Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
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GUIDE
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Hanukkah, Enchant Christmas, and More Fun Things To Do in DC this Weekend with Kids

Enchant Christmas: Reindeer Games transforms Nationals Park into a sparkling winter wonderland. Photo courtesy of Enchant DC
Enchant Christmas: Reindeer Games transforms Nationals Park into a sparkling winter wonderland. Photo courtesy of Enchant DC
12/6/23 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Hanukkah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7. Over the following eight days, enjoy Menorah lightings, festivals, and other events to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

For another festive activity, head down to Nationals Park for Enchant Christmas. Your family will delight at this dazzling event with a holiday maze, an ice rink, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more fun activities for kids and parents.

And if you need a little break from holiday cheer, this weekend is the perfect time to visit Titanic: The Exhibition in National Harbor.

Don't miss our lists of the best neighborhood Christmas light displays and holiday lights, restaurants open on Christmas in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, and eight ways to celebrate Hanukkah with kids. Plus, bookmark our Family Activity Calendar for more things to do every day.

More Things To Do near DC this Week with Kids:

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Titanic: The Exhibition is a great choice if you need a break from holiday activities. Photo by Katie Sivinski, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Titanic: The Exhibition is a great choice if you need a break from holiday activities. Photo by Katie Sivinski, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.

Top Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

How the Grinch Stole Christmas In Concert at Strathmore

Bethesda, MD - Thursday, December 7
Discover the Magic of the Mean One this holiday season. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a celebration of the holiday spirit no home should be without. Why is the Grinch such a grouch? No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out, and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas. Enjoy this classic holiday film while the BSO performs the score live from stage.  READ MORE

Lighting of the Menorah at District Wharf

Washington, DC - Daily, through December 15
Free
District Wharf continues its tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah to celebrate the Festival of Lights. READ MORE

Enchant Christmas: Reindeer Games

Washington, DC - Daily, through December 31
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

LuminoCity Winter Light Festival

Gaithersburg, MD - Daily (except Tuesdays), through January 15, 2024
LuminoCity brings its winter wonderland experience to the DC area this season. This luminescent adventure has three themed rooms—Winter Fantasy, Wild Adventure, and Sweet Dreams. LuminoCity contains the magic of unicorns, a glowing bamboo forest, shining pandas, and a captivating donut tunnel for vistors to slide down.  READ MORE

Titanic: The Exhibition

National Harbor, MD - Tuesdays, Thursdays - Sundays, through December 10
Travel back to 1912 through photographs, handwritten letters, wayward keepsakes, and other personal belongings telling countless stories about the fates and heroic deeds onboard the Titanic. READ MORE

The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me

Washington, DC - Friday - Sunday, December 8-10
Based on the children's book of the same name, The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me begins as the first Christmas nears. Animals, including Fearsome Lion and Graceful Unicorn, contend to decide who among them will lead Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem—though it certainly won’t be Donkey, whose only humble gift is a small but sturdy back. But with the birth of a very special king on the horizon, Donkey soon discovers that miracles can happen anywhere. READ MORE

Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show

Washington, DC - Tuesdays - Sundays, December 8-15
This fun holiday show highlights the African American tradition of stepping with engaging choreography and energetic beats. Furry friends from the Arctic, including Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear with DJ Nutcracker, take audiences on a magical holiday journey. READ MORE

How the Grinch Stole Christmas In Concert at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

Baltimore, MD - Friday & Saturday, December 8 & 9
Discover the Magic of the Mean One this holiday season. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a celebration of the holiday spirit no home should be without. Why is the Grinch such a grouch? No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out, and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas. Enjoy this classic holiday film while the BSO performs the score live from stage.  READ MORE

Reindeer Games

Arlington, VA - Fridays - Sundays, December 8-17
Pulling Santa’s sleigh is hard work. And when team leader Dasher decides to retire, coaches Kris and Carol Kringle host the Reindeer Games to find the next member of the Nifty Nine, Santa’s reindeer crew. Eager reindeer recruits showcase their talents in a series of games, but these aren’t your typical winter events, nor your typical competitors. Before Coach Kris can announce the newest member, the original Nifty Nine make a cameo appearance with a surprise announcement, Turns out, everyone’s a winner when you’re on Santa’s nice list. READ MORE

Holiday Bricktacular at LEGO Discovery Center

Springfield, VA - Daily, December 8-31
Little elves have been busy at LEGO® Discovery Center Washington, DC, and guests are invited to join in some holiday fun.  At this holiday bricktacular, guests can: Build an ornament out of LEGO® to hang on the LEGO tree Write a letter to the Master Model Builders about what they want to see in the attraction in 2024 Add to the ugly sweater in creative club with their own LEGO® design Find the LEGO® elf hidden somewhere in the attraction to claim a prize  Snap a picturein the photo section with holiday-themed LEGO® builds Go to a... READ MORE

Saturday Morning Live! at the National

Washington, DC - Saturdays, through July 13, 2024
Free
Saturday Morning Live! returns to the National Theatre. Enjoy wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, including interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music – all designed to light up imaginations and celebrate a world of wonder.  READ MORE

Winter's Eve at Glen Echo

Glen Echo, MD - Saturday, December 9
Free
Glen Echo invites families to the Park for kids' holiday crafts, music, and open studios and galleries. This free event is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit and spend time with loved ones. READ MORE

American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season

Fairfax, VA Saturday, December 9
The American Festival Pops Orchestra presents Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season, a festive program of musical favorites, including an uplifting audience singalong of beloved carols.  READ MORE

Christmas and Holiday Parade in Leesburg

Leesburg, VA - Saturday, December 9
Free
The city of Leesburg's annual Christmas & Holiday Parade features floats, live music, and the arrival of Santa. The parade begins at Ida Lee Park and ends at Fairfax Street. READ MORE

Milk & Cookies With Santa

McLean, VA - Saturday, December 9
Meet and greet Santa and other holiday characters and enjoy cookie decorating, snowy crafts, milk, and hot chocolate. READ MORE

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, December 9
Free
This festive Christmas market in Old Town features arts and crafts, jewelry, baked goods, hair care products, and more from over 110 local vendors. There's also live entertainment, food and desserts, and hot cocoa to enjoy. READ MORE

Ravel Dance Company presents The Nutcracker

Tysons, VA - Saturday, December 9
The Ravel Dance Company presents the beloved holiday tradition The Nutcracker. Featuring lavish costumes and magical dancing, the show is a treat for ballet lovers of all ages. READ MORE

Visit with Santa at the National Museum of the Marine Corps

Triangle, VA - Saturday and Tuesday, December 9 & 12
Free
Ho, ho, ho! Celebrate the joy and excitement of the holiday season during one of Santa's two visits to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Enjoy holiday-themed activities and crafts while waiting to meet the jolly old elf. Bring your own camera to take a photo with Santa.  READ MORE

Ballet Theatre of Maryland presents The Nutcracker

Annapolis, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, December 9-17
Discover the wonder of this timeless holiday tradition and be magically swept away by the tale of the young heroine Clara and her adventures to rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell.  READ MORE

Family Fun Day with Santa

Cheverly, MD - Sunday, December 10
Get in the community holiday spirit at Publick Playhouse's annual December Family Fun Day. Enjoy a classic holiday film, a sweet treat, and a chance to visit with a special someone from the North Pole. READ MORE

Light Up Arlington - Clarendon Menorah Lighting

Arlington, VA - Sunday, December 10
Enjoy a free outdoor celebration of Hanukkah in Clarendon with the lighting of a giant nine-foot menorah. Indulge in free latkes, donuts, hot cocoa, chocolate gelt, and dreidels. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Montgomery County Fairgrounds
The Exhibit in National Harbor
The Kennedy Center Opera House
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
George Mason University Center for the Arts
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington