous Salamander Resort Spa.  Join one of the most fun-filled family festivals of the year in Middleburg with activities, special events, great eats, the famous Middleburg Hunt Review, a mile-long Christmas parade. Afterwards, experience a Middleburg evening in the bistros, cafes, pubs, and restaurants joining in the Spirits of Middleburg. See the website for the schedule of events and more details. Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights Where: Alexandria City Marina | Alexandria, VA When: Saturday, 2-8pm Admission:Free Alexandria’s harbor will also shine as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront for the 25th annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Enjoy festivities out on the dock and stop in the Torpedo Factory were there will be a holiday festival, too.  Activities begin at 2pm, and the parade begins at 5:30pm. Wizards Kids Day Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC When: Saturday, 7pm Admission: Tickets prices vary (check for discounts) It might be an evening game, but but’s Kids Day at this Wizards game against the Hawks. Along with the action on the court, there will be extra fun for young fans,and a hat with charms for the first 5,000 fans. Make a longer outing of it and stroll through the DowntownDC Hoilday Market or gran dinner before the game! Makers’ Market National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown DC When: Sunday, 10am – 4pm Admission: Free The museum is hosting one of its free community days, and it also features a special holiday market from 10am – 4pm, showcasing goods from women and gender-expansive vendors, makers, and artists. Shop handmade jewelry, art, ceramics, and vintage finds in the museum’s Great Hall. Be sure to reserve tickets! Holiday Market Where: Congressional Cemetery | Capitol Hill, DC When: Sunday, 11am – 4pm Admission: Free Do some holiday shopping at the beautiful Congressional Cemetery (yes, the cemetery!). The historic cemetery grounds wil transform into a winter marketplace, featuring unique gifts, handcrafted wonders, and delicious treats. Bring your friends and family for a day of shopping, sipping, and seasonal delights! Dogs on leash are welcome too! Chocolate Binge Festival Where: Downtown Annapolis, MD When: Sunday 11am – 4pm Admission: $7 (online), free/12 under Everyone loves chocolate and Annapolis will be celebrating by filling West Street with all things chocolate to help chocoholics get through the holiday season. Prepare your sweet tooth with an afternoon of chocolate decadence as over 20 local and regional chocolatiers vend their specialties, plus make s’mores at a bonfire in the street, and enjoy hot cocoa. The Festival will also feature family friendly entertainment, lots of holiday shopping, and the lighting of West Street’s BGE Holiday Light Canopy. Tree Lighting Ceremony Where: Shipgarten | McLean, VA When: Sunday, 1pm Admission: Free Celebrate the holiday season at Shipgarten! Santa’s elves have been hard at work decorating their Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Workshop. Grab one of their many hot drinks and enjoy the holiday lights and Christmas carols. At 5pm gather around for a ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree. College Hoops Where: Universities around the DMV When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Ticket prices vary The college basketball season has begun, and with so many schools in the area, there’s always some good hoops action going on — and it’s also a great time for families. Here are some games you can catch this weekend: * GW women vs Brown on Saturday at 1pm * American men vs Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday at 2pm * GW men vs William Mary on Saturday at 6pm * American women vs William Mary on Sunday at 2pm * George Mason women vs Liberty on Sunday at 3pm Caps vs. Blue Jackets Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC When: Sunday, 7pm Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for discounts) Wind down the weekend with some ice hockey action as the Caps host the Blue Jackets at home.  Plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood — or check out the DowntownDC Holiday Market, right across from the arena before the match. Holiday Lights Where: Around the DC area When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Varies by locale Parks and gardens around the area are brightening up the season with twinkling holiday light displays. Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a dazzling good time.  See where you can enjoy them in the KFDC Holiday Guide. ***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * There are even more holiday markets happening this weekend along with those listed above…see them all here. * And don’t forget to check the KFDC Holiday Gift Guide, full of all kinds of DC-inspired gift ideas! * There’s a new giveaway for a chance to win Brunch with Santa at District E next weekend! * There’s also one for a chance to win a Holiday Bundle of music lessons gift certificates and more from International School of Music! * And one more (it’s the giving season, after all )… a chance to win Family 4-Pack of tickets to see Frosty the Snowman at Adventure Theatre! * Best children’s books of 2025 by age. * Spotify Wrapped is out for 2025, and it’s always interesting to see what the world is listening to (and, for me, realize how little of it overlaps with my personal tastes). * Speaking of… * The headline says it all, but read the Op Ed, too. * I’ve shared this gift before, and recommending again because it’s awesome. * And this game looks like it would spark some good laughs. * Surprisingly endearing!   ...read more read less