The new year is here with plenty of fresh things to do, but we’re also still ticking off our list of festive fun. Have you hit up ZooLights, ICE! featuring “The Polar Express” and Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden? It’s the last weekend to catch them.
Weekend highlights
Washington Monument projections
Nightly through Jan. 5, free
A special video display on all four sides of the Washington Monument is kicking off the United States’ 250th birthday celebration in 2026.
This will be the first time there will be a projection on all four sides of the monument. Look for the light shows between 7 and 10 p.m. nightly.
Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club
Thurs., Fri., Sat., GALA Hispanic Theatre, $33.85+
🔗 Details
Uh huh huh! The King is entering the ring once again for an unhinged birthday celebration that’s part fight club, part burlesque show and 100% spectacle.
Several shows are sold out, but you can also catch it in Baltimore later this month if you miss out. The show is 21+ only due to “coarse language, nudity, and filthy humor.”
First Hike (or skate!)
Get 2026 off on the right foot with a New Year’s hike. If you head to a Fairfax County park, submit a picture for a chance to win their First Hike Photo Contest.
If hiking isn’t your thing … Skate your way into the new year! The National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden ice rink is closed on New Year’s Day but otherwise is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Wharf’s over-water rink is open through the holiday and has extended hours during winter break. In Northern Virginia, Cameron Run’s Ice and Lights has daytime skating.
Theater
“Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” is at the National Theatre through Sunday, while the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of “Guys and Dolls” has been extended through Jan. 8.
Museum highlights
Drop by the Anacostia Community Museum to celebrate Kwanzaa or explore the “A Bold and Beautiful Vision” exhibit before its closing reception on Sunday.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts its free community day on Sunday. Make sure to grab tickets in advance.
Get crafty
Made in Maryland‘s Make It Bar is calling all crafters to College Park. Drop in daily from 4-6 p.m. to get a free draft beverage with the purchase of any craft (they start at $10)!
More to do in D.C.
Free bluegrass and cheap beer: Fri., doors 6 p.m., Union Stage, free
The 30+ Party – BACK TO DA CLURB NIGHT: Fri., 6 p.m., 9:30 Club
Washington Capitals: Sat., Capital One Arena
DC Dating Live!: Sat., Howard Theatre, $33.14
Friends of Tenley Library Book Sale: Sat., 1:30-4:30 p.m., Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library, free
More to do in Maryland
Glen Echo Park Civil Rights and History Tour: Sat., 10 a.m., Glen Echo Park, free
Pour House Trivia: Fri., 6:30 p.m., Silver Branch locations in Rockville and Silver Spring, free
Dinosaur Park Open House: Sat., noon to 4 p.m., Dinosaur Park in Laurel, free
More to do in Virginia
$5 comedy night: Fri., State Theatre in Falls Church, $5
Winter Lakeside Lantern Walks: Sat., 5 p.m., Lake Accotink in Springfield, $12
Bull Run Festival of Lights: Through Jan. 4, Centreville, $32.45 per car
Comedy Night in Leesburg: Fri., Tally Ho Theater, $20- $32
Theater – “In Clay”: Through Feb. 1, Signature Theater, $47+
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