ML Interest Tag: ice-sculpting

Your Holiday Bucket List: Embracing the Season in Rosemont

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

From ice skating and holiday light festivals to family dinners, you’ll find the perfect activities for making memories.

If holiday movies have taught us anything, it’s that the months of November through January are all about spending time with family and feeling the magic of the season.

While you may not have a small town, family business to save this holiday (a.k.a every Christmas plot line currently on TV), you can enjoy the festive activities Rosemont has to offer. Just imagine sipping cups and cups of hot cocoa, ice skating under the moonlight, and starting a new holiday tradition.

And what better way to celebrate this year’s Yuletide than by curating your very own holiday bucket list? Lucky for you, we’ve compiled the best experiences across Rosemont to start filling you with the season’s warmth.

Photo credit: Village of Rosemont

1. Visit Your Community Christmas Tree (& Snap Family Photos!)

It’s almost an unspoken rule that community Christmas trees, completely adorned with sparkling lights, make for the perfect family photo—that you should totally use as the background of your next holiday card! Head to Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district to see an impressive display of more than 80,000 holiday lights alongside the Park’s iconic Christmas tree and even a walk-through illuminated ornament. Afterward, go ice skating at the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink and grab a seasonal dessert at any of the nearby eateries.

Photo credit: Village of Rosemont

2. Take Pictures with Santa

What’s the holidays without a family portrait with Santa? Say hello to the jolly ‘ol Big Guy at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago now until December 24 to check off this classic tradition from your bucket list. Pro tip: pre-book your visit in advance to avoid those lengthy lines. Your future self will thank you.

3. Tackle Holiday Shopping as a Family

After taking photos with Santa at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, tackle your holiday shopping and get your kiddos involved—there’s nothing more special to a grandparent than a hand-picked gift from their favorite little one. With over 130 high-end outlet stores from popular brands, you and your children can find the perfect present for all of your loved ones. You’ll be able to knock out all of your holiday shopping in one go—trust us!

Photo credit: Village of Rosemont

4. Go Ice Skating

Embrace winter’s charm with a few hours of ice skating—which will certainly give your kids the thrill and uniqueness they crave. At the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink, your family can ice skate for free now through January 28. Either bring your own skates or rent a pair for $8 on-site. Check out the complete schedule of ice skating hours here.

Photo credit: Sparkle Light Festival

5. See a Holiday Light Display

In case you need more glitz, sparkle, and awe, Rosemont’s Sparke Light Festival has it all. Open now through the end of December, the glistening spectacle has five villages, each featuring festive decor and towering displays that are illuminated with millions of lights.

You can also enjoy hop aboard the free “Holly Trolly” train and go tubing down the Alpine Slide, amongst many other happenings. Sparkle Light Festival even added its own ice skating rink this year!

6. Drink All the Hot Cocoa

It seems like every holiday movie has at least one scene where hot cocoa is on full display, and honestly, who can resist a warm hug in a cup? Sugar Factory at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is spotlighting a twist on the traditional drink with their pink unicorn hot chocolate (yes, it’s completely pink!) and s’mores version. It’s the perfect seasonal photo opp of your kids, and also insanely photographic.

Photo credit: Village of Rosemont

7. Enjoy Dinner at a Cozy Restaurant

Quality one-on-one time with your kids tops the list of things to do during the holiday season, especially once they’re home from school. We recommend an unplugged dinner (that’s right, absolutely no phones or devices!) at your restaurant of choice. There’s over 40 different restaurants to choose from throughout the Rosemont community that offer both kid-friendly and seasonal menus. We recommend planning dinner after a fun evening of shredding ice at the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink.

 

Get ready to check off each item on your personalized holiday bucket list and revel in the joy of the season!

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Your Guide to Seattle’s Must-Do Downtown Holiday Attractions

by Jeff Totey

We’ve gathered all the Seattle Christmas events in one spot so your fam can get into the holiday spirit with ease

After a couple of quiet years, Seattle is buzzing again this holiday season with returning and new favorite holiday events to explore. In fact, with so many things to do in downtown Seattle, you and the kids don’t need to go anywhere else to find (or spread) winter cheer. Our list (don’t worry, we checked it twice) includes everything from Santa sightings and steamy cups of hot cocoa paired with carolers to festive music, dancing nutcrackers, and a lot more. So get out your calendar, it’s time to schedule the Seattle Christmas events you really want to make time for this season.

Seattle holiday events you won’t want to miss

Kringle's Filling Station

Kringle's Filling Station

Part arcade, part neighborhood hangout, Kringle's Filling Station is perfect for families with older children. This pop-up event has set up shop along Aurora Ave. at an old gas station. Legend has it that the Kringle Family has come to offer hot chocolate out of the old gas tanks (don't worry, it's completely safe and sanitary!), let guests play unlimited rounds of "Ski-Ball", play "Reindeer Games" or sing holiday karaoke. You even have exclusive access to the Kringles' private office. Add-ons include the brand-new Speedway Slot Cars and photo booth aboard Santa's new-and-improved sleigh (you'll have to see it to believe it). 

Insider Tip: Santa's scheduled to visit the Filling Station December 1, 9, 16 and 22. And Krampus will be making an appearance on December 20 and 21.

Good to Know: Be sure to order your tickets online to reserve your time.

Dates: Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023 

8211 Aurora Ave. N.
Seattle
Online: kringlesfillingstation.com

Related: The City's Best Places for Santa Photos

Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand Seattle

We are beyond thrilled to see that the annual Gingerbread Village is back at the Sheraton Grand Seattle this year. If you've never been or if it has been a while, this really is a must-see event. Now in its 28th year, the event matches Seattle's top architecture firms, master builders, and the Sheraton Grand Seattle's culinary teams to create amazing works of edible art. This year's theme is focusing on Buzz Lightyear, but don't be surprised if a few other Toy Story characters show up too. Some of the gingerbread creations have great names like "Courage Against Zurg," "The Future is Bright," and of course, "To Infinity and Beyond!" While the exhibit is free, donations will be gladly accepted to go to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDRF).

Dates: Nov. 22, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023

Sheraton Grand Seattle
1400 6th Ave.
Seattle
Online: jdrf.org

Seattle Center Winterfest

Seattle Center is doing it up for the holidays starting the day after Thanksgiving and running through the New Year. If you're looking for free and affordable holiday activities and entertainment, head to the heart of the city. Kids can marvel as a miniature locomotive makes it way through a turn-of-the-century village inside the Armory and complete a scavenger hunt while they're at it (you'll find sheets at the train station). Follow it up with a weekend ice sculpting demonstration or a live performance at the Armory (hint: we're looking forward to the School of Rock Seattle performance on December 10, SANCA's youth performers on December 17, and the KlezKids performance on the 24th) before grabbing something tasty for dinner. Wander through the Campus Luminata light display and end at the International Fountain where things are always hopping before heading home.

Holiday highlight: Take a trip to the top of the Space Needle to grab a picture with jolly old St. Nick in his glass sleigh. Seeing the city's Christmas lights below are totally worth the trip. As for New Year's Eve, plan an evening of music at Seattle Center, or if your kids won't last that long, plan to spend the day at the Seattle Children's Museum for their Winter Market Event featuring a "Noon Year's Eve" pj party and a sock skating rink.

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2022

305 Harrison St.
Seattle
Online: seattlecenter.com

white glass sculptures are part of Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit a seattle christmas event for this year
courtesy Chihuly Garden and Glass

Winter Brilliance

While you're at Seattle Center, be sure to swing into Chihuly Garden and Glass to see Winter Brilliance. The display features over 700 hand-blown glass sculptures and combines glass art, video projection technology, and music for a full-sensory experience. One of the newest Seattle Christmas events, it celebrates the magic of the season in a whole new way. Catch the show in Gallery 1 into the new year when you visit.

Dates: Nov. 17, 2022-Feb. 28, 2023

Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison St.
Seattle
Online: chihulygardenandglass.com

Photo © Angela Sterling

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

With lavish sets and costumes designed by Ian Falconer (of Olivia fame) and the ever-mesmerizing choreography of Balanchine, Pacific Northwest Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a forever favorite for many Seattle families. This full-length show is best suited for school-aged kids, but theatergoers of all ages will be glued to their seats for the entire two-plus hour show, basking in the care and craftsmanship of this delightful production. The 40-foot-tall Christmas tree, snow flurries on stage and Mother Ginger’s magical skirt (it weighs more than 60 pounds!) are all part of what makes this production one of the best around.

Insider Tip: A sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for December 21 at 2 p.m.

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 27, 2022

McCaw Hall
321 Mercer St.
Seattle
Event details

Paddington Saves Christmas

Another theater production you won't want to miss is SCT's latest. Even the tiniest theater lovers will be able to enjoy this holiday show, starring their favorite clumsy Bear, Paddington. With his telltale red hat and blue coat, they’ll fall for Paddington’s innocent antics as he works to save Christmas from being a total disaster. It all starts out simply enough—with Paddington and Mrs. Bird making the holiday marmalade (for Paddington’s sandwiches, of course). But oops!—they’ve run out of sugar. A trip to borrow some from grumpy neighbor, Mr. Curry, turns into more than Paddington bargained for when he agrees to help out with household chores in exchange. Things sort of snowball from there, leaving poor Paddington to fix it all before December 25. The show runs for 70 minutes with no intermission.

Insider Tip: There is a sensory-friendly performance scheduled for Dec. 11 at 11 a.m.

Dates: Nov. 15-Dec. 31, 2022

Seattle Children's Theatre
201 Thomas St.
Seattle
Event details

Related: Bravo! 17 Must-See Holiday Shows for Families

Downtown Seattle Association

Holiday Lights & Delights

Ride the monorail from Seattle Center to Westlake Park to take advantage of this larger-than-life holiday display that features over 80,000 lights. All season long, enjoy memory-making moments with Holiday Lights & Delights and enjoy free, family-friendly activities at Westlake Park and Occidental Square each weekend. Don't forget your phones! In addition, enjoy live music by local artists on Fridays (Dec. 9 & 16) from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at Westlake Park. This is where you'll also find Family Fun featuring crafts, characters, and snow flurries on Saturday, December 10 and 17. Or you can head on over to Pioneer Square on the same days to hear live carolers while sipping free cocoa and munching on cookies from noon-3 p.m.

Dates: Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 7, 2023

Westlake Park
401 Pine St.
Seattle

Occidental Square
117 S. Washington St.
Seattle
Online: downtownseattle.org

Related: Watts Up: The Coolest Light Displays in Seattle You Need to See

kids are ice skating a special christmas activity at an outdoor rink
iStock

Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink at Occidental Square

For one weekend only, families can enjoy this pop-up ice skating rink in downtown Seattle. Free for everyone, the ice rink will be filled with skaters of all ages and abilities. If you’ve got your own skates, bring them along. If not, they’ll have skates on hand to borrow. Just remember to bundle up—this rink is totally outside.

Date: Dec. 9-11, 2022

117 S. Washington St.
Seattle
Event details

Related: Take a Spin around Seattle's Seasonal (& Year-Round) Ice Skating Rinks

Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Big bears, lil’ bears, brown bears, white bears! This beary special holiday event is a must-see for kids of all ages. Located inside the elegant Fairmont Olympic Hotel, the Teddy Bear Suite is exactly that and so much more. See teddy bears galore along with beautiful holiday decorations and Christmas trees. The Teddy Bear Suite is also the perfect spot to grab a holiday photo of the kids (think: cute, cuddly holiday cards) or chillax and enjoy a teddy bear-themed book. Psst! After visiting the Teddy Bear Suite on the second floor, stop by the lower lobby to check out the hotel's magnificent gingerbread display made out of 4,000 real gingerbread bricks.

Good to know: ​Donations are appreciated to benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Seattle Children's Autism Center.

Dates: Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023

411 University St.
Seattle
Online: seattlefestivaloftrees.com

A diving santa and an elf at Seattle Aquarium are one of many Seattle christmas events for families in the area
Seattle Aquarium

Diving Santa

Did you know that when Santa isn’t supervising elves and delivering toys, he's scuba diving? Come see for yourself when he dives in the Seattle Aquarium’s Window on Washington Waters exhibit this holiday season. While you're there, enjoy live holiday music, story times with Santa, marine mammal meet and greets, and more. Santa and pals will be taking to the water on three different dates this year. Catch him at noon or 3 p.m. on December 17 and 18 or at noon on Christmas Eve. 

Dates: Dec. 17, 18 & 24, 2022

Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way
Seattle
Online: seattleaquarium.org

Urban Craft Uprising at South Lake Union Winter Market

Families can shop 'til they drop at Urban Craft Uprising's annual outdoor winter show, held outside the Nitro Building in South Lake Union. It's the easy way to shop small and local this holiday season. The event is free and family-friendly, and it will feature different vendors on different days, so you can go twice to see all the goodies.

Dates: Dec. 8 & 9, 2022

Outside the Nitro Building
2250 7th Ave.
Seattle
Online: urbancraftuprising.com

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Holiday Train & Sleigh Rides to Jump Aboard Now

by Maria Chambers

Dash away, dash away, dash away all! It’s time to dash away on a one-horse open sleigh. Or on an old-fashioned locomotive. Or even on a CTA train. Whether you’re gliding across snow-capped fields or gliding down the rails of downtown Chicago, there are holiday train and sleigh rides you shouldn’t miss. Flip through our photo album to see which are worth jumping aboard now.

Polar Express at Union Station

Polar Express

Relive the magic of the holiday classic The Polar Express with a one-hour train ride to meet Santa, set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack. Passengers will climb aboard The Polar Express and work their way through the car to punch their golden ticket before indulging in hot chocolate and a cookie served by dancing chefs. Bring your books, if you have them, for a read-along of the book written by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his elves will make an appearance to greet passengers with the first gift of Christmas and characters on each car will lead riders in an immersive onboard experience—just like in the film! Each person will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and golden ticket to remember the cherished evening. 

Select dates Nov. 23-Dec. 29; Union Station, 225 S. Canal St., Loop; Online: chicagothepolarexpressride.com.

Christmas at Cottonwood

Siegel's

Take a breather after a long morning of Black Friday shopping and kick off the holidays the right way—with fun on the farm. Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm hosts Cottonwood Christmas with activities, food and fun for the entire family. Activities include sleigh rides, Santa meet-and-greets, petting zoo, train rides, giant mountain slide, play areas, candy cannon and more.

Nov. 30, noon-3 p.m.; Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm, 17250 Weber Rd., Lockport; Online: cottonwoodfarms.net.

CTA Holiday Train

Marco Sanchez via flickr

Santa and his merry band of elves will make an appearance on every El line this holiday season. In fact, the big guy in red comes jingling his way through in grand style, pulled in a sled by faux reindeer. A gift from the Chicago Transit Authority, the festive El — decked out in colored lights, garland, bows and tinsel — arrives with pomp and glee, leaving you and your little ones smiling ear to ear long after your stop. You might even get a candy cane handout if you're onboard.

The CTA Holiday Train runs on select days on select lines through December 23. Usual El fares apply. The 2019 schedule has not been released; Online: transitchicago.com.

Blackberry Farm Holiday Express

Blackberry Farm

And what to your wondering eyes should appear? A decorated miniature open-air train that runs continuously through Aurora's living-history museum. Catch the Holiday Express train around Lake Gregory amidst thousands of twinkling lights. It's part of the farm's annual Victorian Christmas celebration, Holiday Express, which includes music, storytelling in a historic schoolhouse, a visit from Santa, craft stations and a Reindeer Food Bar.

Tickets go on sale Nov. 12. The Holiday Express runs December 5, 12, 13, 19 & 20, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22, 2 p.m.-7 p.m.; 100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora; Online: blackberryfarm.info.

Navy Pier Winter WonderFest Arctic Express Train

Nick Ulivieri

Hop aboard this family-friendly trackless train, which travels nearly 300 feet around a holiday village display during Navy Pier’s annual Winter WonderFest. Zig-zagging and weaving through lighted houses and scenes, you’ll meet favorite holiday characters and see lots of twinkling sights. The fun doesn’t end with the train; the festival also includes dozens of rides for all ages, including a climbing wall, ice skating rink, 50-foot-tall indoor Ferris wheel and more.

Dec. 6-Jan 12; 600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier; Online: navypier.com.

Apple Holler

Sharonang via Pixabay

Get whisked away on a sleigh through beautiful hardwoods, many of which are over 100 years old. That's the scene at Apple Holler, just across the Wisconsin border. Halflinger horses take you and your family or friends on a special orchard tour, which winds down with S'mores and a cup of hot chocolate or tasty warm apple cider. While you're there, cut down your own Christmas tree. . . a festive activity that will surely become a family tradition. 

Sleigh rides are available upon request throughout December whenever there is snow; 5006 S. Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, WI; Online: appleholler.com.

Santa's Village

Santa's Village

Santa’s Village will host Magical Christmas Days filled with holiday cheer, entertainment, shopping, festive treats, rides, and of course, visits with the Man in Red, Santa Claus himself. Included in all this magical fun is Kringle's Convoy, semi-trucks lined up like trains for kids to help Santa deliver presents, and the Alaskan Railway that takes you on a journey through Caribou Crossing to get an up-close view of reindeer, bobcats and foxes.

Nov. 29, 30 & Saturdays and Sundays in Dec.; Santa's Village, 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee; Online: santasvillagedundee.com.

Lionel Train Adventure at LPZ ZooLights

Lincoln Park Zoo

The most wonderful time of the year deserves the most wonderful event of the year. Join Lincoln Park Zoo for their 25th annual ZooLights, a one-of-a-kind, festive holiday experience that happens under the glow of 2.5 million lights. Hop on the Lionel Train Adventure for a luminous ride across a quaint country bridge, past forest and canyon scenery before returning to the red brick station.

Nov. 29 & 30, Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-23, 26-31 & Jan. 1-5; 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: lpzoo.org.

Homewood Holiday Lights

City of Homewood

The annual Homewood Holiday Lights celebration in Homewood offers all the holiday traditions in one evening. The Martin Avenue Outdoor Market begins at 5 p.m. with food vendors, a live reindeer petting zoo, music by the Southwest Community Brass Ensemble, an ice sculpting demonstration and free rides on the Polar Express electric trackless train. An antique car show precedes the 7 p.m. tree lighting ceremony at Irwin Park, when Santa and his friends arrive on a fire engine to flip the switch for the grand tree lighting.

Dec. 6; Irwin Park, 18120 Highland Ave., Online: village.homewood.il.us.

Miracle on Martin

City of Homewood

Gather in Homewood for Miracle on Martin to enjoy a bonfire with s'mores and beverages that will take the chill away. Santa will be at the Homewood Science Center, where you'll find a sensory-friendly holiday scene that sets the perfect backdrop for a quiet visit with the big guy himself. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available through the downtown area from 3 to 6 p.m. Holiday characters stroll Martin Ave along with holiday carolers. There is also a special “I Spy” community event with maps of the windows and lists of items to seek. Kids of all ages can fill out an “I Spy” treasure hunt brochure and receive a holiday treat.

Dec. 14, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.; Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Hwy.; Online: village.homewood.il.us.

— Maria Chambers & Kelly Aiglon

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18 Free (and Fun) Things to Do During the Holidays

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

The turkey is roasting, the fire is crackling, and you’re trying to get your family into the holiday spirit. Whether they’re super psyched like the Griswolds or grumpy like the Grinch, we’ve got your must-check out events (that just so happen to be free, too) that will help take that holiday spirit to a whole new level.

Photo credit: Reston Town Center via Facebook

#1 Reston Town Center Holiday Parade
Families from across Northern Virginia (and beyond) gather to kick off the Christmas Season with a fun parade and Christmas Tree lighting. And, word on the street is that Santa himself is supposed to show up!

When: Nov. 28, 11 am
Reston Town Center (Reston, Va)
Online: restontowncenter.com

#2 National Christmas Tree Lighting and the Pageant of Peace
Little ones who just can’t wait another moment for Christmas, might be pacified at the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse. Combined with the Pageant of Peace, families can watch the First Family light the “Nation’s Christmas Tree,” which features ornaments sent from all 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia, while local choirs belt out familiar holiday tunes.

When: Dec. 4, 5 pm
The Ellipse between 17th and 15th Sts., NW
Online: thenationaltree.org

#3 Middleburg Hunt Christmas Parade
Animal lovers will adore the Middleburg Hunt Christmas Parade. The famous Middleburg Hunt Review will ride down Main Street with red coated horseback riders and their hounds to kick off the winter season with holiday revelry. Draught horses are available for hayrides later in the day, while Mom is off shopping at the craft fair.

When: Dec. 6,  8 am–6 pm
Main St. (Middleburg, Va)
Online: christmasinmiddleburg.org

#4 Zoo Lights at the National Zoo
Lit up by more than half a million LED lights, the National Zoo becomes a winter wonderland for the animals and their guests. Live music, yummy treats, a choo choo train, ice sculptures, and a brand new light show will wow the kids and tucker them out for bedtime!

When: Nov. 28–Jan. 5, 5 pm-9 pm
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW (Woodley Park)
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu

Photo credit: United States Botanic Garden via Facebook

#5 Season’s Greetings at the U.S. Botanic Gardens
Privateers and buccaneers should set sail for the Botanic Garden’s annual Christmas display that will feature 33 lighthouses that explore the world’s oceans—with plants. Grab your spyglass and keep watch for the pirate ship or walk the plank to check out the model trains winding their way through a snowy village.

When: Nov. 27-Jan. 5
100 Maryland Ave., SW (National Mall)
Online: usbg.gov

#6 Santa Fly In
Wannabe pilots can watch Santa fly into the College Park Aviation Museum to do arts and crafts, take pictures, and of course, listen to little one’s Christmas wish lists.

When: Dec. 6, 12 pm-4 pm
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr. (College Park, Md)
Online: collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

#7 Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long
Drag your kids away from The Voice and take them to a real sing-along. The United States Marine Band will lead carolers (that’s YOU) in various renditions of Christmas and Hanukkah songs leading up to the last song of the night—Silent Night—where participants are invited to light candles during the last verse.

When: Dec. 7, 4 pm
Filene Center
1645 Trap Rd. (Vienna, Va)
Online: wolftrap.org

#8 National Hanukkah Menorah
Celebrate Hanukkah by watching as the first candle is lit on the National Menorah to start the weeklong festival of lights. Little ones can munch on donuts and latkes as they listen to the US Air Force Band.

When: Dec. 16,  6 pm
The Ellipse
Between 17th and 15th Sts., NW
Online: nationalmenorah.org

Photo credit: Campagna Center via Facebook

#9 Scottish Christmas Walk
If your little ones are gaga for “Brave,” then be sure to check out Old Town’s Scottish Christmas Walk where hundreds of clansmen march through Old Town to celebrate their heritage and welcome the holiday season. Little ones can see re-enactment groups, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

When: Dec. 6, 11 am
St. Asaph and Wolfe Sts. (Alexandria, Va)
Online: campagnacenter.org

#10 Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Mini sailing buffs will love seeing all the boats decked out for Christmas as they light up the night along the Potomac. More than 50 boats, including Alexandria’s fireboat, the Vigilant, and D.C.’s fireboat, the John Glenn (it spurts water 70 feet into the air!) will join the procession to celebrate the winter season.

When: Dec. 6, 5:30 pm
Alexandria Marina, behind the Torpedo Factory (Alexandria, Va)
Online: visitalexandriava.org

#11 13th Annual DAR Christmas Open House
Celebrate the Christmas season by taking the kids for a history lesson so fun they won’t even know they’re learning! The Daughters of the American Revolution open Memorial Continental Hall—a Registered Historic Landmark—so that holiday revelers can tour rooms adorned in period décor, enjoy Christmas music, and discuss wish lists with the man in red while Mom and Dad get a jump on some holiday shopping.

When: Dec. 10, 5:30 pm-8 pm
DAR Memorial Continental Hall
17th and D Sts., NW (Farragut)
Online: dar.org

Photo credit: North Beach Maryland via Facebook

#12 Christmas on the Beach
Families who are already wishing for warm summer beach vacations, should head over to North Beach’s Christmas on the Beach parade featuring Santa, a parade and enough holiday cheer to make kids pretend they’re wearing a swimsuit (instead of a parka).

When: Dec. 6, 12 pm
8916 Chesapeake Ave. (North Beach, Md)
Online: ci.north-beach.md.us

#13 Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple
Frequent riders of the Capital Beltway get a chance to hop off, and take the family to visit the Mormon Temple (the beautiful white building with gold spires on the north side) and its annual Festival of Lights. The temple is lit with more than 600,000 lights and features concerts, an outdoor nativity, crèche exhibits from across the world and themed Christmas trees.

When: Dec. 4 through the New Year, 10 am-10 pm
9900 Stoneybrook Dr. (Kensington, Md)
Online: dctemplelights.lds.org

#14 Breakfast with Santa
Little ones looking to sit on Santa’s lap and tug at his beard should visit Del Ray United Methodist Church’s annual Breakfast with Santa. Families can enjoy French toast, eggs, and coffee while the little ones giddly await the man himself. Kids have their picture taken with Santa after breakfast, and get the chance to see one of Santa’s elves! Tip: The event is free, but canned goods for donation to Rising Hope Food Bank are appreciated.

When: Dec. 6, 9 am
100 E. Windsor Ave. (Alexandria, Va)
Online: delrayumc.org

Photo credit: Bethesda Urban Partnership via Facebook

#15 Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland
If your little ones have ever wondered what it takes to carve ice sculptures then be sure to stop by the Bethesda Winter Wonderland celebration to take in the live ice sculpting presentations. Kiddos can listen to Christmas carols and get a visit from Santa after the masterpieces are finalized.

When: Dec. 6, 12 pm
Veterans Park
Woodmont and Norfolk Aves. (Bethesda, Md)
Online: bethesda.org

#16 Kids Euro Festival
Jetsetting parents, or those wishing to relive their study abroad days, can pretend they’re traveling for the holidays by taking the kiddos to this festival. Celebrating more than 27 countries, there will be over 200 free performances for little ones scattered throughout the city. Everything from Spanish mime theater to Bulgarian puppets and The Italian Fairy to Slovakia’s version of Cow Story.

When: through Nov. 9
202-862-9500
Online: kidseurofestival.org

#17 Holley TrolleyFest
Train crazy kids will go bananas for the National Capital Trolley Museum’s annual Holly TrolleyFest where they can ride the rails with Santa Claus, and check out a trolley themed holiday village.

When: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 12:30 pm-4:30 pm
1313 Bonifant Rd. (Colesville, Md)
Online: dctrolley.org

#18 Water Skiing Santa
You’ve never seen Santa like this before—his sled turns into water skis as he glides across the Potomac and heads straight for the National Harbor. Little ones may also catch sight of a knee boarding reindeer, flying elves, a jet skiing Grinch and a Snowman in a boat!

When: Dec. 24, 1 pm
Woodrow Wilson Bridge (National Harbor, Md)
Online: waterskiingsanta.com

What’s on your holiday to-do list? Tell us in the Comments section below. Bonus points if it’s something free!

—Hilary Riedemann

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