Goodbye 2024, and hello 2025! As we enter the new year, it’s time to make new goals, see new places, and try new things. Thankfully, Washington, D.C. is the perfect city for doing all the above! We’ve rounded up the best happenings and experiences this January so you can set your resolutions, indulge in some fun, and kick your new year off right!
1. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- Emo Night Brooklyn – 9:30 Club, January 3
- Zayn Stairway to the Sky Tour – The Anthem, January 21
- National Symphony Orchestra – The Kennedy Center, January 16, 18 & 23
2. Experience the magic of this Harry Potter adventure before it leaves town
The Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience has returned to Leesburg! Walk into the depths of a dark forest and discover fantastic beasts and iconic wizarding world moments illuminated like never before. You’ll be able to meet characters from the books, enjoy delicious food, and take some gorgeous photos. Get your tickets here before the experience closes its doors on January 26.
3. Hit the ice at one of these magnificent skating rinks
The weather is getting colder, winter is upon us, and what better way to take it all in than with a favorite winter pastime: ice skating! Luckily, there are a number of easily accessible ice rinks around Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area. Check out some of our favorite ice rinks below, and you can find the full list here:
- National Gallery and Sculpture Garden Rink
- Washington Harbour Ice Rink
- The Wharf Ice Rink
4. Indulge in local cuisine at D.C.’s Winter Restaurant Week
What’s better than dining at some of D.C.’s best restaurants for hard-to-beat prices? Lunch and brunch start at $25 per person and dinners ranging from $40 to $55 per person, offering you the chance to dine out at the best price. Restaurant week is from January 27 to February 2. Learn more here.
5. Shake off the winter blues at Dopamine Land
After spreading smiles throughout London and Madrid, Dopamine Land has arrived in Washington D.C. to bring a playful, multi-sensory experience to the capital. The limited-time experience invites visitors of all ages to take a break from everyday life and explore various interactive installations. From a rhythm studio to a pillow fight room, there’s something for everyone! Grab tickets here.
6. Relax to the sounds of classical music by candlelight
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind. You can lose yourself in classical renditions of your favorite tunes amid soft candlelight at an extraordinary venue, such as St. Francis Hall. With multiple genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you!
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé
- Candlelight: Legends of R&B
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
7.
Explore exquisite reproductions at Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures
Calling all history buffs and art enthusiasts! An amazingly detailed King Tutankhamun exhibit has been wowing visitors in D.C., and tickets are here. The historical exhibit is open until January 5th so don’t miss out!
8. Experience the innovation of Lego at this exhibition
Opening in late January, The Art of the Brick: An Exhibition of LEGO® Art will be debuting in D.C.! The exhibit is one of the must-see ones of 2025 and features one million LEGO® bricks to create over 130 pieces of art. From Van Gogh’s Starry Night to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Plan your visit here.
9. Have a Dry January at Mindful Drinking Fest
From January 10th to 12th, the largest mindful drinking fest in the U.S. will be happening in D.C. There will be over 120 non-alcoholic drinks with 40+ producers, DJs, dancing, and morning wellness activities like yoga. Check out their website for more information.
10. Go tubing at one of these nearby resorts
If you’re interested in some outdoor fun this winter, the surrounding DMV area has a few noteworthy spots for snow tubing!
- Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Bryce Resrt, Basye VA
- Massanutten Resort, Massanutten Virginia
11. Delight at the sights of this Winter Lantern Festival
The popular Winter Lantern Festival is bringing its stunning display to the DMV, setting it aglow in a sight that’s not like any other! After dazzling New York City with 150,000 annual guests, 3 years in a row, the Winter Lantern Festival is now in the DMV for select days in January.
12. Cozy up inside a cozy igloo or greenhouse
Cocktails, cozy blankets, and igloos? Yes, please! Winter and cozy season are upon us, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the many awesome winter setups the city has to offer. Here are some of the featured dining spots:
- Four Seasons Hotel
- Diry Habit
- Hook Hall
- Stable DC
13. Hit the gas at the Washington, D.C., Auto Show
Gear-heads, rejoice! The Washington, D.C. Auto Show is coming to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on January 31, bringing 600 new models from 30+ car manufacturers to check out. From racing simulators to EV test-drives, there’s something for everyone to discover. Get more details here.
14. Celebrate the Lunar New Year
Usher in the “Year of the Snake,” beginning on Wednesday, January 29. While the annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade takes place February 2, the Kennedy Center has lots of Lunar New Year activations, ranging from live performances to calligraphy classes. More information can be found on the official website.
15. Keep cozy with one of these delicious hot chocolates
As the weather begins to get colder and we wake to frost layering the ground and cars, we’re officially entering hot chocolate season! A tasty, chocolatey cup of sweet goodness is key to keeping warm during cold D.C. winters and even boosting one’s intelligence! Here’s a sneak peek of some of our favorite D.C. spots to grab a cup of hot chocolate, and you can find the full list here:
- L.A. Burdick
- Colada Shop
- Sticky Fingers Diner
16. Spend a day wandering around Georgetown
From historic homes and petite coffee shops to high-end waterfront dining and great happy hour deals, Georgetown has it all! Founded in 1751, an entire 40 years before Washington, D.C., itself was established, Georgetown makes for a great glimpse into the District’s past and present!
17. Take a roadtrip to a nearby ski resort
Some might argue that there’s no where to ski or snowboard in D.C. but that’s simply not true. We rounded up at least 5 ski resorts that are 5 hours or less drive from D.C. to the mountains.