Top Things to Do With Kids in the DMV This Week (December 6th – December 12th)
December 6th – December 31st
- Time: Varies, see event link
- Location: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, Md.
The City of Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival is getting ready to welcome visitors for another spectacular season. The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly except for December 25th. 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. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
December 6th – January 7th
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
- Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Location: Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md.
Based on the story by C.S. Lewis. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy discover a secret portal to a magical world called Narnia. With an evil White Witch ruling the kingdom, can Lucy, her new friend Mr. Tumnus and her family band together to save this land from the eternal winter? Get your tickets here.
December 7th – 9th
How the Grinch Stole Christmas In Concert
- Time: 7:30 (Dec. 7th & Dec. 8th) | 1:30 p.m. (Dec. 9th)
- Location: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda, Md.
Discover the Magic of the Mean One this holiday season conducted by artist Thiago Tiberio. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a celebration of the holiday spirit no home should be without! Why is the Grinch such a grouch? No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas.
December 7th – December 31st
- Time: Varies, see event link
- Location: Nationals Park, 1500 S Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C.
The huge Enchant Christmas light maze and village returns to Washington, D.C. with an all-new maze adventure, Reindeer Games. You can also explore The Village, the Ice Skating Trail, Santa’s Landing, the Kid Zone and special theme nights. Get your tickets here.
December 8th
Melwood’s Annual Miracle on 23rd Street
- Time: 5-8 p.m.
- Location: Melwood, 750 23rd St. South, Arlington, Va.
Kick off the holiday season with new activities like ice skating, moon bounce and s’mores-making! And don’t forget their annual Grand Tree Lighting, photos with Santa, refreshments and other festivities. Please bring a non-perishable item for Melwood’s food drive.
December 8th – 17th
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
- Time: Varies; see event link
- Location: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, Washington, D.C.
As the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom – Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear – along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family!
December 9th
- Time: 1-2:30 p.m. (Dec. 2nd & 3rd) | 4-5:30 p.m. (Dec. 2nd) | 10-11:30 a.m. (Dec. 3rd)
- Location: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, Md.
A musical celebration of friendship and holiday fun! In this hit Broadway musical, two best friends with opposite personalities wake up from hibernation and enjoy hilarious adventures through the seasons. Lighthearted, with a sprinkle of nostalgia, this show is inspired by the acclaimed children’s books. Get your tickets here.
Annual Christmas and Holiday Parade
- Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
- Location: Historic Downtown Leesburg, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg, Va.
The Town of Leesburg invites locals and visitors to the Annual Christmas and Holiday Parade. The parade will begin at Ida Lee Park at 6 p.m. and travel south down King St., ending at Fairfax St. Lighted holiday floats, music and local organizations will be participating to bring holiday cheer to Leesburg. You don’t want to miss Santa and friends as they make their way along the parade route. Parade participation is free and open to the public.
December 9th – 10th
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Location: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Chinese dragon mythology, martial arts and stunning voices combine in this world premiere musical following an unlikely young duo on a daring adventure, inspired by Marcus Yi’s heroic story and songs. Get your tickets here.
- Time: 3 p.m. (Dec. 9th & 10th) | 7 p.m. (Dec. 9th)
- Location: DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Washington Performing Arts’s Children of the Gospel Choir joins the acclaimed United States Air Force Band as special guests in a series of joy-filled holiday performances at DAR Constitution Hall. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Limit four tickets per household.Â
December 10th
A Christmas Carol Sensory-Friendly Performance
- Time: 2 p.m.
- Location: Ford’s Theatre, 511 Tenth St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Since 2018, Ford’s Theatre has offered relaxed, sensory-friendly performances, providing theatrical experiences for people with sensory sensitivities. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Please call (202) 347-4833 to purchase tickets.
Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas
- Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
- Location: Center for the Arts at George Mason University, 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, Va.
¡Viva el Mariachi! Representing a new generation of mariachi artists, Mariachi Herencia de México is a vibrant group of Mexican-American musicians propelling the art and traditions of mariachi music to new heights. For the holidays, the ensemble brings the Latin American tradition of Las Posadas to the Center with songs of the season, such as Feliz Navidad, Los Peces en el RÃo, Ave Maria and more! Add some love, light and mariachi to your holiday this season this year with this joyful music. Get your tickets here, including a youth discount.
- Time: 5-6:30 p.m.
- Location: Tifereth Israel Congregation, 7701 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Join the TI community for latkes, pizza bagels and sufganiyot (special jelly doughnuts). There will be a dreidel tournament and Chanukah crafts! Bring your menorah to light the fourth candle together. Register and learn more here.
December 11th
- Time:Â 6-8:30 p.m.
- Location: Simcha Educational Center, 15021 DuFief Mill Rd., Gaithersburg, Md.
The annual Menorah Fire Truck Parade begins at the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department station on Hungerford Drive, then winds its way through Rockville, Potomac and Gaithersburg, making stops along the way. At each stop, watch the fire jugglers, join in the singing and dancing and catch some gelt. Then join the parade along the rest of the route! The parade ends at Chanukah Wonderland, where they will light the Community Menorah and enjoy jelly doughnuts.
- Time:Â 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Location: Central Library, 1015 North Quincy St., Arlington, Va.
Children of all ages and their adults are invited to experiment, problem-solve and use their creativity by making a work of process-oriented art. No registration is required as attendance is first-come, first-served until event capacity is reached.
December 12th
- Time: 10-11 a.m.
- Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, F St. NW & 8th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Kick off your day on a creative note with Art in the A.M., where children ages 0-5 can learn, connect and create with SAAM. Attendees will listen to a reading of Peter H. Reynolds’ ish in the Luce Foundation Center and learn more about the theme of the book. You and your children will then view selected pieces from the museum’s collection, reflecting on each artwork’s color, lines and images before they create their own ish-inspired craft. Space is limited and registration is required. Meet in the G Street Lobby.
Zombie Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
- Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Location: Great Falls Library, 9830 VA-193, Great Falls, Va.
A family program for all ages, decorate a gross and gruesome yet delicious zombie gingerbread cookie to take home! Registration is encouraged, but not required.
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