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Celebrate the Holiday Season with M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County
November 25, 2025
Free or low-cost Holiday Events for the Entire Family
RIVERDALE, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s Countyinvites the community to celebrate the holidays with free or low-cost events for the entire family. From dazzling light displays, holiday concerts, and visits from Santa the entire family can Live More, Play More this holiday season.
Upcoming events include:
Friday, November 28 – Thursday, January 1, 5 pm – 9:30 pm nightly
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Festival of Lights, all from the comfort of your car. Drive through three miles of dazzling light displays featuring more than 2.5 million lights, the largest show of its kind in the Washington D.C. area. Returning this year, Holiday Hayrides, a festive way to enjoy the sights with loved ones. Advanced registration is required for hayrides.
Saturday, December 6, 10 am – 3 pm
College Park Aviation Museum
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD
Enjoy a festive day filled with holiday cheer from around the world! Experience magic, fun, and family with Santa as he makes his annual return to the College Park Aviation Museum and files in for a day of holiday merriment. Be dazzled with the Berwyn Ballet’s excerpts from “The Nutcracker” and explore how other cultures celebrate winter traditions with fun and festive crafts and activities. Advance registration required by December 3.
The Nutcracker with the National Ballet Company
Saturday, December 6, 7 pm & Sunday, December 7, 4 pm
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
5445 Landover Road, Hyattsville, MD
Returning to the Publick Playhouse stage, the National Ballet Company revisits the enchanting world of “The Nutcracker,” a holiday classic that has captivated audiences of all ages for generations. The production, with its magical storyline, vibrant costumes, and breathtaking choreography, is set against the backdrop of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, creating an immersive experience that transports viewers to a whimsical winter wonderland.
Holiday Jingle Jam | FREE
Saturday, December 13, 9 am – 12 pm
Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex
13601 Missouri Ave, Brandywine, MD
Spend a magical morning of holiday fun with the family. Create your own Elf on the Shelf, enjoy cookies with cocoa, and snap a photo with a special jolly guest. Then, experience the heartwarming children’s show Holiday Block Party at 11 am, performed by the Canady Foundation for the Arts Repertory Theatre. Through music, dance, puppetry, and storytelling, journey globally to explore cultural traditions from Diwali to Kwanza, Las Posadas and more.
Holiday Craft Fair | FREE
Saturday, December 13, 11 am – 4 pm
Brentwood Arts Exchange
3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD
Kick off the holidays at the festive Holiday Craft Fair, where you can shop from over a dozen local artisans showcasing their handcrafted goods. Discover unique gifts, enjoy live music, and sip on seasonal favorites from Maryland Meadworks. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present or simply soaking in the holiday cheer, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list.
Saturday, December 13, 2 pm – 4 pm
Herbert W. Wells Ice Rink
5211 Campus Drive, College Park, MD
Break out your festive holiday wear and celebrate the season, ice skating, and taking photos with Santa. No registration required.
A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Eric Byrd Trio
Saturday, December 20, 2 – 4 pm
Montpelier Arts Center
9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD
Christmastime is here! Celebrate the season with an afternoon filled with festive music from the Peanuts’ special. Comprised of pianist/ vocalist Eric Byrd, bassist Bhagwan Khalsa, and drummer Alphonso Young, Jr., the Trio has traveled the world as enthusiastic ambassadors of jazz. Bringing fresh arrangements to these familiar songs, they are sure to put you in a holiday mood.
In the Water Basketball Showcase
Friday, December 26 and Saturday, December 27, 12 noon tip off
The Show Place Arena
14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD
In the Water Basketball Showcase brings two electrifying days of high school basketball action to The Show Place Arena. Don’t miss this holiday showdown, featuring the top boys’ and girls’ teams across the DC Metropolitan Area battling it out under one roof in a high-stakes, high-energy atmosphere.
For more information about upcoming M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation events, visit pgparks.com.
