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A Very Furry Christmas @ Sesame Place


‹‹ More Holiday Fun

Deck the halls with Elmo and friends! Celebrate the holidays at Sesame Place with your favorite Sesame Street pals during A Very Furry Christmas. On select dates from November 14, 2026-January 3, 2027, the park becomes a festive wonderland of millions of twinkling lights, holiday shows, and merry magic!

Beyond spinning and soaring on Sesame Street-themed rides designed for little ones — like Oscar’s Wacky Taxi and Big Bird’s Tour Bus — stroll down a glowing Sesame Street, sing and dance along at special Christmas shows, and catch the Sesame Street Christmas Parade.

Additional holiday attractions and features include:

ALL-NEW! Winter Warm-Up Lounge
Step out of the cold and into Elmo’s Pizza Kitchen for hot chocolate, festive music, interactive play stations, and giant games like Jenga and Connect Four. Plus, reserve Cookies & Cocoa with Cookie Monster (fee-based) to decorate your own gingerbread cookie — check back for reservations!

Santa’s Furry Workshop
Meet and greet Santa in his Furry Workshop! Give him your wish list and snap a pic! Join the Virtual Queue when the park opens and enjoy the park until you get a text that it’s your turn. Christmas Eve is the last day to visit Santa.

Dec 26, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Santa Cookie Monster
From December 26, 2026-January 3, 2027, stop by Santa’s Furry Workshop to meet and take photos with Santa Cookie Monster!

Holiday Photos with Sesame Street Friends
Your favorite Sesame Street pals are all decked out for the holidays! Get ready to smile and say cheese alongside your festive friends!

Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland
Kids can try their luck with Rudolph-themed skill games!

Letters to Santa
Get creative with coloring supplies at Mr. Hooper’s Gift Shop, then drop your holiday wishes in the festive mailbox.

Candy Cane Crew
Keep an eye out for this candy-striped holiday cheer squad skipping along the parade route and handing out candy canes!

Don’t miss special holiday celebrations, too, including Santa’s Grand Illumination to kick off the season — check back for updates!

Before you head out, download the free Sesame Place app to view park hours and daily show schedules; shows and attractions may change.

Details:
Website

Dates:
Select Dates: Nov 14, 2026-Jan 3, 2027

Location:
Sesame Place ∙ Langhorne, PA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Animal Adventures Await @ the National Zoo

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Animal at the National Zoo in Washington, DC
By DullesMoms, Oct 2026

In the heart of the nation’s capital, the National Zoo isn’t just a place to see animals from around the world — it’s also a key institution for education, conservation, and research. Spanning 163 acres in Washington, DC’s Rock Creek Park, the National Zoo has been a beloved destination for families since 1889!

As part of the Smithsonian Institution, the zoo is home to more than 2,200 animals representing more than 350 species. You’ll find them all in the zoo’s themed exhibits, including Elephant Trails, Great Cats, Primates, Small Mammal House, and more!

In addition to all the new animals your family will meet, enjoy all the zoo offers. From food stands to cafes, you’ll find plenty of dining options. There are also plenty of fun, interactive opportunities! Kids can play on the Me and the Bee playground, cool off in the zoo’s seasonal Splash Zone, and even ride a carousel (fee-based)!

Continue reading after images (click to enlarge)…

The National Zoo is open year-round (closed December 25) and continues its mission to provide inspirational experiences for all. Even better? Admission is free with your free entry pass (all visitors, including babies, need one; passes are available up to 30 days in advance). You can also purchase fee-based parking passes in advance.

Bring the zoo to you! The National Zoo’s live webcams let little animal lovers peek in on the animals. Make it a game with the zoo’s printable Animal Cam Bingo Cards! Check in on the pandas, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and naked mole-rats.

Details:
Website

Location:
National Zoo ∙ Washington, DC

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Step Right Up For Carnival Fun!

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!


‹‹ More County Fairs & Carnivals

Step right up — the midway is coming to Tysons October 15-25, 2026.

You’re invited to experience the sights, sounds, and delicious smells of the midway, as well as exciting rides, classic games, and more for kids (& kids-at-heart!).

Admission is fee-based, with tickets and info available online. Unlimited-ride wristbands are available Thursdays through Sundays, too.

Before heading out, check the carnival’s Facebook page for updates. Hours of operation are weather-sensitive and subject to change without notice, and all sales are non-refundable.

Looking for the carnival at Fair Oaks Mall, hosted from Sept 30-Oct 11, 2026? Unfortunately, that event has passed.

Details:
Website ∙ Facebook

Dates:
Oct 15-25, 2026

Location:
8025 Galleria Dr. ∙ Tysons, VA

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See it in IMAX!

Airbus IMAX Theater at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Did you know the Airbus IMAX Theater at Udvar-Hazy houses the biggest IMAX screen in Northern Virginia?! It’s among the first in the world to feature the latest IMAX laser projection system, allowing audiences to enjoy the sharpest, brightest, and most vivid digital images ever!

See the current movie schedule here.

Parking is free at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center for any movie that ends after 5:30 pm (parking vouchers will be available at the Airbus IMAX Theater box office). If a movie ends before 5:30 pm, parking is $15 per vehicle. See more FAQs here.

Details:
Website

Location:
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center ∙ Chantilly, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Sunset Cinema in The Little City

‹‹ More Summer Movie Fun

The City of Falls Church Parks & Recreation Department is excited to present its annual Sunset Cinema in the Park!

Bring your blankets to Cherry Hill Park for movies under the moon, including:

Admission to this special series is free; drinks, popcorn, and snacks will be available for purchase, with additional on-site food vendors. Arrive early to secure a good spot — and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome, too!

Details:
Website

Location:
Cherry Hill Park ∙ Falls Church, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Festival of Lights & Carols

‹‹ More Holiday Fun

Deck the halls and the square!

On December 5, 2026, Downtown Fairfax transforms into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights and holiday cheer for the City of Fairfax’s Festival of Lights and Carols!

There’s something for all ages, from live holiday music and children’s crafts and activities to complimentary s’mores and warm cider. Little ones won’t want to miss photos with Santa — a perfect chance to capture holiday memories!

As the sun sets, the celebration ends with a tree-lighting ceremony accompanied by caroling. The performance schedule will be announced in November (check the full schedule for updates).

Admission is free, so bundle up and bring the whole family!

Details:
Website ∙ Facebook

Date:
Dec 5, 2026

Location:
Old Town Square ∙ Fairfax, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Santa Railway Express

‹‹ More Holiday Train Rides

Each year, Whistle Stop Hobbies hosts a unique seasonal event — the Santa Railway Express, now celebrating its 20th year!

At this popular holiday tradition, Mr. & Mrs. Claus will board a Virginia Railway Express train to greet children with a special holiday treat before an exciting round-trip ride.

Like this? Find more Holiday Train Rides here!

The train will depart from Alexandria’s King Street Station and choo-choo along the tracks to Old Town Manassas. Once there, enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and storytime in the station. Even more exciting for little ones, Santa will host a Q&A on the platform before the train returns to Alexandria.

Tickets (which always sell out) are now available exclusively in person at Whistle Stop Hobbies. Everyone needs a ticket — even infants — and each ride is capped at 200 guests, so plan to shop early! Choose from four dates, including:

  • December 7, 2026
  • December 14, 2026
  • December 17, 2026
  • December 21, 2026

Details:
Website

Dates:
Dec 7-21, 2026

Locations:
Tickets: Whistle Stop Hobbies ∙ Alexandria, VA
Event: King Street VRE ∙ Alexandria, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Free! Young at Arts @ Wolf Trap

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!


‹‹ Even More Summer Fun

To introduce kids and teens to the performing arts, Wolf Trap’s Young at Arts initiative offers complimentary tickets to select performances.

Young at Arts allows ticket buyers to receive one free youth ticket (17 & under) for each accompanying adult ticket purchased to select performances, including:

Young at Arts tickets are available online or in person at the Wolf Trap Box Office (while space is available). Select tickets are available in-house in the rear orchestra and on the lawn.

Get to know this destination! Wolf Trap features three performance venues, including the outdoor Filene Center, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, and The Barns at Wolf Trap. The Filene Center, operated in partnership with the National Park Service, showcases a wide range of artists each year, from pop, country, and folk to blues and classical, as well as dance and theatre. The Barns at Wolf Trap, operated by the Wolf Trap Foundation, is open year-round and hosts the Wolf Trap Opera in the summer.

Details:
Website

Location:
Wolf Trap ∙ Vienna, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

March Into Fun: Holiday Parades

‹‹ More Holiday Fun

March into merry at these 2026 holiday parades filled with twinkling lights and holiday sights!

NOVEMBER 21

NOVEMBER 27

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 12

CHECK BACK SOON

Check back for updates to last year’s events…

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Find Year-Round Fun in Herndon

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Something special is always happening in Herndon! Even better — they’re open to families, no matter where you live (you don’t have to be a town resident to enjoy them!).

Grab your calendar and add some fun, but check back often — new ones are always popping up!

Nov 21, 2026
Turkey Trot 5K Race
Lace up for one of Herndon’s favorite holiday traditions! The Turkey Trot 5K is a community, cross-country-style race that welcomes runners of all experience levels for an afternoon of fitness, fun, and friendly competition.

Dec 5, 2026
Holiday Tree Lighting & Sing-Along
Welcome the holiday season with family, friends, and neighbors at Herndon’s Holiday Tree Lighting & Sing-Along. This free community tradition features holiday music, seasonal cheer, a sing-along, and the lighting of the Town’s holiday tree.

Dec 6, 2026
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
Shop for something special at the annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, featuring more than 70 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal decor, treats, jewelry, artwork, home goods, and more!

THESE EVENTS HAVE PASSED

Oct 24, 2026
Homecoming Parade
Celebrate hometown spirit at the Herndon High School Homecoming Parade! This year’s Hollywood Through the Years theme brings creative floats, marching bands, school groups, community organizations, local businesses, and plenty of movie-inspired fun.

Oct 17, 2026
Aqua Bingo
Make a splash with Aqua Bingo! Participants swim through the pool to collect numbered rubber duckies and diving toys, then settle in for bingo fun.

Oct 9-10, 2026
Halloween Costume Exchange
Swap, save, and spook in style at Herndon Parks & Recreation’s Children’s Halloween Costume Exchange! Donate gently used kids’ costumes September 21-October 8, 2026, then return to the Herndon Community Center October 9-10, 2026, to pick out something new. It’s a budget-friendly way to get kids Halloween-ready!

Sept 27, 2026
Nature Fest
Explore Runnymede Park’s trails during Nature Fest, a free, family-friendly event featuring hands-on activities, interactive games, and educational exhibits highlighting the native plants, animals, and insects that call the park home.

Sept 20, 2026
Puzzle Palooza
Grab friends or family and join Puzzle Palooza at the Herndon Community Center, where teams race to complete a 500-piece puzzle for fun, bragging rights, and prizes.

July 9-Aug 20, 2026
Farmers’ Market Fun Days
Add some extra fun to Thursday mornings this summer at Farmers’ Market Fun Days in downtown Herndon. From July 9-August 20, 2026, this free, family-friendly series runs alongside the Herndon Farmers Market and features lively entertainment, interactive performances, music, movement, and plenty of kid-focused fun each week.

June 16-Aug 18, 2026
Town Square Tuesdays
From June 16-August 18, 2026, Herndon’s Tuesday-night summer tradition returns, bringing live local music, lawn games, and family-friendly fun to Town Hall Square in downtown Herndon. Enjoy live performances from talented local artists, outdoor games, and free admission all summer long.

July 4, 2026
July 4th Celebration
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an evening of community fun, live music, family activities, and fireworks at Bready Park. Families can enjoy games, crafts, food, and entertainment before the night wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display.

June 21, 2026
Play All Day VA
Celebrate the longest day of the year with Herndon Parks & Recreation at Play All Day VA, a statewide initiative that encourages families to get outside and stay active together. From free popsicles and games to complimentary admission at the Herndon Community Center, this community celebration offers fun for all ages.

June 19, 2026
Juneteenth
Join the community in honoring and celebrating Juneteenth while recognizing the lasting contributions of Herndon’s early African-American community. This meaningful program explores how Oak Grove’s schools, churches, and traditions helped shape connection, resilience, and community identity.

May 16, 2026
Polar Heat on Lynn Street
Polar Heat on Lynn Street is bringing entertainment, activities, food, and family fun to downtown Herndon. This free community event features live entertainment, vendors, inflatables, hands-on activities, a snowball play area, parkour fun, and a s’mores station.

May 15, 2026
Bike to Work Day
Celebrate Bike to Work Day in Herndon with a morning of cycling, community spirit, and active transportation. Stop by the Herndon pit stop along the W&OD Trail and join riders from across the DMV.

May 8, 2026
Big Truck Day
Kids can climb, touch, and explore the Town of Herndon’s big trucks and heavy equipment at the Public Works Complex during Big Truck Day. This free annual event also supports the community through donations of non-perishable food.

Apr 25, 2026
Park & Stream Cleanup
Help keep Herndon beautiful during the annual Park & Stream Cleanup. Volunteers will help refresh local parks and trails by picking up litter, removing invasive plants, and caring for community green spaces.

Apr 4, 2026
Hoppy Egg Hunting
Celebrate spring at Bready Park with egg hunts, games, crafts, music, and a special visit with the Bunny during this favorite family tradition.

Mar 28, 2026
Aqua Egg Hunt
Make a splash at the Aqua Egg Hunt, where kids dive into the pool to collect eggs during this popular spring tradition. Every participant leaves with a prize.

Mar 22, 2026
Puzzle Palooza
Bring friends or family to Puzzle Palooza at the Herndon Community Center, where teams race to complete a 500-piece puzzle for fun, bragging rights, and prizes.

Mar 21, 2026
Kids Fishing Derby
Cast a line and enjoy the Kids Fishing Derby along Sugarland Run, where young anglers can learn fishing basics and spend the morning outdoors with help from volunteers.

Feb 21, 2026
VIP Dance
Children are invited to grab their VIP — their Very Important Person — for a special evening of dancing, music, red carpet fun, and Hollywood-inspired memories.

Feb 9, 2026
Teddy Bear Tea Party
Bring a favorite stuffed friend to the Teddy Bear Tea Party for a cozy morning of stories, crafts, treats, and family fun designed for preschoolers and their grown-ups.

Feb 7, 2026
Hobby Exchange
Ready to try something new? The annual Hobby Exchange invites the community to swap gently used hobby supplies and discover a new favorite pastime — all for free.

Jan 24, 2026
HCC Open House
Join the Herndon Community Center Open House for an afternoon of family fun, community connection, and a chance to explore the many activities and amenities the center offers.

Jan 10, 2026
Dodgeball Tournament
Get ready for high-energy fun at the 1st Annual Dodgeball Tournament, where teams compete for prizes, bragging rights, and plenty of friendly competition.

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.