If you’re staying local for winter break, why not plan a few holiday day trips from DC to keep the kiddos entertained—and to save your own sanity? The DC area is bursting with seasonal activities that excite little ones and let you soak in the holiday cheer. From magical Santa train rides to bustling holiday markets and dazzling light displays, these quick getaways in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania are perfect for immersing yourself in the festive spirit. Get ready to make unforgettable holiday memories with these festive destinations!
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Table of Contents
Maryland: Top Holiday Day Trips From DC
Christmas Village in Baltimore (Baltimore, MD)
501 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Modeled on traditional German Christmas markets, this outdoor/indoor market is illuminated by thousands of lights, including an authentic Gluhwein Pyramid (traditional German mulled wine tower). Both markets offers foods, handmade gifts from 60+ vendors, rides, and drinks.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 40 miles (about a 1-hour drive)
- Dates: November 23 – December 24
- Hours: Sun-Thu noon to 8 pm; Fri-Sat noon to 9 pm
- Admission: FREE
- Parking: $15 parking at the Harbor Court garage with validation from the Village tent
B&O Railroad Museum Polar Express (Baltimore, MD)
901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223
Two-hour immersive experience aboard the Polar Express at this historic railroad museum. Celebrate the season with model train displays, holiday-themed train rides, and visits from Santa.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 40 miles (about a 1-hour drive)
- Dates: Nov 29-30, Dec 1, Dec 6-8, 12-15, 18-22
- Hours:
- Admission: $20 for adults; $12 for kids 2-12; $17 for seniors
- Parking: FREE parking at B&O parking lot at 1100 James St (entrance is on Arlington St)
Miracle on 34th Street (Hampden, Baltimore, MD)
700 W 34th St, Baltimore, MD 21211
This quirky and beloved Baltimore tradition makes Hampden a must-see destination for holiday day trips from DC, transforming a quiet street into a dazzling holiday spectacle. Stroll through and marvel at the over-the-top light displays adorning row homes, complete with inflatables, trains, and quirky themes.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 45 miles (about a 1-hour drive)
- Dates: November 25, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Hours: Lights are typically on from dusk to 11 PM daily
- Admission: FREE
- Parking: park in nearby neighborhoods and take a walk to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere
Christmas in St. Michaels (St. Michaels, MD)
Town of St. Michaels
Each December, this charming waterfront town transforms into a holiday postcard with buildings adorned in Festive greenery and lights in time to host its annual Christmas in St. Michaels festival. A cherished tradition for over 25 years, the festival spans over a weekend and offers events like a gingerbread house competition, breakfast with Santa, a holiday parade, festive meals, holiday music, a tour of beautifully decorated homes, and a lighted boat parade.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 90 miles (about a 2-hour drive)
- Dates:December 13-15
- Hours: Varied (check their website here for the schedule)
- Admission: some events are FREE, some have a charge. Advance reservations recommended for all events
- Parking: multiple paid parking options in town
Virginia: Festive Holiday Day Trips From DC
Christmas in Middleburg (Middleburg, VA)
23229 Carters Farm Ln, Middleburg, VA 20117
Join the festive fun in Middleburg with a family-friendly celebration featuring exciting activities, special events, delicious food, the renowned Middleburg Hunt Review, and a mile-long Christmas parade. Afterward, soak in the holiday spirit with an evening at the town’s charming bistros, cafes, pubs, and restaurants for food and drink tastings.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 45 minutes
- Event Date: December 7, 2024
- Admission: FREE
- Parking: $60 Advanced paid parking in 3 fields (shuttles from parking)
Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination (Williamsburg, VA)
101 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Colonial Williamsburg comes alive during the holiday season with stunning wreath displays and other beautiful decor, but the Grand Illumination event takes it to the next level. This cherished tradition features fireworks, candlelit streets, live music, and historical reenactments. Enhance your festive experience with a visit to Busch Gardens Christmas Town, just a short drive away, for even more holiday magic.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 150 miles (about a 2.5-hour drive)
- Event Dates: December 7, 14, and 21
- Locations: Capitol and Goernor’s Palace
- Hours: Historic area opens from 10 am to 8 pm; Fireworks and activities run from 5pm to 7pm;
- Admission: Online tickets start at $31.50 for adults, $9 for kids 6 to 12; Fireworks viewing is FREE
- Parking: $20 parking in Merchants Square area (extremely limited) ; $10 parking at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center then use the free bus service to the Historic Area
Kings Dominion’s WinterFest (Doswell, VA)
16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Kings Dominion transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland during WinterFest, featuring millions of lights, stunning decor, and lavish displays. Enjoy live holiday shows, indulge in festive treats and drinks, explore fun Christmas activities, and browse unique shops and artisan locations to find the perfect gift.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 90 miles (about a 1.5-hour drive)
- Dates: on select days from Nov 29 to Jan 4
- Hours: 5pm – 10pm
- Admission: $34.99 – $49.99
- Parking: $30; FREE parking for annual passholders
Pennsylvania: Must-See Holiday Destinations Near DC
Koziar’s Christmas Village (Bernville, PA)
782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, PA 19506
Koziar’s Christmas Village transforms a working farm into a winter wonderland adorned with over a million lights. Visitors can stroll through illuminated displays, visit Santa, and enjoy festive treats.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 130 miles (about a 2.5-hour drive)
- Dates: Nov 2 until Jan 1
- Hours from Nov 2 to Thanksgiving (weekends only): Fri 6pm – 9pm; Sat 5pm-10pm; Sun 5pm – 9pm
- Hours from Thanksgiving through Jan 1 (open daily): Mon-Fri 6pm to 9pm; Sat 5pm – 10pm; Sun 5pm – 9pm
- Admission: Adults $13; Seniors & Military $12; Kids 4 to 10 $11; Kids under 3 FREE; Note: $5 surcharge applies on “Prime” nights
- Parking: FREE on site parking lot
Santa’s Paradise Express (Strasburg, PA)
301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572
Enjoy a historic 45 -minute steam train ride with Santa and his helpers, featuring carolers, musicians, and festive decorations. Before or after your ride, enjoy the shops, live music, and food on site. Kids can even mail their letters to Santa and drop them off at a special Santa mailbox.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 2 1/4 hours
- Dates: November 23 – December 24
- Hours: Train departs every 30 minutes from 9 am to 5 pm
- Admission: $39+ adults; $29+ kids 1-11; FREE infant under 1
- Tickets: Event will sell out. Purchase your tickets in advance online here
- Parking: FREE parking lot
Longwood Gardens Christmas Display (Kennett Square, PA)
1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Longwood Gardens comes alive during the holidays with stunning light displays, festive fountains, fire pits, themed Christmas trees, and beautifully decorated conservatories. Spend at least 3.5 to 4 hours here to fully explore this magical winter wonderland. Stop by the Terrace Cafe or 1906 Restaurant for delicious refreshments.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 120 miles (about a 2.5-hour drive)
- Dates: November 22 – January 12
- Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 11 pm (timed tickets required and available here)
- Admission: Adults: $30-$36 (varies by date); Children (5-18): $16-$19; FREE Ages 4 and under
Christmas in Bethlehem (Bethlehem, PA)
101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015 and various locations in Bethlehem, PA
Known as the “Christmas City,” Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is the ultimate destination for holiday cheer. Enjoy the Christkindlmarkt, a German-style holiday market with crafts, live music, and delicious food, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice-skating rink, live performances, movie showings, Breakfast with Santa, Bethlehem’s famous Live Advent Calendar nightly at 5:30 pm, and so much more. Don’t miss Illumination at Coca-Cola Park, an immersive walk-thru experience with over one million holiday lights, synchronized shows, and festive activities.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 160 miles (about a 3-hour drive)
- Dates: Now – December 23
- Hours: varied hours
- Parking: metered street parking and paid garages available all over town
West Virginia: Magical Holiday Day Trips From DC
North Pole Express with the Potomac Eagle (Paradise, WV)
149 Eagle Dr, Romney, WV 26757
The North Pole Express is a festive 75-minute train ride filled with storytelling, caroling, refreshments, and an appearance by Santa himself.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 2 1/4 hours
- Dates: Now – December 23
- Hours: Daily at 1 pm; 3 pm; 5 pm; 7 pm
- Admission: $57+ adults; $47+ kids 2-16; FREE kids under 2
- Parking: FREE parking on site
Harper’s Ferry Olde Tyme Christmas (Harpers Ferry, WV)
171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV
Harpers Ferry welcomes the holiday season with a traditional Christmas celebration as the town charmingly decorates its streets. Enjoy festive activities for the whole family, share joyful moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and discover perfect gifts for everyone at the Handmade Holiday Market.
- Distance from DC: Approximately 1 1/4 hour (55 miles)
- Dates: December 6-8, 13-15
- Hours: Varied (check their schedule here)
- Admission: $20 national park entrance fee
- Parking: Limited metered street parking in town. I recommend parking at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitors Center lot (FREE parking included with entrance fee) and take the shuttle
The Greenbrier Resort (White Sulphur Springs, WV)
101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
Known as “America’s Resort,” The Greenbrier transforms into a holiday wonderland with grand Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and special holiday programming like gingerbread workshops, caroling, and elegant holiday dinners.
- Distance from D.C.: Approximately 250 miles (about a 4-hour drive)
- Dates: November 24, 2024 – January 1, 2025.
- Highlights: Santa’s Workshop, live music, and horse-drawn sleigh rides
- Overnight guests enjoy exclusive access to holiday events.
- Admission: Grounds open to the public, but specific activities may require event tickets.
- Pro Tip: Treat yourself to their famous afternoon tea while taking in the dazzling decorations.
Holiday day trips from DC are a fantastic way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories while staying close to home. From Santa trains and holiday markets to dazzling light displays, these destinations in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania offer something for everyone. Ready to make this winter extra special? Use this guide to start planning your festive getaway today and let the holiday cheer begin!
Happy holidays, everyone and thank you for reading!
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