If you want a happy holiday season, studies say you should get those Christmas decorations up this weekend. Or—better yet—check out some of the holiday lights that are already on display. If you’re not ready to trade your crisp cider for some hot chocolate, there is plenty of turkey-themed fun. No matter what’s in your mug, it’s a festive weekend ahead.
photo: Annie Spratt via Unsplash
IN THE CITY
Downtown
Disney Junior Holiday Party on Tour
This festive affair is the perfect holiday outing for families across the country, featuring all of Disney Junior’s favorite characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Vampirina and Bingo and Rolly from “Puppy Dog Pals” performing live on stage to Disney Junior hits, holiday classics such as “Jingle Bells,” “Deck The Halls,” “Let It Snow,” and “Dreidel Song,” plus a some brand new tracks (tba). Not to mention, the show features the first-ever appearances of Disney Junior’s latest animated series, “T.O.T.S.” and of course with a special visit from Santa Claus! Sun. Event details.
Georgetown
Children’s Arts & Crafts Workshop
Roll up your sleeves and get crafty at the House of Swden. Projects are based on current exhibits to foster a fun, STEAM-based art afternoon. This program is recommended for kids 3-10. Participation is free. Sat. Event details.
National Mall
Toddler Trailblazers: Autumn Leaves
Explore the breathtaking beauty of autumn! Make sure to dress your toddler in warm clothes: this class includes a hunt for autumnal colors both inside and outside the National Gallery of Art museum. Sun. Event details.
Blackfeet Nation Tribal Festival
Learn about the Blackfeet Nation and the many aspects unique to Blackfeet culture at this two-day festival. The Blackfeet Reservation, located in northwestern Montana along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, is home one of the 10 largest tribes in the United States, with more than 17,000 enrolled members. Sat.-Sun. Event details.
Chinatown
MetroCooking DC 2019
Spend the day experiencing the many culinary highlights of MetroCooking DC. Enjoy celebrity chef cooking demos by Martha Stewart and Wolfgang Puck, appearances by Lidia Bastianich and more, shopping from 200+ specialty food vendors, unlimited samples from DC’s hottest restaurants in the Grand Tasting, hands-on cooking classes and workshops, meaty tastings in the BBQ Bash, and local sips in the Beer, Wine and Spirits Garden. Sat. Event details.
IN THE ‘BURBS
Glen Echo
The Velveteen Rabbit
This story is for anyone with a special place in their heart for their favorite stuffy, and what toddler (even adult) do you know who doesn’t love this timeless tale? Fri.-Sun. Event details.
Vienna
Oran Etkin’s Timbalooloo Concert
This internationally touring jazz clarinetist and educator will perform songs from his new globe-spanning album Finding Friends Far from Home: A Journey with Clara Net. Oran and special guests will invite loads of audience interaction including singing, clapping, dancing and drumming. As the instruments “talk” with one another, children learn that making music means bringing their own character, humor and emotion along for the ride. Sat. Event details.
Hyattsville
STEAM Maker Space
Enjoy an afternoon of art, creativity, and fun for free! Build, experiment, and create at engaging stations that include: Light Painting Lab, Go!, Build-It Discs, 3D-Pens, and so much more. Come and embrace your S.T.E.A.M. powers! This event is also taking place in Landover, MD Sat. Event details.
Rockville
Nature Tots: Turkeys
Discover the wonders of nature with your child. Each session, a naturalist helps you delve into a different nature topic through nature play, crafts, stories and hikes. Dress for the weather. Sat. Event details.
Leesburg
The Great Turkey Wobble
Join Village of Leesburg’s Atomic Trampoline, Rita’s, Rocket Fizz, and Sweet and Sassy for a free family fun activity! Collect a feather from each stop, and you can enter for one of the grand prizes. Start at Atomic Trampoline to create your turkey craft. Wobble your way over to Rocket Fizz for a scavenger hunt. Wobble down to Rita’s to decorate your own mini cake. Wobble across to Sweet and Sassy for a fun activity. Sun. Event details.
WORTH-THE-DRIVE
Davidsonville, MD
Grand Illuminations
Glittering lights ignite to kick off the holiday season! Bring out the family to build lasting holiday memories at Homestead Gardens Davidsonville store. Shop, watch the trains, grab a warm drink, then head outside for the flipping of the switch. Stick around after the lights go on to greet Santa as he makes his grand debut for the 2019 holiday season on his modern-day sleigh! Sat. Event details.
—Meghan Yudes Meyers
