Our end-of-the-week picks for Jan. 2-4, 2026
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.
Season's Greenings
Trade in your dreams of a white Christmas for something even better – a green Christmas. At this year's Season's Greenings exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. Tickets are not required. This year's theme? Dinosaurs.
The Botanic Garden will stay open late on Dec. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and Jan. 1. It is closed on Dec. 25.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
ZooLights
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Note that timed passes are required. Admission is just $6.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Saturday
Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection
The Phillips Collection presents both well-known and understudied artists in a dynamic new exhibit meant to examine the complexity of American art as the country turns 250 years old. Visitors can experience how artists have depicted landscapes, cultures, stories and people from the early 20th century to the present.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The People's House
Home, History, Holidays: Celebrating White House Traditions
The People’s House hosts a temporary exhibit to celebrate the holiday traditions of the White House. Interact with stories and content showcasing the White House’s legendary decorations, the tradition of Menorah lightings and other seasonal cheer. All ages are welcome to join in this holiday exploration.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission (donations suggested)
The People’s House, 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Folger Shakespeare Library
Folger Frost Fair
Inspired by frost fairs held in London from the 1600s-1800s when the River Thames would freeze over, the Folger Frost Fair (Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2026) is a month-long winter festival filled with holiday music, decorations, walk-up tours, seek-and-find games, holiday gift shopping, craft stations, printing press demonstrations and much more. The Folger Shakespeare Library offers free admission and pay-what-you-will timed-entry passes.
More Information
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
National Building Museum
Winter Skate Spectacular
Don’t fret! The National Building Museum will bring back its indoor ice-skating rink this year. Sponsored by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and Events DC, the Winter Skate Spectacular will offer daytime and after-hours skate sessions this year. Visitors can also enjoy The Wave, a 55-by-180-foot recycled aluminum space frame suspended in the Great Hall.
Tickets & More Information
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Sunday
Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985
The National Gallery of Art hosts a monumental tribute to the work of Black artists from around the world. Photography and the Black Arts Movement spans four decades and features roughly 150 pieces by more than 100 artists, including luminaries such as Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, Frank Stewart, Billy Abernathy, David C. Driskell, Lorna Simpson and many more.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 2056
Martin E. Red Bear / National Museum of the American Indian
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains
The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes.
More Info | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Free Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts welcomes visitors with free admission twice each month, with the first coming this Sunday, Jan. 4. Acquaint yourself with one of the coolest art collections in the District without paying a cent. You’ll have some extra cash left over to explore the museum’s jaw-dropping gift shop.
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
