We’re approaching holiday season 2025, and many families may be seeking out things to do that won’t cut into their gift and decoration budget. If that’s you and your family, we’ve got you covered with this list of free things to do this December. Whether you live in DC, Maryland or Virginia, or are visiting for the holidays, there are several great activities and events – some festive, some not – to experience.
Teen Volunteer Hour
Dec. 1. Assist a library and earn service hours with activities like cleaning toys, straightening shelves and prepping the program and craft supplies.
Location: 6101 Knollwood Drive, Falls Church, VA
LEGO Creative Club
Dec 3. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to the Mount Rainier Branch Library to build with LEGO and socialize with other builders.
Location: 3409 Rhode Island Ave., No. 200, Mount Rainier, MD
Kids Club at Westover
Dec. 4. This is a club for kids pre-K through grade five, where kids will explore arts, crafts and books. Available in-person and virtually.
Location: 1644 North McKinley Road, Suite 3, Arlington, VA
Lafayette & Loudoun: Lafayette’s Visit and Legacy
Dec. 5. Visit the Loudoun Museum and learn about the Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who volunteered to fight for independence during the American Revolution. Admission is free.
Location: 16 Loudoun St., SW, Leesburg, VA
Dungeons & Dragons for Teens
Dec. 6. The Sherwood Regional Library invites Dungeons & Dragons fans for an evening of play. Dice, character sheets and pencils will all be provided. This event is for teens, ages 12-18.
Location: 2501 Sherwood Lane, Alexandria, VA
Paws to Read with Lucy
Dec. 6. Bring your own book or select one from the Thomas Jefferson Library and read aloud to Lucy, an adorable, trained therapy dog.
Location: 7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA
A2I Toy Drive Gift Wrapping Social
Dec. 13. Join Capital City Public Charter School and the Aspire 2 Inspire Foundation for an evening of gift wrapping with their toy drive, a chance for socializing and holiday celebration. Donations are appreciated.
Location: 100 Peabody St. NW, Washington, DC
Christmas Eve Caroling
Dec. 24. Celebrate the holidays with this community sing-along, which will hopefully feature a piano to accompany the vocals.
Location: 113 Centerway, Greenbelt, MD
Cozy Reading Corner
Jan 3. Families with children are invited to the Central Library in Arlington for some winter reading, plus some hot cocoa and cookies.
Location: 1015 N Quincy St., Arlington, VA
Crafty Kids: Tuesday Paper Crafts at Glencarlyn
Jan. 6. Crafty Kids is an opportunity for elementary school kids to engage with arts and crafts, with materials provided by the library (Glencarlyn Branch).
Location: 300 South Kensington St., Arlington, VA
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Top things to do with kids in the DC metro area this weekend
Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
