Month: December 2025

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR FAMILY STYLE

New Years Eve has always been a special holiday to me; as it is also my birthday! I enjoy celebrating the past, and ringing in the new year with family and friends. Here are a few ideas that I hope spark inspiration, and help your family have a memorable New Year celebration.

PARTY PLANNING

MOVE UP THE CLOCK- One of my favorite suggestions is to move up the clock so to speak! It may come as a surprise that celebrating without breaking the bed time routine is an option. If you are a parent with small children staying up until midnight is less than desirable! A family-friendly idea is to counts down to a NOON Years Eve. Our family has tried this out and loves it! We do all the same exciting things, just to 12 noon instead of midnight. Some families have recommended celebrating at 9PM as another alternative.

BALLOON DROP- We usually attend the My Gym Noon Years Eve party and our kids go wild over the balloon drop. This is pretty easy to create at home. You can use a plastic disposable table cloth as a tarp to hold balloons in. Here is a tutorial by Miss Mae’s Day

CONFETTI CRACKERS- Check out these awesome balloon confetti poppers by Little Bins for Little Hands that are a great STEM activity as well as a fun party favor!

COUNT DOWN BALLOON- Each hour leading up to the big moment, pop a balloon to reveal a fun activity. The excitement will build up as you near closer and closer to the big moment! The balloons double as decoration for an added bonus. Check out this tutorial by Twinkle Twinkle Little Party.

CREATE A CRAFT- Kids will have lots of fun designing their star wands and noisemakers to ring in the New Year. Visit Projects with Kids for free printable wand patterns.

PASS THE DICE GAME- Free printable and instructions on how to play this game can be found at Play Party Plan.

WHERE TO RING IN THE HEW YEAR FAMILY STYLE

HAPPY NEW YEAR- ST MARYS LIBRARY

Date: Dec 31, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: St. Mary’s Library’s (Lexington Park, Charlotte Hall & Leonardtown)

Details: All the fun of a new year’s party for our young friends with early bed times! Ring in a happy NOON year with songs crafts and activities and an exciting countdown. Celebration will take place at Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown and Lexington Park Branches. Be sure to register!

Cost: FREE

Event Link 

HAPPY NEW YEAR- CALVERT LIBRARY 

Date: Dec 31, 2025

Time: 11:15AM & 12:15PM

Location: Calvert Library (Fairview, Southern, Twin Beaches and Prince Frederick)

Details: Ring in the new year early with festive story time fun for preschoolers and children.

Cost: FREE

Event Link 

NOON YEARS EVE PARTY- MY GYM WALDORF/ST MARYS

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

Details: Celebrate the New Year as a family with balloon drop, juice toast, treats & more!
Cost: Lifetime Members $29.99- This event always sells out, be sure to register early!

EVENT LINK

ANNMARIE’S GARDEN IN LIGHTS

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Annmarie Gardens

Details: Celebrate the final evening of 2025 at Annmarie’s gardens in lights show.
Cost: $

LINK

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT SCARY STROKES

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM

Location: Scary Strokes- 2960 Technology Place, Suite 106, Waldorf, MD

Details:  Enjoy unlimited mini-golf, a $10 arcade card, arts and crafts, board games, and a festive balloon drop. Family-friendly fun for all ages. Ticket required.

Event Link

FIRST NIGHT ALEXANDRIA

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: Festivities start at 2:00PM

Location: Alexandria, VA

Details: On Tuesday, December 31, the festivities begin at 2:00 PM with engaging performances for children and a day party for all ages. At 7:30PM, enjoy a spectacular family-friendly fireworks display over the waterfront before diving into an evening of live music, comedy, and more on 12 stages scattered throughout the charming streets of Old Town inside museums, churches, retail spaces, and other unique venues. As the countdown begins, gather for a breathtaking midnight fireworks finale, capping off a magical evening and welcoming 2025 in unforgettable style.

LINK

FIREWORKS AND DRONES DISPLAY

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM- 12:30AM

Location: The Inner Harbor Amphitheatre – Baltimore, MD

Details: Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) is thrilled to announce New Year’s Eve festivities on December 31, 2025, at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. This year, we’re adding an incredible element to the tradition: a mesmerizing drone show by Image Engineering, experts in laser entertainment. At midnight, the skies will dazzle with a custom drone display alongside fireworks, led by Mayor Brandon M. Scott It’s a fusion of tech and tradition, aligning with Baltimore’s status as a tech hub.

LINK

NOON YEAR’S EVE

Date: December 31, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Location: Calvert Marine Museum

Details: Enjoy a family friendly celebration with themed crafts, a juggling show, dance party with the Otter mascot, sparkling ginger ale toast, and a confetti blast at noon. Crafts available while supplies last. Members only.

LINK

From our family to yours…Happy New Year!!! May 2026 be full of fun and many blessings.

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BUSCH GARDENS CHRISTMAS TOWN: 2025 PLAYFUL PARENT GUIDE

The holidays are always an extra special time of year. The kids are off from school, and everyone is taking off work to enjoy extra quality time. The stress of everyday life seems to melt away as we bond over traditions. Things like baking cookies, cuddling on the couch while watching Christmas movies and making special visits to see relatives become priorities. It’s the perfect time to take a winter weekend getaway. Our family has visited Christmas town as a holiday tradition for the past 12 years. Christmas Town is our favorite place to visit to get into the holiday spirit. From November 14, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the park has been transformed into a winter wonderland. In addition to five roller coasters and twenty-five rides, guests are treated to spectacular seasonal shows, live holiday music, festive foods and over ten million sparkling lights. Through our years of experience, I hope to share some helpful tips and reasons why you won’t want to miss a trip to Williamsburg this year!

THINGS TO SEE & DO

CHRISTMAS TOWN EXPRESS: – All Aboard! This is the Christmas Express! Riding the train around the park is always fun for kids. However, it’s even more exciting during Christmas time! Enjoy the view of over a million Christmas Lights on display as you ride around the park listening to holiday music. During the normal season, the train is a mode of transportation around the park. However, during the holidays, the train ride takes you on a trip around the park, departing and arriving in New France.

CATCH A SHOW- There are so many amazing shows available at Christmas Town. This year the following shows are available this season: “Scrooge No More!” at the Globe Theater, “Gloria!” at the Abby Stone Theater, all new “ Christmas Town LIVE! ” at Das Fest Haus and “O’Tannenbaum” Christmas tree display in front in the Fest HausPlaza, “Wise Men” in Italy,  “Twas That Night” ice skating show in France; as well as little side shows like the “Merry Misfits,” “Elmo’s Christmas Wish” and village entertainers in the square. All the shows at Busch Gardens are amazing!  There are so many shows to see that it’s hard to fit them all into one day. We usually pick one or two performances to see, that way we still have time for rides.

LEAVE TIME FOR RIDES- I’m always amazed at all the rides that are open during Christmas Town.  My boys love spending a great deal of time in Sesame Street Forest of Fun and The Land of Dragons. In the Forest of Fun is a great kids coaster called Grover’s Alpine Express. The Sesame section can get crowded in the earlier part of the day, and it’s best to explore towards the end of the night, around 7PM-8PM. Thrill seekers daring to defy gravity will enjoy riding the many rollercoasters:  Loch Ness, Verbolten, Tempesto, DarkCoaster, InvadR, and Alpengeist. For rides that young children can ride alone, be sure to visit Italy and check out Davinci’s Little Glider and Little Balloons. The Der Wirbelwind (swings), Kinder Karussel (carousel), and Der Autobahn (bumper cars) in Germany are always another big hit. Another big hit is the Aeronaut Skyride. Be sure to ride this one at night so you can see the beautiful lights from above.

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE- There’s more than lights, rides, and shows at Christmas Town, though. There are a lot of really cool shops, and believe it or not, the food options are pretty amazing too. Your options include: Dickens Tavern in England, Ireland’s Grogan Grill, Trapper’s Smoke House, which smells heavenly as you walk through New France, Das Festhaus, where you can watch Up On the House Top while you eat, Dashers Diner in Holiday Hills or Marco Polo’s Market Place, where you can watch Three Wise Men while enjoying a warm meal. My boys loved the donuts available at the coffee/sweet shop when you first enter the park. They downed a half dozen in a second flat. You will also want to splurge and get some hot chocolate. Christmas Town is famous for its rich, creamy, and always hot cocoa!

NEW THIS YEAR- Be sure to check out the brand new coaster “The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.” This is a family-friendly, inverted roller coaster that children as small as 42 inches can ride!

TIPS

  • Tickets- I highly recommend seasons passes. They are affordable and can be used all year long. The best part about season passes is it includes parking and discounts on food and shopping. Be on the look out Groupon sometimes has discounts. Busch Gardens also offers specials so check in on their site frequently. Busch Gardens also offers free tickets and discounts to Military and Veterans so be sure to check out their Waves of Honor program.
  • Rides– I love that when you enter the park you can have your child’s height checked. The park lists all the rides they can go on independently or with a chaperone. Use the skyline as fast transportation around the park. Be sure to take the Skyline ride at night so you can see the holiday lights twinkling from above! See the Busch Gardens site for a full list of seasonal rides.
  • Shows– Seeing a show is a great way to keep the kids entertained while staying warm.
  • Dining– The price range for food and beverage are typical for an amusement park.  One thing to keep in mind is that you can purchase refillable cups for fountain drinks and even hot cocoa. Since Busch Gardens is a family friendly park they do allow Snacks from outside the park. We usually pack a few water bottles and snacks for the kids but enjoy dinner at one of the dining halls.
  • Lights– Take time to view the lights displays around the park; be sure to stroll through the “cascade” of lights down the Polar Pathway and Peace on Earth display as you cross the bridge that leads from German to Italy.
  • Dress for the weather– I think one of my biggest pieces of advice is to dress in layers. We usually dress the boys in layered warm clothing with thick socks, coat, hat and gloves. A few shows and Das Festhaus are indoors, mostly everything is outdoors.  Most years when we’ve been it is deceivingly warmer during the day but drops in temperature drastically at night. There are warming stations that you can keep an eye out for too! We’ve gone during heat waves where it feels like spring and other years it feels like visiting the north pole. If you go on a colder day, consider bringing hot hands heat packs for your pockets. A really big life safer is having an extra blanket for the little one in the stroller.
  • Stroller– You can bring your own stroller with you; as there are plenty of places to park and ride. However, if you don’t want to hassle with loading a skyline you can rent a stroller. This way you can park the rented stroller in the designated spots and grab a new one in the next area. They are inexpensive and fit two kids, plus your gear! Since there is a lot of heavy walking you will find little ones can get tired.
  • More on weather– This was the first year that temperatures dropped below 32 degrees! Keep in mind due to safety of roller coaster and ride braking systems, some rides might not be open that usually are. Dark Castle indoor coaster is a great option as it’s a indoor climate controlled coaster. The night we went it snowed earlier in the day and temperatures dropped below 20 degrees. Sadly, the park did close two hours early.
  • Read The Playful Parents Guide: Everything you need to know about visiting Busch Gardens with kids

INFORMATION

Dates: Select dates November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Hours: Park hours vary by day. Check the Busch Gardens Calendar 

Address: 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Website: LINK

***The Playful Parent does not receive payment for featuring attractions. All opinions are my own; I like to share experiences and information so that parents have resources on fun family outings. Discounted or complimentary tickets are an advantage but not a requirement for guide partners. The Playful Parent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates learning through play and promotes family bonding. All information and photographs are the intellectual property of TPP. I hope that these tips help with your planning so that you have a great time during your next Busch Gardens Williamsburg Visit! Thank you for reading…Play, Learn, Grow!***
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HAPPY HOWL-IDAY AT GREAT WOLF LODGE

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season. Stay warm and cozy this winter break with matching pajamas, hot chocolate, and festive winter activities. The lobby is transformed into a giant snow globe with a huge Christmas tree, twinkling lights and holiday music. Between the nightly free festivities and the water park, it’s feels like a little escape to paradise. This is our third year staying during Snowland, it’s become a favorite family getaway. I hope this guide helps your family plan a fun and stress free family vacation at Great Wolf Lodge.

HOWL-IDAYS AT SNOWLAND

It is an extra special treat to stay at Great Wolf Lodge around the holiday season, when the lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland. The atmosphere sets the tone for getting everyone into the holiday spirit. The entire hotel is adorned in lights and festive decorations from November 24, 2025 to January 6, 2026. Kids and the kid at heart will get a thrill out of the nightly snowfall, which is truly magical. The resort offers an array of free activities including: winter howl-i-days story times, frosty fest family dance parties, scavenger hunts, special events like BINGO, arts & crafts and photos with Santa.

REASONS TO STAY ANYTIME OF YEAR

Great Wolf Lodge truly knows how to make every holiday extra special. With four seasonal themes each year: Spring-a-palooza, Summer Fun in the Sun, Howl-o-ween, and Snowland; there’s always something fun going on anytime of year. In addition to annual celebrations they offer a plethora of activities to keep the littles busy.

IN-DOOR WATER PARK- This is probably one of the best features of the hotel. The water park is a great place to have a splashing good time! The water park is HUGE!!! Enjoy the slides: Howling Tornado, Sliding Boarding, River Cannon Run and Alberta Falls and Whopping Hollow. Don’t miss out on the other sections of the water park: Totem Towers, Raccoon Lagoon, Fort Mackenzie, Slap Tail Pond, Hot Springs, Chinook Cove and Cub Paw Pool.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE- Great Wolf Lodge has something that everyone in the family can enjoy. On campus you will find not only a pool but also: MagiQuest, Ten Paw Bowling Alley, Oliver’s Mining, Northern Light Arcade, Laser Trail, Virtual Frontier, Howl In One Miniature Golf, and Build A Bear. You can purchase activity passes or pay for activities as you go. There’s also a bar if you’d like to order a cocktail and relax. Great Wolf Lodge isn’t just for the kids, its for parents too!

STAY, EAT AND PLAY-The lodge has everything you need on campus so that you can stay and play stress free. From restaurants serving kid friendly food to coffee shop and Kids Club to Magi Quest; everything you need is right on site. They even have a Paw Pass that comes with everything your little one needs to stay entertained for the entire weekend. You can get meal packages or just pick and choose when you want to grab a meal on site. There is a in house Dunkin Donuts, Cafe, Pizza Parlor and Grill.

TIPS

  • Plan for the season you go. If you go during Howl-O-Ween bring a costume to trick or treat in. If you go during Snowland, bring matching family pajamas. Make it special and fun!
  • Enjoy an extended stay at the lodge by sticking around a while on check out day and enjoy more time at the attractions. Check-out is at 11AM, so we usually pack up our car and head back inside for more time at the water park or MagiQuest.
  • Make friends with the staff – I was impressed by the team at GWL; they are amazingly friendly and extremely helpful! Everyone wants to see you having fun safely. I got the sense that the staff really enjoys working with kids. The front desk staff is knowledgeable about the area and local attractions. They can also make suggestions about packages are available at the lodge.
  • Make sure that you sign-up to become a member (which is free) for special rates on rooms. You can also download the app to help navigate and plan out your trip.
  • Save money- the three best tips I can share about booking a room, is to go during off peak season, reserve a room on a week day and use Groupon to catch a great deal. Also, if you are military be sure to call and ask about a discount.
  • Great Wolf Lodge provides life jackets to guests for FREE! I like to bring our own because it is what my little one is already familiar with and it helps set them apart visually. I also dress my kids in bright distinctive colors so I can spot them quickly.
  • While beach towels are provided in the water park, they have to stay in the water park. I recommend bringing a robe (beach towel) to stay cozy in while walking up to your room. I like to bring a little cover dress for myself.
  • To make the room extra cozy, I always bring my little ones favorite stuffed animal and blanket.
  • The rooms are extra spacious. Even the standard room fits a family of six comfortably. We splurged and got a upgraded suite with bunk beds. The kids thought it was cool to have their own special cabin.
  • Pack water bottles and snacks. Things can really add up fast. So if you are on a budget bring a long a few things to keep in the room or bring down to the pool. Our room had a microwave, mini fridge and small table to eat at.
  • If you have time to visit Busch Gardens while you are in town I highly recommend it! If you are there during the winter holiday Christmas Town is truly remarkable.

INFORMATION

GREAT WOLF LODGE – WILLIAMSBURG

Address: 549 E Rochambeau Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188

Phone: 800-551-9653

GREAT WOLF LODGE WEBSITE

*** A discounted rate was provided to write this article. This was not a paid or complementary stay; all information is my own non-bias opinion. All content and photography are property of The Playful Parent.***

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SANTA SIGHTING: 2025 PLAYFUL PARENT GUIDE

“Here Comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus Lane,” is playing in my mind as I type out this year’s article.  After seeing a handful of Santa Breakfasts and Santa Fire Truck Run schedules posted, I decided it’s time to get the Santa Sightings Guide posted.  This guide highlights Santa sightings for families in Southern Maryland. Happy Holidays from The Playful Parent.

BREAKFASTS WITH SANTA & OTHER SANTA EVENTS

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RUNS

The following Fire Departments host annual Santa runs. Many of the local stations have posted their schedules; however, the dates and times of more should be announced soon. I will update this article to keep track of them here! Please note that inclement weather and emergencies can cause delays or schedule changes.

BEL ALTON- Santa is coming to town… December 12-13, 2025! See LINK for full schedule.

BENEDICT VFD- Santa is coming to town! Benedict VFDRS will be escorting Santa through the area and spreading holiday cheer with candy canes for everyone! Escort Times: • Friday & Saturday: Start around 6:30 PM • Sunday: Start around 5:00 PM. Visit the LINK for full details.

BRANDYWINE VFD–  The Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department is excited to announce the official schedule for our 2025 Santa Runs will take place on December 7, 13 & 14, 2025. Santa will depart from the firehouse at 1:00 PM on each scheduled day. Watch their FACEBOOK PAGE– daily for updates related to weather, emergency calls, and—of course—our Live Santa Tracker! Link to page here.

BRYANS ROAD- VFD LINK- Stay tuned for schedule. Usually Santa makes his way around town the weekend before Christmas.

CHARLES COUNTY EMS–On Sat., 12/6/25, Sat., 12/13/25 and Sat., 12/20/25, CCVRS will be bringing Santa to a La Plata neighborhood near you! LINK to Facebook page which should update with more information as the date gets closer.

COBB ISLAND– Is hosting a lunch with Santa and Secret Santa gift ship. Usually Santa makes his rounds thru the neighborhood after the party. Stay tuned to learn more by clicking the VFD LINK.

DENTSVILLE– Has announced Santa will make his rounds on December 5, 7 & 17, 2025. See the VFD LINK for more information.

HUGHESVILLE– Santa checks his list with a thankful heart, reminding those in Hughesville he will be coming town November 28-30, December 5-7 and December 12 & 14, 2025 ! Schedule Link.

INDIAN HEAD 10TH DISTRICT- SCHEDULE LINK – Indian Head VFD Santa will be on his rounds (Usually the 23rd of December each year starting at 6PM.) Still waiting on them to announce the date.

LAPLATA VFD– Santa Season is here with La Plata Volunteer Fire Department! Check out these festive events where you can join us and see Santa:  December 6th – Santa Run/ December 7th – Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering at Town Hall in La Plata/ December 13th – Breakfast with Santa at Town Hall La Plata. December 14th – Hometown Heroes Holiday Event (Sam’s Club) in Waldorf. For more details visit-VFD Link.

LEONARDTOWN VFD- VFD Link– Santa is bringing Christmas Joy to Leonardtown. Sunday November 30th- Juniors court, Villages of Leonardtown, St Clements Shores and Forrest Farms. Friday December 5th- Satchel Paige Way, Meadows at Town run, Single Tree, Clarks Rest, Abell St, Norris Circle, Academy Hills, Downtown Leonardtown. Saturday December 6th- Chestnut Hills, Chestnut Ridge, Wilderness run, Leonardtown Farms, Megan Lane, Horseshoe Court. Friday December 12th- Breton Knolls Ct, Breton Bay,Avenmar subdivision,The Mulberries, Knight Road. Saturday December 13- Hanover Farms, Birdhaven, Dean Forrest. Tentative Rain Date- Saturday December 20th.

MECHANICSVILLE VFD- The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad will be bringing Santa Claus to your Neighborhood from December 6 thru December 14, 2025. Santa will be riding on a big red firetruck sleigh! An Ambulance will occasionally lead, playing Christmas songs on their PA system. Santa Runs will begin between 5:30 and 6:30 PM and may last until 9:00 PM. Their crews will cover the streets listed on their with a Santa Tracker on the site.

NANJEMOY VFD- VFD LINK- 🎄 Santa’s coming to Nanjemoy! 🎄We will be escorting Santa through Nanjemoy on December 12th &13th.

NEWBURG VFD- Get ready! This Sunday, December 14th at 2:00 PM, Santa Claus will be trading in his sleigh for one of our fire trucks as he rides through the neighborhoods in our first-due area with the Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department! Click on NVFD LINK for updates.

NORTH BEACH VFD– On December 20th, Santa Claus is Cruisin’ the Town from 1pm to 4 pm LINK

PRINCE FREDERICK- PFVFD Santa Runs start December 8th and run thru December 11th. See image or visit PFVFD LINK– for details.

POTOMAC HEIGHTS– Santa Claus is coming to town! We are excited to once again escort Santa through our response area on Sunday December 18-20, 2025. See the Potomac Heights Facebook Events for nightly locations and details at PHVFD LINK.

SOLOMONS VRD- VFD LINK– Santa Run schedule is up. Check out their events page for each night’s route!!

TENTH DISTRICT VFD- Santa will make his way around town on December 21, 2025. See schedule above or visit  VFD LINK for more information.

WALDORF VFD COMPANY 3–VFD LINK – Waiting for details, still no schedule posted yet.

WESTLAKE STATION 12-  VFD LINK – Open house to see Santa. See flyer or visit there Facebook Event for details.

THANK YOU

Thank you for following The Playful Parent. All Information in this article is my own non-biased opinion. The Playful Parent is not paid to endorses organizations. All content is property of The Playful Parent. I hope that the resources continue to help and bless your family.  From our family to yours… Happy Holidays!

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