
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We know finding family holiday activities can be overwhelming. Whether you are looking for fun holiday activities or creating a new family holiday tradition, our guide is a great planning tool.
Plan Family Holiday Adventures with our Reviews and Calendar Events

Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long
One of our family holiday traditions is to 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.

Enchant Christmas
There is a new fun Christmas activity in town! Enchant Christmas is an immersive holiday light experience that will transport guests to a world of Christmas wonder, with trees up to 80 feet tall, larger-than-life ornaments, twinkling snowflakes and, of course, Santa in a glittering sleigh. Brighter and more heartwarming than your wildest holiday dreams, Enchant will make its Washington, DC debut at Nationals Park, November 22 – December 29.

Atlanta Ballet production of The Nutcracker at The Kenndy Center
Featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and celebrated dance maker Yuri Possokhov’s fresh choreography, Atlanta Ballet makes its Kennedy Center debut with its reimagined production of The Nutcracker, November 27–December 1 in the Opera House.

Santa’s Paradise Express at Strasburg Rail Road
Santa’s Paradise Express at Strasburg Rail Road offers up a full day of family holiday fun. The Strasburg Rail Road is a little over 2 hours from DC near Lancaster, PA. The Christmas tradition that began in 1959 is more than a train ride with the jolly old elf, it’s one of our family holiday traditions.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Enjoy a candlelit guided tour and learn more about family holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia.

Seneca Creek State Park Winter Lights
The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees that light up the night. Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Toyland, the North Pole, and much more. The park is located at 11950 Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, easily accessible from I-270.

Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Performance
Year after year audiences are enchanted by MBT’s performances which feature student and professional dancers, fabulous costumes, and beautiful scenery – including a Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, magical dancing dolls, marching toy soldiers, giant mice, a dazzling blizzard with dancing snowflakes and a land of luscious sweets.

ICE! at The Gaylord Nation Resort
Seeing two million pounds of colorful ice sculptures hand-carved by 35 artisans from Harbin, China is truly a fantastic christmas activity for families!

Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavillion
Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavillion is a great way to fit in one of our favorite holiday traditions: ice skating.
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