Not sure what to do this weekend around the DMV region? Check out makers markets, cookie tours, and even gingerbread contests in Maryland, or head over to D.C. for the book festival or the Neil Diamond Musical! Don’t forget about Northern Virginia, which is hosting a winter village and a Norwegian Christmas Festival this weekend.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
Don’t miss out on all the fun that’s in store for you throughout Maryland this weekend. Kick off the weekend at the Festival of Lights before racing in the Jingle Bell Run on Saturday to support Arthritis research.
Festival of Lights 2024 Opening Weekend
Where? 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington
When? December 5th-December 8th
The 2024 Festival of Lights will run through January 1st of the new year, so you have plenty of time to check it out! This year’s showcase will feature over 500,000 Christmas lights, along with Nativity créches, and Christmas tree decorations from around the world. Visitors will also enjoy daily holiday performances. Entrance and parking are free, so invite your friends and family to attend this iconic yearly event. The lights will turn on each night at 4:45 PM and go off at 9:00 PM. The Visitor’s Center will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. You can find a performance schedule for the duration of the Festival of Lights here.
25th Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Show
Where? 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro
When? December 6th-8th
Get ready to celebrate 25 years of sweet, sweet memories! Darnall’s Chance House Museum is excited to host its annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show this weekend. Come check out the amazing displays of creative gingerbread structures that have to be seen to be believed. You can also vote for your favorites in the Viewer’s Choice Competition. No registration is required. Tickets are priced at $2 per person and children ages 4 and under are free. The event runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 15th from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Cash for tickets will be accepted at the door.
2024 Jingle Bell Run
Where? 18031 Central Park Circle, Boyds
When? December 7th
The Jingle Bell Run will be held at the Maryland Soccerplex this Saturday. Get ready to celebrate the 40th year of this holiday run, which is the original festive race for charity brought to the local community by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear and jingle all the way toward a cure! The fundraising efforts done in support of the foundation help to fuel the fight to conquer arthritis, such as funding critical research for treatments and life-changing resources and programs. So far this year, there has been over $25,000 raised out of the goal of $35,000! Register now as an individual or as a team and start inviting others to join in on spreading the word for an even larger impact.
Winter Wonderland Festival & Tree Lighting
Where? 7401 Baltimore Avenue, College Park
When? December 7th
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season at City Hall this Saturday. Join the festivities in College Park this year for the annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Market and Tree Lighting. From 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, check out the Plaza at City Hall for this free community event. There will be a wide array of activities, entertainment, and fun for the whole family. Jam out to live music on the main stage, as well as the carolers, arts and crafts, story readings, and even a petting zoo! Make sure to say hi to Santa, marvel at the gingerbread house display, and cap off the evening with the lighting of the holiday tree! Food and drink vendors will be on-site to provide refreshments.
4th Annual Hello Holidays Makers Market
Where? 797 East Patrick Street, Frederick
When? December 7th & 8th
This year marks the 4th annual Hello Holidays Makers Market at the Frederick Fairgrounds. The market will be spread across two days, starting from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday and running from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday. Drop by to visit with your favorite local crafters. This year’s show will feature all things handmade, with a large variety of vendors and even a chance to take a photo with Santa! Food trucks on site will include MR Cheesecakes and Mt Airy Mocha Mobile Coffee Bar on both days and Grilled Cheese Please on Sunday. Wonderbowls will be at the market on Saturday only. Parking and admission to the show are free.
Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show
Where? 2200 York Road, Timonium
When? December 7th & 8th
Are you ready for a day of old-fashioned family fun? Immerse yourself in the world of miniature railroading at the train show. The show is designed for visitors of all ages and for guests from modelers, collectors, and enthusiasts of all kinds. The show will feature hundreds of tables of trains, accessories, scale models, and collectible toys for sale — as well as huge operating exhibits and activities for kids. The Timonium show will be open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. Kids ages 11 and under are free and adult tickets are priced at $11 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday.
39th Annual Union Square Cookie Tour of Historic Homes
Where? 31 South Gilmor Street, Baltimore
When? December 8th
This family-friendly cookie tour is a great way to get out and about this Sunday. From 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, check out Charm City’s most charming event. For nearly 40 years, residents of the Union Square neighborhood have welcomed visitors into their historic homes for tours, homemade cookies, and an abundance of holiday cheer to go around. Grab a hot chocolate and some holiday gifts, tour the beautiful homes, and learn all about the history behind them while eating home-baked cookies made with love. It doesn’t matter if you consider yourself a history buff or simply a cookie connoisseur — there’s something for everyone at this can’t-miss tradition. Tickets are priced at $25.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
The capital city is your home for the holiday fun this weekend, from the annual Downtown Holiday Market to the Holiday Book Festival! Don’t miss out on the goodies at the Christmas Markt at The Heurich House, either!
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
Where? 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
When? December 3rd-8th
A Beautiful Noise showcases the untold true story of a Brooklyn kid who became the iconic chart-busting, show-stopping, and award-winning American icon — Neil Diamond. The musical was created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself. With over 120 million albums sold and a catalog full of classics like “Sweet Caroline,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “American” this musical will have everyone tapping along to the beat. Weekend showtimes kick off on Friday at 7:30 PM and continue for two sittings on both Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
Holiday Book Festival & Closeout Sale
Where? 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
When? December 6th
If you love reading, you won’t want to miss out on the 2024 Holiday Book Festival hosted by the White House Historical Association. Since 1962, the association has produced award-winning books on an array of subjects related to the history of the President’s House. This Friday, guests can meet the authors of these award-winning books at the festival. The author signing lineup will feature Dr. Robert Roncska, Christi Harlan, Jonathan Stolz, Art Chadwick, and many more. Artist and illustrator Dr. John Hutton will provide drawing lessons from his popular book titled: How to Draw the Presidents. Children will enjoy getting their copy of Rocco Keeps the Beat! Music at the White House signed by author Rocco Smirne.
The Heurich House’s Christmas Markt
Where? 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW
When? December 6th-13th
This weekend, check out the hustle and bustle at The Heurich House’s Christmas Markt festivities. Friday through Saturday, the market will feature 25 local small-scale artisan makers. There will be a German snack bar and plenty of refreshing beverages to go around, as well as a historic craftsmanship mini-exhibit. Tickets are priced at $12 online and $14 at the door. On the weekdays, tickets are discounted to $8 online and $10 at the door and there will be 15 local artisan makers onsite, as well as a winter biergarten serving seasonal local craft beers and food from Fava Pot. You can also enjoy decorated house tours that can be purchased onsite and live maker demos on select dates.
12th Annual Downtown Holiday Market
Where? G Street Northwest & 8th Street NW
When? Through December 15th
Treat yourself to a sweet treat at the Downtown Holiday Market in D.C. this weekend. Market dates run on weekdays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and weekends from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The holiday market will feature 30+ small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts, and unique gift items. The market boasts a signature style all its own, with bright festive decor and popular holiday treats like the Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts and Migue’s Mini Donuts. Make sure to also check out the art galleries and mom-and-pop shops in the surrounding area while you’re getting your holiday shopping done before Christmas rolls around.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
Northern Virginia has everything you need for a memorable weekend. Check out Arlington’s Holiday Date Night cooking class or shop until you drop at the Christmas Festival in Fairfax and Winchester’s Winter Village.
Holiday Date Night: Duck Dinner
Where? 4238 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington
When? December 6th
During this elegant hands-on cooking class, students will learn how to whip up a gourmet winter meal. On Friday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Cookology Culinary School will be showcasing a perfectly seared duck breast with a rich cherry and port sauce, paired with fragrant herb roasted parsnips. For dessert, students will learn how to bake a spiced gingerbread cake served with a luscious vanilla bean creme anglaise. The key techniques that will be covered throughout the class include pan-searing, roasting root veggies, and making a custard-based sauce. This Holiday Date Night is reserved for adults ages 18 and up. The menu will also feature a welcome drink for guests of drinking age: the Tipsy Reindeer. Cocktails, beer, and wine will be available for purchase at the bar.
Sons of Norway Norwegian Christmas Festival
Where? 3846 Meredith Drive, Fairfax
When? December 6th-8th
The Sons of Norway Christmas Festival kicks off on Friday at 11:00 AM for the public and continues through Sunday at 5:00 PM. Get ready to browse an exciting lineup of Norwegian foods, coffee, jams, chocolates, and much more. Indoor shopping includes imported foods, Dale of Norway sweaters, jewelry, toys, Christmas decor, kitchenware, books, baked goods, and more. The outdoor area will feature demos of Viking-era crafts on Saturday and adorable Norwegian dogs. The cafe will offer fresh waffles, pea soup, Norwegian-style hotdogs, and baked goods. Reservations are required for indoor shopping but not for outdoor activities or the cafe. Wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated inside, though there is a chair lift.
Winchester Winter Village
Where? 1 North Loudoun Street, Winchester
When? December 6th-8th
This cozy European-style holiday market is fun for the whole family. Visitors will find traditional European food and craft vendors, as well as live caroling and music, demonstrations, and hot mulled spiced red wine for visitors 21 and up. Winter Village hours run from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday and 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday. On Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, join in on the Santa Crawl to benefit Froggy’s Closet and an after-party at The Monument. Saturday will additionally feature a special visit from the Grinch and Santa from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and complimentary carriage rides in the late afternoon and early evening. Kids’ activities in the Winter Village include letters to Santa, arts and crafts, face painting, and a fun photo booth.
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
With so many fun activities to choose from — you may be enticed to do them all! The DMV region has something for everybody this weekend, so be sure to invite your friends and family and make memories that will last a lifetime. Check back next week for an updated list of what’s happening around Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia!