Goodbye 2022, and hello 2023! As we enter the new year, it’s time to make new goals, see new places, and try new things. Thankfully, Washington, D.C., is the perfect city for doing all of the above! So we’ve rounded up the best happenings and experiences occurring this January so you can set your resolutions into motion, indulge in some fun, and kick your new year off right!
1. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- Capital One Arena: Future (Jan. 22)
- The Anthem: Greensky Bluegrass (Jan. 27-28)
- 9:30 Club: Umphrey’s McGee (Jan. 12-13), Magic City Hippies (Jan. 15), moe. (Jan. 20), Spafford (Jan. 21), Slaughter Beach, Dog (Jan. 29)
- Echostage: Nora En Pure (Jan. 7), MEDVZA (Jan. 20), Loud Luxury (Jan. 27)
2. Feel the magic at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
A woodland trail inspired by the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series debuted in Morven Park in Leesburg, VA. on Oct. 29. Inspired by the wizarding world, the Forbidden Forest will take guests through a magical woodland trail filled with curious creatures and characters from both popular series? Have you ever wanted to bow to a Hippogriff? This is your chance!
3. Feel the beat at Reggae Fest D.C.
Held at the historic Howard Theatre on Jan. 14, Reggae Fest is a 21-and-over event that celebrates the sounds and rhythms of reggae, dancehall, Afrobeat, and soca!
4. Delight at the sights of this Winter Lantern Festival
For the first time, the popular Winter Lantern Festival is bringing its stunning display to the DMV, setting it aglow in a sight that’s never been seen before! After dazzling New York City with 150,000 annual guests, 3 years in a row, the Winter Lantern Festival now be in the DMV beginning Friday, December 16. The Lerner Town Square at Tysons II will be decked out in a dazzling array of over 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns by illustrious artists.
5. Reenact your favorite show moments at The Office Experience
Step into the shoes of the World’s Best Boss with the interactive The Office Experience! With 17 realistic set representations — including the Dunder Mifflin office and Schrute Farms — you can reenact all of your favorite scenes, from Kevin’s chili spill to the coal walk.
6. Indulge in local cuisine at D.C.’s Winter Restaurant Week
What’s better than dining at some of D.C.’s best restaurants for hard-to-beat prices—lunch and brunch at $25 per person and dinners ranging from $40-$55 per person—offering you the chance to dine in (or out) from Jan. 16-22!
7. Stimulate your senses by dining in the dark
Looking for an exciting surprise? What’s more exciting than a blindfolded dinner? Dining in the Dark allows you to pick a surprise three-course meal based on your dietary preferences (green for vegan, blue for seafood, or red for meat) that will stimulate your senses!
8. Illuminate the night with Georgetown GLOW
For the eighth year, Georgetown will alight with the holiday spirit thanks to Georgetown GLOW. Open until Jan. 22, the beloved D.C. neighborhood will be illuminated with stunning light art installations!
9. Relax to the sounds of classical music by candlelight
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind. You can lose yourself in classical renditions of your favorite tunes amid soft candlelight. With multiple genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you!
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé
- Candlelight: The Best Anime Soundtracks from Joe Hisaishi
- Candlelight: Legends of R&B
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Radiohead
10. Hit the ice at one of these magnificent skating rinks
The weather is getting colder, winter is upon us, and what better way to take it all in than with a favorite winter pastime: ice skating! Luckily, there are a number of easily accessible ice rinks around Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area. Check out some of our favorite ice rinks below, and you can find the full list here:
- National Gallery and Sculpture Garden Rink
- Washington Harbour Ice Rink
- The Wharf Ice Rink
11. Embrace the prehistoric at Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience
Have you ever wished you could interact with dinosaurs? Well, now is your chance! This exhibit features 80 prehistoric specimens and even a virtual aquarium so you can interact with these magnificent creatures from millions of years ago.
12. Cozy up inside one of the Watergate Hotel’s charming igloos
Cocktails, cozy blankets, and igloos? Yes, please! Winter and cozy season are upon us, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the many awesome winter set ups the city has to offer, including the Watergate Hotel’s enchanting igloos!
13. Experience Shakespeare like never before
“All the world’s a stage,” and Drunk Shakespeare D.C. is hitting the stage like you’ve never experienced before! Grab a drink yourself and watch five classically-trained (and intoxicated) actors attempt to recreate some of Shakespeare’s most famous works to hilarious results!
14. Hit the gas at the Washington, D.C., Auto Show
Gear-heads, rejoice! The Washington, D.C., Auto Show is coming to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from Jan. 20-29, bringing 600 new models from 30+ car manufacturers to check out!
15. Immerse yourself in renowned art
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in your favorite art? The Immersive Van Gogh Experience allows you to do just that! The exhibits use floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase each artist’s famous works, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in their art.
16. Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Kennedy Center
Usher in the “Year of the Rabbit” on Jan. 21 by celebrating at the Kennedy Center with live performances by the Tai Yim Kung Fu School and the Concert Chorale of Washington!
17. Keep cozy with one of these delicious hot chocolates
As the weather begins to get colder and we wake to frost layering the ground and cars, we’re officially entering hot chocolate season! A tasty, chocolatey cup of sweet goodness is key to keeping warm during cold D.C. winters and even boosting one’s intelligence! Here’s a sneak peak of some of our favorite D.C. spots to grab a cup of hot chocolate, and you can find the full list here:
- L.A. Burdick
- Colada Shop
- Sticky Fingers Diner
18. Spend a day wandering around Georgetown
From historic homes and petite coffee shops to high-end waterfront dining and great happy hour deals, Georgetown has it all! Founded in 1751, an entire 40 years before Washington, D.C., itself was established, Georgetown makes for a great glimpse into the District’s past and present!