Kennedy Center Holiday Family Concerts & Messiah Sing-Along
Through Dec 23Nov 20 – Dec 23 · 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM · NSO Family 'Nutcracker & Cinderella' concerts Nov 20–22, 2026; Handel's Messiah Dec 16–20, 2026; Free Annual Messiah Sing-Along on Wednesday, Dec 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM; Millennium Stage holiday concerts daily at 6:00 PM.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566 · 1.3 mi approx. from Washington, DCDirections
All ages (Millennium Stage and Family Sing-Alongs welcome toddlers and young children; stroller coat-check available)
With admissionFree admission for the Annual Messiah Sing-Along on Dec 23 and daily Millennium Stage holiday performances (first-come, first-served); NSO ticketed performances from $29–$89.
About this adventure
The nation's performing arts center on the banks of the Potomac anchors Washington's cultural holiday season with a beloved roster of family-friendly musical presentations. Anchoring the calendar is the free Annual Messiah Sing-Along on December 23, where families, children, and amateur singers join the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, a massive chorus, and renowned guest soloists to belt out Handel's 'Hallelujah' chorus in glorious unison. Throughout December, the Kennedy Center's Grand Foyer sparkles with monumental holiday trees and festive decor, hosting daily free 6:00 PM Millennium Stage holiday concerts featuring brass choirs, youth choruses, and the hilarious Merry TubaChristmas ensemble. The venue offers full ADA accessibility, elevators to all tiers, booster cushions for kids, and complimentary coat and stroller checks. Families can also step onto the sweeping rooftop River Terrace for panoramic holiday views of the illuminated Potomac River, Georgetown, and Rosslyn skylines.
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