Bowie Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors gather to sing holiday songs, witness the lighting of the tree, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. The celebration features children's festive crafting, a community snowball fight, and caroling performances by local youth and university choirs. Food trucks are...

Visitors can watch a procession featuring glittering floats, marching bands, 12-foot inflatable turkeys, and Santa Claus. The parade begins with autumn and Thanksgiving-themed units before moving into winter, Hanukkah, and Christmas celebrations. Festivities also include an opening ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted...

Gather outside the Laurel Armory to join the Mayor and City Council for this annual holiday tradition. The festivities include a community holiday parade and festival alongside the lighting ceremony. Visitors can also step into the Winter Wonderland to meet...

Visitors join a lantern-bearing, period-attired guide for an evening walking tour of Annapolis trimmed in seasonal greenery. The route passes colonial mansions, Victorian homes, and quaint shops while sharing holiday traditions from times past and present. The stroll concludes at...

Led by a colonial guide in period attire, visitors stroll around Maryland’s capital city decorated in seasonal greenery. The route passes colonial mansions, Victorian homes, and quaint shops while sharing holiday traditions from past and present. The tour highlights the...

Visitors step into an abandoned movie theater complex for a Krampus-inspired holiday horror experience. The attraction features themed areas uniquely adapted in a terrifying twist of fear and good cheer for an enchanted Christmas scare.

Passengers take a 45-minute on-water sleigh ride along Spa Creek with Captain Santa or Mrs. Claus at the helm. An onboard elf serves hot cocoa while guests stay warm under available blankets. A portion of ticket proceeds is donated to...

Cyclists decorate themselves and their bicycles with lights for a four-mile slow-paced tour of Capitol Hill's holiday light displays. Volunteer marshals and Metropolitan Police Department bike officers accompany the group to keep riders together. The ride concludes at The Roost...

Hosted by Camp Sonshine and Living Word International Christian Church, the community gathering features vendor booths selling handmade crafts, seasonal decor, and personalized gifts. Attendees can play holiday carnival games like ring toss to win prizes, pose in a festive...

This overnight, semi-silent retreat provides opportunities for Mass, confession, and spiritual conversation. Drawing on St. John Paul II's encyclical Redemptor Hominis and his Theology of the Body insights, talks and prayer focus on the Incarnation, bodily holiness, and redemption. Participants...

Parishioners and visitors gather to attend Holy Day Masses honoring the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The Catholic liturgy celebrates the belief that Mary was shielded from original sin and preserved pure through the merits of Jesus Christ.

Participants learn basic pinch pot and coil techniques with step-by-step guidance to create items like plant pots, vases, or planter pals. Each attendee can build and take home up to two clay pieces, with white paint and a paintbrush included...

Part of the Coffee & Crafts Series at Daydrift Books & Cafe, this workshop provides step-by-step instruction to complete a featured holiday painting. Attendees receive a canvas, paints, and brushes, along with a craft drink from the café.

This holiday-themed workshop for adult beginners teaches fundamental oil painting techniques across three weekly sessions covering an introduction to oil paint, layering, and textures. Led by Baltimore-based artist William Demaria, the class guides participants through making a painting to give...

More than 60 decorated boats cruise along the Washington Channel, culminating in a waterfront fireworks show. Landside, visitors can take photos with Santa, sing holiday karaoke, skate at the ice rink, and listen to live music and DJs. Other activities...

Get ready for a season of festive cheer in Bowie! While specific plans for this year are announced in the fall, past events have included magical visits from Santa, charming trainspotting days, and delightful holiday movie screenings. Explore the historic...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington, D.C. This time-honored tradition, dating back to 1923, illuminates President's Park with thousands of lights. Marvel at the beautifully decorated National Christmas Tree and...

Experience the grandeur of the National Menorah Lighting Ceremony, a globally recognized event that launches the celebration of Chanukah. This spectacular ceremony features musical performances by military bands and a celebrity Jewish artist, alongside readings from the "Mendy Deren National...

Experience the magic of winter at the Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden. Glide across the ice surrounded by stunning sculptures and the iconic National Mall. This popular seasonal attraction offers a festive atmosphere for all ages, with skating sessions...

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tradition brings a magnificent, specially selected tree from a U.S. National Forest to the West Front Lawn each holiday season. This cherished event culminates in a festive lighting ceremony, hosted by the Speaker of the...

Experience the magic of Festive Fridays at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront, a cherished annual tradition now in its 10th year. Delight in the artistry of live ice sculpting, capture holiday memories at a festive photo booth, and be enchanted by...

Experience the magic of winter at The Wharf Ice Rink, offering a unique skating opportunity with breathtaking views of the Potomac River and iconic D.C. landmarks. While the rink is currently closed for the season, it eagerly anticipates welcoming skaters...

Discover the heartwarming 'Annual Nativity Scenes Exhibit' at Washington National Cathedral. This captivating display, themed 'One Church, One Family,' features a diverse collection of nativity scenes from cultures worldwide, showcasing the universal Christmas story. Explore crèches from the extensive Sommer...

Get ready to glide at the Color Burst Ice Rink, returning to Merriweather District in November 2026! This popular seasonal attraction offers 75-minute skate sessions in a festive park setting. Look forward to themed nights, special discounts for community heroes...

Get ready for a magical evening at 'A Budweiser Clydesdale Miracle on West Street,' a festive prelude to the Military Bowl. This event features the renowned Budweiser Clydesdales, alongside a vibrant street scene with food trucks, vendors, and engaging activities...

Journey back to 1775 for a Colonial Yuletide celebration in historic Annapolis. Experience the holidays as they were in early America with music, storytelling, and traditional festivities at both the William Paca House & Garden and the Hogshead Trades Museum....

Get into the holiday spirit with the Owen Brown Community Association's festive events. They offer unique experiences like Sensory Santa for a special holiday visit and a fun Ugly Sweater Bingo night. Participate in community initiatives like the OB CAres...

Join Santa Claus for a delightful afternoon of festive treats! Children can share their holiday wishes with Santa while enjoying warm cocoa and delicious cookies. It's a perfect, intimate holiday gathering for families looking to create magical memories.

Join the Kings Contrivance Community Association for a delightful 'Cookies with Santa' event. This festive gathering offers families a wonderful opportunity to meet Santa Claus, share some holiday cheer, and enjoy delicious cookies. It's a perfect way to create lasting...