Christmas in DC
There is a wide selection of Christmas events and activities to choose from in Washington, DC and the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia. While you are busy shopping, decorating, cooking and preparing for the holiday, be sure to take some time out to make some special Christmas memories.
The Nutcracker
The Washington, DC area has a wide range of theaters to enjoy the Christmas classic ballet - the Nutcracker. Take the whole family to marvel over Clara’s Christmas fantasy when the wooden toy soldier comes alive and takes her on a magical tour of wonderful holiday adventures. For the younger crowd, check out the Nutcracker Puppet Show at the Puppet Co.
National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace
The Christmas Tree in front of the White House has a special allure to us all, but to kids it’s even more magical. Be sure to get up close and watch the toy train go around the track!
ZooLights at the National Zoo
Rock Creek Park. Dec. 4, 2009-Jan. 2, 2010, 6-8:30 p.m. Open every night except Dec. 24, 25, and 31. The National Zoo presents a display of thousands of sparkling animated Christmas lights, winter-themed crafts, ice sculpting demonstrations, choral groups, and storytellers.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Nov. 27-Dec. 27, 2009. The Williamsburg, Virginia amusement park is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, combining an immersive holiday experience with one-of-a-kind shopping and dining opportunities, all-new holiday shows and a spectacular light-dancing Christmas tree.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Various communities around the Washington, DC area light a Christmas tree, provide entertainment and invite children to visit with Santa.
Trains and Planes
Dec. 19-26, 2009, Miniature trains, villages, tunnels and depots spark the imagination while bringing history to life.
The Water-skiing Santa
Dec. 24, 2009, 1 p.m. New Location this Year! This unusual annual event features a water-skiing Santa, flying elves, the Jet-skiing Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman performing on the Potomac River.
Christmas Light Displays
Christmas light displays are beautiful and a great way to share the magic and joy of a winter wonderland. Kids will especially like the animated characters.
Discovery Theater’s Seasons of Light
Dec. 1-22, 2009. This seasonal favorite at the Smithsonian’s children’s theater celebrates the warmth of many holidays filled with light. Learn the history and customs of Devali, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Christmas, and the First Nations tradition of the Winter Solstice.
Reston Town Center’s Holiday Events
This shopping center in Reston, Virginia celebrates the holidays with a holiday parade, visits with Santa, carriage rides, a Christmas tree lighting and sing-along and more.
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