Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 9750 Meadowlark Gardens, ViennaWeek of Events
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail aglow with countless sparkling lights. Take an evening stroll through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, adorned with lighted trees and displays featuring nature, winter, and holiday themes. The half-mile paved trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Sip on a cozy, hot beverage (with or without spirits), or ...
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 ...
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 ...
Season’s Greenings: Dino-Mite!
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Celebrate the holiday season in our annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” with the Conservatory full of poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants. In the outdoor gardens, find festive lights and decor throughout plus our model train show. This year, G-gauge model trains will chug through displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts, including ...
Christmas Bird Count
(DMV) (Audubon) (Montgomery Parks) Get ready to brave the cold for a great cause! Join Meadowside Nature Center’s team for Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count, a nationwide effort taking place from December 14 through January 5. You’ll join tens of thousands of volunteers across the nation in this long-running wildlife census, collecting critical data that helps assess the health of ...
Sign-Up for Free Trees in Arlington
(VA) (EcoAction Arlington) Apply to have a tree planted on your property. All private property in Arlington is eligible to have a native tree planted on the property through EcoAction Arlington's Tree Planting Program. Applications are open until January 14th, 2026!
Apply for a Free Tree in DC
(DC) (Casey Trees) Get Free Trees to accentuate your home with a beautiful shade tree at no cost. To register, submit an application with Casey Trees and one of their professional Urban Foresters will be in touch to start your process.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
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January 4, 2026 -Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
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January 4, 2026 -Seed Cleaning at Earth Sangha
Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
(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.
Seed Cleaning at Earth Sangha
(VA) (Earth Sangha) Help Earth Sangha clean and prepare native seeds for spring planting. Seed cleaning will take place every Sunday through the winter.
Monday, January 5, 2026
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January 5, 2026 -Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
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January 5, 2026 -Senior Wellness Walk in Deanwood
Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
(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.
Senior Wellness Walk in Deanwood
(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 ...
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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January 6, 2026 -Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
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January 6, 2026 -Ice Skating at Canal Park
Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
(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 ...
Ice Skating at Canal Park
(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.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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January 7, 2026 -Senior Wellness Walk at Arboretum
Senior Wellness Walk at Arboretum
(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 ...
Thursday, January 8, 2026
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January 8, 2026 -The Joy of Observing Insects (Virtual)
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January 8, 2026 -Snails of the Potomac River (Virtual)
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January 8, 2026 -Exploring the World of Plants (Virtual)
The Joy of Observing Insects (Virtual)
(DC) (Smithsonian Associates) Insects are the most abundant animals on the planet—representing about 80% of all animal species on Earth. They are also the least observed. Naturalist Eric R. Eaton is on a mission to inspire you to watch more bugs and share what people can do to keep these critters thriving. He will highlight the basic tools for watching ...
Snails of the Potomac River (Virtual)
(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) The Potomac River is a snail haven, home to almost half of these known species. In this presentation, Aydin Orstan, Ph.D. will report on his recent two-year snail survey, which added three more species to the list: Cipangopaludina cf. japonica, Gillia altilis, and Laevapex fuscus. Aydin will introduce the snails, including the largest native species, Campeloma decisum, with shells up to 1.3 inches ...
Exploring the World of Plants (Virtual)
(VA) (Virginia Native Plant Society) We rely on plants for food, shelter, and many other functions. We learn early that they convert sunlight to energy, but we often remain largely “plant blind”, allowing them to form a backdrop for our lives with little understanding or appreciation. This program will lead us on a journey to consider research and discussions over ...
Friday, January 9, 2026
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January 9, 2026 -Exhibit: In Full Flight
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January 9, 2026 -Senior Wellness Walk in Deanwood
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January 9, 2026 -Lunchtime Meditation and Mindfulness (Virtual)
Exhibit: In Full Flight
(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) Experience breathtaking bird images by DC Bird Alliance photographers at the new La Galerie on K at the Capital Hilton. See local birds and birds captured during travel by DCBA members. On view through February.
Senior Wellness Walk in Deanwood
(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 ...
Lunchtime Meditation and Mindfulness (Virtual)
(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Join our free online guided meditation on Tuesdays and Fridays. In these 30-minute sessions, DC-based meditation teachers lead a variety of mindfulness practices. Friday sessions take inspiration from art in our museum’s collections. Many of the art pieces are inspired by nature. All are welcome! No previous experience is required.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
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January 10, 2026 -Little Critters Nature Play
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January 10, 2026 -Exhibit: For the Love of Birds
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January 10, 2026 -Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
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January 10, 2026 -Ice Skating at Canal Park
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January 10, 2026 -Flying Squirrel Lore
Little Critters Nature Play
(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) MOO! OINK! CLUCK! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about different animals that live on the farm. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Exhibit: For the Love of Birds
(MD) (Garrett County Arts Council)“For the Love of Birds” is an installation piece that incorporates The National Audubon Society’s climate report: Survival by Degrees: 389 Birds on the Brink and artwork curated by curated by Caroline Blizzard and Julie Turrentine. The art exhibit tells the story of how birds will be affected by climate change, with different habitats illustrated through ...
Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
(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 ...
Ice Skating at Canal Park
(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.
Flying Squirrel Lore
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Join us after dark to learn about these nocturnal creatures. Dress for the weather, we will venture out into the cold night to look for wild flying squirrels. Families.
