Winter in Washington, DC is one-of-a-kind.
Winter in Washington, DC is filled with events, arts and culture, new exhibits and seasonal favorites.
December
National Christmas Tree Lighting
White House Ellipse | Dec. 2
Mark the 100th anniversary of a national tradition with an array of programming and celebrations. Airs on CBS.
Georgetown GLOW
Georgetown | Nov. 26, 2022 – Jan. 22, 2023
Outdoor light art colors DC’s most historic neighborhood, allowing for photogenic seasonal strolling.
Enchant
Nationals Park | Nov. 25, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023
Explore the world’s largest light maze, and more. The family-friendly experience offers ice skating, holiday beverages, a holiday market and a chance to meet Mr. Claus.
Christkindlmarkt
The Heurich House Museum | Dec. 2-4
Christkindlmarkt returns to the Castle Garden, celebrating its 10th year of operation. Shoppers can stroll through a German-style market featuring dozens of local artisans.
Holiday Boat Parade
The Wharf | Dec. 3
Celebrate the holidays with the District's Holiday Boat Parade showcasing more than 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel.
Entertainment Nation
National Museum of American History | Dec. 9
The new exhibition offers an extraordinary collection of theater, music, sports, movie and television objects.
National Menorah Lighting: Chanukah on the Ellipse
White House Ellipse | Dec. 17
The world’s premier celebration of Chanukah hosts its annual lighting ceremony.
National Wreaths Across America Day
Arlington National Cemetery | Dec. 17
Volunteer at a coordinated wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Must register and must be volunteering to attend.
January
CATS
The National Theatre | Jan. 11-22
CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is coming to Broadway at The National Theatre.
Winter Restaurant Week
Citywide | Jan. 16-22
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington hosts DC’s biannual celebration of its dining scene in January. Restaurant Week offers diners pre-fixe menus for lunch/brunch ($22) and dinner ($35 and $55).
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Citywide | Jan. 16
Honor Dr. King in DC, visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Lincoln Memorial where he delivered his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech, visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, visit his namesake library and rooftop downtown, visit the Willard Intercontinental where he finished his speech and more.
The Horse and His Boy
Museum of the Bible | Jan. 20 – Mar. 3
C. S. Lewis's beloved tale, The Horse and His Boy, is coming to Museum of the Bible's World Stage Theater. The show features the adventure of Shasta and his talking horse, Bree, as they travel to Narnia and the North.
This Is Britain: Photographs from the 1970s and 1980s
National Gallery of Art West Building | Jan. 29 – June 11
This Is Britain brings together the work of photographers commenting on the unrest of these years. decades. Explore images of communities, traditions, and landscapes affected by Britain’s shifting social and economic realities.
February
National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year
The Kennedy Center | Feb. 1-5
With its dazzling hybrid of western ballet and Chinese culture, National Ballet of China has won a distinguished reputation for performing cherished works and original creations. The renowned company returns to thrill audiences with its luminous fusion of traditions—this time with its adaptation of The Nutcracker.
Broadway Center Stage: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard
The Kennedy Center | Feb. 1-6
Alone in her Hollywood mansion with little more than celluloid memories, former silent-screen star Norma Desmond remains what she has always been: the greatest star of all. Based on the 1950 film noir, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony–winning masterpiece weaves a compelling tale of romance, obsession, and faded glory.
Determined Women: Collectors, Artists and Designers
Hillwood | Feb. 18 – June 18
As a strong woman in a male-dominated world, Hillwood Estate founder Marjorie Merriweather Post greatly admired her predecessors—influential women who ran countries, inspired reforms, supported culture and created art and design. The special exhibition will explore the innovating and intrepid collectors, artists and designers within Hillwood’s collection, those who set an example for Post and future women by overcoming obstacles through their determination to succeed.
Black History Month
Citywide | February 2023
During Black History Month, DC offers special events, performances and museum exhibits that honor African American history and culture across the city. While details are still forming for specific events and programming, spots of interest may include the National Museum of African American History, African American Civil War Memorial and Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. Feb. 14 is Douglass' birthday.
Presidents Day
Citywide | Feb. 20
Enjoy a day off and marvel at DC with presidential experiences. The nation’s capital has many ways to engage with presidential history, like taking in portraits of all U.S. presidents in America’s Presidents, a permanent exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, or visit President Lincoln’s Cottage in Petworth.
March
Women’s History Month
Citywide | March 2023
Check out women-powered festivals, live-streams, museum happenings and exhibits and attractions celebrating the accomplishments, art and stories of women at places like the National Portrait Gallery, Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, International Spy Museum and more.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Citywide| March 20 – April 16
Nothing signifies the arrival of spring in the nation's capital quite like the blooming of the cherry blossom trees and the National Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the occasion. Visitors descend upon Washington, DC each year to admire 3,000-plus trees and take part in the festival which is full of free events that honor American and Japanese cultures and represents a close bond forged between the two countries that began with Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s gift of the trees in 1912.
Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures
National Museum of African American History and Culture | March 23, 2023 – March 24, 2024
Investigating Afrofuturist expression through art, music, activism and more, this exhibition explores and reveals Afrofuturism’s historic and poignant engagement with African American history and popular culture. A highlight of the exhibition is the Black Panther hero costume worn by the late Chadwick Boseman and Trayvon Martin’s flight suit from Experience Aviation, highlighting his childhood dream of being an astronaut.