Washington, DC has 8 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from ZooLights in Washington on November 20 to Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places in Washington, which runs through January 3. 5 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in every state.
The short version
- 8 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Washington, DC for 2026, in Washington
- First: ZooLights, Washington, November 20. Runs latest: ZooLights, Washington, through January 3
- Free: Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places, Crafts, Cocoa, and Community, Fairmont's 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, National Christmas Tree and America Celebrates Display and Winter Wonderland Fun Day
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included).
Washington, DC Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 8 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Washington
- Season
- November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 5
- Kinds of events
- holiday lights, tree lighting, model trains and holiday crafts
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Washington, DC Christmas event for kids happens
The first is ZooLights in Washington on November 20; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- ZooLightsWashington · Nov 20 to Jan 3
- Enchant ChristmasWashington · Nov 21 to Dec 22
- Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic PlacesWashington · Nov 26 to Jan 3
- Crafts, Cocoa, and CommunityWashington · Dec 1
- Fairmont's 23rd Annual Tree Lighting CeremonyWashington · Dec 1
- National Christmas Tree and America Celebrates DisplayWashington · Dec 3 to Jan 1
- Santa's Suite at the FairmontWashington · Dec 5 to Dec 20
- Winter Wonderland Fun DayWashington · Dec 17
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Washington, DC? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Washington
8 confirmed events for kids in Washington, soonest first.
Washington: ZooLights
Holiday lightsSmithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute · Washington
- Host
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Smithsonian's National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
- When
- Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly)
- Cost
- Timed passes required; see National Zoo site
- Ages
- Family friendly
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
ZooLights returns to the Smithsonian's National Zoo from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Families walk the zoo under roughly one million environmentally friendly LED lights, with glowing animal lanterns along the paths.
Live musical performances, hot cocoa and other festive treats round out the evening, and each visit supports the zoo's conservation work. Timed passes are required, so check the National Zoo's ZooLights page for nightly hours, closed dates and pass details before you go. The zoo is at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, and the display runs every night of the season listed on the calendar, through the winter break and New Year's weekend.
Parent tip: Get timed passes ahead of time, and dress kids warmly for an outdoor evening walk.
See dates and details from Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (opens in a new tab)Washington: Enchant Christmas
Holiday lightsEnchant Christmas · Washington
- Host
- Enchant Christmas (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Tuesday, December 22, 2026 (check event website for nightly times)
- Cost
- Prices vary
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Enchant Christmas sets up inside Nationals Park from November 21 to December 22, 2026. The 2026 theme, Night of the Nutcrackers, sends families through a walk-through maze of millions of lights to find eight missing guardians of Christmas magic.
There is also an illuminated ice skating trail, a festive village with seasonal food and gifts, and hands-on holiday activities. Visits with Santa are included. Ticket prices vary by date, and the listing says to check the event website for times. The ballpark is at 1500 South Capitol Street in Washington, and the season wraps up on December 22, a few days before Christmas, so plan ahead.
Parent tip: Prices vary by night, so compare dates before buying, and plan extra time if the kids want to skate.
See dates and details from Enchant Christmas (opens in a new tab)Washington: Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places
Model trainsFreeUnited States Botanic Garden · Washington
- Host
- United States Botanic Garden (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20001
- When
- Thursday, November 26, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily; closed Dec 25; open until 8 pm with live music Dec 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 29), 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free, no ticket required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The U.S. Botanic Garden's annual holiday show returns with poinsettias, evergreens and holiday decor, plus a model train show marking America's 250th anniversary. Trains run past national parks and historic places recreated from hundreds of different plant parts, including the Grand Canyon, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn and the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. A returning collection of Washington landmarks made from natural materials, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol, is also on display.
The show is free with no ticket required and runs daily from November 26, 2026, through January 3, 2027, from 10 am to 5 pm. The garden stays open until 8 pm with live music on December 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 29, and is closed on December 25. Train-loving kids of all ages will find plenty to spot.
Parent tip: No ticket is needed. Evening hours to 8 pm on select December nights add live music; the garden is closed Christmas Day.
See dates and details from United States Botanic Garden (opens in a new tab)Washington: Crafts, Cocoa, and Community
Holiday craftsFreeDC Public Library · Washington
- Host
- DC Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20011
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Birth to 5, ages 5 to 12, teens, adults and seniors
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library is hosting a holiday gathering built around creativity and community care. Neighbors of every age can enjoy warm cocoa and sweet treats while making festive holiday ornaments, which families can take home or hang on the library's Community Tree.
The evening also includes a vision board activity for setting intentions for the new year, free winter clothing such as coats, gloves and hats while supplies last, and free health screenings. The library lists the event for everyone from babies to seniors, so it works for a whole family outing after school or work. It runs for two hours on a Tuesday evening, and like most DC Public Library programs, there is no cost to attend.
Parent tip: Come early if you are hoping to pick up free coats, hats or gloves, which are available while supplies last.
See dates and details from DC Public Library (opens in a new tab)Washington: Fairmont's 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree lightingFreeFairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown · Washington
- Host
- Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, 2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5:30 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free; Eventbrite RSVP link on listing
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Fairmont in Georgetown holds its 23rd annual tree lighting on Tuesday evening, December 1, from 5:30 to 7 pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Kids can decorate holiday cards and sample holiday treats, and every family is entered to win prizes. After the master of ceremonies introduces him, Santa makes his first appearance of the season and listens to children's wishes beside a life-size gingerbread house. Guests are encouraged to bring a gift for Horton's Kids. The listing includes an Eventbrite link, so it is worth reserving a spot. The hotel is at 2401 M Street NW in Washington, and the event wraps up by 7 pm.
Parent tip: Reserve through the Eventbrite link on the listing, and bring a new gift for Horton's Kids if you can.
See dates and details from Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown (opens in a new tab)Washington: National Christmas Tree and America Celebrates Display
Tree lightingFreeNational Park Foundation and National Park Service · Washington
- Host
- National Park Foundation and National Park Service (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Ellipse at President's Park, 15th St NW and E St NW, Washington, DC 20004
- When
- Thu December 3 and Mon December 7, 2026
- Cost
- Free to visit; ceremony tickets by lottery
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse is one of Washington's signature holiday sights. The lighting ceremony takes place on December 3 with tickets awarded by lottery through recreation.gov, and it premieres nationwide on December 5 on the National Park Foundation's YouTube channel and local media.
From December 7 through January 1, the grounds are open to everyone, and the lights come on near sunset each evening. Surrounding the tree is the America Celebrates display, featuring one of a kind ornaments designed by students from every U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia, which kids enjoy hunting through to find their home state. The display is open and free to all visitors, and the site notes a new light show this season.
Parent tip: Go after sunset to see the tree lit, and let kids look for their own state's student ornament in the America Celebrates display.
See dates and details from National Park Foundation and National Park Service (opens in a new tab)Washington: Santa's Suite at the Fairmont
Santa visitFairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown · Washington
- Host
- Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, 2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037
- When
- Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Cost
- $12 per adult, $12 per child; proceeds to Horton's Kids
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa takes up residence in a suite at the Fairmont in Georgetown on weekends in December. Families book a 15 minute visit for up to 10 people, share Christmas wishes and take photos with Santa.
While there, kids can look at gingerbread displays made by the hotel's pastry team and enjoy hot chocolate and holiday treats. Visits are $12 per adult and $12 per child, with proceeds going to Horton's Kids, a local children's charity. Reservations are made online through the hotel's ticket page. The hotel is at 2401 M Street NW. Reservations for December visits opened October 15, and visits run four hours each weekend day.
Parent tip: Book early, since visits are reserved in 15 minute blocks on weekends only.
See dates and details from Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown (opens in a new tab)Washington: Winter Wonderland Fun Day
Holiday story timeFreeDC Public Library · Washington
- Host
- DC Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Deanwood Neighborhood Library, 1350 49th Street NE, Washington, DC 20019
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 4:30 to 6:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Birth to 5, ages 5 to 12, teens
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Deanwood Neighborhood Library is throwing a Winter Wonderland Fun Day the week before winter break. Kids can make holiday crafts that the library describes as good enough to eat, listen to winter stories, and learn a recipe for making fake snow, which is a fun hands on project in a city that does not always get the real thing.
The program is open to babies, school age kids and teens, so siblings of different ages can come together. It runs for two hours on a Thursday afternoon and evening, giving families time to drop by after school. DC Public Library programs are free, and the library asks anyone who needs an accommodation to contact dcplaccess@dc.gov at least a week ahead.
Parent tip: Drop in after school; the fake snow activity can get messy, so dress kids accordingly.
See dates and details from DC Public Library (opens in a new tab)Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in Maryland, Christmas events for kids in Pennsylvania and Christmas events for kids in Virginia list more confirmed events, and the national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonWashington, DC Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Washington, DC in 2026?
We confirmed 8 Christmas events for kids in Washington, DC for 2026 on each host’s own page: ZooLights in Washington (November 20), Enchant Christmas in Washington (November 21), Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places in Washington (November 26), Crafts, Cocoa, and Community in Washington (December 1), Fairmont's 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington (December 1), National Christmas Tree and America Celebrates Display in Washington (December 3), Santa's Suite at the Fairmont in Washington (December 5) and Winter Wonderland Fun Day in Washington (December 17). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Washington, Washington, DC?
For families in and around Washington, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: ZooLights (Nightly, Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, timed passes required; see national zoo site); Enchant Christmas (Nov 21 to Dec 22, 2026, prices vary); Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places (Daily, Nov 26 to Jan 3, 10 am to 5 pm; some evenings to 8 pm, free, no ticket required); Crafts, Cocoa, and Community (Tue, Dec 1, 5 to 7 pm, free); Fairmont's 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Tue, Dec 1, 5:30 to 7 pm, free; eventbrite rsvp link on listing); National Christmas Tree and America Celebrates Display (Daily, Dec 7 to Jan 1; ceremony Dec 3 by lottery, free to visit; ceremony tickets by lottery); Santa's Suite at the Fairmont (Saturdays and Sundays, Dec 5 to Dec 20, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, $12 per adult, $12 per child; proceeds to horton's kids); Winter Wonderland Fun Day (Thu, Dec 17, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Washington section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Washington, DC?
Yes. 5 of the 8 events here are free: Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places in Washington, Crafts, Cocoa, and Community in Washington, Fairmont's 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington, National Christmas Tree and America Celebrates Display in Washington and Winter Wonderland Fun Day in Washington. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Washington, DC this December?
Santa appears at Enchant Christmas in Washington (November 21), Fairmont's 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington (December 1) and Santa's Suite at the Fairmont in Washington (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Washington, DC?
Holiday story times on this page: Winter Wonderland Fun Day in Washington. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Washington, DC Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Crafts, Cocoa, and Community in Washington (Birth to 5, ages 5 to 12, teens, adults and seniors) and Winter Wonderland Fun Day in Washington (Birth to 5, ages 5 to 12, teens).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Washington, DC on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: ZooLights in Washington (through January 3), Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places in Washington (through January 3) and National Christmas Tree and America Celebrates Display in Washington (through January 1).
How much is ZooLights in Washington?
Timed passes required; see National Zoo site. ZooLights is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly) at Smithsonian's National Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Enchant Christmas in Washington?
Prices vary. Enchant Christmas is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Tuesday, December 22, 2026 (check event website for nightly times) at Nationals Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places in Washington?
Free, no ticket required. Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places is on Thursday, November 26, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily; closed Dec 25; open until 8 pm with live music Dec 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 29), 10 am to 5 pm at United States Botanic Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Crafts, Cocoa, and Community in Washington?
Free. Crafts, Cocoa, and Community is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Fairmont's 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington?
Free; Eventbrite RSVP link on listing. Fairmont's 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5:30 to 7 pm at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is National Christmas Tree and America Celebrates Display in Washington?
Free to visit; ceremony tickets by lottery. National Christmas Tree and America Celebrates Display is on Thu December 3 and Mon December 7, 2026 at The Ellipse at President's Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa's Suite at the Fairmont in Washington?
$12 per adult, $12 per child; proceeds to Horton's Kids. Santa's Suite at the Fairmont is on Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Wonderland Fun Day in Washington?
Free. Winter Wonderland Fun Day is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Deanwood Neighborhood Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
