Ring in 2026 with unparalleled theater and performing arts, thrilling sports, holiday celebrations and more.
Whether you’re in town for New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day or any day in between, be sure to check out special discounts and packages, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
Regardless of the season, the nation’s capital offers an unforgettable experience. After reading through this list, explore things to do during the week and weekend, as well as accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Ice Skate in DC
Lace up some skates and glide around the District at popular seasonal rinks. Options typically include the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Check the guide for current hours, opening dates and reservation information.
Washington Capitals
Attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go Game
January brings exciting indoor sports action to the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play at Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA G League, take to the court at CareFirst Arena.
Schedules and Tickets: Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Capital City Go-Go
ZooLights – Through Jan. 3
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights a part of their annual holiday tradition. Live music, winter treats and holiday shopping complement environmentally friendly LED lights and glowing animal lanterns that transform the Smithsonian’s National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Timed passes are required.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Season’s Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places – Through Jan. 3
The U.S. Botanic Garden’s annual holiday show celebrates national parks and historic places with poinsettias, evergreens and holiday décor. Model trains travel through plant-based recreations of iconic landscapes and landmarks, while the garden’s collection of DC monuments made from natural materials returns.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
Folger Shakespeare Library
Folger Frost Fair
Inspired by frost fairs held in London from the 1600s to the 1800s when the River Thames would freeze over, this seasonal festival typically features holiday music, decorations, tours, games, gift shopping, crafts and printing press demonstrations. Check the Folger’s website for dates and details.
More Information
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Free Community Days at the National Museum of Women in the Arts – Jan. 3 & 13
The National Museum of Women in the Arts welcomes all visitors with free admission on the first Sunday and second Wednesday of every month. Explore the museum’s collection without paying admission and save some time to browse its gift shop.
Plan Your Visit
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
The Reading Room Festival
The Folger Theatre’s annual festival returns at the end of January. Lovers of stories can experience readings of contemporary plays that respond to Shakespeare, creative workshops and communal activities with playwrights, scholars, critics and theater makers. Dates, artists and ticket information will be announced by the Folger.
More Information
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Washington, DC Auto Show – Jan. 22-31
The region’s largest annual indoor event returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Discover the latest vehicle models, innovations in automotive technology, indoor and outdoor test drives and interactive attractions for enthusiasts, families and consumers.
Tickets and Information
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe – Through Jan. 1
The acclaimed Ho-Chunk artist receives his first major retrospective at the National Museum of the American Indian. Truman Lowe used willow branches, feathers and organic materials to create minimalist sculptures evoking rivers, streams and waterfalls. The exhibition also features distinctive drawings and paintings by Lowe.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen – Through Jan. 3
Known for his rigorous approach to painting, Adam Pendleton showcases new and recent works along with single-channel video in this landmark Hirshhorn exhibition. Pendleton’s first solo showcase at the museum highlights his contributions to contemporary American painting and utilizes the architecture of the Hirshhorn and the history of the National Mall.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
Big Things for Big Rooms – Through July 4
Explore the evolution of immersive, large-scale art from the late 1960s to today. Drawn largely from the Hirshhorn’s collection, the presentation offers a multisensory investigation of how artists create installations that expand the boundaries of an artwork and the role of the visitor.
Hours | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20560
National Museum of American History
How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories – Through Nov. 28
An exhibition at the National Museum of American History, presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, explores California’s “Little Manila,” a community of Filipinos that thrived from the 1910s to the 1970s. Through more than 50 artifacts found in preserved steamer trunks, including three on display in the gallery, visitors can gain insight into what was once the largest population of Filipinos living outside their home country.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise – Ongoing
The U.S. Botanic Garden invites visitors to see the ferocious side of flora. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and competition. The multisensory display showcases this evolution and explores 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
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