With the holidays nearly upon us, the DMV region is bustling with festive activities, holiday markets, and exciting family-friendly events that will surely get even Ebenezer Scrooge in a spirited mood! Check out these awesome events from Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
You’ll find no shortage of exciting holiday events this weekend across Maryland, as well as family fairs, local markets, and even a chocolate festival that celebrates everyone’s favorite decadence!
Festival of Trees
Where? 2200 York Road, Timonium
When? November 29th-December 1st
The 35th Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Festival of Trees will be hosted at the Maryland State Fairgrounds this weekend across a three-day extravaganza. Enjoy making the most of the holiday season with your family while you check out the wreaths, gingerbread houses, and of course — trees galore! The festival benefits patients, students, and programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute and features hundreds of designer-decorated trees and goodies that will be on sale and present throughout the Cow Palace. The festival will also include rides for kids, holiday vendors, carnival games, face painting, crafts, food trucks, and more. Friday and Saturday hours are scheduled from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Sunday’s festivities wrap up at 4:00 PM.
National Harbor Christmas Market Opening Day
Where? 100 American Way, Oxon Hill
When? November 30th
Experience all of the magic that the holiday season has to offer at the National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show! This weekend kicks off the festivities, which will then continue through December 22nd. Every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, enjoy this enchanting holiday experience. Each day, there’s a unique offering from a rotating selection of talented artisans and crafters. Of course, you’ll also be tempted by the array of delectable holiday treats that are calling your name. This Saturday, support small businesses when you make a purchase from a market vendor and receive a free parking voucher! Show your receipt to redeem your voucher at the kiosk on the corner of Fleet Street and American Way.
9th Annual Family Fair
Where? 121 North Bentz Street, Frederick
When? November 30th
This Saturday’s Annual Family Fair will be hosted at the William Talley Rec Center from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Downtown Frederick. Visitors can expect live entertainment, local vendors, community researchers, and quiet feeding spaces. This event is organized by The Birthing Circle and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy family-friendly entertainment and to take advantage of some 2nd Chance Santa shopping! From awesome toys, enrichment materials, books, clothes, and more — you can find the perfect gift to place under the tree this Christmas! The event will additionally feature family yoga, raffles, kid’s activities, and more. No tickets are required, so just show up on Saturday afternoon and see what it’s all about!
5th Annual Holiday Market
Where? 5180 Sixes Road, Prince Frederick
When? November 30th
This year’s annual Holiday Market in Prince Frederick will feature three greenhouses full of vendors and crafters. Participants can also enjoy wreath-making classes if they’re interested in sprucing up their front door this holiday season. The market is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Cardinal Creek Plant Farm. Admission is free and this year’s vendor lineup includes Beachin’ Bay Bakery, Foundry Prints, Wax It Up Candles, Lori’s Handmade Creations, East Coast Designs, Grammy’s Gifts, and many more! Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect handmade piece of jewelry, professional calligraphy, all-natural bath and body works, or delicious baked goods — the market has a touch of everything.
Frederick Holiday Market
Where? Carroll Creek Park, Frederick
When? November 30th & December 1st
Join local community members in Carroll Creek Park in Frederick this Saturday and Sunday for the festive holiday market! Shoppers will find an array of goodies and treats that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit with Christmas just around the corner. The market will feature a wide variety of vendors and artisans, allowing you to shop for each name on your list! Bring the kiddos along for an opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Photos will be available at no cost. While you’re shopping, make sure to also enjoy the decorated sailboats on the creek. Whether you’re searching for vintage treasures, handmade crafts, or more — the Frederick Holiday Market will have it all.
Savage Mill Yuletide Festival
Where? 8600 Foundry Street, Suite 2016, Savage
When? November 30th & December 1st
The Savage Mill Yuletide Festival is kicking off this weekend and will continue every weekend through December 22nd! The festival market will also host Santa himself, so make sure to bring the kids along! The festival is the perfect place to experience all that the small businesses have to offer during the holidays, allowing patrons to support local while crossing names off their shopping lists. Enjoy local musicians, special offerings, seasonal treats, and more. Santa will be onsite on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM with Mrs. Claus. This Saturday’s entertainment will be provided by the Not 2 Cool Jazz Trio on the New Weave Building Bridge. Make sure to check out the Santa Heim History Display, which features historic photographs, Christmas ornaments, and other souvenirs from 1948 through 1951.
Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival
Where? 55 West Street, Annapolis
When? December 1st
If you consider yourself a lover of all things chocolate, mark your calendar for Sunday because you won’t want to miss the Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival! From chocolate temptations such as bonbons, fudge, cookies, truffles, cakes, and chocolate caramels — this festival has all things sweet and delicious. Visitors will even find gluten-free, organic, non-GMO, kosher, and vegan selections. Kids are more than welcome to join in on the fun too and they’ll love playing in the giant gingerbread house. Whether you want to make s’mores or enjoy “Cocoa with the Popo,” this festival is all about bringing the community together over a common love of chocolate decadence. 2024 makes the 10th anniversary of this popular event, which will be complete with a special Santa arrival at noon, music, children’s activities, and even a mobile escape room from Mission Escape!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
The capital city has something for everyone this weekend, including avid hockey fans and ballet aficionados who are excited to watch this season’s The Nutcracker production!
Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders
Where? 601 F Street NW
When? November 29th
Want to skip the Black Friday shopping mayhem? Catch the Capitals versus Islanders match instead! The game will be played at Capital One Arena and is sure to bring together two passionate fan bases as they each root for their team to score. The puck drops early at 3:00 PM, allowing you to get back home for Thanksgiving leftovers before dinner time! If you’re already over the turkey, then you can grab tasty concessions in the arena such as chicken tenders, doughnuts, cheesesteaks, and an array of refreshing beverage options. If this is your first time visiting Capital One Arena, the venue has a strict no-bag policy. Check out the rules and regulations here.
Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Where? 2700 F Street NW
When? November 29th-December 1st
The Philadelphia Ballet will make a triumphant return to the Kennedy Center after 10 years, with one of its most treasured productions no less! The ballet will be showcasing its festive performance of the fan-favorite The Nutcracker this weekend, which is perfect for families, couples, and individuals of all ages. Full of warmth and cheer, this whimsical production will leave audiences saying “wow” as they marvel at swirling snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and enchanted toys. Tickets range in price from $50 to $228 and the runtime of the performance is approximately 2 hours. Live music will be performed by The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.
Red Velvet Burlesque Show
Where? 1009 Vermont Avenue NW
When? November 29th-December 1st
Snag your ticket today for a weekend performance at the Red Velvet Burlesque Show in the capital city. The #1 variety and cabaret show in the city kicks off at 6:00 PM nightly on Friday and Saturday, with a later start time of 8:00 PM on Sunday. Audiences will be enthralled by the burlesque dancers who hail from across the world, seamlessly blending interesting talents that keep everyone on their toes. The theatrical performance is all about entertainment, so invite your friends out to experience this unforgettable experience in the realm of Red Velvet! Single general admission tickets are priced at $30 and there are VIP table packages available as well for dates and parties of up to 8 people. Enjoy expedited entry and a bottle of champagne with the VIP experience. The show is for ages 21 and up.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
Whether you want to pay Mount Vernon a visit or you want to amaze the kiddos with the beautiful lights at the Winter Lantern Festival, Northern Virginia has a handful of delightful events this weekend.
Winter Glow
Where? 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
When? November 29th & 30th
As you usher in the holidays this weekend, check out the opening of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Winter Glow. This annual tradition is a favorite amongst many area families. The landscape will be transformed by light, allowing visitors to stroll through the festively lit estate, learn about 18th-century holiday traditions, and even meet a special guest — Aladdin the camel. Tickets are priced at $54 for members of the general public and $35 for youth ages 6 to 11. Children ages 5 and under are free and members get a discounted rate! As a bonus, Winter Glow ticket holders can also visit the grounds for free from December through February!
NVHG Thanksgiving Art & Craft Show
Where? 120 Cherry Street SE, Vienna
When? November 29th-December 1st
The Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild (NVHG) is excited to showcase an array of arts and crafts this Thanksgiving weekend at the Vienna Community Center! Hours run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday and from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday. The show will feature over 50 local juried artists and crafters from across the DMV region. Visitors will find original, handmade arts and crafts such as paintings, stained glass, ceramics, woodworking, drawings, jewelry, and more. Admission is priced at $3 and children 12 and under are free. The admission fee goes towards supporting the NVHG scholarship program for college arts students. There will be ample free parking available at the community center.
DMV Winter Lantern Festival
Where? 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons
When? Recurring through January 12th
This year’s Winter Lantern Festival is set to feature even more lanterns than before, as well as famous acrobats by the award-winning Zigong Acrobatic Troupe that will delight visitors of all ages! Check out the cultural booths as well, which add an exciting component to the festival. Admission to the festival is priced between $16.99 and $26.99, including access to the luminescent night walk, lanterns, rides, and the bounce house. If you live nearby, you can even snag a season pass that allows you entry every day of the festival. Rates are priced at $60 for adults, $34 for children, and package deal options for families. The festival will also include food and drink vendors, a gift shop, and a variety of rides and games such as light-up swings and “Ride the Dinosaurs.” In total, there will be over 1,000 Chinese lanterns — all of which are handmade by artisans.
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
Whether you’re traveling to the DMV region this week for Thanksgiving or you’re celebrating at home this year, check out these exciting area events. From Christmas shopping markets, craft shows, light displays, and an awesome NHL matchup — these are the best events, activities, and more from Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia. Happy holidays!