Things to Do January 2026 in Washington, DC

Whether you’re in town for New Year's, Martin Luther King Jr. Day or any day in between, be sure to check out our special discounts and packages, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options. 

Last year, the nation's capital landed on Condé Nast Traveler's "The Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2025," the New York Times' top places to go around the world and TripAdvisor's top destinations in the U.S.

So regardless of the season, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.

 

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

 

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Free Community Days 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. 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

 

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 Gardens, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures of DC landmarks, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. The exhibit also includes a spectacular addition: a Blue Rooster model by designer Brian Sentman created in honor the famous Hahn/Cock sculpture located on the roof of the National Gallery of Art's Eats Building. Tickets are not required.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day in DC – Jan. 20
The nation's capital presents unique opportunities to reflect on the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk along his moving memorial along the Tidal Basin, visit the site of the famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial, see incredible photography and historic artifacts at the National Museum of African American History and Culture or attend a commemorative event, including the Peace Walk and Parade.

 

The Washington, DC Auto Show – Jan. 23 – Feb. 1
Cars have always held a special allure, captivating the American imagination from the early days of the Model T. Witness the evolution of the vehicle firsthand by attending the Washington, DC Auto Show, which takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Even if you don't consider yourself a devoted car enthusiast, there are still plenty of reasons to check out the city's largest annual indoor event.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Bar Japonais © Nina Palazzolo

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week
Washington, DC's Winter Restaurant Week returns every January with the promise of high-quality dining, excellent deals and relief to the winter blues. Savor every last bite while taking advantage of special menus and pricing, including to-go options and cocktail and wine pairings, courtesy of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and 200+ participating eateries. 
Stay tuned for this year's dates. 

 

Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association

Celebrate Lunar New Year in the District – Starts Feb. 17, 2026
Locations all over the city ring in the Year of the Snake with colorful celebrations, including performances, educational talks, special tours and hands-on activities. Be sure to check out the festive Downtown Parade, events at the Smithsonian's free National Museum of Asian Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Ballet of China at the Kennedy Center and more.
More Info

 

Martin E. Red Bear / National Museum of the American Indian

Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Through Jan. 20, 2026
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

 

Amy Sherald: American Sublime, National Portrait Gallery

Amy Sherald: American Sublime – Sept. 19, 2025 – Feb. 22, 2026
The artist’s first major museum survey – taking place at the National Portrait Gallery – features new and rarely seen work from 2007 to the present. Sherald’s iconic paintings of former First Lady Michelle Obama (2018) and Breonna Taylor (2020) will be featured.
Hours | Free Admission

8th Street NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001
 

©Library of Congress

The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution – Through March 21, 2026
The Library of Congress brings together letters, ledgers, diaries, maps, drawings and other artifacts to illuminate the similarities and differences between two iconic figures of the Revolutionary War: George Washington and King George III. Although the two never met, visitors can envision where they would clash and where they would compromise in this stirring exhibit that features items from a wide range of collections, including the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, London’s Science Museum and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540

 

Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise – Ongoing
The U.S. Botanic Garden invites you to see the ferocious side of flora and fauna at its special new exhibit. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and their plant competition. The multisensory display will showcase this evolution and also pinpoint how these plants can be both harmful and helpful to humans.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001

 

 

Places to Stay

Hedy's Rooftop / Hotel Zena

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're 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.