Spotlight Washington DC
The DC Winter Lantern Festival features over 1,000 Chinese lanterns. Photo courtesy of the festival
Christmas Weekend 2024 in DC Top Things To Do: Christmas Lights, Breakfast with Santa, Waterskiing Santa, and More
Enjoy these great things to do near DC with kids and families this Christmas weekend.
Take a lighted trail walk at Reston's Winterfest. Photo courtesy of Winterfest
24 Best Things to Do in DC December 2024 with Kids: Sing-A-Longs, Christmas Events, and New Year's Eve
Here are our top picks for things to do in DC in December 2024.
GUIDE
Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids
Find the best things to do near DC this holiday season.
Tackle the slides at Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Harbor
What's Open on Christmas Day in DC: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Need something to do on Christmas Day? Here are some places you can visit near DC.
Christmas vacation is the perfect time to catch Monet: The Immersive Experience before it leaves town in January! Photo courtesy of the experience
Christmas Vacation in DC: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Keep kids entertained with these fun things to do over Christmas vacation 2024.
The DC Winter Lantern Festival dazzles through January 12. Photo courtesy of the festival
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in DC
Shake off the winter doldrums with these fun things to do in DC in 2024.
Photo courtesy of Canva
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Skip the cooking and cleanup and head to one of these restaurants on Christmas Day and Christmas...
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens will dazzle the whole family. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery County Parks
30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC for Kids
Enjoy tree lightings, Santa sightings, holiday parades, and more festive fun in and around DC this...
Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC in Maryland and Northern Virginia
These houses and neighborhoods near Washington, DC really bring the holiday magic.
Photo courtesy of Canva
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Skip the cooking and cleanup and head to one of these restaurants on Christmas Day and Christmas...
The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Discover holiday fun in and around DC that doesn’t break the piggy bank.
Pull on a signature blue parka for Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Christmas is a magical time of year in Washington, DC. During the holidays, DC and its surrounding...
Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights .event.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Here are our picks for the best holiday and Christmas lights displays in the DC area.
Skate in the shadow of the National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
DC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The ultimate guide to the best things to do with kids in Washington DC this winter!
The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families
Bring the kids to one of these DC outdoor ice skating rinks for winter fun.
There are so many places to have breakfast with Santa throughout the DC area. Photo courtesy of Theissman's Restaurant's Facebook page
Breakfast with Santa in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Share a morning meal with Santa at these festive events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
The Washington Ballet gives The Nutcracker a historic twist at the Warner Theatre. Photo by XMB photography
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Here's where to take the kids to see The Nutcracker and other holiday shows in 2024.
Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Christmas Tree Farms Near DC
Find the perfect Christmas tree at one of these area farms.
Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
These amazing places are giving out free toys for kids this holiday season.
Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Shop local and find some cool stuff for kids at these awesome stores.
Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
101 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids
There are so many ways for families to have fun in and around DC without spending a dime!

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon - 5:30 PM Pick
The Hip Hop Nutcracker (at National Theatre)
National Theatre - various times Pick
Breakfast with Santa at Mia's Italian Kitchen
Mia's Italian Kitchen - 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa at Theismann's Restaurant
Theismann's Restaurant - 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa at Ada's on the River
Ada's on the River - 8:00 AM
US Capitol & US Capitol Visitor Center Tour
US Capitol Visitors Center - 8:30 AM
International Spy Museum
International Spy Museum DC - 9:00 AM
Placita Mágica at National Children’s Museum
National Children's Museum - 9:30 AM
Ford's Theatre Tour
Ford's Theatre - 9:00 AM
George Washington's Mount Vernon
George Washington's Mount Vernon - 9:00 AM
Storytime at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - 11:00 AM Pick
Waterskiing Santa (Alexandria Waterfront)
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront - 1:00 PM Pick
A Family Christmas Concert (at The Kennedy Center)
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - various times Pick
US Capitol & US Capitol Visitor Center Tour
US Capitol Visitors Center - 8:30 AM
The People's House: A White House Experience
The People's House - 9:00 AM
Family Program: Hanukkah Cheer (at Capital Jewish Museum)
Capital Jewish Museum - 11:00 AM Pick
National Menorah Lighting (on The Ellipse)
The Ellipse - 4:00 PM Pick
George Washington's Mount Vernon
George Washington's Mount Vernon - 9:00 AM
STEAM Storytime at National Children's Museum
National Children's Museum - 10:30 AM
Tingle Bells at ARTECHOUSE
Artechouse - 10:00 AM
Storytime at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - 11:00 AM Pick
Kwanzaa Opening Celebration with Mama Ayo (at Anacostia Community Museum)
Anacostia Community Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
US Capitol & US Capitol Visitor Center Tour
US Capitol Visitors Center - 8:30 AM
The White House Tour
The White House - 9:30 AM
The People's House: A White House Experience
The People's House - 9:00 AM
Celebrating Kwanzaa with the Culture Queen (at Anacostia Community Museum)
Anacostia Community Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
US Capitol & US Capitol Visitor Center Tour
US Capitol Visitors Center - 8:30 AM
The White House Tour
The White House - 9:30 AM
Ford's Theatre Tour
Ford's Theatre - 9:00 AM
The People's House: A White House Experience
The People's House - 9:00 AM
Honoring Our Village with Verbal Gymnastics (Kwanzaa at Anacostia Community Museum)
Anacostia Community Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
US Capitol & US Capitol Visitor Center Tour
US Capitol Visitors Center - 8:30 AM
The People's House: A White House Experience
The People's House - 9:00 AM
The White House Tour
The White House - 9:30 AM
Ford's Theatre Tour
Ford's Theatre - 9:00 AM

Latest Articles

The DC Winter Lantern Festival features over 1,000 Chinese lanterns. Photo courtesy of the festival
Christmas Weekend 2024 in DC Top Things To Do: Christmas Lights, Breakfast with Santa, Waterskiing Santa, and More
Jennifer Swope, Dec 20 - Enjoy these great things to do near DC with kids and families this Christmas weekend. READ MORE
Tackle the slides at Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Harbor
What's Open on Christmas Day in DC: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Jennifer Marino Walters, Dec 15 - Need something to do on Christmas Day? Here are some places you can visit near DC. READ MORE
Christmas vacation is the perfect time to catch Monet: The Immersive Experience before it leaves town in January! Photo courtesy of the experience
Christmas Vacation in DC: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Jennifer Swope, Dec 13 - Keep kids entertained with these fun things to do over Christmas vacation 2024. READ MORE
Have a fun day with Santa at the Public Playhouse. Photo courtesy of the event
Three Kings Day and More Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids
Jennifer Swope, Dec 11 - Enjoy the coolest events this weekend throughout the DC area. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Canva
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Katie Sivinski, Dec 8 - Skip the cooking and cleanup and head to one of these restaurants on Christmas Day and Christmas... READ MORE
The DC Winter Lantern Festival dazzles through January 12. Photo courtesy of the festival
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in DC
Jennifer Marino Walters, Dec 6 - Shake off the winter doldrums with these fun things to do in DC in 2024. READ MORE
More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Explore DC's Top Attractions with Kids
Pull on a signature blue parka for Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Christmas is a magical time of year in Washington, DC. During the holidays, DC and its surrounding...
Wegmans Wonderplace is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Photo courtesy of Wegmans Wonderplace at the National Museum of American History
Best Attractions and Things To Do in DC that are Kid-Friendly
Here are some best kid-friendly attractions to visit in our nation's capital.
April is the ideal month to see the Washington, DC cherry blossoms. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Top Attractions in DC: The Best Things to See and Do with Kids
Here are the best things to see and do with kids in our nation's capital.
Climb the famous steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a gorgeous view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. Photo by anjanettew via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Visiting Washington, DC's National Mall and Memorial Parks with Kids
Here's what to see, where to eat, and how to get around at the iconic National Mall in Washington...
Explore amazing interactive exhibits at the National Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
3 Days in DC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Have a fun-filled long weekend in DC—without breaking the bank —with this three-day itinerary...
Planet Word has lots of opportunities to get hands-on. Photo courtesy of Planet Word
Top Quirky Museums and Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems for Kids Near DC
Look beyond the big-name Smithsonian institutions to discover some hidden-gem museums in the DC...
Guides for DC Families
GUIDE
Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids
Find the best things to do near DC this holiday season. READ MORE 
The National Museum of Natural History is free every day. Photo by Paul Fetters for the Smithsonian
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids
Find the best FREE activities for kids in DC. READ MORE 
Skate in the shadow of the National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
DC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The ultimate guide to the best things to do with kids in Washington DC this winter! READ MORE 
photo courtesy of Climb Zone
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC
Where to go when it's too rainy or hot to play outside! READ MORE 
GUIDE
Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC
Find birthday party venues, party themes, and even favor ideas. READ MORE 
Family Travel Guide
The very best kid-friendly vacation destinations for making memories. READ MORE