The Best Holiday Events in the DMV
BY JAMIE DAVIS SMITH
WinterFest at Kings Dominion
I t’s the most magical time of the year! The
DMV is filled with family-friendly holiday
events, from leaping ballerinas to exhib-
its filled with kitsch of fun and beloved annual
events that many families turn into time hon-
ored traditions. The holiday season is a time
to see millions of sparkling lights brighten the
dark winter nights and indulge in special treats.

There is something to get everyone in the holi-
day spirit. Here are some of our favorites from
the tried and true to the completely brand new.

Let’s Go to a Show
The holidays are a great time to experience
live theater, and there is something for every-
one. The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker is a
classic holiday treat that all families should
experience at least once. Love musicals? Head
to the Kennedy Center to see Wicked and hear
the story of the Wizard of Oz told from the
point of view of the Wicked Witch. Younger
kids will love seeing Mo Willems’ Naked Mole
Rats Get Dressed transformed into a rock
experience at Imagination Stage in Bethesda.

GSTUDIO / ADOBESTOCK
Make the Magic Real
Head deep into the forest to Harry Potter: A
Forbidden Forrest Experience in Leesburg, Va.

Your favorite magical beast may be around the cor-
ner as the Wizarding World comes to life around
you. Bring your wand to perform your own spells
during this interactive journey and relax with a
Butterbeer at the end of the trail. Another great
immersive event is Artechouse DC’s Spectacular
Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge
the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore for
a ride straight to the North Pole to see Santa
himself. The iconic book of the same name
comes to life as passengers listen to a retelling
of the story and get cookies and hot chocolate.

Pajamas are encouraged! When passengers
disembark, they will experience an indoor
Christmas at Gaylord National
ICE! returns to Gaylord National in National snowfall in the roundhouse and participate in
Harbor, and this year features A Christmas various holiday-themed activities.

Story. Come to see the larger-than-life rendition
of the iconic film and stay for the endless events US Botanic Garden Train Display
at Gaylord National. There will be ice skating, One of the area’s most beloved holiday
events is the U.S. Botanic Garden’s annual
bumper cars on ice, story time with Mrs. Claus,
train display. The gardens are transformed
gingerbread cookie decorating and so much
for the holidays every year as train displays
more. Make a day of it or spend the night.

are interspersed with the greenery.

Factory: The Holiday Multiverse. In this digital
experience, you can float among giant swinging
bells, attend a party with a thousand nutcrack-
ers, take a train ride among wreaths and spin on a
candy cane carousel.

Lights Galore
It wouldn’t feel like the holiday season with-
out experiencing the twinkle of thousands
of lights. Enchant will once again take over
Nationals Park with millions of lights, a Little
Elves Play Place, a maze, and so much more.

After a two years hiatus, Zoolights is back at
Smithsonian’s National Zoo with its glittering
displays and your favorite nocturnal animals.

Winter City Lights in Olney is the place to be if
you want to experience 18 acres of a twinkling
winter wonderland where it’s guaranteed to
snow. Many regional parks also host their own
light displays, so check those out too!
Theme Park Magic
Theme parks aren’t just for summertime!
Experience WinterFest at Kings Dominion in
Doswell, Va. with a holiday parade, horse-drawn
carriage rides, pictures with St. Nick and more
than 20 rides that are even more fun at night.

Younger kids will enjoy a PEANUTS Guide to
Christmas and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus.

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge
If a few hours of holiday magic aren’t enough,
head to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg,
Va. to immerse yourself in Snowland. There is
nightly snowfall in the lobby, seasonal crafts, a
Frosty Family Dance Party and plenty of other
Polar Express
holiday cheer. When it’s time to warm up, head
Hop aboard the Polar Express that leaves from to the toasty 84-degree indoor waterpark. n
ICE! slide at Gaylord National
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