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Throughout the holiday season and beyond, Washington, DC has can’t-miss things to do this winter.
Nationals Park transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland anchored by the world's largest Christmas light maze when Enchant Christmas comes to town. Guests can expect breathtaking larger-than-life light sculptures, millions of twinkling lights, festive experiences around every corner, and an all-new holiday adventure: Night of the Nutcrackers. There's also an ice skating trail, experiences with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a snow slide, live entertainment, a village marketplace and seasonal food and beverages. Holiday party packages, including private suites, party spaces and buyouts, are now booking.
DC’s year-round temps are pretty moderate, but during the winter – when cold Canadian winds whistle down the Potomac and Anacostia rivers – Washingtonians bundle up for a day (or a night) on the ice. Public ice skating rinks can be found in multiple neighborhoods in DC proper, so check out the best places to hit the ice in the nation's capital.
Be transported to the Alps with a winter chalet pop-up at Dirty Habit. Check out The Dome at Hi-Lawn for an immersive, wintry dining experience. Get cozy at L'Annexe's book-lined cocktail lounge. Warm up in winter igloos at The Next Whisky Bar. Explore holiday cocktails, seasonal lattes, festive high teas and more on our hot and cozy drinks page.
One of DC's most historic storefronts is the beacon of U Street: Ben’s Chili Bowl. It’s been continuously serving the community since opening in 1958. Locals, presidents and celebrities have flocked inside for service at the original stools, booths and Formica counter for its signature dish: the traditional DC half-smoke smothered in chili. You should also check out other dining options in the city, including hot spots, Award-winning restaurants and bites on a budget.
Cold temperatures are here and we can’t help but dream of a tropical island getaway. While you may not be able to hop on a plane this instant, you can check out the tropic house at the U.S. Botanic Garden for a breath of warm air and towering palms or visit the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens greenhouse, which has one of the most extensive private collections of orchids.
After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you’re due for some rest and relaxation. Browse through salons and spas in the area.
Numerous DC museums offer exciting programming and timely exhibits all winter long. Can’t-miss destinations include the Hirshhorn Museum (which debuts its revitalized sculpture garden this fall), the National Gallery of Art, The Phillips Collection, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Library of Congress, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian and many more.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Visit this incredible monument on MLK Day or at any other time throughout the winter. The four-acre crescent-shaped site in West Potomac Park on the Tidal Basin was selected for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. President Obama dedicated the memorial on Oct. 16, 2011. The two mountains represent the “Mountain of Despair” reaching for “Hope from Despair,” while the space in the middle symbolizes the distance between them. The memorial is one of the highlights of the National Mall.
DC has numerous hidden bars, speakeasies and “secret” lounges that pair imaginative cocktails with 1920s vibes.
As the temps stay low in the early part of the year, many popular DC bars and restaurants stay heated up with fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, themed drinks, small plates and much more.
