Goodbye 2025, and hello 2026! 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
- The Anthem – Gregory Alan Isakov (Jan 24), Lasership (Jan 31)
- 9:30 Club – 30+ Party (Jan 2), Snow Strippers (Jan 8), Glaive (Jan 17), Atmosphere (Jan 18), Del Water Gap (Jan 19 & 20), Magic City Hippies (Jan 21), Beats Antique (Jan 22), Sudan Archives (Jan 25), The Movement (Jan 30), Drama (Jan 30)
- Echostage – Zeds Dead (Jan 2 & 3), Nora en Pure (Jan 9), Reggaeton Rave (Jan 10), Two Friends (Jan 30)
2. Head to the immersive Bubble Planet experience to unleash your inner child
Bubble Planet is headed to D.C., so if you love museums that double as photo ops, you’re going to love it!
This interactive exhibit has 10 different rooms, each with unique themes, colors, and sights.
Bubbles ranging from soapy baths to smoke-filled orbs to balloons will allow you to float through a magical story that you likely haven’t experienced before.
Get your tickets here!
Where: Rhode Island Center
524 Rhode Island Ave NE, 20002
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 range from $40 to $55 per person, offering you the chance to dine out at the best price. Restaurant week is from January 19th to the 25th. 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!
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Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
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Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More
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Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
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Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
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Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons
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Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
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Candlelight: Tribute to Beyoncé
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Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More
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Candlelight: Tribute to Drake
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Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi
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Candlelight: JazzThe Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole
7. Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden’s ‘Season’s Greenings’ exhibit
Open through January 4th, this year’s “Season’s Greenings” theme is called ‘Dino-Mite!’, a not-so-subtle reference to the fact that massive dinosaur models have been scattered around the Garden’s grounds, but also a reference to the fact that this year’s theme highlights animals and plants from the Cretaceous period!
8. Head to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to experience the fun of ZooLights
ZooLights is back at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo until January 3rd! A $6 admission ticket allows you to peruse the zoo’s beautiful light displays, take in live performances, and enjoy tasty treats after dark on select nights all December. For a full list of dates and to reserve an entry pass, please visit the zoo’s website.
Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
9. Bask in the beauty of D.C.’s holiday lights
As holiday celebrations are coming to an end, the dazzling holiday light displays all around the city will still be open to view at the start of January.
So put on a scarf and hat, grab a warm beverage, and bask in the cheerful spirit of the holiday season with these stunning displays!
Here’s a sneak peek of some of the best displays, and you can find the full list here.
- Frosted at Franklin Park
- Light Yards at The Yards Park
- CityCenterDC
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 – The longest snow tubing hill on the East Coast
- Bryce Resort, 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!
12. Secure your spot at a Candlelight Concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Candlelight are bringing the magic of Middle-earth to life with Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings — a classical music concert.
This 60-minute journey features a string quartet performing iconic scores from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
Surrounded by thousands of candles, guests will revisit epic themes as the franchise nears its 25th anniversary.
Tickets are now on sale for the stunning tribute show taking place early next year!
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 23 until February 1st, 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. Grab the family and head to ICE! at Gaylord National
With larger-than-life sculptures made from nearly 6,000 blocks of hand-carved ice, this family-friendly holiday wonderland is worth the visit! This year’s installation captures the story of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with 14 whimsical scenes spanning across 17,000 square feet. Learn more here.
Location: 201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
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 nowhere 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 slopes.