10 Family-Friendly Holiday Options this Season
By • November 13, 2024 0 15
Looking for family-friendly things to do over the holidays? Here are 10 top options.
Whether it’s an unforgettable show like the Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” you have in mind, or something new and different like Georgetown Jingle, search no further.
Happy holidays!
Zoo Lights at the National Zoo
Visitors at the 2023 Zoo Lights event at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
ZooLights takes thousands of visitors into a winter wonderland. Dozens of dazzling displays and half a million environmentally-friendly LED lights illuminate the Zoo’s pathways. Visitors can stroll through immersive lantern displays showing rainforest, grassland, desert, ocean and polar habitats and the animals that call them home.
Nov. 22 to Jan. 4
Visitors to Zoo Lights at the National Zoo, now in its 16th year, wander lighted pathways and thrill to immersive displays. There will also be nightly musical performances and plenty of seasonal treats.
Mount Vernon’s Winter Glow. Courtesy Mount Vernon.
Nov. 29 to Dec. 23
Mount Vernon is hosting festive evenings with twinkling lights set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, toast marshmallows and make s’mores over a fire and greet special guest Aladdin the Camel.
The Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Nov. 30 to Dec. 29
The magic begins this year on Nov. 30. Set along the streets of Georgetown, the production includes dancing cherry blossoms and famous historical figures like Harriet Tubman, with George Washington himself as the Nutcracker.
Courtesy Tudor Place.
Throughout December
Tudor Place turns into a cozy winter wonderland this time of year. Enjoy a holiday tea-and-tour or tour the historic home by candlelight. On Dec. 12, the 1970s return for “Tudor Lights: Disco Christmas.”
Dec. 1
The Queen of Christmas is back! “Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time” tour will be stopping at Capital One Arena. Don’t miss hearing MC sing her hits and holiday favorites, including a certain inescapable earworm.
The National Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 5
The lottery to attend the lighting — a tradition since the Coolidge administration — has closed, but the National Christmas Tree will be on display all season long, plus 58 others representing the 50 states, the District and U.S. territories.
London Wick showcasing their candles. From Instagram.com/heurichhouse.
Dec. 6 to 13
For the first time in its 12-year history, the Heurich House Museum’s Christmas Markt (German spelling) will last for an entire week. More than 60 local artisans will showcase their goods. Plus: tours, workshops and the Winter Biergarten.
The Wharf’s Holiday Boat Parade and Party
Dec. 7
Over 60 decorated boats will sail along the Washington Channel in the Wharf’s annual Holiday Boat Parade. There will also be ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, fireworks and, of course, pictures with the jolly man in red.
Courtesy Georgetown BID.
Dec. 7
Georgetown is forgoing Glow this year and introducing Georgetown Jingle, featuring live musical performances at 10 outdoor locations. Then follow the Lucia Choir’s procession to House of Sweden for glögg wine and holiday treats.
Wikipedia photo.
Dec. 25
This year, Hanukkah begins the night of Dec. 25 and ends the night of Jan. 2. The National Menorah Lighting on the 25th includes special guests and a performance by the military bands of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.
