Christmas in Washington, DC with kids.
Christmas in Washington, DC mixes free federal traditions with big light shows. The National Christmas Tree, the trains at the U.S. Botanic Garden, and the holiday market are all free. ZooLights is back with a small fee, and the suburbs add drive-through lights and garden light walks.
One thing to know: federal sites like the Zoo and the Botanic Garden can close if the government shuts down. Check the news before you go.
Before you go
- Take the Metro to ZooLights. Parking near the Zoo is expensive.
- Arrive at ZooLights near the 5pm opening to beat the crowds and the coldest hours.
- Garages near the Wharf fill fast on boat parade night. The Waterfront Metro stop is a five-minute walk.
- Federal sites can close in a government shutdown. Check the news before your trip.
- Book ICE! and the light walks ahead, especially for December weekends.
Family Christmas events in Washington, DC
31 events
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- Christmas lightsParades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace
- Dates
- Dec 3 - Jan 1 · Lighting ceremony Thu, Dec 3. Tree site open most evenings through Jan 1.
- Where
- The Ellipse, President's Park, National Mall, near the White House
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Ceremony seats by free lottery (Oct 28-Nov 4); tree site is walk up
The big national tree near the White House, ringed by smaller trees for every state and territory. You can visit free after the lighting night.
Parent tip: Skip the crowded lighting night with little kids and go on a weeknight after. Check the news before you go: federal sites can close if the government shuts down.
- Zoo lights Good for toddlers
ZooLights at the National Zoo
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Nightly, Nov 20-Jan 3. Mon-Sat 5-9pm, Sun 5-8pm.
- Where
- Smithsonian's National Zoo, Woodley Park, northwest DC
- Price
- $10 per person; kids 2 and under free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online ahead; parking sold separately
Glowing animal lanterns and light displays fill the Zoo's paths at night. Rides like the carousel cost a few dollars extra.
Parent tip: Take the Metro, since parking costs more on the day. Check the news before you go: federal sites can close if the government shuts down.
- Holiday trainsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Season's Greenings at the US Botanic Garden
- Dates
- Nov 26 - Jan 3 · Daily 10am-5pm, Nov 26-Jan 3 (closed Dec 25). Open to 8pm on Dec 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 29.
- Where
- US Botanic Garden, National Mall, by the Capitol
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up, no tickets
Model trains run past national parks and landmarks made from plant parts. Inside, the glass house has a DC landmarks display and poinsettias.
Parent tip: The trains are outdoors and may stop in bad weather. Check the news before you go: federal sites can close if the government shuts down.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
ICE! and Christmas at Gaylord National
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 3 · Holiday season runs Nov 14-Jan 3. Check the official site for the day ICE! opens.
- Where
- Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Maryland
- Price
- Paid; prices vary by date
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online ahead
A walk-through hall of giant ice carvings, themed this year on the Grinch. The resort adds snow tubing, Santa photos and other holiday extras.
Parent tip: The ice hall is kept at about 9°F. Parkas are handed out, but bring hats and mittens for small kids.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Christmas at Mount Vernon
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 22 · Candlelight tours Nov 27-28, Dec 11-12, 18 and 21-22. Christmas Illuminations with fireworks Dec 19-20. Breakfast with Santa Dec 19.
- Where
- George Washington's Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, Virginia (about 15 miles south of DC)
- Price
- Holiday activities with daytime admission. Evening events and Breakfast with Santa are ticketed. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages; candlelight tours best for ages 8+ · Book evening events ahead. Call the Mount Vernon Inn for Breakfast with Santa.
George Washington's home dresses up for the holidays. By day, kids can meet Aladdin the Camel and soldiers from the Revolutionary War. On two nights, fireworks go off over the Potomac River.
Parent tip: The Illuminations nights end with fireworks around 8pm. Bring warm layers, because it's an outdoor evening by the river.
- Christmas lightsSanta visitsIce skatingChristmas markets Good for toddlers
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 27 · Nov 20-Dec 27; pick an entry time when you book
- Where
- Nationals Park, Navy Yard, southeast DC
- Price
- From $28; varies by date and time
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead
The ballpark fills with light displays, a holiday market and a Santa visit. Ice skating is an add-on.
Parent tip: Kids under 5 must skate with a parent. Book an early slot for the cheapest prices and smallest crowds.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
- Dates
- Nov 12 - Dec 23 · Daily, Nov 12-Dec 23. Mon-Fri noon-8pm; Sat-Sun 11am-8pm. Closed Nov 26 and Nov 30.
- Where
- 1500 block of New Hampshire Ave NW, Dupont Circle
- Price
- Free to browse
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An open-air market of gift and craft stalls on a closed block just north of Dupont Circle. It's a separate market from the DowntownDC Holiday Market on F Street.
Parent tip: It's one block from the Dupont Circle Metro. Weekday afternoons are quieter for strollers.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
DowntownDC Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 23 · Daily, Nov 13-Dec 23. Mon-Thu noon-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm. Closed Thanksgiving.
- Where
- F Street NW, between 7th and 9th streets, Downtown (Penn Quarter)
- Price
- Free entry
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Downtown's long-running holiday market fills F Street with about 120 stalls of local makers and treats. Kids get a play area called Rudolph Reindeer Games next to the stage.
Parent tip: Take Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown. Restrooms are on 8th Street, and most stalls take cards, but bring a little cash.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat, Dec 5, about 5-8pm; fireworks around 8pm
- Where
- District Pier, The Wharf, Southwest Waterfront
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
More than 60 lit-up boats sail along the Washington Channel. There are Santa photos, crafts and fireworks to finish.
Parent tip: Crowds are big and garages fill fast. Take the Metro to Waterfront; it's a five-minute walk.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
Bull Run Festival of Lights
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 3 · Nightly, Nov 14-Jan 3. Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30pm; Fri-Sun 5:30-10pm.
- Where
- Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville, Virginia
- Price
- $30-45 per car online
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online ahead
A drive-through light show, priced per car. A holiday village and small carnival are included; rides cost extra.
Parent tip: Weekends and the weeks around Christmas have long car lines. Go Monday to Thursday.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark
- Dates
- Nov 11 - Jan 3 · Nightly, Nov 11-Jan 3, from 5:30pm (5pm from Dec 4); last entry 9:30pm
- Where
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, Virginia
- Price
- About $19-24 per ticket; Dec 4-31 online only
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online ahead, especially in December
A half-mile walk through a garden lit with lights. The paved path works for strollers.
Parent tip: December tickets aren't sold at the door. Book online before you drive out.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Nightly from 5pm, Nov 20-Jan 3. Closed Nov 23-26, Dec 24-25 and Jan 1.
- Where
- Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland
- Price
- About $14-17 per person; young kids free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets online only; none at the gate
A walking trail through a public garden lit with light sculptures. It's run by the county parks.
Parent tip: Sunday to Thursday tickets cost less. Tickets can't be bought at the gate, so book first.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Nutcracker by The Washington Ballet
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Dec 27 · Nov 28-Dec 27 (no show Dec 25); matinees and evenings
- Where
- Warner Theatre, Downtown DC
- Price
- Tickets vary by seat and date
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit for about 2 hours · Buy tickets ahead
The Washington Ballet's own DC take on the classic ballet. The show runs about 2 hours.
Parent tip: Pick a matinee for younger kids. Ask the box office about age rules before buying a ticket for a little one.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol at Ford's Theatre
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Dec 31 · Nov 19-Dec 31; check the calendar for times
- Where
- Ford's Theatre, Penn Quarter, downtown DC
- Price
- From about $25
- Ages and booking
- Ages 5 and up · Buy tickets ahead
A long-running stage version of the Scrooge story in a historic theater. The show lasts about 2 hours with a break.
Parent tip: It suits kids 5 and up. Some scenes with ghosts may be scary for sensitive kids.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Frosted at Franklin Park
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 9 · Nov 13-Jan 9; best after dark
- Where
- Franklin Park, 1332 I St NW, Downtown DC
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A downtown park strung with lights for the winter. Look for an icicle walkway, giant lit snowflakes and a big glowing bear pair.
Parent tip: It's a short walk from McPherson Square or Metro Center. A quick stroll here fits well before or after dinner downtown. Check the news before you go: federal sites can close if the government shuts down.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Nov 14 · Sat, Nov 14, 5-7pm; lighting program at 6pm (rain date Nov 15)
- Where
- The Park at CityCenter, Downtown DC, near Mount Vernon Square
- Price
- Free, no tickets needed
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up; optional online sign-up
A 78-foot tree is lit with a countdown. Before that, there's live music, face painting and balloon artists.
Parent tip: Come at 5pm for face painting before the 6pm lighting. Two giant 25-foot reindeer make a good photo spot.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
- Dates
- Dec 4-23 · Dec 4-23; check the calendar for times
- Where
- Arena Stage (Fichandler Stage), Southwest Waterfront
- Price
- Tickets vary by date; see the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages allowed; every person needs a ticket · Buy tickets ahead
A holiday show built on stepping, a dance that uses stomps and claps as music. Expect songs, jokes and a character called DJ Nutcracker. It runs about 90 minutes with no break.
Parent tip: There's no intermission, so plan a bathroom stop first. On Sun, Dec 20, the theater offers free Santa photos in the afternoon.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
- Dates
- Nov 17-22 · Nov 17-22. Audio-described show Sun, Nov 22 at 2pm.
- Where
- The National Theatre, Downtown DC, Pennsylvania Ave
- Price
- Tickets vary by seat; see the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages, per the theater · Buy tickets ahead
The Nutcracker story told with hip hop dance and a modern beat. The show lasts about 2 hours, with a 20-minute break.
Parent tip: It's a short run in mid-November, so book early. A good pick for kids who think ballet is not for them.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
- Dates
- Nov 21 · Sat, Nov 21, starts 10am
- Where
- Ellsworth Dr and Fenton St, then south on Georgia Ave, Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland
- Price
- Free to watch
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up; runs rain or shine
A morning parade with floats, marching bands and big balloons. It starts with Thanksgiving themes and ends with winter holidays and Santa.
Parent tip: It's a morning parade, so it works around nap time. The Silver Spring Metro station is near the route.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Reston Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Nov 27 · Fri, Nov 27. Parade at 11am; tree lighting at 6pm.
- Where
- Reston Town Center (Main Street and Fountain Square), Reston, Virginia (about 20 miles west of DC)
- Price
- Free to watch
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A day-after-Thanksgiving parade with floats, marching bands and giant balloons. The town center tree is lit at sunset.
Parent tip: You don't need to stay all day. Pick the late-morning parade or the early-evening lighting, whichever suits naps.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Scottish Walk Holiday Parade
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat, Dec 5, 10:30am-12:30pm
- Where
- Streets of Old Town Alexandria, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
- Price
- Free to watch
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Scottish clans in tartan kilts march through Old Town with bagpipes and drums. Terriers and hounds march too, many in holiday outfits.
Parent tip: Bagpipes and drums are loud up close. Bring ear muffs for babies, and stay for the boat parade that evening.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat, Dec 5. Waterfront activities 2-8pm; boats from 5:30pm.
- Where
- Old Town Alexandria Waterfront and Waterfront Park, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
- Price
- Free to watch
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Dozens of boats covered in lights cruise about a mile of the Potomac shoreline. Waterfront Park has food and activities in the afternoon.
Parent tip: Come in daylight to claim a spot by the water. It gets cold by the river after dark, so pack hats and blankets.
- Holiday festivalsParades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Festival of Lights and Carols
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat, Dec 5, noon-6pm. Santa photos 3-5pm; tree lighting 5:30pm.
- Where
- Old Town Square, 10415 North St, City of Fairfax, Virginia
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A small-town holiday afternoon with live music, kids' crafts and free s'mores and warm cider. It ends with carols and a tree lighting.
Parent tip: Come for Santa photos between 3 and 5pm, then stay for the 5:30pm tree lighting.
- Parades and tree lightingsHoliday festivalsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
McLean Winterfest Parade and Block Party
- Dates
- Dec 6 · Sun, Dec 6. Block party from 12:30pm; parade 1:30-2:45pm; Santa from 3pm.
- Where
- Old Chain Bridge Rd and Langley Shopping Center, McLean, Virginia
- Price
- Free to watch; food extra
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A Sunday afternoon parade with bands, floats and dancers. A block party with food stands and a Santa station follows.
Parent tip: Santa's station opens after the parade, at 3pm. Get in line early, because the party ends at 4:30pm.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Leesburg Christmas and Holiday Parade
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat, Dec 12, 6pm (rain date Sun, Dec 13)
- Where
- From Ida Lee Park down King Street, Historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia (about 35 miles west of DC)
- Price
- Free to watch
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An evening parade through Leesburg's historic downtown. Santa and his friends ride along at the end.
Parent tip: It starts at dark and it's cold, so bring layers and a blanket. Find a curb spot on King Street early.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Bright Nights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 3 · Nov 14-22: weekends 5-10pm. Nov 27-Dec 17: Mon-Thu 5-9pm, Fri-Sun 5-10pm. Dec 18-Jan 3: nightly 5-10pm.
- Where
- Cameron Run Regional Park, Alexandria, Virginia
- Price
- $9 online, $12 at the gate (plus tax and fees)
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online to save; rain or shine
A walk-through light display with photo spots and a hot drink and snack. New this year are lit mini golf, a scavenger hunt and a big maze.
Parent tip: Buy online, since it costs less than at the gate. Weeknights are calmer than weekends.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Holly TrolleyFest at the National Capital Trolley Museum
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Dec 23 · Saturdays and Sundays from Nov 28; listing runs to Dec 23. 10:30am-5pm.
- Where
- National Capital Trolley Museum, 1313 Bonifant Rd, Colesville, Maryland
- Price
- $15 per person
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reservations required; museum passes not accepted
Ride a historic streetcar on the museum's woodland track. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit, and there's a holiday model train display and kids' crafts.
Parent tip: It's a daytime event, so it suits young kids who can't stay up for light shows. Book once tickets open.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
VRE Santa Trains
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat, Dec 12; see the official schedule for train times
- Where
- Virginia Railway Express trains, Northern Virginia stations, including Woodbridge, Burke Centre and Manassas
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages; every rider needs a ticket, even babies · Online only from Nov 30 at 10am; limit 6 per person; no refunds
Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves ride a commuter train to meet kids. Helpers hand out candy canes and coloring books, with a train safety message.
Parent tip: Tickets go fast, so be ready on Nov 30 at 10am. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate at the station.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Santa Railway Express
- Dates
- Dec 7-21 · Mon, Dec 7; Mon, Dec 14; Thu, Dec 17; Mon, Dec 21. Leaves 1:30pm, back about 4:30pm.
- Where
- King Street Station to Old Town Manassas, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
- Price
- $29.99 per person
- Ages and booking
- All ages; babies need a ticket too · In person only at Whistle Stop Hobbies in Alexandria; 200 riders per trip
A round-trip train ride with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on board. In Manassas, kids get cocoa, cookies, a story and time to ask Santa questions.
Parent tip: Trips are on weekday afternoons, so it suits preschoolers. Tickets are sold only in the shop, so plan a stop there.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Nutcracker with the Fairfax Symphony
- Dates
- Dec 19-20 · Sat, Dec 19 and Sun, Dec 20, 4pm
- Where
- Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
- Price
- Tickets vary by seat; see the official site
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a ballet · Buy tickets ahead
The Fairfax Ballet dances The Nutcracker while a full orchestra plays live. Both shows are in the late afternoon.
Parent tip: The 4pm start means dinner after, not before. Ask the box office about age rules for little ones.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Nutcracker by Manassas Ballet Theatre
- Dates
- Dec 16-23 · Dec 16-23. Evenings 7:30pm; matinees 3pm on Dec 19-23.
- Where
- Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, Virginia (about 30 miles west of DC)
- Price
- From $50, fees included
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a ballet · Buy tickets ahead
A full Nutcracker with the company's own live orchestra. There are nine shows, including several afternoon ones.
Parent tip: Pick a 3pm matinee for younger kids. Matinees run every day from Dec 19 to 23.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Washington, DC, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Washington, DC, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Washington, DC, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in Washington, DC, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Planning the whole trip? See our full guide to Washington, DC with kids.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in DC for Christmas with kids?
See the National Christmas Tree, walk ZooLights at the National Zoo, and visit the holiday trains at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Browse the DC Holiday Market.
Outside the city, there's ICE! at Gaylord National, Christmas at Mount Vernon, and drive-through lights at Bull Run.
How much is ZooLights at the National Zoo?
ZooLights costs $10 per person in 2026, and kids 2 and under are free. It runs nightly from November 20 to January 3.
Take the Metro if you can, because Zoo parking is expensive.
What are the free Christmas events in DC?
The National Christmas Tree, the U.S. Botanic Garden holiday show, the DC Holiday Market, and the Wharf holiday boat parade are all free.
Tap "Free" above to see them together.
Can you go to the National Christmas Tree lighting?
Seats for the lighting ceremony are given out by a free lottery. But the tree site is free to visit on most evenings after that, and weeknights are calmer.
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