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 11: Creature Feature — Come to the museum for the Monthly Mystery Creature Feature. Every second Sunday of the month, the CMM Education team will feature an animal in the museum lobby that is not normally on display. Learn...

January 11: 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...

January 12: This is My Story — Have you ever wanted to write a memoir? Then this is a workshop for you. We meet every other Monday.

January 12: Maker Lab — Discover, create, and play!

January 13: 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!

January 13: Is This a Cry for Help? - An Author Talk with Emily Austin — Join us in hearing from Best-Selling Author Emily Austin as she discusses her new book Is This a Cry for Help? with Senior Associate Editor at The Atlantic, Emma Sarappo.

January 14: Tenley Lego Club — Are you looking for an after school activity? Do you like build with Lego? Do you want to see your work displayed in the library? Come to Lego Club!

January 14: Fix-It DC Clinic — Don't Toss It! Fix It! A FREE do-it-together event! A networking event around sustainability and repair.

January 14: DC Writes — This writers group is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds and writing levels: beginners, veteran wordsmiths and emeriti. We write creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry and scripts.

January 15: Little Minnows: Lighthouse — For preschoolers ages 3 – 5, with an adult. This program focuses on one of the museum's three themes. Join us for story time and a craft, available while supplies last. Sessions are 25-40 minutes....

January 15: Snacks at the Library — join, hang out, and have a tasty snack

January 15: Let's Build — Come join us as we build with different materials. All you need to bring is your imagination!

January 15: "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 19: Black Watermen & Oystermen of the Chesapeake — Join us as we share the stories of Black Oystermen and Watermen along the Chesapeake. Learn about the Eastern Oyster, Chesapeake boat types, and what it was like to make a living working on the water...

January 20: CMM Members Save 20% in the Museum Store — CMM members enjoy a 20% discount in the Museum Store today and on the 20th of every month. Purchases can be shipped via USPS, Priority Mail, or held at the store for curbside pickup.

January 25: CMM Fossil Club Meeting & Public Lecture — The CMM Fossil Club meeting starts at 1:30 p.m., followed a free public lecture. Please check back for more information.

February 7: New Year Member Breakfast – Tudor Place —

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

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.