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Celebrate the Holidays at the Museum


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Celebrate the season at the National Museum of the Marine Corps with festive programs the whole family will enjoy. Please note: the Museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. This year’s lineup offers something for everyone—from holiday films and concerts to hands-on activities and a visit from Santa himself.

Holiday Event Schedules

There's so much to do and see this holiday season at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Below you can find a list of some daily activities upcoming to help make the most of your visit. Schedules are subject to change.

Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7
  • Museum & Store Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Devil Dog Diner Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Tun Tavern Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Showing of The Santa Clause: 11:30 AM & 2:30 PM
Tuesday, December 11
  • Museum Galleries & Store Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM - Extended Hours!
  • Devil Dog Diner Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
  • Tun Tavern Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:45 PM - Specials
  • Concessions: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Quantico Marine Band Holiday Concert - 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 13
  • Museum & Store Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Devil Dog Diner Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Tun Tavern Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Family Day: Visit with Santa: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Cookies, Crafts & Cocoa: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (while supplies last)
  • Showing of Shrek the Halls: 9:30 AM & 12:00 PM

 

Sunday, December 14
  • Museum & Store Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Devil Dog Diner Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Tun Tavern Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Family Day: Visit with Santa: 1:00 - 4:00 PM (Red Suit Santa)
  • Showing of Shrek the Halls: 11:30 AM & 2:00 PM

 

Tuesday, December 16
  • Museum & Store Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Devil Dog Diner Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Tun Tavern Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Showing of Shrek the Halls: 11:30 AM & 2:00 PM
  • Family Day: Visit with Santa: 2:00 - 4:30 PM (Camouflage Santa)
  • Quantico Marine Band Holiday Concert: 3:00 - 4:00 PM

 

 

Wednesday, December 17
  • Museum Galleries & Store Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM - Extended Hours!
  • Devil Dog Diner Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
  • Tun Tavern Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:45 PM - Specials!
  • Concessions: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Quantico Marine Band Holiday Concert: 7:00 - 8:00 PM

 

 

Saturday, December 20 & Sunday, December 21
  • Museum & Store Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Devil Dog Diner Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Tun Tavern Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Showing of Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: 11:30 AM & 2:30 PM
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The President's Own U.S. Marine Band Holiday Sing-A-Long on Dec. 17th

Join us for a festive evening of music and holiday cheer! An ensemble from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will perform a special holiday concert and sing-a-long on December 17 at 7:00 PM in the Leatherneck Gallery.

The Museum, Rifle Range and Museum Store will be open until 7:00 PM. Concessions of snacks and hot beverages will also be available until 8:00 PM.
 
Tun Tavern will be open until 6:45 PM and will feature a Hot Turkey Sandwich with stuffing and cranberry on ice box bread. Seasonal desserts include Hot Chocolate Spiced Brownie with marshmallow cream and Banana Pudding with pretzel crumble and salted caramel drizzle.
 
Devil Dog Diner will be open until 6:45 PM, offering pre-order pizza and the same seasonal desserts as Tun Tavern.
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Family Day: Visits with Santa

Join us at the National Museum of the Marine Corps for Family Day: Visits with Santa! Enjoy free photo opportunities, kids’ activities, and festive fun as Santa stops by the Museum—just be sure to arrive on time, as he won’t be able to stay late during this busy season.

On December 13 & 14, Santa will be in his classic red suit, and on December 16, he’ll return in his special camouflage suit. This event is free and open to the public.

2025 Holiday Films at the Museum (1)

Holiday Film Series in December

Join us this December as we celebrate the holiday season at the National Museum of the Marine Corps! Enjoy festive favorites on our Giant-Screen inside the Medal of Honor Theater.

  • December 6 & 7: The Santa Clause

  • December 13, 14 & 16: Shrek the Halls

  • December 20 & 21: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch

Tickets: $7.00 per person. Add a Snack Bundle for just $5.00 — includes your choice of snacks and drinks to enjoy during the film.

Cookies, Cocoa & Crafts 2025 - MOHT Screens (1)

Cookies, Crafts & Cocoa

This family-favorite event is back! Join us on Saturday, December 13th on the Museum's 2nd floor for FREE holiday-themed activities! Kids can decorate picture frames, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa and embrace the festive spirit. Supplies are limited!

 

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Quantico Marine Band Holiday Performances on Dec. 11 & 16

Join us for a festive evening of music and holiday cheer! An ensemble from Quantico Marine Band will perform special holiday concerts on December 11 at 7:00 PM & December 16 at 3:00 PM in the Leatherneck Gallery.

For their evening performance on December 11, the Museum, Rifle Range and Museum Store will be open until 7:00 PM. Concessions of snacks and hot beverages will also be available until 8:00 PM.
 
Tun Tavern will be open until 6:45 PM and will feature a Hot Turkey Sandwich with stuffing and cranberry on ice box bread. Seasonal desserts include Hot Chocolate Spiced Brownie with marshmallow cream and Banana Pudding with pretzel crumble and salted caramel drizzle.
 
Devil Dog Diner will be open until 6:45 PM, offering pre-order pizza and the same seasonal desserts as Tun Tavern.
Museum Store Holidays

Museum Store Discounts

Get your holiday shopping done with unique, Marine Corps–inspired gifts from the National Museum of the Marine Corps Museum Store—available in person or online! From December 4–12, enjoy free shipping on all standard domestic orders over $25, while supplies last. Shop early and share the spirit of the season with meaningful gifts that honor Marine Corps history and heritage.

Toys for Tots Jeep

Toys for Tots

Consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots. The Museum's USMC Jeep is ready to be filled with toys, and your generosity can help make the season special for a child. Donations can be dropped off directly at the Jeep, located outside the Medal of Honor Theater, now through December 10, 2025.

 

Choral Performance

Choral Performances

Throughout December, the National Museum of the Marine Corps will fill Leatherneck Gallery with the sounds of the season as local choirs share festive daytime performances. Enjoy holiday selections from Swan’s Creek Elementary School (12/10), Stafford Regional Choral Society (12/14), Mountain View High School (12/18), Woodbridge Community Choir (12/21) and other talented student and local ensembles as they bring warmth and cheer to the Museum all month long.