(2023) The Most Amazing Christmas Events in Maryland and DC with Kids
There are so many fun things to do for Christmas in Maryland. From ice skating to the beautiful Christmas holiday lights, live music, Christmas carol, the options seem endless!
We’ve spent lots of time in this state and are sharing our very favorite Christmas events to check out in Maryland and DC to help you plan the perfect Christmas. Your family can enjoy a variety of Christmas events in Maryland and DC.
Maryland is a city full of family friendly activities and Christmas season is not an exception. Plus, with DC and Virginia next door, you are sure to have a great Christmas. Here are over 20 of the most breathtaking Christmas events in Maryland and DC with kids.
If you are absolutely dying to see a variety of Christmas lights, check out some of the best festive light displays in Maryland.
The Most Breathtaking Christmas Activities in Maryland and DC with Kids
1. Ice Skating Inner Harbor Ice Rink
One of our best Christmas activities in Baltimore is to go ice skating at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink! Kids will have a blast as they learn how to skate together as a family, all bundled up in the cold. Be sure to get some hot chocolate afterward to warm up!
You can easily turn this Christmas activity into a nice family holiday tradition to do every year. Bring your own skates or rent some while you are there.
2. Zoo Lights Maryland Zoo
The Maryland zoo puts up a festive light display with surrounding lit up in lights and lots of animated displays. This typically takes place from the middle of November until the beginning of January.
It’s such an amazing experience being able to enjoy the holiday festivities, light shows while also checking out the animals at the zoo.
It does not get too crowded which is nice although we went in the evening. If you visit on a Saturday and your kids may be able to visit Santa! If the weather is not too cold, enjoy a carousel or train ride for free!
Lola’s Pro Tip: Get there way before they close. I did not realize there was a Christmas train ride and we got here about an hour to closing thinking we had good enough time but by the time we got to the train, the lines were too long to make it before closing.
This year, Zoo Lights runs from Friday, November 18 through Sunday, January 1, 2024
3. Center Plaza Candy Lane
This is a free event held at the Center Plaza Park. The park gets transformed into a candy land filled with life-sized candy pieces throughout the park. This is one of the Christmas events in Maryland that your kids will love!
We love this event because they have a theme for various days, such as family fun day, date nights, karaoke nights and more.
You will see 24-foot ice cream cones and a candy forest; unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Definitely head over to this one during the Christmas season!
4. Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade
Being on the water means that you can view many spectacular boat parades during December. One of the best ones to view is the Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade held in Annapolis, Maryland.
The Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade boat parade is held on the second Saturday of every December and is filled with lighted yachts to celebrate the holiday season.
Dates: December 9, 2023, from 6 – 8 p.m.!
5. Baltimore German Christmas Village
Another fun Christmas activity in Baltimore for the entire family is the German Christmas Village. There are plenty of vendors to get some Christmas shopping done, grab some delicious holiday food, drinks, and gear, and has plenty of fun things to do for the kids as well.
It is one of our favorite Christmas markets in Maryland especially because it’s also fun for our kids.
Our kids love to ride on the Christmas Village Carousel or the Ferris Wheel for a fun night out. It takes place in Baltimore inner Harbor and is perfect if you are looking to explore an authentic German market. This year it’s on from November 18 through December 24, 2023
Since its right on the harbor, if you are in the Baltimore area for a few days, check out some Baltimore Inner Harbor attractions.
You can also check out some amazing hotels and places to stay in Baltimore.
6. Ocean City Christmas Parade
Enjoy a nice Christmas parade on a picnic blanket out in Ocean City with your little ones. For around 40 years, this town has celebrated this holiday season by putting on a beautiful Christmas parade that just gets better each year.
This year it takes place on December 2nd, 2023, and the parade starts at 11:00 am. After the parade, head to the carousel for more family-friendly fun times and the award ceremony. While in Ocean City, be sure to check out some amazing things to do in winter season while in Ocean City.
If you need recommendations of our top hotels, check out places to stay in Ocean City and if you have your kids with you, here are some fun things to do while in Ocean City with your kids.
7. National Harbor Nightly Tree Light Show
At the National Harbor, we absolutely enjoy watching the 54-foot tree light up and this is done every single night during this holiday season. It is a little 30-minute light show that your kids will love to see.
The light show begins at sundown and will continue every half hour until 9:00 pm, so even the little ones can still enjoy it before their bedtime!
This year it will take place every evening from November 12 to January 3rd.
8. Santa Claus Train
What is more magical for kids than going on a train with Santa Claus? During the end of November and throughout December, the Walkersville Southern Railroad puts on a special Santa Claus Train.
Your Kids will enjoy going on a little train trip with Santa Claus himself. They get to talk with him, tell him their Christmas wishes, and enjoy a few more special surprises along the way.
9. Gaylord National ICE
Gaylord National has so many fun things to do during Christmastime for the entire family. We always love going into Buddy the Elf’s world with decorations and fun activities and making gingerbread houses and cookies together with you.
You can also go snow tubing and ice skating! One of the top attractions are the ICE sculptures of a variety of Christmas favorites like the Grinch, Rudolph, and more. This year the theme is Rudolph which just makes me super excited!!
Lola’s pro tip: Bundle up people!!!! It gets really cold with all the ice so make sure to double up to stay warm.
10. 34th Street Lights in Baltimore
This is one of the longest run FREE Christmas events in Maryland. Located in Hampden, Maryland, in Baltimore. It is actually on 34th street and is called the Miracle on 34th Street. These street lights have been going on for over 70 years.
It is another free event put on by the community to spread Christmas cheer to the kids. Be sure to visit the surrounding neighborhoods when you finish here to see more awesome lights!
One thing though, figure out parking or carpool if you can cause parking can be a pain.
11. Watch the Nutcracker
One of the amazing DC Christmas events for kids is to go and watch the Nutcracker at The Washington Ballet. The ballet usually puts on the show for an entire month, beginning at the end of November.
This is a classic Christmas tradition to do, especially together with your little girls. Every now and then, they will also hold different events, such as a Nutcracker Tea Party and Family Day, amongst others.
Dates: November 25 – 26 (THEARC) and December 2 – December 30, 2023 (Warner Theatre)
12. Six Flags America Holiday
Six Flags America puts on a Holiday in the Park event during the month of December. The park is decorated galore in lights and holiday spirit, and they have plenty of fun activities for the entire family. Even Santa will be at the park!
13. Monument Lighting
Another one of our favorite Christmas events in Maryland is the Monument Lighting. This is a super fun family annual tradition to do every year, as this has been going on for over three decades now.
You can celebrate the holiday season with caroling, delicious treats, a farmer’s market, and fireworks! The Monument fireworks are a unique event that the entire family will love. If you have a little one, bring some earmuffs to help cancel out the noise from the fireworks.
The launch date is December 7, 2023
14. Annmarie Garden in Lights
In Solomons, Maryland, head over to Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center for their Garden in Lights show. This is outdoor lights show with fun festivities for the entire family. Make sure you are bundled up to fully enjoy the show because it can get cold.
In this sculpture garden, the sculptures, art pieces, and trees will be full of lights and decorations. It is the perfect place to get some beautiful winter family pictures too! Certain nights have even more special events, so be sure to head over for one your family will enjoy the most.
Dates: November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024 (closed Nov. 27, 28 & Dec. 4, 5, 24, 25)
Cost: $5/person online, $7 at the gate
15. Botanical Garden
The United States Botanical Garden, is located in Washington DC and each year they have a beautiful holiday display worth viewing with your family. This garden of lights display opens up at the end of November and will stay open until the New Year.
Dates: November 23, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Along with the beautiful winterberries, the shrubs and trees will be decorated with lights and other fun, festive decorations. There is even a train display that the kids will love! If the weather is too cold, the train might not be running.
Because the garden gets busier during the holiday season, try to go during the weekdays, so there are fewer people.
16. Holiday Open House at Montpelier Farms
This year Montpelier farms invites visitors to tour the Madisons’ home which will be decorated according to 19th century customs.
There will also be some holiday shopping in the Museum Shop. Your kids can even do some holiday crafting and enjoy some Cookies and cider. They will also allow you to walk Montpelier’s 8+ miles of trails so be sure to dress warmly.
Dates: December 8, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
$10/ADULT (18+), $5/YOUTH (12-17), FREE/CHILD 11 AND UNDER
17. Enchant Christmas DC
Enchant Christmas is one of the largest Christmas light mazes in the world and is one of our top Christmas lights in MD and DC. There are a few locations all over the states, one being in National parks Washington DC. There are over 10 acres full of festive lights, decorations, and good cheer.
Your entire family will love exploring all the different decorations as well as ice skating, getting hot chocolate, and other delicious treats. You can even stop by and see Santa and Mrs. Claus! This will be a Christmas memory for years to come.
We were here last year, and it was fantastic, although I should have dressed a little warmer cause I was freezing after a while. Check out our fantastic experience at Enchant Christmas.
18. Symphony of Lights
In Howard County, the Symphony of Lights has been a Christmas tradition for over 25 years. There are over 300,000 Christmas tree lightings spread out throughout this event! Throughout the decorations, you will find hidden letters. You can win a prize if you figure out the secret word from all the letters!
You can either walk through the Symphony of Lights or drive-thru on certain nights. Your kids will be in awe as they see the life-size decorations as they come to life. Make this a fun holiday tradition this year and stop by!
If you plan to walk through, check the calendar as they have specific themed dates for walk throughs.
Dates: Nov 23, 2023 – Jan 1, 2024 (Closed on Nov 26-29, Dec 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 31)
Weekdays: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Weekends: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
19. Winterfest of Lights
This is another breathtaking Christmas event located in Ocean City. The Winterfest of Lights is held at Northside Park and is filled with sparkling lights. Take a nice evening stroll with your kids and enjoy being in nature as multi-colored lights surround you.
Santa will also be here, ready to meet and talk with your little ones. This is another great family tradition to start or continue this year with the entire family! You can also grab some delicious hot chocolate while you walk to keep you warm and to add to the magical night.
The 2023 Winterfest of Lights will be November 16, 2023 – December 31, 2023!
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20. Polar Express Train Ride
What kid wouldn’t like to go on the Polar Express Train Ride? Watch the movie together as a family before heading out to experience the movie in real life. Children two and younger are free to go with you too!
The ride is only an hour long and is so much fun. Your family will head to the North Pole and get some hot chocolate and cookies during the ride. You’ll sing, dance, and read from the book. Will your child be picked to receive the first gift of Christmas?
Trust me, you have to book these fast because gosh, they sell out fast.
- Trains on December 8th, 9th, & 10th Depart from Frostburg Station.
- Trains on December 8th, 9th, 10th, & 18th – 24th will be steam powered.
21. Lights on the Bay
Head to Sandy Point State Park and experience the beautiful Lights on the Bay. This is a drive-thru light festival all along the Chesapeake Bay. As you drive along, you will see over 60 different displays all about this wonderful holiday season.
Kids love pointing at everything they see during the drive! This is one of our favorite Festive lights display. We go every year while exploring an additional light show as well.
Lola’s pro tip: Try to go on weekdays if you can, the traffic line to get into the park on weekends can be insane.
Dates: November 19th through January 1st 2024.
22. Sailing Through The Winter Solstice
In Frederick, head to the creek and see another boat parade that is definitely worth seeing. From November until February, go and see tons of awesome boats decked out in lights and decorations. Some of the boats are so transformed into pirate ships or other incredible holiday themes your kids will love.
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice is put on by Colors on the Creek. All proceeds go to helping different local charities and is run by volunteers. What a great holiday festivity to support!
Lola’s pro tip: Check out the boats from both sides of the water, you will be surprised the differences you will find.
23. Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival
At Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, go on another driving experience with your family and see over 450 different winter displays full of lights and joy at the Winter Lights Festival.
From Teddy Bear Land to Toyland, the North Pole, and Penguin Cove, you will find so many fun decorations spread through almost four miles of the park.
With light traffic, you should be able to easily see everything within 30 minutes. If it is really busy, it could take up to two hours. Arrive with plenty of time to ensure you see it all.
Dates: November 24 – December 31, 2023 (closed Christmas day)
24. North Pole Lights Walk
Go on a walk with your family to the North Pole to find Santa Claus! This fun holiday activity is in Severn, Maryland. The trails are lit up with beautiful Christmas lights and allow you to explore to find Santa’s cabin, the gingerbread house, and many other fun things!
25. National Christmas Tree lighting
In Washington DC, watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting that has been around for over 90 years. There will be Christmas music, special performances, and the giant Christmas tree lighting.
This is a tradition you’ll want to see each year. Along the paths of the National Christmas tree are 58 state and territory trees decorated with uniquely designed ornaments by students.
27. Christmas at St Michaels
St, Michaels always has so many great things to do! The Christmas festival here just tops it off for us. This year it will be held December 8-10, 2023.
They will have the Breakfast with Santa for kids ages 4 to 9 which is always a whole vibe! Its $10 per child.
On the 9th of December, check out the Lighted boat parade. Then you get to tour some historic homes in the village and some very special countryside homes are featured.
Most events are paid, but there is the Talbot Street parade and the Light up the Night events which will be free.
28. Bethesda Winter Wonderland
This will take place on December 2nd, 2023, and is usually full of lots of fun activities like meeting Santa, Live ice sculpting demo, student concert, facepainting, arts and crafts etc.
29. Puppet Co Annual Nutcracker
This is a puppet show event.
This year it will take place November 24, 2023 – December 31, 2023 (Closed Dec. 25)
30. Columbia Orchestra Winter concert
We always love being able to join in the holiday sing-alongs and this is one of the best places to enjoy them plus even frozen tunes and more.
Dates: December 16, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Conclusion: The Most Breathtaking Christmas Events in DC and MD with Kids
The holiday season is a time for family, fun, laughter, and joy. Head over to any of these holiday activities for some of the most breathtaking Christmas events in Maryland and Washington DC with your kids. The whole family will have a blast this year!
