Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

Miracle Theatre will be showing holiday movies all weekend long perfect for the entire family!

Holiday Caroling at the Willard InterContinental through Christmas, taking place from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Friday

5:30pm-8:00pm: Nerf Nights at Badlands
Badlands invites kids ages 7+ to join us for an evening of team based challenges! Participants are encouraged to bring the blaster of their choosing and protective eye wear. Badlands will provide the foam darts, a complimentary dinner for the kids, and FUN! Be on the lookout for our weekly themed Nerf nights, including Pokemon, Fortnite, Superheros, and much more!

5:45pm-6:45pm: Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at My Gym Bethesda
Ring in the Holiday Season at My Gym Bethesda with play time, cookies, cocoa and a special visit from SANTA!  $15 members, $20 non-members, 20% off siblings

Saturday

9:00am-11:00am: Santa Breakfast at Maggiano’s
Children will get the opportunity to meet and take a photo with Santa and will also receive a holiday gift to take home! Breakfast will include a fabulous buffet along with action stations. Click Here to Purchase Tickets

9:30am AND 11:00am: Virginia Repertory Theatre: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at the National Theatre
The careworn Clement Moore is struggling to compose a Christmas poem; he is uninspired until his eyes and heart are opened with the help of his Dutch gardener Kris Kringle, a couple of dancing mice, and the loving, joyous images of his own home and family. He then pens the immortal opening words, “‘Twas the night before Christmas.”

5:00pm-7:00pm: Caroling at the Wharf
Enjoy music from strolling Christmas carolers and a meet-and-greet with Santa and one of his elves!

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio: Enchanted Forest Workshop
During this 2 hour workshop, each child will create his or her own enchanted forest terrarium. Colored sand, floral pieces, and individual touches go into creating the perfect terrarium. This terrarium will be the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings! This workshop is designed for ages 5+.

3:00pm: National Menorah Lighting
Perhaps the most prominent public Chanukah program in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House in Washington, DC. The lighting of this menorah – the world’s largest – is attended by thousands every year and seen  via TV newscasts, internet feeds and other media by tens of millions across the nation and around the world, many of them hundreds of miles from any Jewish community. Concerts, food including latkes, family fun and more.

4:30pm: Chanukah in Chevy Chase
Join the giant Menorah Lighting, The event is free (donuts and goodies included!) Amazing fire juggling show, Brooklyn Food Co. food truck will be there. Sponsored in part by Chevy Chase Land Company.

Holiday events wrapping up this weekend:

National Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah at Strathmore: Dec. 21-22
No Christmas celebration is complete without a performance of Handel’s uplifting oratorio Messiah, a work that has delighted and inspired audiences worldwide since its premiere in 1741. The perennial favorite features such timeless highlights as “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Kids 7-17 Free!

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum: Dec. 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.

National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 19-22
Since its debut nearly three centuries ago, one work reigns unchallenged as the ultimate celebration of holiday cheer: Handel’s Messiah. This year, experience Messiah’s supreme glory in Sir Andrew Davis’s must-hear orchestration of the beloved classic. A stellar cast of singers joins Davis, the Orchestra, and The Washington Chorus.

Cathedral Choral Society: Joy of Christmas at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 21-22
Celebrate the warm spirit of the season in a majestic setting. A well-loved Washington, DC holiday tradition, this concert includes Christmas favorites and a festive carol sing-along.

On going holiday happenings:

The Nutcracker presented by Maryland Youth Ballet: Dec. 20-26
Voted both Outstanding Production in Classical Dance and Outstanding Youth Performance by Metro DC Dance Awards, Lees’ version of the holiday classic is a metropolitan area family favorite.  There is something for everyone in this fun and engaging version of The Nutcracker—a huge cannon that fires at the mice, a beautiful growing Christmas tree, whirling flakes in a snowstorm, cute little Ginger Snaps peeking out of a huge Mother Ginger skirt, a lovely Sugar Plum dancing with her handsome Cavalier, and extraordinary costumed characters from the Kingdom of Sweets. With VIP experiences as well as photo ops available.

Christmas Lessons and Carols at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 23-24
Join us for this service as they proclaim the Nativity in word and song. Through readings from Holy Scripture, favorite, hymns, choral and instrumental music, you’ll move from Creation to the manger in Bethlehem, telling the ancient story of God’s continued love as shown in Christ.

The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents A Family Christmas at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 24
Bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them!

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 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.

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.

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!

Light Yards: On display through Jan. 4.
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.

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.

Enchant Christmas: Through Dec. 29
Unwrap new traditions and make memories big and small as you wind your way through a luminescent land of beautiful arches, larger-than-life sculptures and decadent delights. Welcome to Enchant. Where magical memories are made. The Nats outfield will be transformed into a twinkling maze of stunning light displays, while the infield will house an ice-skating trail adorned with spectacularly lit archways. The concourse will transform into a Christmas Market stocked with more than 60 local food and artisan merchant vendors, and the PNC Diamond Club along with other premium areas will become VIP and private holiday party experiences.

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. 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: Through 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.

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