The holidays are the perfect time to create lasting memories with family and sometimes, the best gifts aren’t wrapped in paper but shared through experiences. Across the DC metro area, families can find everything from holiday train rides and photo sessions to workshops and outdoor markets that make the season bright. For this feature, we reviewed business websites, event calendars and trusted local guides to ensure every recommendation is accurate, family-friendly and worth gifting.
Featured holiday experiences in the DC area
In this section, Washington Parent’s advertising partners share their top holiday offerings.
Nataly Danilova Photography – Mini Christmas Family Sessions
Celebrate the magic of the season with Nataly Danilova Photography’s Mini Christmas Family Sessions, crafted to capture the warmth, joy and sparkle of the holidays. These sessions are ideal for families looking to create timeless, frame-worthy portraits in beautifully styled, festive settings. The studio offers two enchanting family backdrops along with whimsical, kid-focused spots that bring out natural smiles and holiday cheer. Whether you’re updating your annual family photo, creating gifts for loved ones or simply wanting to preserve this season’s memories, these sessions deliver polished, storybook-quality images. Families are encouraged to wear classic holiday colors — think reds, greens, golds and winter whites — to complement the cozy, elegant décor. With limited availability and high demand each year, booking early ensures you don’t miss out on one of the most heartwarming keepsake opportunities of the season.
- Address: Several locations in the DMV
- Dates: By appointment
- Phone: (571) 699-4450
B&O Railroad Museum – The Polar Express™ Train Ride & Holiday Adventures
Step into two hours of pure Christmas magic aboard The Polar Express™ Train Ride, an immersive holiday adventure inspired by the beloved book and film. Guests are encouraged to wear their coziest pajamas as they board the train for a festive journey to the North Pole, complete with a lively “Hot Chocolate” performance and a special visit from Santa — who gifts each rider the iconic silver sleigh bell. The fun continues at the North Pole, where families can roast s’mores, create holiday crafts, browse festive shopping, and capture a keepsake photo with Santa. A heartwarming blend of nostalgia and cheer, The Polar Express™ Train Ride is the perfect way to celebrate the season for believers of all ages.
- Address: 901 W Pratt St., Baltimore, MD
- Date: Nov. 28-Dec. 23 (Hours vary on select dates. Check the museum website for updates and special event times.)
- Phone: (410) 752-2490
‘Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show’ at Arena Stage
“Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show” returns to Arena Stage for its fourth year, delivering one of the most energetic and joy-filled holiday traditions in the DC area. This spectacular production blends high-energy stepping, festive music and vibrant choreography into a family-friendly celebration that keeps audiences cheering from start to finish. Kids and adults alike will love joining DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends on a lively journey packed with rhythm, humor and heart. The award-winning cast brings unmatched precision and charisma to the stage. Whether you’re kicking off the holiday season or searching for a unique family outing, this show offers unforgettable moments and plenty of reasons to return year after year. As a perennial sellout, early ticket reservations are strongly recommended.
- Address: 1101 Sixth St. SW, Washington, DC
- Date: Dec. 5-23
- Phone: (202) 488-3300
‘The Nutcracker’ at Manassas Ballet Theatre
Manassas Ballet Theatre, accompanied by the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra on the Merchant Stage, brings its beloved production of “The Nutcracker” back to the Hylton Performing Arts Center with nine performances, offering families a timeless holiday tradition filled with music, magic and breathtaking dance. Join Clara as she steps into her family’s festive Christmas Eve gathering, where she’s given a magical Nutcracker that sparks an unforgettable dreamscape adventure. Guided by the Sugar Plum Fairy, she encounters the Snow Queen, the Rat King and an array of enchanting characters who bring the story to life. Stunning costumes, lavish sets and sweeping choreography transform this classic tale into a sparkling holiday centerpiece — a joyful, immersive experience perfect for audiences of all ages.
- Address: Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA
- Date: Dec. 17-23
- Phone: (703) 993-7759
‘Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!’ at Broadway at The National
“Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!” brings the magic of the hit DreamWorks series to the stage in a 75-minute musical adventure the whole family will love. This brand-new live show invites kids to join Gabby, Pandy Paws and the Gabby Cats as they travel through the Cat-O-Sphere, Mermaid-Lantis and other favorite Dollhouse worlds on a mission to rebuild a broken rainbow. Bursting with vibrant sets, playful puppetry and plenty of audience interaction, the production brings the show’s whimsical spirit to life in a colorful, high-energy format. Little fans will recognize favorite songs like “Hey Gabby” and “Sprinkle Party,” which make the experience feel just like stepping inside the series itself. With its upbeat music, lovable characters and heartwarming message, “Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!” is a perfect holiday gift and an unforgettable outing for families with young children.
- Address: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Date: 6 p.m. Jan. 21-22
- Phone: (202) 628-6161
More festive experiences you won’t want to miss
These experiences were independently chosen by our editorial team and are not paid partnerships.
Downtown DC Holiday Market – Festive shopping experience
For a fun and festive family outing, stroll through the Downtown DC Holiday Market, which transforms F Street NW into a lively open-air marketplace. With artisan vendors, live music and plenty of seasonal treats, families can shop for handmade gifts while enjoying the cheerful ambiance. Kids love the lights and music, and parents can check off gift lists while supporting local makers. It’s a holiday tradition that turns shopping into a shared experience.
- Address: F Street NW (between 7th and 9th streets NW), Washington, DC
- Dates/Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21-Dec. 23
- Phone: (202) 638-3232
Shop Made in DC – Holiday workshops and creative outings
Make memories — and a few ornaments — at Shop Made in DC, where holiday workshops invite families to bake, craft and create together. The Dupont Circle location offers seasonal classes, such as cookie-decorating, ornament-making and DIY gifts, all using locally sourced supplies. These sessions are a great option for gifting an experience rather than an item, and kids will love bringing home something they made themselves.
- Address: 1304 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday
- Phone: (202) 905-5799
National Christmas Tree Lighting & Pageant of Peace – A classic DC tradition
Nothing captures the magic of the season quite like the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse near the White House. Each year, the massive tree is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights and unique ornaments, standing as a glowing symbol of holiday spirit in the nation’s capital. After the official lighting ceremony, typically held in early December, the grounds open daily through Jan. 1 for families to stroll, take photos and admire the decorated trees representing all 50 states and U.S. territories. Whether you visit for the ceremony or enjoy the lights on a quiet evening, it’s one of DC’s most beloved and family-friendly traditions. Check the website for updated event details and this year’s official lighting date.
- Address: The Ellipse at President’s Park, 15th St. NW & E St. NW, Washington, DC
- Hours/Dates: Early December–Jan. 1; lights on from sunset–10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and sunset–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday
- Phone: (202) 796-2500
Whether it’s posing for festive photos, sipping cocoa aboard The Polar Express™ or wandering through downtown lights, these experiences turn the season into something truly special. The DC metro area offers countless ways to give the “gift of moments” each filled with warmth, laughter and family connection. Skip the stress of shopping and wrap up memories instead, because the best presents are the ones shared together.
