CALENDAR
TOP 10
December Activities for Families
BY LINDSAY C. VANASDALAN
Explore these fun activities in and around the
Washington, D.C. area
THROUGHOUT THE MONTH
Enjoy an outdoor winter spectacular in Northern Virginia with light displays,
roving carolers, selfies with Santa, family “’crafternoons,” live music and
entertainment and a scavenger hunt. Enjoy plenty of local food and drink,
including candy and hot drinks in heated tents. Fans of the Washington Capitals
can also take advantage of special photo opps, appearances and themed igloos.

Tickets start at $28; one dollar from every purchase goes to the Inova
Health Foundation.

tinselva.showare.com ENCHANT CHRISTMAS AT
NATIONALS PARK
A mischievous elf has run off with
some of Santa’s toys, and it’s up to you
to track them down through the maze of lights. While
you’re not on your quest, you can stop into the village for
shopping and sustenance, follow the illuminated ice
skating trail, visit Santa or take a break at the
children’s play place.

Tickets start at $29 for adults; children ages
2 and younger are free.

enchantchristmas.com CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD NATIONAL
3 The holidays will be in full swing at Gaylord National
Resort with ice bumper cars, snow tubing, scenes
performed from Christmas movie favorites, a
scavenger hunt and a host of other activities, shows and events. Buy tickets to an
individual event or bundle for more Christmas fun; prices vary.

christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com ADVENTURE THEATRE’S WINTERFEST
See storytelling brought to life through children’s
theater at Winterfest, which features three shows
from the Rockville theater’s digital Jingle in July
festival: “Uri & Ora Light the Menorah” by Robyn
Shrater Seemann, “Connection” by Diego Maramba
and Michelle Bowen and “Cranky Penguin” by
Keegan Patterson.

Tickets are $20.50.

my.adventuretheatre-mtc.org 6 Washington FAMILY DECEMBER 2021
4 DEC. 4, 11 & 18
2 5
KIDS’ PIZZA MAKING CLASS AT WILD WOOD PIZZA
Stop into your local Leesburg pizza shop not for a slice, but for a
whole pie—made by your children. They will learn how to roll and
knead dough from Chef Curtis Allred and watch their creations
come to life in Wild Wood’s brick oven. If you like what you see,
have the kids make the next dinner at home with DIY pizza kits
available after class for $10.

All ages are welcome; children 10 and younger must be
supervised. Tickets are $15.

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DEC. 5-JAN. 2, 2022
DEC. 5 & 19
MOVIES ON THE POTOMAC
CHOCOLATE FROM SCRATCH
BY JCRAFTS
At JCrafts by Chabad, see how chocolate is made from scratch, all the way
down to removing the shell off the nibs of the cacao beans. The Rockville
chocolate factory will showcase the connection between Jewish history and
chocolate and the role chocolate plays in the culture today. Students will
make their own kosher-themed treats and take home their own homemade
box of chocolates.

Tickets start at $13.

kosherchocolatefactory.com/workshops What better way to enjoy holiday movies than to bundle up in cozy
blankets with some local grab-and-go food and treats at this free weekly
outdoor event at the plaza in National Harbor? Classics such as “Elf,” “The
Year Without A Santa Claus” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be showing
throughout the month.

Free. nationalharbor.com
9 DEC. 12 & 18-19
DEC. 31
FIRST NIGHT ALEXANDRIA
Teach your children how to make
homemade holiday gifts that bring a
little life into the house. They will learn
how to grow an air plant, moss or
succulent in a terrarium—and learn a lot
about plant care along the way—in this
family-friendly class at H Street Farms,
in Washington, D.C. Tickets are $15.

cultivatethecity.com 10
First Night Alexandria is a nonprofit-organized showcase of live
performances throughout the day and night, with special showcases for
children, teens and older adults. Beginning at 10 p.m., a Countdown to 2022
Street Party will take place with a fireworks finale at midnight.

Ticket prices vary by event.

firstnightalexandria.org DEC. 24
WATERSKIING SANTA
We all know Santa loves the snow—but what about waterskiing? In fact, he
never misses waterskiing on the historic Old Town Alexandria Waterfront.

You can catch the longest running waterski Christmas show anywhere
between Founders Park and Point Lumley Park. After the show, children and
families can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their merry crew by the Christmas
tree in Waterfront Park.

waterskiingsanta.com n
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Give the gift of Italian delights with a
GREGORIO’S GIFT CARD!
Purchase online or at any location in any denomination
www.gregoriostrattoria.com POTOMAC
7745 Tuckerman Lane
301-296-6168 BETHESDA
4611-A Sangamore Rd
301-347-6830 RESTON
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703-689-4894 WashingtonFAMILY.com 7