The best winter events in Washington, D.C. to look forward to

Through March 2

When it comes to ice skating with a backdrop of iconic scenery, New York has Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center, and D.C. has the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. Nestled among the National Mall's museums, the outdoor rink opens for every winter and sticks around until the very end of the season. 

When weather permits, skaters of all skill levels can whiz by sculptures by noted artists like Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, and Louise Bourgeois. Grab a hot chocolate or coffee from the rink's cafe and show off your moves. Tickets cover two back-to-back, 45-minute skate sessions. 

Through January 5

The U.S. Botanic Garden's annual holiday exhibition features festive light displays, model trains snaking through outdoor gardens, poinsettias, and D.C. landmarks made entirely from plants. Stroll through the garden with a coffee or hot chocolate from the cafe, then stop by the gift shop to buy botanically-themed goodies on the way out.

Through December

Starting around Thanksgiving, various holiday markets open in D.C. The largest one is in Downtown near The National Portrait Gallery, but many neighborhoods, stores, embassies, and cultural centers host their own throughout the holiday season. Some popular ones include the Christmas Markt at Heurich House Museum and the Czech Christmas Market at the Embassy of the Czech Republic.

Through January 4

ZooLights, Smithsonian National Zoo's annual lights exhibition, is a beloved D.C. tradition that turns the zoo into a light-filled winter wonderland. Wander the zoo with a hot holiday drink and take in spectacular holiday light displays, live music performances, nighttime games, and plenty of holiday treats like eggnog and holiday cookies. (Note that the animals aren't involved in this event and are fast asleep while this is happening).

Through January 1

You know the holidays have truly arrived in the District when the National Christmas Tree goes up. Every year in the beginning of December, the National Park Service puts up a massive Christmas tree in President's Park on the Ellipse just across from The White House. If you turn in the other direction, you'll see the Washington Monument. President Calvin Coolidge started the tradition in 1923 when he pressed the button to light a 48-foot Balsam fir in front of 3,000 onlookers.

The tree is lit during a televised ceremony typically held in the first week of December; at the ceremony, the President (and often the First Lady, too) light the tree and various musical guests perform. Once the tree is lit, you can visit the tree for free Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm, and Fri-Sat 10am-11pm.

Smaller trees each representing each U.S. state and territory, plus some federal departments, form a ring around the tree. Students from each state and territory decorate and draw ornaments for their trees. If you look at Calfornia's tree for example, you're bound to see some palm trees, a beach scene, or the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a look at a selection of ornaments students made here.

The 2024 National Christmas Tree is a 35-foot red spruce tree from George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia. To gain entry to the lighting ceremony, put your name in when the NPS releases its ticket lottery each fall. The ceremony typically airs on CBS close to Christmas.

Time Out tip: Grab a hot chocolate or warm drink from one of three great coffee shops nearby (Swing's Coffee, La Colombe, or Zeke's) and walk around the trees at night. If you collect each year's White House Christmas Ornament, know that there is a stand to buy it there, too.

December 25—January 2

Just across from the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse is the National Menorah, a 30-foot Menorah that's lit each year as a celebration of Chanukah. The lighting takes place December 25; the President, Vice President, and cabinet members say attend, and there are musical performances. One highlight is seeing the winner of the National Menorah Essay Contest, which asks kids to submit essays about what Chanukah means to them, read their entry live.

To attend, request in-person tickets for the lighting ceremony online, or visit the Menorah on your own time for free. The Menorah stays lit for all eight days and nights of the holiday (this year, the last day of Chanukah is January 2).

January 20

Every four years, the President and Vice President are sworn in for their terms in front of the U.S. Capitol. Inaugurations are major events in D.C.; people from all over the country visit and numerous hotels, restaurants, and bars have specials. Contact your Congressional representative's office for free tickets. 

Time Out tip: If you attend an Inauguration, be sure to bundle up: January in D.C. is bitterly cold, so you won't have much relief while standing outdoors. We're talking puffer, hat, scarf, and gloves here. 

January 20

Every Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a massive deal in the District. Of course, D.C has been the backdrop of many pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement and is a historically Black city, so it's no surprise that there are lots of events and commemorations to honor Dr. King's legacy on this federal holiday. Institutions like the Smithsonian Museums (particularly the and the D.C. Library put on interesting programming around this time, so keep an eye out. 

MLK Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday of every January, but the city's annual Peace Walk and Parade, which has been held since 1979, falls on Saturday, January 18 in 2025.

January 

Presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), D.C. Restaurant Week is a biannual celebration of the region's mammoth food scene.

January is the larger installment, when many restuaurants of all cuisines and price point offers deal and prix fix brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. Brunch and lunch are typically $25 o4 $35 per person, and dinner menus are usually $45, $55, or $65. This is a great chance to try a new spot, or get into a hot ticket spot.

February 2

Every year, a massive parade to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year happens in D.C.'s Chinatown. 2025 marks the year of the snake, a creature associated with transformation and wisdom in Chinese culture. The annual parade includes lots of cool cultural performances and culminates in fireworks over H. Street.