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, United States

(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, United States

(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 ...

Expert Is In: Holiday Poinsettias

US Botanic Garden 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, United States

(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Want to know more about poinsettias? Drop by the Garden Court of the USBG Conservatory to talk with Howard Luckey, USBG Gardener (Advanced) about these seasonal sensations! Bring your questions and connect with USBG plant science professionals in this Expert Is In program.

Free

Hillwood Tour: Bones of the Winter Garden

Hillwood 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington DC, United States

(DC) (Hillwood) Explore the bones of Hillwood’s peaceful winter gardens with Jessica Bonilla, director of horticulture. Evergreen plants take center stage, deciduous woody plants become architectural, and hardscapes become more important. Winter’s cool light shapes the experience, and we can sense more subtle shades of green and brown. The few flowers in bloom are very special, and the texture of ...

Free – $15

Conifer Collection Tour at Arboretum

U.S. National Arboretum 24th & R St NE, Washington DC, United States

(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join FONA for a walking tour of the U.S. National Arboretum Gotelli Conifer Collection with longtime curator Joe Meny. One of the most unique horticultural displays at the Arboretum, the Gotelli Conifer Collection offers a special beauty in the winter months. This fascinating collection contains a range of colors, forms, and textures that are ...

$20

Poplar Point Walk

(DC) (Anacostia Parks and Community Collaborative)

Free

Holiday Floral Centerpiece (Virtual)

Hillwood 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington DC, United States

(DC) (Hillwood) Celebrate the holiday season with a floral arrangement full of luxuriously rich colors and festive blooms. Hillwood floral designer Ami Wilber helps you create a beautiful creation with step-by-step guidance and plenty of time to ask questions. Supplies are not included, and participants are encouraged to buy flowers and produce from a local farm, farmer’s market, or other ...

Free – $12

Hot Cocoa Hike

Long Branch Nature Center & Park 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, United States

(VA) (Arlington Parks) Fresh air is good for you, your friends and families. Join us in Glencarlyn Park for a leisurely hike with hot cocoa and time for photos in the scenic winter woods. Families.

$6

Full Moon Friday

Locust Grove Nature Center 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD, United States

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join us for the magic of the full moon for a hike and campfire on each Friday nearest to the full moon. Feel free to bring your own hot dogs or food to warm over the fire, and we’ll provide marshmallows. Please register and pay for adults and children. Ages 10 and up.

$8

Potomac Overlook Owl Prowl

Potomac Overlook Regional Park 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA, United States

(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

Flying Squirrel Campfire

Hidden Oaks Nature Center 7701 Royce St, Annandale, VA, United States

(VA) (Hidden Oaks Nature Center) Enjoy an evening around the campfire, toasting marshmallows over the embers and learn about flying squirrels that live in our area. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register. Ages 4 to Adult.

$8
Capital Nature