• Bull Run Festival of Lights

    Bull Run Regional Park 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA, United States

    (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
  • Zoo Lights

    Smithsonian's National Zoo 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, United States

    (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
  • Garden of Lights at Brookside

    Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD, United States

    (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
  • First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks

    Maryland State Parks MD, United States

    (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 hiki​ng opportunities on the first day of the new year! Join us in ...

  • First Hike Fairfax

    Fairfax County Park Trails

    (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

    Virginia State Parks Virginia, United States

    (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 ...

  • Ice Skating at Canal Park

    Canal Park 200 M Street SE, Washington, DC, United States

    (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
  • Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden

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

    (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