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Things to Do in DC with Kids this Weekend: Holiday Theater, Lights, Movies

Join Santa for a ride aboard the B&O Railroad. Photo courtesy of B&O Railroad Museum
Join Santa for a ride aboard the B&O Railroad. Photo courtesy of B&O Railroad Museum
12/11/19 - By James Smith

It might be difficult to believe, but in a mere two weeks Santa visits the nation's capital and surrounding areas. So why not take a breather from shopping and take in some of the capital area's best holiday offerings. You've earned it.

Things like: holiday theater in DC; train rides with Santa in Baltimore; and a Christmas movie festival in Arlington. There's also a toy drive in Alexandria for truck fans, and holiday lights all around the city, including at Nationals Park. 

It's hard to escape holiday-themed entertainment this time of year, but if you'd like to, why not take part in a Sunday morning nature walk or stimulate your kids' minds with some museum fun.  

As always, see our holiday guide for the best seasonal entertainment in the Washington area. And remember, our events calendar is loaded with fun, family events right through New Year's Day.

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Things to Do in DC with Kids All Weekend

Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show

Washington, DC
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is the most vibrant holiday celebration in town. This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats from Step Afrika! and special guest DJ Frosty the Snowman. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol

Washington, DC
The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future come to Ford's Theatre for a family holiday tradition. READ MORE

Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical!)

Washington, DC
Based on the best-selling Pigeon picture books by author Mo Willems, the musical comedy Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus stars an innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers. Best for ages 5 and older. READ MORE

The Magical Piñata

Washington, DC
A seemingly plain clay pot magically transports Cucha, a selfish and lonely girl, from her town of Zapotoco, Mexico, to a mysterious jungle. There she encounters Parrot Rivera, a jungle muralist who paints the future; Señor Chapulin, a soccer star with the heart of the present; and Burro Burrito, a farmer who plows the past. READ MORE

ZooLights

Washington, DC - FREE
Zoolights won't be held onsite this year. Instead, it's hitting the road and coming to you. READ MORE

Enchant Christmas: Reindeer Games

Washington, DC
Enchant Christmas includes a giant light maze, a magical ice skating trail, a kids' play place, live music, and a Christmas market and eatery. Kids can also have professional photos taken with Santa and enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Roundhouse Breakfast & Train Ride with Santa

Baltimore
Join the B&O Railroad Museum for its annual breakfast buffet with Santa in the Roundhouse, which includes a holiday storytime and photos with Santa. Then climb aboard the Mile One Express for a train ride with Santa, who will give kids a special gift.    READ MORE

Wonderplace at the National American History Museum

Washington, DC - FREE
This 1,700-square-foot exhibit gives kids ages 0-6 a hands-on experience with elements taken from the adult exhibits, providing a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity. It features plenty of interactive elements, including a construction area, a climbing structure, a soft-play area for crawlers, a pretend farm and kitchen with play food and accessories, a mini portrait gallery, and more.  READ MORE
Join the season's celebrity for breakfast at Adventure Park USA. Photo courtesy of the park
Join the season's celebrity for breakfast at Adventure Park USA. Photo courtesy of the park

Things to Do in DC with Kids, Saturday, December 14

Family Day at The US Capitol Visitor Center

Washington, DC - FREE
Every Saturday families can enjoy a visit to the Capitol and a special family program. READ MORE

National Law Enforcement Museum: Science Saturday

Washington, DC
Kids can enjoy science activities every Saturday at the Law Enforcement Museum. READ MORE

Adventure Park USA Breakfast with Santa & the Grinch

Monrovia, MD
Don't miss breakfast with Santa and the Grinch when they stop by Adventure Park USA. Choose either the 7:30am or the 9:30am seating. READ MORE

All Ages Christmas Show

National Harbor, MD
Santa's not in the house this year, but Bobby McKey's is piling on the holiday mood with songs/carols and more at the audience's whim. The players have encyclopedic knowledge of Disney theme songs, today's pop hits, carols, and Hanukkah songs. READ MORE

Touch A Truck Toy Drive

Alexandria - FREE
Enjoy the lights of fire trucks and police cars and meeting first responders. There will also be some other vehicles including a motorcycle. Event organizers will be collecting toys for the Women's Shelter and police toy drive. READ MORE

Saturday Art Explorers

Glen Echo, MD
Enjoy a new art activity every week during Saturday Art Explorers. READ MORE
Take in Polar Express at a holiday movie festival in Arlington. Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers
Take in Polar Express at a holiday movie festival in Arlington. Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers

Things to Do in DC with Kids, Sunday, December 15

Sunday Morning Bird Walks

Alexandria, VA - FREE
Visit Dyke Marsh for an early Sunday morning bird walk led by experienced birders. Guests are asked to gather in the south parking lot of the Bell Haven picnic area at 8am. READ MORE

Christmas Movie Festival

Arlington, VA
At this all-day event, families can enjoy holiday classics Polar Express, It's a Wonderful Life, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and Elf. Doors opens at noon. READ MORE

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