What's Open on Christmas Day in DC: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Need something to do on Christmas Day? Here are some places you can visit near DC.
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Need something to do on Christmas Day? Here are some places you can visit near DC.
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
We don't talk about Bruno, but we will talk about Disney Encanto x CAMP, the magical immersive experience at the new CAMP store at Tysons Corner Center in Virginia. This paid experience invites visitors behind the Magic Door of the toy store and into the Madrigal family's Casita, where they'll enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and magic behind every door.
My 9-year-old daughter and I attended a preview of this dazzling experience. Read on to learn all about it, then find more indoor places to play in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC.
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
The DC area is brimming with professional holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light displays that dazzle visitors of all ages. But sometimes, there's nothing better than loading the family into the car with hot chocolate, turning on holiday music, and driving around the neighborhood to see Christmas lights on houses. And the best part is, it's free!
Though DC itself offers a treasure trove of gorgeous holiday lights in public places, like Light Yards and Georgetown GLOW, we've found that the best neighborhoods to see Christmas light displays on houses are in the suburbs. Luckily, there are many neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia that get way into the holiday spirit. Many of them host animated light shows that are synchronized to music played through car radios, so families can stay warm and cozy inside their vehicles.
Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia to see over-the-top neighborhood Christmas lights. For more holiday fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids.
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
What could be more enjoyable than ice skating on a beautiful winter's day? In 2023, families will have plenty of ice skating options in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, from ice skating rinks that are part of special holiday events to outdoor ice skating rinks that stay open all winter long.
Weather permitting, outdoor ice skating rinks generally open in mid to late November and close in February or March. Many of them also host special skating events, so check the websites for more information. Otherwise, lace up your skates and enjoy ice skating at one of these great rinks near DC.
For more fun things to do this winter—from the best museums for kids in the DC area to the best places to go snow tubing near DC—check out out Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids.
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Ride on toys are the perfect gift to give a child if you really want to "wow" them. After all, what's more fun than zooming around town—or the house—on two, three, or four wheels? Plus, many kids' ride on toys have the added benefit of building balance, coordination, muscle strength, and fine motor schools.
We've rounded up 21 of the best ride on toys for kids of all ages, from toddlers all the way through teens (and even adults). These kids' ride on toys run the gamut from ride on horse toys to scooters to tricked-out electric cars for kids. With these ride on toys, your kiddo will surely be cruising the neighborhood in style.
Find more awesome gifts for kids, from the best first birthday gifts to the best gifts for tweens and teens, in our Mommy Poppins Gift Guide.
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Water park lovers, rejoice! A new Kalahari Resort with a massive indoor water park is coming to Northern Virginia in 2026. The resort is set to open in Woodford, Virginia in Spotsylvania County, about an hour's drive from Washington, DC. It joins Kalahari's four other locations in the Poconos; Wisconsin Dells; Round Rock, Texas; and Sandusky, Ohio.
Find out everything we know about the new Kalahari Resort and water park below. Then check out our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels and our Washington, DC Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide to find more great places to stay and make a splash with kids.
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Hosting Thanksgiving at home is a lot of fun, but let's face it—it's also a lot of work. Gathering the crew at a restaurant instead allows everyone to be together on Thanksgiving without all the hassle of cooking and cleaning. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in DC and its surrounding areas where you can do just that.
Here are 17 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia in 2023. Not only are they all kid-friendly, but many even offer special pricing for kids ages 12 and under. If you see something you like, make a reservation ASAP, as spots fill up quickly.
Wherever you choose to gather this Thanksgiving, bring some laughter to the table with our list of 25 Thanksgiving jokes for kids. For even more Thanksgiving fun, try one of our 50 Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities for kids and families.
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Nothing adds magic to the holiday season quite like a Polar Express train ride or a festive Christmas train. To help your family experience that magic, we've rounded up a variety of Christmas trains near DC, including several options for a Polar Express train ride 2023. From trains that transport you to Christmas tree farms to those that bring classic Christmas stories to life, these Polar Express and Christmas trains will make even your Grinchiest family member's heart grow three sizes. And all of them are within a three-hour drive from DC!
Check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids to help you plan more holiday fun this season, and get a jump on your holiday decorating by trying some of these 101 Christmas activities for kids. Santa will be here before you know it!