8 great reasons to visit the Washington Pavilion before the end of 2023  

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

Whether you’re looking for live entertainment, a classic holiday movie, hands-on activities or holiday photo moments, you’ll find them all in the coming days at the Washington Pavilion.

“We have a ton of things going on,” said Cameron Ostrom, director of sales and administration. “It’s a busy time like it is for most people, but we’ve got a lot of fun things happening here.”

The list easily could go on, but here are eight great reasons to stop by the Washington Pavilion yet this year:

Get in the holiday spirit

Before you even walk into the Washington Pavilion, the holiday spirit is shining outside.

The signature lit-up tree provides a perfect photo-op for all ages, and the Tidings and Tinsel Christmas tree display inside on the second floor will wow you with trees decorated by local organizations.

The display is open to the public during regular hours through December. The outdoor tree is lit from dusk until dawn through the end of the month.

On Saturday, Dec. 16, Santa will make an appearance and take photos with the kiddos from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn while being entertained

The Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium has a special offering this holiday season. “Mystery of the Christmas Star” is an educational holiday film and modern retelling of the Christmas story and uncovers an explanation for the star the wise men followed to find the baby Jesus.

“That will run through the holiday season, and then in addition, we’ll show Hollywood holiday films from Dec. 22-31, including “The Grinch,” “Elf” and “Back to the Future,” and we’ll have one showing per day,” said Madelyn Grogan, director of education, programming and exhibits.

“It’s a nice way to chill out with your kids after they’ve been playing, grab some popcorn and candy, and watch a film in our brand-new, state-of-the-art planetarium before you go home.”

New reasons to dine – and a sweet addition ahead

The newly renovated cafe, The WP, is open and ready to serve, with expanded hours that mirror museum times.

Stop by from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Enjoy quick, ready-made options, including a daily hot rotating entree, market-fresh sandwiches, fun kids’ meals and more.

“We have an awesome new chef, and we want it to be quick and easy for families, so you’ll find it’s efficient but overall just a better experience for guests, with fresh, healthy, local options,” Ostrom said.

And, just in time for holiday break, Parlour Ice Cream is expected to debut in the second-floor concession area.

“Our chef came from Parlour, and she has recipes for over 400 flavors, so we’ll rotate with at least nine to start, and it will be the same high-quality ingredients people love about Parlour, but with some fun new names that reflect the themes of the Washington Pavilion,” Ostrom said.

Watch for information about the opening date inside the Washington Pavilion.

New and changing hands-on programming and workshops

Even if you’re a frequent visitor to the Washington Pavilion, you and your family will find new things to do in December.

“We’ll have different programming in our Jack’s Imagination Lab and Raven Children’s Studio,” Grogan said. “You’re going to find something new in those places every time you come.”

For example, on Saturday, Dec. 16, you’ll also find a holiday craft to make homemade wrapping paper from 10 to 11 a.m. geared toward children age 6 through 10.

Broaden cultural awareness

Some of the activities planned this month also will expose visitors to new cultures and the celebrations of light around the world. For instance, until Sunday, Dec. 17, you can build a kinara in honor of Kwanza and celebrate by designing a firework launcher.

From Dec. 19-23, it’s a lantern theme with paper lantern projects and a “Vivid Sydney” program.

And from Dec. 26-30, mark Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with a sand art project, and Loi Krathong, a Thai festival, with krathong baskets.

Entertainment for all tastes

From Dec. 14-23, the Washington Pavilion hosts six different holiday shows, offering something for every age.

Performances include:

Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play

Christmas With Lorie Line 2023

A Christmas Line

Holiday Jam With Spooncat!

‘Tis the Season

Church Basement Ladies

“We’ve had tremendous success hosting performances in recent months and are excited we have such a variety to round out the year,” Ostrom said.

Ring in the New Year – closer to noon

New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday this year, which means the Washington Pavilion will open at noon and host its family-friendly Dec. 31 event starting at 12:30 p.m.

Head to the Raven Children’s Studio to create amazing time capsules, and don’t miss the big balloon drop with Radley Rex in the Kirby Science Discovery Center.

“There will be a lot of fun activities that day, and our food and beverage team is going to do some fun treats as well,” Grogan said. Save $1 when you reserve admission online!

Stop by and save

Looking for a special gift that those on your list will love all year? The Washington Pavilion is offering membership discounts through the end of the year. Go to WashingtonPavilion.org/Membership to learn more.