20+ Fun Winter Things to Do In Washington, DC
Winter can be a little tough in DC between the holidays and cherry blossom season. But there are still plenty of events, fireside drinks, and places to explore. Here are 20 ways to have fun this winter!
Indoor Adventure
Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky: As we embrace longer nights for a few more months, now is a great time to learn more about the night sky. Head to the Natural History Museum for a look at how artificial light has impacted our view of the night sky throughout history.
The Botanic Gardens near the US Capitol Building is a great place to warm up this winter. Enjoy a beautiful green space, including the warm, tropical area with a canopy walk. Transport yourself to other warm-weather areas with plants from Hawaii and desserts from around the world.
Plant and Book Swaps at Atlas Brew Works: Atlas Brew Works in Ivy City will host a plant swap (January 7) and a book swap (January 14). Bring plants and gardening supplies (and books!) to trade with others. Look out for more events to be added in February and March.
Tour the National Gallery of Art: Something about colorful art always warms me up. Enjoy tours of the National Gallery of Art almost every day and multiple times. Tours options include the West Building, the East Building, and specific collections and themes. Tours are free and run about 1 hour.
DC Mural Tours at Union Market: Explore the murals of NoMa every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm. Tickets are $30 per person, $125 for a group of 5, and $200 for a group of 10. Grab your friends and explore the neighborhood!
Take a Tour of the Franciscan Monastery: Explore the Monastery church, learn the history, and see the Roman catacomb replicas! The Franciscan Monastery in Brookland offers tours year-round but since most of it is inside, winter is a great time to visit. Tours are offered Monday to Saturday at 1 and 2 pm plus Sunday at 12 and 1:30. Online reservations are highly recommended because the tour will not run if there are no online bookings. Tours are free but donations are appreciated.
Catch a Planetarium Show at the Air and Space Museum: Cozy up to learn about the night sky at the Air and Space Museum. Check out World’s Beyond Earth (every hour on the half-hour) and Dark Universe (every hour on the hour). Plus, learn about planets and stars visible in our area with The Sky Tonight at 10:30 am on the first and third Saturday of the Month (free). Take the kids to One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure at 10:30 am on Thursday and Sunday (free). You can check show descriptions and times on the website but tickets are only available in person.
Restaurant Weeks
DC Winter Restaurant Week: Winter Restaurant Week is scheduled for January 15-21. Find three dinner price points ($40, $55, $65) and brunch/lunch deals for $25 and $35. Look out for some deals that include wine pairings or a cocktail.
Alexandria Restaurant Week: Celebrate Winter Restaurant Week in Alexandria from January 19-28 with $30, $40, and $50 deals per person. Over 70 restaurants are participating and many offer heated, outdoor seating.
Falls Church Restaurant Week: Falls Church has organized its first Restaurant Week with 40 restaurants! Look out for a variety of deals and celebrate the opening on 4 new spots in the area: Nue, Chasin’ Tails, Roll Play, and The Falls.
Savor Bethesda: Miss the January restaurant weeks? Head to Bethesda from February 16 to 25 for deals at $10, $20, and $30. This is a great time to try a new spot on a budget.
Cozy Spaces
Explore the Metropolitan Beer Trail: The Metropolitan Beer Trail has a variety of cozy spaces. Metrobar always offers a great list of mocktails but join them in January for a special Dry January menu. Plus, check out their calendar for more events like trivia, live music nights, and more. Then, head over to Dew Drop Inn for a cozy indoor space plus hot drinks during the colder months.
The Wharf: Head to The Wharf from Wednesday to Sunday in the evenings to roast marshmallows and build smores over a fire pit. Plus, enjoy the ice rink open through February 25. $13 per adult plus $8 for skate rentals.
Ice Skating and Parks
Sky Meadows State Park: Sky Meadows in Deplane, Virginia is a little over an hour from downtown DC. It is filled the hiking trails and places to enjoy a picnic that can be enjoyed in any season. Plus, the astronomy program continues through winter on January 13, February 3, and March 16. Start times vary depending on the sunset.
Picnic at the National Arboretum: Bundle up and grab a picnic table in the Grove of State Trees at the National Arboretum. There are trash bins and plenty of parking and nearby. Pack your own food or stop at Roaming Rooster (3176 Bladensburg Rd NE) for chicken sandwiches on your way there. Roaming Rooster lets you choose your spice level so it’s perfect for kids and picky eaters. After you finish eating, enjoy the Capitol columns or head over to the Asian Gardens which looks beautiful in any season. Plus, you can also enjoy views of the Anacostia River which can be hauntingly beautiful on a crispy winter day.
Picnic on the National Mall: Enjoy monument views and thinner crowds on the mall this year. There are several places to grab food on your way over to the mall, but one of my favorite spots is Grilled Cheese DC right next to the White House. Enjoy many options for grown-up grilled cheese with loaded mac & cheese or tomato soup. It’s a perfect option for both kids and adults. Open Monday-Saturday 11 am to 7:30 pm.
Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden: Enjoy skating at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art on the National Mall open daily through March 3. Skating times are 45 minutes long and start on the hour. Buy two sessions for $12 plus $6 skate rentals.
Ice Skating in Reston: Enjoy outdoor ice skating in Reston through March as weather permits. 90-minutes of skate time can be reserved for $11 plus $7 for skate rentals. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.