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Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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8 events,
Bull Run Festival of Lights
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Every year from November until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car. This year, don't miss the carnival at the end of your drive for holiday shopping, a petting zoo, and more festive ...
$32 – $80
Garden of Lights at Brookside
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Let the magic begin! Tickets are now on sale for Brookside Gardens’ dazzling Garden of Lights — where winter nights sparkle with more than a million twinkling lights. The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind ...
$16 – $19
Zoo Lights
(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Celebrate the holidays at ZooLights! Enjoy twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere as this beloved winter classic returns to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Journey through magical displays of glowing animal lanterns, watch live musical performances, sip hot cocoa and other festive treats, and explore the Zoo under the dazzling glow of one million environmentally-friendly LED lights. ZooLights ...
Free – $9
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(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Join FODM for a bird walk every Sunday at 8 a.m. The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a freshwater, tidal marsh on the Virginia side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County. It is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, U.S. National Park Service.
Free
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(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Join us for a bird walk of Roosevelt Island! On Dec 12, 1932 in a ceremony in the east room of the White House, President Hoover accepted the island as a shrine to Roosevelt and declared that would be known as Theodore Roosevelt Island. Today, this hotspot is home to an impressive number of resident and ... |
5 events,
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(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) The Monday Morning Bird Walk is sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and takes place every Monday at 8 a.m. Following the walk, members of the group gather at the nearby Denny’s for breakfast and to compile the morning’s bird list. All are welcome.
Free
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(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...
Free – $25
|
6 events,
First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks
(MD) (Maryland State Parks) Maryland State Parks will be offering First Day Hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2025 - January 2, 2026. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first day of the new year! Join us in ...
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(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...
Free – $25
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(DC) (National Gallery of Art) The beloved winter tradition returns to the National Gallery of Art! Enjoy the beauty of the Sculpture Garden, festive displays and winter refreshments through March 2nd. The ice rink is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Skating sessions begin on the hour and ...
$12 – $18
|
7 events,
First Hike Fairfax
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Grab your coats and cameras and join the fun on New Year’s Day along more than 334 miles of Park Authority trails. Join the amazingly popular First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest while you walk! Participation is simple. Visit any FCPA trail on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Take a photo to commemorate the experience and submit it ...
First Day Hikes in Virginia State Parks
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) Start the New Year with a visit to one of 44 Virginia State Parks! Taking a hike to inspire those New Year resolutions centered on getting or keeping fit is the perfect family-friendly activity. It's the perfect time to start your Trail Quest! This year, DCR will be hosting a few guided hikes at natural area ...
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(DC) (Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena) Join the Winter fun at Canal Park Ice Rink! Public skating sessions are available seven days a week during the winter. Sessions are 90 minutes long, with a break at the half-way point to resurface the ice. The rink is open through March 2nd. Daily hours vary.
$11 – $20
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5 events,
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(DC) (National Gallery of Art) The beloved winter tradition returns to the National Gallery of Art! Enjoy the beauty of the Sculpture Garden, festive displays and winter refreshments through March 2nd. The ice rink is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Skating sessions begin on the hour and ...
$12 – $18
|
5 events,
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(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Let's explore the world of birds at Hains Point - bring your binoculars and curiosity for a morning adventure! This is one of DC's most peaceful birding gems -- wide open views, sweeping water, and the chance to spot winter visitors who only grace our area this time of year. As we stroll along the shoreline, ...
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(DC) (Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena) Join the Winter fun at Canal Park Ice Rink! Public skating sessions are available seven days a week during the winter. Sessions are 90 minutes long, with a break at the half-way point to resurface the ice. The rink is open through March 2nd. Daily hours vary.
$11 – $20
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3 events,
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Garden of Lights at Brookside
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(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Join FODM for a bird walk every Sunday at 8 a.m. The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a freshwater, tidal marsh on the Virginia side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County. It is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, U.S. National Park Service.
Free
|
2 events,
-
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) The Monday Morning Bird Walk is sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and takes place every Monday at 8 a.m. Following the walk, members of the group gather at the nearby Denny’s for breakfast and to compile the morning’s bird list. All are welcome.
Free
-
(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...
Free – $25
|
2 events,
-
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) The beloved winter tradition returns to the National Gallery of Art! Enjoy the beauty of the Sculpture Garden, festive displays and winter refreshments through March 2nd. The ice rink is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Skating sessions begin on the hour and ...
$12 – $18
-
(DC) (Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena) Join the Winter fun at Canal Park Ice Rink! Public skating sessions are available seven days a week during the winter. Sessions are 90 minutes long, with a break at the half-way point to resurface the ice. The rink is open through March 2nd. Daily hours vary.
$11 – $20
|
1 event,
-
(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...
Free – $25
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...
Free – $25
|
2 events,
-
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) The beloved winter tradition returns to the National Gallery of Art! Enjoy the beauty of the Sculpture Garden, festive displays and winter refreshments through March 2nd. The ice rink is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Skating sessions begin on the hour and ...
$12 – $18
-
(DC) (Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena) Join the Winter fun at Canal Park Ice Rink! Public skating sessions are available seven days a week during the winter. Sessions are 90 minutes long, with a break at the half-way point to resurface the ice. The rink is open through March 2nd. Daily hours vary.
$11 – $20
|
1 event,
-
(MD) (DC Bird Alliance) Escape the city and spend a day in nature with the DC Bird Alliance and Prince George’s County Parks & Recreation as we take a special road trip to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore—one of the most spectacular birding destinations on the Atlantic Flyway. Winter at Blackwater brings breathtaking flocks of waterfowl, soaring ...
$35
|
1 event,
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(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) The Monday Morning Bird Walk is sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and takes place every Monday at 8 a.m. Following the walk, members of the group gather at the nearby Denny’s for breakfast and to compile the morning’s bird list. All are welcome.
Free
|
1 event,
-
(DC) (National Park Service) We invite you to join National Park Service volunteer and expert birder Molly Hermann for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with a photo ID. ... |
3 events,
-
(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...
Free – $25
-
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) The beloved winter tradition returns to the National Gallery of Art! Enjoy the beauty of the Sculpture Garden, festive displays and winter refreshments through March 2nd. The ice rink is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Skating sessions begin on the hour and ...
$12 – $18
|
0 events,
|
2 events,
-
(DC) (National Park Service) Do you want to connect with nature but you’re not sure how to get started? Do you want to be more present outside and escape the distractions of the modern era? Take a junior naturalist hike with a ranger and learn how to observe and study the natural world around you as you hike between ½ ...
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(VA) (Arlington Parks) Learn about the animals active at night (nocturnal) and try to find some! There will be a short introductory presentation in the nature center followed by a hike outside around the park. We will stay on the walking paths; dress for the weather. Families. |
3 events,
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(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join FONA & DC Bird Alliance this winter for the best birding! Winter is the perfect season to observe our feathered friends. With the trees bare and migratory birds lingering, this is a unique opportunity to spot birds more easily and connect with fellow bird enthusiasts. Experienced members of the DC Bird Alliance will ...
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(DC) (National Park Service) The Boulder Bridge Loop is a ranger favorite: creek views, towering forests, steep ridge climbs, and long enough to feel like you’ve gotten a workout. Join a ranger on this 3.5 mile hike through the diverse trees, traipse across two bridges, and summit the Western Ridge trail all while learning about the park from an expert. ... |
5 events,
-
(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Join FODM for a bird walk every Sunday at 8 a.m. The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a freshwater, tidal marsh on the Virginia side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County. It is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, U.S. National Park Service.
Free
-
(VA) (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) Join us on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. This bird walk takes place each month. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. |
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
(DC) (Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena) Join the Winter fun at Canal Park Ice Rink! Public skating sessions are available seven days a week during the winter. Sessions are 90 minutes long, with a break at the half-way point to resurface the ice. The rink is open through March 2nd. Daily hours vary.
$11 – $20
|
2 events,
-
(VA) (NOVA Parks) GREAT NEWS! Now garden guests may enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with their favorite canines every Wednesday for Pup Stroll Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, during regular daytime hours, leashed dogs are welcome in the gardens. (Only service dogs are permitted on other days.) Please note: Garden admission ends at 6:30pm.
$10 – $18
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(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...
Free – $25
|
0 events,
|
2 events,
-
(DC) (National Park Service) Bring your little ones to learn about the forest and how to explore nature in RockC reek Park! This program includes books, animal puppets, magnifying glasses, and a very short hike. During the walk, children are encouraged to search for shapes and colors and use their senses to explore the forest. Recommended for families with children ...
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(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...
Free – $25
|
5 events,
-
(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) Don your downiest coat and channel duck resilience on this cruise to find wintering waterfowl on the Patuxent River. We will be on the lookout for bufflehead, canvasback, ruddy duck, greater and lesser scaup, common goldeneye, ring-necked duck, wood duck, American wigeon, black duck, common loon, American coot, dunlin, and horned lark. Alex Pellegrini, ...
$25 – $35
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(DC) (National Park Service) Bundle up and step into the role of a Winter Wildlife Detective! Explore real pelts and tracks from Rock Creek Park animals—like foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and even sleepy woodchucks—and uncover the secrets they leave behind in the snow. Through hands-on discovery and fun clue-hunting questions, kids learn how animals stay warm, find food, and survive the ... |
4 events,
-
(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Join FODM for a bird walk every Sunday at 8 a.m. The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a freshwater, tidal marsh on the Virginia side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County. It is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, U.S. National Park Service.
Free
-
(DC) (National Park Service) Bundle up and step into the role of a Winter Wildlife Detective! Explore real pelts and tracks from Rock Creek Park animals—like foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and even sleepy woodchucks—and uncover the secrets they leave behind in the snow. Through hands-on discovery and fun clue-hunting questions, kids learn how animals stay warm, find food, and survive the ... |
4 events,
-
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) The Monday Morning Bird Walk is sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and takes place every Monday at 8 a.m. Following the walk, members of the group gather at the nearby Denny’s for breakfast and to compile the morning’s bird list. All are welcome.
Free
-
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Have your teen join us for outdoor adventures! In this series, we’ll hike, paddle, and wade our way through some of the most interesting nature locales in our area! Join us for the day as we work our way through the twists and turns of a wild cave learning about local geology.
$90
|
1 event,
-
(DC) (National Park Service) We invite you to join National Park Service volunteer and expert birder Molly Hermann for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with a photo ID. ... |
2 events,
-
(VA) (NOVA Parks) GREAT NEWS! Now garden guests may enjoy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with their favorite canines every Wednesday for Pup Stroll Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, during regular daytime hours, leashed dogs are welcome in the gardens. (Only service dogs are permitted on other days.) Please note: Garden admission ends at 6:30pm.
$10 – $18
-
(VA) (Arlington Parks) The natural world is constantly changing… yearly, monthly, daily and even hourly. The only way to see it all is to go out on a regular basis and explore. Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, join a naturalist to briefly meet one of our nature center critters (living or preserved) then go for a walk to see what ... |
1 event,
-
(DC) (National Gallery of Art) The beloved winter tradition returns to the National Gallery of Art! Enjoy the beauty of the Sculpture Garden, festive displays and winter refreshments through March 2nd. The ice rink is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Skating sessions begin on the hour and ...
$12 – $18
|
2 events,
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(VA) (NOVA Parks) Summer may be months away, but it’s never too early to explore the natural world! In this special one-day camp, participate in a variety of winter-themed games, activities, and more as you enjoy the park! This day camp is a perfect introduction for any young naturalist interested in Camp Overlook’s summer camp offerings. Ages 7 to 9.
$95
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(DC) (National Park Service) Do you want to connect with nature but you’re not sure how to get started? Do you want to be more present outside and escape the distractions of the modern era? Take a junior naturalist hike with a ranger and learn how to observe and study the natural world around you as you hike between ½ ... |
3 events,
-
(DC) (National Park Service) Bundle up and step into the role of a Winter Wildlife Detective! Explore real pelts and tracks from Rock Creek Park animals—like foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and even sleepy woodchucks—and uncover the secrets they leave behind in the snow. Through hands-on discovery and fun clue-hunting questions, kids learn how animals stay warm, find food, and survive the ...
-
(DC) (Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena) Join the Winter fun at Canal Park Ice Rink! Public skating sessions are available seven days a week during the winter. Sessions are 90 minutes long, with a break at the half-way point to resurface the ice. The rink is open through March 2nd. Daily hours vary.
$11 – $20
|
