Hosting family and friends this holiday season? Be sure to have some sweets on hand and maybe go out (or order takeout) for Christmas or Hanukkah meals, or treat the gang to a seasonal drink at a festive pop-up bar. In addition to visiting the usual D.C. landmarks, you could also go ice skating or check out the decadent displays at area hotels while sipping tea or catching a show. And here are even more creative and celebratory ways to entertain visitors of all ages.
Light Up Arlington
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington will host a Hanukkah celebration, Dec. 16, 6 p.m., that includes lighting a 9-foot menorah. The event also will feature latkes (potato pancakes), hot cocoa, doughnuts, gelt (chocolate coins) and dreidels. It’s free to attend, but spaces are limited so registration is required. 1307 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Hanukkah Glow and Dance Party at Mosaic District
The Pozez Jewish Community Center is hosting a Hanukkah party at Mosaic on Dec. 17, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dance with glow sticks and enjoy the menorah lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. 2910 District Ave., Fairfax
A Holiday Tribute to Elvis Presley at State Theatre
They say imitation is the best form of flattery, and Jesse Garron has been perfecting his impersonation of The King since 1997. Catch his Vegas-style show at the State Theatre on Dec. 19, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.50. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
The Nutcracker
Virginia National Ballet presents its whimsical version of the timeless holiday tale at Capital One Hall on Dec. 19, 6 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Check the website for seats and availability. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Welcome the holidays with a bang at the first president’s property on Dec. 20 and 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fireworks will light the night sky over his estate, and guests will get to chat with soldiers at an 18th-century winter encampment, meet Aladdin the Camel, and tour the newly renovated first and second floors of George Washington’s mansion. Nosh on fresh-baked gingerbread from resident bread baker Justin Cherry and make s’mores while you take a gander at the goods at the artisan winter market, too. Tickets are $58 or $36 for children ages 6-11. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Holiday Cheer by the National Chamber Ensemble
The Voce Chamber Singers, winners of the 2025 Nancy Peery Marriott Young Artist Piano Competition, will perform holiday carols and classics on Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45, $25 for students. and free for kids 10 and younger. Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington
Creative Cauldron Presents Madeline’s Christmas
In this delightful musical adaptation of Ludwig Bemelmans’ picture books, little Madeline must save Christmas after illness prevents her classmates from traveling home for the holidays. Performances end Dec. 21. Tickets begin at $20 and $18 for students. Creative Cauldron, 127 E. Broad St., Falls Church
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas at the Alden Theatre
The Barter Players present a show about waiting for the birth of a zoo’s first hippo during Christmastime. The hourlong family-friendly adventure takes the stage Dec. 22, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $25, $20 for seniors and $15 for MCC district residents. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Waterskiing Santa Show
Who needs a sleigh when you can make your grand entrance on water skis? Santa will arrive with a splash along the Alexandria waterfront Dec. 24, 1 p.m. Free to attend. Between BARCA Pier and Founders Park, Alexandria
Matzoball
The annual event that aims to bring Jewish singles together will return Dec. 24, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Dance, schmooze and mingle at Decades DC. Tickets are $45 or $70 for a fast pass to skip the line at the entrance. 1219 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Christmas at Mount Vernon
George Washington’s house will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so go have a look-see with visiting friends and family. You can also enjoy breakfast with Santa on Dec. 20; treat yourself to afternoon tea on Dec. 22-23 and 27-28; and on certain dates through Jan. 6, watch a chocolate-making demo. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Miracle on 34th Street, The Musical at Capital One Hall
See the holiday classic that leaves viewers wondering if the Santa at the storied Macy’s in New York City is the real deal. Get tickets to the Dec. 26-28 performances here. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
The Second City’s Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire
Have some laughs with the comedy troupe that launched the careers of Bill Murray and Tina Fey, among others. Watch as comedians lampoon classic holiday family gatherings, office parties, movies and Mariah Carey. Performances run Dec. 26-30. Check the website for time and age restrictions; some shows are for adults only. Tickets are $51 or $61. Arlington Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike)
Holiday Events at Tysons Corner Center
Let’s face it: You’re probably going to hit the mall at some point, and you might as well enjoy some merriment while you’re there. Through Dec. 24, visit Santa’s Chalet on the lower level near Wasabi to say hi to the big man himself. (A visit is free but professional photo packages carry a fee.) Stop by the Enchant Light Experience on PenFed Plaza through February 2026. It’s got 14 interactive light sculptures. 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
Santa at Tysons Galleria
Find Santa Claus prepping for the big night through Dec. 24 on Level 1 near Lucky Strike. Get a photo with the jolly old elf during regular mall hours. Got a pet? Bring your furry or feathered baby to Pet Night with Santa on Dec. 16, 4-7 p.m. 2001 International Drive, McLean
Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park
D.C.’s ballpark has been transformed into a winter wonderland through Dec. 30, complete with a six-lane snow tubing hill, a snowball speed throw, LED curling lanes and fire pits for staying warm. Be sure to look for the hidden speakeasy (hint: it’s in the batting cage). Food and drinks, including cocktails, will be available, too, at this all-ages event. Timed-entry tickets cost $29.50 each. 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, D.C.
Ultimate ’80s NYE Dance Party at Jammin Java
Ring in 2026 with an ultimate ’80s dance party Dec. 31, 8 p.m. The retro celebration includes favorite party jams and music videos, prizes for the gnarliest outfits, favors and glow sticks, and a free champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $39.73. Got little ones with an early bedtime? Beloved kid band Rocknoceros will host its annual New Year’s Eve Ball with matinee performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
The Legwarmers New Year’s Eve at the State Theatre
For more ’80s fun, groove with the Legwarmers, the self-described “premier ’80s tribute band.” Start teasing your hair and digging out those Z. Cavaricci parachute pants in the attic. Tickets to the Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m., show are $50. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Holiday Events at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
Need a posh break from gift shopping or gift returning? This luxe hotel adjoining The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is going all out for the holidays. Through Jan. 4 on Thursdays-Sundays, noon-3:30 p.m., enjoy Holiday Tea ($84 per adult, $55 per child 12 and younger) complete with fresh-baked scones, finger sandwiches and, of course, tea. Little ones might prefer the Teddy Bear Tea, with kid-friendly hot chocolate and a bear to take home. Tickets start at $75. 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington
Winter Walk of Lights
Meander along the half-mile paved path at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and immerse yourself in whimsical light displays through Jan. 4. Warm your hands with a hot beverage—with or without alcohol—or go for the new chilled Amaretto Snow Globe drink. There’s a spot to roast marshmallows for s’mores at the end of the walk. Check this website for discount nights, including a Kids Night on Jan. 2, 2026, when children ages 2-12 enter free with a paying guest. Tickets start at $19. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Bull Run Festival of Lights
If you’d rather keep warm and drive your way through a lights display, check out Bull Run Regional Park’s holiday transformation. Through Jan. 4, 2026, drive 2.5 miles of dazzlingly illuminated holiday and fairytale vignettes. (Pro tip: Play some holiday tunes in the car as you go.) Tickets are $30 per vehicle. Pay a little extra for 3D diffraction glasses that turn the lights into holographic holiday images. 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
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Winter Lantern Festival
Art, technology and live performance converge at this limited-time event in Tysons. Meander amid hand-crafted, illuminated Chinese lanterns that tell the story of ancient folklore. Tickets include access to an acrobatics show starring award-winning performers from China. Tickets start at $18. This event runs through Jan. 18. Lerner Town Square, 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons
Signature Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof
A poor Jewish milkman strives to honor tradition while confronting a changing world and the rise of anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia. Iconic songs such as Sunrise Sunset and If I Were a Rich Man resonate in this classic story of family, community and resilience. The show runs through Jan. 25, 2026. See website for show times and ticket prices. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington