Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

Friday

7:30pm: National Philharmonic Holiday Singin’ Pops at Strathmore
Create memories with your family and friends as you share in the sights and sounds of the holidays at the National Philharmonic’s annual Holiday Singin’ Pops. Join top-level Broadway and international talent for a fun and festive evening featuring fresh new takes on traditional and beloved holiday songs. Broadway singer/actress performer Ali Ewoldt of Phantom of the Opera; Hilary Morrow of the Birdland Jazz Club; international vocalist Kevin Rose; and acclaimed tap dancer Evan Ruggiero, who recently performed at the Oscars, perform holiday favorites such as Santa Baby, I’ll be Home for Christmas, No Place Like Home for the Holidays, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The evening will include audience participation. Come early to take a festive photo with Santa, decorate an ornament and hear young carolers. Kids 7-17 Free!

Saturday
Dollar Days in Baltimore! In the spirit of the holidays, Baltimore area attractions will open their doors this weekend and offer free or $1 admission. Download a handy map to take with you here.

8:00am: Abominable Hot Cocoa 5K
Help raise money for a new nature-based playground at the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Public Charter School Brookland Campus! Run in the first Abominable Hot Cocoa 5K and enjoy a mug of hot cocoa after crossing the finish line. All are welcome – Run, walk, stroll and kids can also bike. Yeti to join the fun?More information and Registration HERE!

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop
Create your own countdown to the holidays, and have a blast with your child while doing it. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. With help from parents and store associates, your child will make a merry memory this holiday season. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

10:00am-4:00pm: Holiday Card Workshop at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum
Searching for a unique and meaningful way to bond with your family this holiday season? The museum provides a bountiful spread of patterned papers, postage and rubber stamps, gems and other 3-D embellishments, special cut-out scissors, washi tape, stickers, markers of every color and more! Following their own creative instincts, kids and adults alike can choose whichever supplies they would like to design one-of-a-kind greetings for any holiday, or even just a wintery “Hello!”

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

11:00am-6:00pm: Ballston Quarter Kicks Off the Holiday Season
Join the all day holiday event to kick off the season! Explore all four levels of Ballston Quarter for a holiday surprise around every corner. Leading the day will be a special pajama party screening of The Polar Express, and the fun will continue all day with train rides, crafts for all ages, holiday treats, photo ops, music and a special appearance from Santa. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy! More information on the event, including a full list of activities, can be found here.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Winter Market at Janney Elementary School
The Market will feature more than 100 vendors—ranging from entrepreneurial kids to professional artists—selling unique gifts, jewelry and accessories, ornaments and holiday decor, greeting cards, international crafts, skincare, home decor, pet accessories, specialty foods, sweets and treats of every kind, and more! Free gift wrapping available on site at the Market. 

12:00pm-8:00pm: Holiday Pop-Up & Cartoons in Dupont Circle
Merchants around Dupont Circle will host 20 makers in their establishments to sell a variety of holiday gifts, including the Art Rave Market (35 vendors) and Heurich House Christkindlmarkt ($13 for adults; 12:00-8:00 pm). Pick up a Pop-Up Passport at the booth in front of the Dupont Circle Metro (Q Street – North Station) and then get your passport stamped at six pop-ups to earn free admission on Saturday into the Heurich House Museum’s Christkindlmarkt (25 vendors). At 5:30pm, the public will gather in front of La Tomate restaurant for the lighting of the Dupont Circle Christmas Tree, sing carols and have a glass of hot cheer. Watch holiday cartoon classics in Dupont Circle park from 5:45-8:00pm sponsored by Dupont Festival. Hot tea will be provided by Valley Brook Tea. Dupont favorite, Emissary, will provide coffee and hot cider. In addition, Kramerbooks & Afterwords will have a table for their Holiday Book Drive, where shoppers can purchase one of a selection of books to be donated to the Open Book Foundation.

12:00pm: Family Messiah at The Washington National Cathedral
This performance is an abbreviated performance of “Messiah” highlights, perfect for busy families with young children. Experience the best of “Messiah” with the whole family.

12:00pm: Santa Fly-In
Watch Santa fly into historic College Park Airport with some help from local aviators! Make holiday arts and crafts and enjoy holiday activities before having your picture taken with Santa. Santa arrives at approximately 12:30pm.

3:00pm AND 8:00pm: The Illusionists at National Theatre
We saw this show & it was perfect for my 8 year old! Showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth your child will be in awe the entire show. It is a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This nonstop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

4:00pm: Holiday Sing-A-Long at Wolf Trap
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long! This musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area.

5:30pm: 20th Anniversary Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
View dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 2pm to 8pm in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company and holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM. Take part in hands-on activities including a Letters to Santa postcard station from paper goods boutique Penny Post, a holiday craft activity from AR Workshop Alexandria and a bookmark making station from Old Town Books. Enjoy savory meatballs from Pizzeria Paradiso and a hot chocolate bar from Dolci Gelati. On the Alexandria City Marina, Riverside Taco Company presents a Parade Day Patio Party with hot cider and bottomless bites included in admission. At 3:30pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina to take photos with children and families at the annual Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival.

6:00pm-9:00pm: The District’s Holiday Boat Parade
Celebrate the holidays and watch beautifully decorated boats pass by The Wharf. Get into the spirit as you decorate ornaments or warm up by the Camp Wharf fire pit while making a s’more. Go ice skating and sample winter drinks at the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden. And bring the whole family to meet Santa at the lighted Christmas tree and make memories during this annual DC tradition. 

6:00pm-10:00pm: Light Yards
The DC region’s premier outdoor public light art installation, returns for its fourth year at The Yards, with two must-see, worldwide traveling light installations, The Pool, by New York-based Jen Lewin Studio and Angels of Freedom, by Israel-based OGE Group. The Poolwill invite visitors to hop, skip, and jump across 106 interactive circular pads of light, roughly 3 feet in diameter and 2.5 inches tall. As multiple visitors play in The Pool, their movements will come together to create a giant canvas of shifting and fading colors in mesmerizing patterns.A beautiful and social sculptural installation, Angels of Freedom aims to reveal the inner beauties of everyone by visually turning visitors into real-life angels. Visitors will be invited to pose with five giant, neon-colored wings and white halos as a reminder that everybody counts and deserves love. On display Dec. 7 – Jan. 4.

7:00pm-9:00pm: St. Columba’s Labyrinth to Open for Tenley Winterfest
Walk St. Columba’s labyrinth this season to candlelight and the gorgeous sounds of Harmonic Introductions, the Rockville-based vocal ensemble dedicated to art of overtone singing. Stretch your legs and calm your mind on the last night of Tenley Winterfest with this annual part of our community’s holiday celebration.  The labyrinth will be open for walks in St. Columba’s Great Hall, and welcomes walkers of all ages, faiths, and abilities.

Sunday
Dollar Days in Baltimore! In the spirit of the holidays, Baltimore area attractions will open their doors this weekend and offer free or $1 admission. Download a handy map to take with you here.

10:00am-4:00pm: Holiday Card Workshop at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum
Searching for a unique and meaningful way to bond with your family this holiday season? The museum provides a bountiful spread of patterned papers, postage and rubber stamps, gems and other 3-D embellishments, special cut-out scissors, washi tape, stickers, markers of every color and more! Following their own creative instincts, kids and adults alike can choose whichever supplies they would like to design one-of-a-kind greetings for any holiday, or even just a wintery “Hello!”

10:00am-5:00pm: Cultural Day at KID Museum: Philippines Day
In partnership with the Embassy of the Philippines through Sentro Rizal Washington DC, Mabuhay, and FYP, KID Museum is proud to present Philippines Day and Ligligan Parul. Ligligan Parul, or a Festival of Light, is an annual festival that features giant lantern competitions to welcome the holiday spirit in the Philippines. Bring your family and build light-up projects, learn about textiles and woodworking, and enjoy Filipino food and performances.

10:00am: Chanukah STEM event at MILTON
Bring your 3 to 6 year-old child to our fun, hands-on Children will hear a Chanukah  story and be presented with a challenge based on the story. Watch your child transform into an engineer and be  challenged to  design and build a prototype to solve a Chanukah dilemma and challenge! The event is free, but you must RSVP as space is limited.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Free the Trees in Westmoreland Hills Park
Bring gloves or clippers or use theirs. Dress to protect from angry vines and thorns. Join weed warriors and remove invasive vines and non-native plants. Meet at Westmoreland Hills Park, which is part of Little Falls Park, Bethesda. The Park is located at the end of Elliott Road; you can use “5315 Elliott Road” on your GPS. Meet in the parking lot.

4:00pm: Stathmore Children’s Chorus: Great American Folksong for the Holidays at Strathmore
Put a little fiddle in your holiday tradition with a spectrum of American folksong! Strathmore Children’s Chorus collaborates with Grammy winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer on folk arrangements of holiday gems that celebrate the spirit of the season, including the spiritual “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” “Hine Ma Tov,” “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,” and “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” plus Appalachian tunes and more. The chorus is accompanied by a stellar lineup of roots musicians on guitar, banjo, fiddle, and hammered dulcimer.

Holiday Happenings:
Messiah- G. F. Handel at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 6 – 8
Join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s beloved “Messiah,” and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a space unlike any other in Washington to experience Handel’s masterpiece.

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre: Through Dec. 31
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge. This annual production has been a Washington tradition for more than 35 years. Length: 2 hours with one intermission. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre: Through Dec. 29
Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation’s capital. With over 40 scheduled performances, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences of all ages into a winter wonderland that has become a lasting holiday tradition not to be missed. This year they will also celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of the Washington School of Ballet.

The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo: Through Dec. 29

The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays at National Theatre: Dec. 3 – 8
Family-friendly spectacular The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays is an all-new installment of the world-famous touring magic blockbuster that has appeared on Broadway and beyond. The show has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This nonstop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. This year’s family-friendly show promises even more illusions, close-up magic, mentalism, daring escapes, and technological spectacle performed by master entertainers who’ve captivated audiences worldwide.

The Snow Queen at Synetic Theater: Through Dec. 29
Just in time for the holidays, Synetic presents a whimsical, family-friendly adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, Snow Queen. Join Gerda, a little girl with gumption, a magic mirror, and a quest to save her best friend, as she sets out on a life-changing journey that takes her over mountains and across distant lands to the Snow Kingdom. Synetic Theater’s striking visuals and embodied storytelling turn this chilling tale into a heartwarming adventure.

CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators at Encore Stage & Studio: Dec. 6 – 15
Santa Claus is missing! During the last rehearsal for the annual Christmas Show, the action comes to a screeching halt when the cast discovers that the Santa Claus statue has been stolen! Mrs. Dickens calls in the Clue Club — a group of ambitious and eccentric students who take mystery and detection into the realm of science. Full of more surprises than a fruitcake, the Clue Club finds they have successfully fulfilled their duty as “Christmas Scene Investigators” when they discover the true meaning of Christmas. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

Frosty the Snowman at The Performing Arts Factory: Dec. 7 – 28
An OVT favorite returns! Developed by the creative team at Other Voices Theatre, Frosty the Snowman is a heartwarming original musical that tells the story of the magic hat that brings Frosty to life and also has the magical ability to transform others who wear it. You can join Frosty and Jack Frost in helping their young friends. Perfect for the young ones and family alike.

The Christmas Revels: A French-Canadian Celebration of the Winter Solstice: Dec. 7 – 15
Magic is just around the corner in a rustic village in Europe! As the Winter days grow short, three wandering performers from far-off lands weave music, dance and stories from their cultures into an enchanting and dramatic tale of the Winter Solstice. But when the sun finally sets on the longest night — and darkness seems to stretch on without end — these “Celestial Fools” lead us on a journey into the heavens to reclaim the light and restore its warmth to the world. The cast of over 100, ages 9-90, invites you to join tradition bearers Karim Nagi, Shizumi Shigeto Manale and Mark Novak for this timeless fable. Sing along and dance through the aisles to eclectic instrumentals by Seth Kibel, Vladimir Fridman and Bob Abbott, with the glorious tones of the Washington Revels Brass. And as we prepare to call back the Sun, let’s light a candle, deck the hall, and revel in this exuberant blend of seasonal celebrations from around the world and across the centuries. Welcome Yule!

The Mini-Nut at Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center: Dec. 7 – 8
MYB’s Mini-Nut is a delightful abbreviated version of our classic The Nutcracker, designed to introduce children to the magic of this family favorite. This beloved holiday tradition with soaring music by Tchaikovsky promises to hold the attention of even the youngest theatergoer. Come see the Nutcracker turn into a handsome Prince, see the battle between the Nutcracker and the Seven Headed Mouse King. Watch the sparkling Snow Queen float through her kingdom. See the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and the magical residents of The Kingdom of Sweets! Suitable for all ages, this version is less than an hour and performed by cast members from MYB’s full-length production. A perfect holiday mini-treat!

Zoo Lights: Through Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31)
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. A free event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland!

Holidays on the Harbor: Through Jan. 1
Holiday movies and fireworks takes place each Saturday through December. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance.

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Through Jan. 5
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments).

Bulls Run Festival of Lights: Through Jan. 5
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Avoid crowds and go Mon-Thurs at a discounted rate.

Merriweather Symphony of Lights: Through Jan. 1
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion. Made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights and a refreshed course, your time through the twinkling, winding path will surely be a night to remember!

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens: Through Jan. 5
Explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year’s holiday show. The best times to visit are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 pm with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10am-5pm, free of charge.

Christmas at Mount Vernon: Through Dec. 31
Christmas past meets Christmas present at George Washington’s estate. Just as the Washingtons celebrated the holiday with family and friends, visitors can start a new tradition of visiting Mount Vernon this holiday season.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park: Through Jan. 1
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event featuring more than 2.5 million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays.You won’t want to miss the giant, 54-foot LED musical tree!

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park: Through Dec. 31 (closed on Dec. 25)
The wondrous themed display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park is a 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting taking you past more than 450 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that light up the night.

Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights: Through – Dec. 31
Check out this new month-long community event. The businesses along Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street and the 800 Block of Upshur Street will be decked out with holiday lights. As part of the fun, the local businesses will be competing for the chance to win one of seven different awards for their Holiday Lights displays, and will be organizing amazing holiday events, activities, and promotions throughout the month. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting for a few days—stop by Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights to explore, shop, and play this holiday season.

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse: Through – Jan. 1
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is on December 5 and kicks off the holiday celebrations. You can view the lighting on TV on Dec. 9. Musical groups from Washington D.C. and across the country provide holiday entertainment to the countless visitors for a one of a kind holiday experience set against the backdrop of the National Christmas Tree. The tree is lit each day at 4:30pm and will stay up through Jan.1.

Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 & 23
Photos with Santa Claus from 6:30-8:30pm, Christmas arts & crafts room, live animal encounters, holiday photos with live animals, kid’s indoor play zone and more, bonfire & marshmallow roasting, thousands of outdoor holiday lights, nativity scene, animal petting & feeding, Christmas tree & wreath sales from local farms.

Georgetown Glow: Dec. 6 – Jan. 5
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine.

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum: Dec. 7-8, 14-15, & 21-22
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30pm-4:30pm, and on December 28 & 29 without Santa. Also see the Winter Wonder Garden and Winter in Washington displays.

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