After the busy winter holidays, life often seems to slow down in January. But many of us see the new year as the perfect time to try something different. Although it’s not great weather for outdoor festivals, the DMV boasts impressive cultural offerings including live theater, music, festivals and car shows. Check out our list of highlights as we start the new year.
WASHINGTON D.C.
Photo courtesy of Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
ZooLights | Through January 3
Celebrate the holidays at ZooLights! Enjoy twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere as this beloved winter classic returns to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Winter Restaurant Week | January 19 – 25
Savor every last bite while taking advantage of specially priced meals, including to-go options and cocktail and wine pairings, courtesy of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and 200+ participating eateries. Below, we’ve detailed some standout hot spots, brunch musts, international cuisines and more to help you decide where to dine next. Reserve your table for Winter Restaurant Week here.
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! | January 21 & 22
In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right.
Eric Church: Free The Machine Tour | January 22
Enjoy a fun night out listening to great country music performed by the one and only Eric Church, down at The Wharf.
Washington, DC Auto Show | January 23 – February 1
Walter E Washington Convention Center
This show will feature hundreds of vehicles from top manufacturers, brand new experiences and activations for all ages, and educational opportunities that entice any car enthusiast. Come see for yourself the brands that will be on display, ranging from concept to luxury, electric to hybrid, and exotic to historic.
MARYLAND

Photo courtesy of Ice Oyster Fest
Rules for Living | Through January 4
In this inventive, high-energy comedy, the internal rules that the characters live by become visible, turning every awkward pause, biting remark, and outburst into a brilliantly choreographed meltdown. Wickedly funny and all too relatable, this is one family holiday gathering you won’t want to miss.
Cambridge Ice & Oyster Fest | January 10
The event features dozens of dazzling ice sculptures, interactive games for children of all ages, carving demonstrations, an ice skating rink, an outdoor oyster bar, fire pits, ‘smores stations, and much more.
Free Admission
Women of Light | January 23
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Join us for a day of inspiration and connection at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel Conference Center. This in-person event is a wonderful opportunity for Relief Society sisters to come together, learning to be like the Savior and letting their LIGHT shine. We can’t wait to see you there!
VIRGINIA
Photo courtesy of McLean Center
Winter Block Party | January 3
Join us for the 5th Annual Winter Block Party! Sit by the firepits and enjoy s’mores, treat yourself to some delicious hot chocolate, watch the impressive ice carving demos, and shop at the children’s business fair. You’ll enjoy a wide variety of food, entertainment, crafts, and more at this event that’s well on its way to becoming a McLean treasured tradition!
Free Admission
Interfusion Festival | January 15 – 19
Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington
Interfusion Festival was founded in 2016 under The Institute for Integrative Wellness (IFIW). Since that time, it has become the primary indoor transformative festival of North America bringing together the like-minded. You can check out the schedule here.
Vienna Cars and Coffee | January 18
Vienna Cars and Coffee is a group of locals who love cars, love going to car events, but prefer to do it within their local community rather than driving 20-40 minutes to attend events.
Alexandria Restaurant Week | January 23 – February 1
Alexandria Restaurant Week showcases the creativity of local chefs and breadth of international cuisine in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Old Town, Old Town North, Del Ray, Carlyle and Eisenhower, Arlandria-Chirilagua and the West End.
WEST VIRGINIA
Ron White | January 24
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town
Renowned comedian Ron White, affectionately known as “Tater Salad,” catapulted into the limelight as the cigar-wielding, scotch-savoring humorist who stole the spotlight within the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon.
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