The DC area has tons of fun activities to get you in the holiday spirit! With 2 toddlers of my own I’ve been thinking about all the things we want to do this season and I thought it would be helpful to share some ideas I’ve come across! Here are 10 DC Area Holiday Activities to do with Toddlers!
1. US Botanic Garden Model Train Exhibit
What: Outside in the gardens of the US Botanic Garden they set up an elaborate display of model trains running through tiny villages and landscapes. The theme and the landscape changes year-to-year, but it is always wildly impressive and worth the trip! I’m sharing this one first since it is one of my son’s absolute favorite things, he could watch those trains zoom round and round for days!
When: late November – January 1st
Price: Free (usually there is coffee and hot chocolate for sale)
2. Zoolights at the National Zoo
What: The National Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of holiday lights. In addition to walking through the light displays, there are family-friendly activities, carousel rides, and fun treats!
When: Nights in late November through December.
Price: Entrance to the zoo and event are free, parking at the zoo is $30.
3. Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm
What: A festive, family-friendly event at Frying Pan Farm in Herndon, VA. The event offers holiday wagon rides, visits with Santa, farm animals, crafts, hot chocolate, s’mores and more! Lots for fun for the whole family, the event is a charming mix of farm life and festive cheer!
When: Fridays and Saturdays in December prior to Christmas
Price: $10-$15/person
4. Winter Walk of Lights, Meadowlark Gardens
What: An impressive walk through holiday light display at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA. Enjoy over a half mile of nature themed, dazzling holiday light displays and animations. The walk is on a paved, stroller friendly path making it easy to navigate for families with young children.
When: Nightly November 8th – January 5th
Price: Timed tickets required, $16-$18 per person (under 2 free)
5. Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade
What: The 24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is an event at the Old Town, Alexandria waterfront featuring dozens of festive, lit up boats cruising along the Potomac River. The parade is the highlight of a larger event that goes on in the afternoon with food, drinks and family friendly activities.
When: Saturday, December 7th at 5:30pm (see website for best parade viewing spots)
Price: Free
6. Walkersville Southern Santa Train
What: The Walkersville Southern Railroad offers a charming holiday experience with its annual Santa Train rides. The train is adorned with festive decorations, creating a magical setting for families to enjoy a visit from Santa while onboard. Santa makes his way through the train, greeting passengers and visiting with the children. Kids receive a small gift, and hot chocolate is available for purchase. The scenic train ride takes passengers through the scenic countryside, making it memorable for children and adults alike!
When: Weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Price: Date Dependent ($20-$30)
7. Photos with Santa, Sterling Volunteer Fire Department
What: Your family will enjoy 10 minutes Santa at the volunteer fire station in Sterling, VA. Get your picture taken and visit with Santa!
When: Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th
Price: $30 donation per family includes one 5×7″ print, additional photo prints and digitals available for purchase.
8. Bull Run Festival of Lights, Centerville, VA
What: The Bull Run Festival of Lights is a popular 2.5 mile drive-through light show. Enjoy festive light displays from the comfort of your own car. Highlights include displays inspired by children’s stories and seasonal symbols like Santa and the Twelve Days of Christmas. After the scenic drive through the lights, you can explore the Holiday Village and Carnival, which offers s’mores, shopping and family friendly activities.
When: Nightly, November 15th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025
Price: $30 online or $40 at the gate (prices are per vehicle) *discounts nights available* Tickets for carnival rides purchased for an additional fee.
9. Winter Wonderland, Burke Lake Park
What: The Winter Wonderland event at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, VA is a holiday event geared towards young children. Enjoy a train ride on the Holiday Express, a spin on the Carolers Carousel and play Gingerbread Man Mini Golf! S’mores and hot chocolate by the fire, a visit with Santa round out a fun filled day!
When: Sunday, December 8th, 2024 – 11am-5pm
Price: $15 in advance or $20 at the door (children under 2 are free)
10. Family Photos at Snicker’s Gap Tree Farm
What: Join me out at the beautiful Snicker’s Gap Tree Farm in Round Hill, VA to capture your family’s memories this holiday season! I offer sunset mini sessions amongst the evergreens which makes for a gorgeous backdrop for you family’s holiday card!
When: Select weekend dates in November
Price: $450
