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 ...
(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 ...
(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 ...
(MD) (VA) (DC) Each year from December 14 through January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Each count takes place in an established 15-mile diameter circle, and is organized by a count compiler. Count volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle, counting every bird ...
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Smokey Bear! Enjoy various activities, a campfire with s’mores, and of course, a noon countdown to ring in the New Year!
(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Meditation helps us build a relationship to a place of inner quietude. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for free online meditation sessions each week led by DC-based meditation teachers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Friday sessions include inspiration from art in the museum collections, much of which is inspired by nature, ...
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join our nature and forest therapy guide in this two-hour program that encourages you to slow down and take in the National Arboretum through all your senses. Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses for health benefits. The benefits are immense: boosted immunity, lowered ...
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) While Americans traditionally ring in the New Year at midnight on New Year's Eve, other cultures welcome it with the first sunrise of New Year's Day. Join rangers for this unique experience, witnessing the sky transition from dark to light as a new day and a new year dawns. While on top of the Piedmont Overlook, we will ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Take a hike with a naturalist in the early morning to view the stunning first sunrise of the year as it crests over the lake. Rejuvenate as you walk along the park trails and signal in the new year. Ages 4 to Adult.
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) State Parks throughout Virginia will be hosting guided and self-guided First Day Hikes. Sky Meadows Park will host four First Hike and related events on January 1st, and Mason Neck State Park will host three hike events. See guided and self-guided hikes throughout the Virginia park system here.
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) Immerse yourself in the serene wooded landscape just after sunrise on New Year's Day, where the soft light filters through the trees and the sounds of nature come alive. This invigorating hike spans approximately 3.8 miles along a well-maintained packed dirt trail, which features a variety of terrain, including stairs and exposed tree roots that add ...
(MD) (Maryland Park Service) State Parks throughout Maryland will be hosting guided and self-guided First Day Hikes. At Senecea Creek State Park enjoy a a self-guided, 3.7-mile loop hike along the Lakeshore Trail, featuring scenic winter views and chances to spot local wildlife, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visit our Welcome Table to pick up a map, explore with field ...
