DC Winter Calendar

With so many embassy partners, Washington, DC goes big during the Chinese New Year. The lantern display at the Kennedy Center is a can't miss, free event. — With so many embassy partners, Washington, DC goes big during the Chinese New Year. The lantern display at the Kennedy Center is a can’t miss, free event.

Bring on the holiday cheer! Winter is the time of traditions in Washington, with performances of the Nutcracker, a nightly lighting of the National Tree (with traditional music daily at 4:30p), and the bright lights of the National Menorah outside the White House. Seasonal favorites also include the Holiday Displays at the National Basilica, the Botanic Garden and Union Station, Christkindlmarkt at Heurich House, Holiday Market at the American Art Gallery, and the excellent lighting displays of Georgetown Glow and Zoo Lights (all of which happen roughly Thanksgiving through the end of December).

And First Night Alexandria is just the beginning of the New Years Celebrations, as Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese New Year celebrations extend into February throughout the many Cultural Centers of the Washington, DC region. Valentine’s Day craft events at museums and galleries round out the winter, marking a love-strewn path into our Spring Calendar.

Upcoming Events:

January 30: Friends of Tenley Library Book Sale — Join the Friends of Tenley Library to shop a range of donated titles with proceeds supporting the library.

January 30: Maritime Performance Series: Ken Kolodner Quartet — The dynamic father-son team Ken & Brad Kolodner weave together a captivating soundscape on hammered dulcimer and clawhammer banjo, blurring the lines of old-time bluegrass and American roots music....

January 31: Mt. Pleasant Library Friends Merch and Book Sale — Every Saturday, the Mt. Pleasant Library Friends sell merch and used books at the Farmers' Market in Lamont Plaza. Their table is usually on Lamont St NW between 17th and Mt. Pleasant Sts NW.

January 31: "Ami's Journey Home" Story Time — Join local author Meera Shah Eaton as she takes young readers on a journey through Dupont Circle with lost puppy Ami

January 31: MLK Bargain Basement Books & Shop — Browse used books and library merch! All proceeds go directly to the MLK Library Friends.

January 31: Improv for All! at MLK Library — Improv Workshop!

January 31: 2026 VISION BOARD — As we begin a new year, let's craft a vision board that encourages intentional growth. What goals do you envision for 2026, and how can we create a roadmap to achieve them?

February 1: Beyond the Displays: Artifact Stories — Join museum educator Lori for an exploration of the museum’s artifacts, uncovering their origins and significance. Hear how World War II shaped Solomons and discover hidden details in the museum...

February 1: Author Talk: Bibb Country with Lonnae O'Neal — The MLK Library is excited to host author Lonnae O'Neal in conversation about her book Bibb Country: Unearthing My Family Secrets of Land, Legacy, and Lettuce, in recognition of Black History...

February 2: Summer Camp Registration Opens! — CMM Summer Camp registration opens on Monday, February 2! Links to register online will go live at 10 a.m.

February 2: Maker Lab — Discover, create, and play!

February 3: Come Play Mahjong! — We'll learn Hong Kong style, as it’s the most versatile and makes it easier to transition to other styles later. Beginners are highly encouraged! Our group is growing... Join us!

February 4: Teen Time — Come enjoy games, activities, movies, and other fun things at the library with other teens! Snacks while supplies last.

February 5: Sea Squirts: Feathers, Shells, Claws, Oh My! —

February 5: Junior Docent Information Meeting — Attention rising 8th & 9th graders! Do you want to become a Junior Docent at the Calvert Marine Museum and learn all about marine life, history, and fossils? Junior Docents get hands-on experience...

February 6: First Fossil Friday! — Fossil hunters, bring your fossil finds from Calvert Cliffs or other local areas from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. to be identified! This service is provided for free; however, admission fees apply for...

February 7: New Year Member Breakfast – Tudor Place —

February 7: Founding Fortunes at the National Gallery – Tudor Place —

February 16: Universal Coprolite Day Celebration — Join us for the fourth annual celebration of fossilized poop, otherwise known as coprolites. Stations featuring fossilized feces and the stories they tell will be dispersed through our galleries. The...

Seasonal ideas:

With DC’s temperate climate, there are always great options indoors and out. Most people know about the skating at the National Gallery Rink, but few know about all the dozen other excellent skating rinks in and around Washington, DC. If it’s too cold to take the kids outside, find some interesting indoor spaces where they can run around. Our two favorites are the 17-acre hangar at the Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum, and the labyrinthine indoor streets of Eden Center.