Ongoing

DMV Parks and Gardens Holiday Lights

It's the season of lights in the Washington DC metro area. Many parks and botanical gardens are hosting beautiful light displays through the new year: Brookside Garden of Lights - Montgomery County MD hosts its annual display at Brookside Gardens through January 5th. Walk among the outdoor twinkling lights and glimmering displays that dot the paths and flowerbeds in 50 acres ...

Skating at NGA Sculpture Garden

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden 7th Street & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington

(DC) (National Gallery of Art) Enjoy a winter skate at the NGA's iconic ice rink surrounded by sculptures and the National Mall. Purchase skating passes in person. Fees cover two back-to-back, 45-minute skating sessions that each begin on the hour. Enjoy a hot cocoa and food at the adjoining Pavilion Cafe. The skating rink will be open through March 2nd ...

$10 – $18

“Season’s Greenings” at US Botanic Garden

U.S. Botanic Garden 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC

(DC) (United States Botanic Garden) The annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” features model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, festive lights throughout the Garden, and the poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory. On the lawn in the gated outdoor gardens, G-gauge model trains  circulate from 10:00-5:00 daily through displays of pollinators made from plant ...

Traditional Holiday Wreath Workshop

Hillwood Estate 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington

(DC) (Hillwood) Create a traditional, one-of-a-kind holiday decoration of hearty evergreens to enliven your home at this in-person workshop. Your finished wreath will be approximately sixteen to eighteen inches wide and can be hung indoors or out. All materials are included. Payment is required in advance and is non-refundable. This program will take place indoors and is limited to twelve ...

$65 – $75

Festive Centerpieces

Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Make a long-lasting beautiful centerpiece or wreath using fresh greens! The centerpieces will include a candle and seasonal decorations. Fee includes all materials for two centerpieces. Instructor: Jason Gedeik, Brookside Gardens staff  

$55

Exhibit Last Day: Faces of the Forest

The Writer's Center 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda

(MD) (Rock Creek Conservancy) Artist Sophia McCrocklin’s larger-than-life botanical fiber sculptures explore art’s crucial role in enhancing human relationships with the environment. By spotlighting the grandeur of leaves, seed pods, and ferns from Rock Creek Park’s understory, McCrocklin documents the beauty and reverence of the species at the frontline of climate change. The exhibit is available to view during Writer's ...

Free

Project FeederWatch Thursday

Locust Grove Nature Center 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Are you interested in birding? Do you want to be part of a national community science project? Then, join us at Locust Grove Nature Center for Project FeederWatch. Project FeederWatch is a seasonal community science project, where participants count the different species of birds that flock to a bird feeder. All levels of birders are welcome.

Free

Writing in Nature

Gatehouse at Morven Park 17195 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg

(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this monthly  opportunity, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings.  Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community ...

Algonkian Owl Prowl

Algonkian Regional Park 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling

(VA) (NOVA Parks) "Whooooo cooks for youuuu? Whoooo cooks for youuuu allllll?" No, this is not a chef looking for a job! This is the call of a Barred Owl, perhaps Northern Virginia's most frequently observed owl. Join the roving naturalist on a quest to find these feathered friends. Learn more about owl adaptations, behavior, and role in the ecosystem ...

$8
Capital Nature