Washington–Arlington–Alexandria · DC / VA / MD / WV
Things to do with kids in Washington, DC — December 2026
99 family events in December 2026. Every listing links to the organizer’s own page. Dates are in Eastern Time.
What’s on now in Washington, DC →Events
Nov19ThuNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 31
A Christmas Carol — Ford’s 2026 run
Ford's Theatre
PaidAges 5+
- Community
Through Jan 3
Bright Nights — The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Cameron Run Regional Park
From $9All ages
Nov14SatLight displaysThrough Jan 3
Bull Run Festival of Lights 2026
Bull Run Regional Park
From $30All ages
Nov14SatNutcracker and showsThrough Jan 3
Christmas at Gaylord National: ice! featuring How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Paid
Dec1TueCommunityTue, Dec 1 · 5:00 PM
Crafts, Cocoa, and Community at Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library
Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library
FreeAll ages
Oct22ThuArts & craftsThrough Dec 13
Dance Place Kids on the Move — Fall 2026
Dance Place
From $340
Oct22ThuSTEM & discoveryThrough Jan 10
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice — 2026–27
National Children's Museum
With admissionAges 3–10
Nov18WedCookingThrough Jan 6
Discovery Station: The Great Cake De-Constructed — Mount Vernon
Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center, George Washington's Mount Vernon
With admissionAll ages
- Nutcracker and shows
Through Jan 3
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Imagination Stage
From $16All ages
Nov27FriLight displaysThrough Jan 1
Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park — 40th Year
Watkins Regional Park
PaidAll ages
Nov21SatArts & craftsThrough Jan 3
Frosty the Snow Man — winter 2026–27
Adventure Theatre MTC
Paid
Nov20FriLight displaysThrough Jan 3
Garden of Lights 2026–27
Brookside Gardens
From $13.99All ages
- Nov28SatOutdoors
Through Jan 3
Garden Railway — daytime winter 2026 exhibit
Brookside Gardens
Free
Nov24TueMarkets and festivalsThrough Jan 3
Holidays at Hillwood: A Woven Wonderland
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
With admissionAll ages
- Arts & crafts
Through Dec 18
Momentum Jazz Hip Hop Academy — Fall 2026
Momentum Dance Theatre
Ages 6–15
- Arts & crafts
Through Dec 26
Regional Textile Showcase: Family and Youth Activities
Montpelier Historic Site & Museum
FreeAll ages
Nov6FriPublic skatingThrough Mar 14
Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion
Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion
PaidAll ages
Oct22ThuSTEM & discoveryThrough Jan 22
RoboThink McLean Robotics Engineering — Three-month Course
RoboThink McLean
From $832.50Ages 6–12
Nov18WedSTEM & discoveryThrough Dec 15
Scribble Machines — November–December 2026
National Children's Museum
With admissionAll ages
Nov26ThuSTEM & discoveryThrough Jan 3
Season's Greenings 2026: National Parks and Historic Places
United States Botanic Garden
FreeAll ages
Oct22ThuArts & craftsThrough Dec 5
Sitar Arts Afterschool — Fall 2026
Sitar Arts Center
Paid
- Nutcracker and shows
Through Dec 31
The 38th Annual Nutcracker — The Puppet Co.
The Puppet Co. Playhouse at Glen Echo Park
PaidAges 4+
Nov28SatNutcracker and showsSat, Nov 28 · 7:00 PM
The Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker
Warner Theatre
Paid
- Light displays
Through Dec 31
Winter Lights Festival 2026 — Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek State Park
From $15All ages
Nov11WedLight displaysThrough Jan 3
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
From $19All ages
- Nutcracker and shows
Wed, Dec 2 · 7:30 PM
Family Holiday Magic Show at The Lyceum
The Lyceum, Alexandria History Museum
Free
- Arts & crafts
Wed, Dec 2 · 6:00 PM
Kids Create: Winter Ornaments at Upper Marlboro Library
Upper Marlboro Branch Library
Free
Dec3ThuTree lightingsThu, Dec 3
2026 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Ellipse, President's Park
Free
- Little skaters
Thu, Nov 5 · 10:45 AM
Skate and Create — Parent and Tot Skate, Wheaton
Wheaton Ice Arena
From $5
- Crafts and cookies
Fri, Dec 4
Gingerbread House Display at Rippon Lodge
Rippon Lodge Historic Site
FreeAll ages
- Community
Fri, Dec 4
Holidays through the Ages at Rippon Lodge
Rippon Lodge Historic Site
From $5All ages
- Light displays
Sat, Dec 5 · 5:30 PM
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Waterfront Park
FreeAll ages
- Parades
Sat, Dec 5 · 11:00 AM
Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade
Old Town Alexandria (King, Royal and Fairfax Streets)
FreeAll ages
Dec5SatCommunitySat, Dec 5 · 11:00 AM
Children's Holiday Shopping at Colvin Run Mill
Colvin Run Mill
From $7
Dec5SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
Donuts with Santa — Vienna Community Center
Vienna Community Center
From $5
Dec5SatCrafts and cookiesSat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Family Art Lab: Holiday Ornaments — Arlington Mill
Arlington Mill Community Center
From $9
- Community
Sat, Dec 5 · 11:30 AM
Family Winter Holiday FUN! — Chick Armstrong Recreation Center
Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreation Center
From $7All ages
- Light displays
Sat, Dec 5 · 12:00 PM
Festival of Lights and Carols — Downtown Fairfax
Old Town Square
FreeAll ages
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
First Saturday Festivals — November/December 2026
National Gallery of Art
FreeAll ages
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:30 AM
FTC Scrimmage: Robotics Showcase at Gaithersburg Library
Gaithersburg Library
FreeAll ages
Dec5SatCommunitySat, Dec 5
Glen Echo Park Winter’s Eve 2026 — date announced
Glen Echo Park
Free
- Tree lightings
Sat, Dec 5 · 5:00 PM
Herndon Holiday Tree Lighting & Sing-Along
Town Hall Square
FreeAll ages
Dec5SatParadesSat, Dec 5 · 5:00 PM
Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf 2026
The Wharf — District Pier and Wharf Street
FreeAll ages
Dec5SatCommunitySat, Dec 5 · 4:30 PM
Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park
Frying Pan Farm Park
From $12
- Tree lightings
Sat, Nov 21 · 5:30 PM
Holiday Tree Lighting & Fireworks at National Harbor
National Harbor Waterfront District (National Plaza)
- Tree lightings
Sat, Dec 5 · 6:00 PM
Leesburg Holiday Tree Lighting
Town Green, Leesburg Town Hall
FreeAll ages
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Letters to Santa at Gulf Branch Nature Center
Gulf Branch Nature Center
From $8
Oct24SatArts & craftsSat, Oct 24 · 1:15 PM
Look, Learn, Create: Water's Edge for Families
National Museum of the American Indian (Washington)
FreeAll ages
- Community
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Scottish Walk Parade Open House at Carlyle House
Carlyle House Historic Park
FreeAll ages
Dec5SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 5 · 7:00 PM
The Nutcracker with the National Ballet Company — Publick Playhouse
Prince George's Publick Playhouse
From $28All ages
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 5
Winter Nature Crafts at Ben Lomond
Pat White Center at Ben Lomond
Ages 8+
Dec5SatMarkets and festivalsSat, Dec 5 · 11:00 AM
Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park
Burke Lake Park
From $20
- Crafts and cookies
Sun, Dec 6 · 12:00 PM
Old Town Gingerbread Decorating at Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
From $25
- STEM & discovery
Tue, Oct 27 · 11:00 AM
Dead Letter Office: Gallery Experience at the National Postal Museum
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
Free
- Sports & play
Thu, Dec 10 · 10:30 AM
Playday at the Library: Life-Sized Candyland at Baden Library
Baden Branch Library
FreeAges 0–5
Nov27FriLight displaysFri, Nov 27 · 5:00 PM
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
George Washington's Mount Vernon
From $33
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa — Mount Vernon Recreation Center
Mount Vernon Recreation Center
From $25Ages 1–7
- Sports & play
Sat, Dec 12 · 1:00 PM
Chess Club: End of Year Tournament at Glenarden Library
Glenarden Branch Library
FreeAges 5–18
- Community
Sat, Dec 12 · 12:00 PM
Christmas in Camp at Fort Ward
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
Free
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 1:00 PM
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at Culler Lake
Boat House on Culler Lake
From $5
- Sports & play
Sat, Dec 12 · 1:00 PM
Game On: An Afternoon with Game Kastle at Hyattsville Library
Hyattsville Branch Library
Free
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 12 · 9:30 AM
Grinchmas at Charles Houston Recreation Center
Charles Houston Recreation Center
From $5Ages 2–5
Dec12SatCommunitySat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Holiday Jingle Jam — SAARC Brandywine
Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC)
From $10All ages
- Community
Sat, Dec 12 · 12:00 PM
Karaoke: Holiday Edition at Bladensburg Library
Bladensburg Branch Library
Free
- Parades
Sat, Dec 12 · 6:00 PM
Leesburg Christmas and Holiday Parade
King Street parade route (Ida Lee Park to Fairview Street)
FreeAll ages
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 1:00 PM
Let's Get Ornamental — Holiday Ornament Workshop
Brentwood Arts Exchange
FreeAll ages
- Community
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Morning at the Museum (Sensory-Friendly) — Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Free
Dec12SatCommunitySat, Dec 12 · 7:00 PM
Nuestra Navidad: La Pastorela with Corazón Folklórico DC
Prince George's Publick Playhouse
From $18All ages
- Dec12SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 12:45 PM
Santa at the Mill at Colvin Run Mill
Colvin Run Mill
From $10
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Dec 12 · 3:00 PM
Science Saturday: Oceans! at Maggie Nightingale Library
Maggie Nightingale Library
FreeAges 6–10
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Nov 14 · 1:30 PM
Second Saturday Crafternoons — Fairlington Community Center
Fairlington Community Center
FreeAll ages
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
The Gingerbread Games — City of Fairfax
Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center
From $35
Dec12SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Unsung Heroes Who Shaped America: Story and Kite Craft
Surratts-Clinton Branch Library
FreeAges 6–13
- Shows and exhibitions
Sat, Dec 12 · 6:15 PM
Winter Ice Show — Cabin John Ice Rink
Cabin John Ice Rink
FreeAll ages
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:30 AM
Winter Watercolor Painting with Amy Chen at Potomac Library
Potomac Library
Free
Dec12SatCommunitySat, Dec 12 · 4:00 PM
Woodlawn Manor Yuletide Celebration
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
From $15
Dec13SunArts & craftsSun, Dec 13 · 1:00 PM
Holiday Open House at Montpelier Arts Center
Montpelier Arts Center
FreeAll ages
Dec13SunSanta visitsSun, Dec 13 · 2:00 PM
Santa and a Movie: The Grinch — Publick Playhouse
Prince George's Publick Playhouse
From $6Ages 3–12
- Sports & play
Sun, Nov 8 · 9:30 AM
Toddler Dance Party at Talley Recreation Center
William R. Talley Recreation Center
From $3Ages 1–4
Nov9MonArts & craftsMon, Nov 9 · 6:30 PM
Family Art Night — Arlington Central Library
Central Library — Quincy Room
All ages
- Santa visits
Tue, Dec 15 · 5:30 PM
Movie: Elf and Hot Cocoa Bar at Hyattsville Library
Hyattsville Branch Library
Free
- Santa visits
Tue, Dec 15 · 5:30 PM
Movie: The Santa Clause at Oxon Hill Library
Oxon Hill Branch Library
Free
- Arts & crafts
Tue, Dec 15 · 6:00 PM
Sip and Paint: Snowy Landscape at Fairmount Heights Library
Fairmount Heights Branch Library
Free
- Crafts and cookies
Wed, Dec 16
Holiday Cookie Decorating (Adapted Program) — Birchdale
Birchdale Recreation Center
From $20Ages 4–10
- Dec17ThuArts & crafts
Thu, Dec 17 · 5:30 PM
Watercolor for Kids at Chevy Chase Library (DC)
Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library
FreeAges 8–12
- Dec18FriLight displays
Fri, Dec 18 · 6:30 PM
Holiday Lantern Tour at Colvin Run Mill
Colvin Run Mill
From $10
Dec19SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 19 · 4:00 PM
A Charlie Brown Christmas with The Eric Byrd Trio
Montpelier Arts Center
From $15All ages
Dec19SatLight displaysSat, Dec 19 · 5:30 PM
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
George Washington's Mount Vernon
From $36All ages
- Nov21SatArts & crafts
Sat, Nov 21 · 11:00 AM
Kids Drum Circle at Petworth Library
Petworth Neighborhood Library
Free
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 19
Photos with Santa at Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center
Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center
FreeAll ages
Dec19SatCrafts and cookiesSat, Dec 19
The Holiday Ornament Extravaganza — Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park
- Community
Sun, Dec 20 · 11:00 AM
Magician Mike Rose at Wheaton Library
Wheaton Library
Free
- Shows and exhibitions
Sun, Dec 20 · 1:15 PM
Winter Ice Show — Wheaton Ice Arena
Wheaton Ice Arena
FreeAll ages
- Dec21MonArts & crafts
Mon, Dec 21 · 10:00 AM
Candy Canes and Cocoa at Colvin Run Mill
Colvin Run Mill
From $12Ages 4+
- Sports & play
Sun, Nov 22 · 9:30 AM
Tumble Tots Open Gym in Frederick
Lincoln Elementary School
From $3
- Learn to skate
Mon, Dec 28 · 11:30 AM
Frozen Family Fun Skating Class — Winter Break
Wheaton Ice Arena
Paid
- STEM & discovery
Mon, Dec 28 · 3:00 PM
Winter Break LEGO & DUPLO Play at Chevy Chase Library
Chevy Chase Library
Free
- New Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 11:30 AM
Noon Year's Eve at Gaithersburg Library
Gaithersburg Library
Free
- New Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 11:00 AM
Noon Year's Eve Celebration at White Oak Library
White Oak Library
Free