When the cold temps set in, it’s tempting to hibernate in your bed with a binge-worthy new show and order delivery until the city begins to thaw. Instead, we’ve got you covered with a full lineup of events that will motivate you to put on pants and venture outside. December through February is packed with winter festivals, epic expo events, jaw-dropping performances, concerts and shows by the hottest musicians and comedians, critically-acclaimed musicals, holiday parades, and more. Here’s how you should spend your winter.
Grab a passport and go bar hopping
Now-April 15
Various locations
The Passport Program is meant for a different kind of travel. The little book gets you two-for-one libations at more than 40 establishments around DC. Now through April 15th, you can enjoy BOGO cocktails, craft brews, and coffees at hot spots like All-Purpose, Barrel, Chicken + Whiskey, City Winery, Colada Shop, Cotton & Reed, DC Brau, Dirty Habit, Grace Street Coffee Roasters, Ivy City Smokehouse, Morris, One Eight Distilling, Peregrine Espresso, Republic Restoratives Distillery, and more.
Cost: Passports are $20
Watch Cirque du Soleil on ice
December 5-9
Capital One Arena
Crystal is the first show on ice from Cirque du Soleil. The performance blends circus arts and the world of figure skating with acrobatics, aerial feats, and ice tricks.
Cost: Tickets start at $60.
Welcome winter like the Russians
December 8-9
Hillwood Estate
Hillwood invites visitors to experience sviatki in true Russian style. Make and wear a kokoshnik on your head, watch mummers parading in animal costumes, hear from fortune tellers, and enjoy traditional music and dance.
Cost: Admission is $18.
Between the holidays and finishing out the year at work, your calendar can fill up fast in the colder months. But whether your winter plans involve heading out to a new bar opening, onto the open road, or to the office, Wrangler has new styles and comfortable fits made for wherever life takes you -- so you won’t have to think twice about what to wear.
Catch a performance of Miss Saigon
December 12-January 13
Kennedy Center Opera House
This new production of a legendary musical comes from the creators of Les Misérables. It’s the story of a young Vietnamese woman whose life changes forever when she meets an American G.I.
Cost: Tickets start at $49.
Shell out for Mumford & Sons
December 15-16
Capital One Arena
Seeing Mumford & Sons on their international Delta Tour will cost you nearly a grand. Check your bank account and decide if you’re really a true fan.
Cost: Tickets start at $825.
See Amy Schumer live
December 15-16
The Theater at MGM National Harbor
No-holds-barred comedian Amy Schumer is stopping at MGM for two nights during her national tour. Dates in previous cities have been postponed due to her pregnancy, so fingers crossed she makes it here.
Cost: Tickets start at $70.
Join a band with School of Rock the musical
January 16-27
The National Theatre
This musical based on the movie follows wannabe rockstar Dewey Finn as he poses as a substitute teacher and turns his students into musicians. It features a kid rock band, 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, plus all the original songs from the movie.
Cost: Tickets start at $54.
Pull off an an extreme home makeover with a little help from the pros
January 18-20
Dulles Expo Center
The Home & Remodeling Show is the perfect place to find inspiration for your next project. Check out tons of exhibitors, ask the experts, browse the designer rooms, take part in DIY workshops, and see home-improvement star John Gidding of TLC’s Trading Spaces live on stage.
Cost: Tickets are $9 online.
Rock out with Panic! at the Disco
January 20
Capital One Arena
Don’t panic -- Panic! is traveling the world and stopping in DC. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Pray for the Wicked Tour.
Cost: Tickets start at $142.
Find an epic TV to watch the biggest football game of the year
February 3
Various locations
The city’s best sports bars pull out all the stops for the big game, with tons of TVs and great game time grub. Get there early to save a spot.
Cost: Prices vary.
Get spooked during FEARbruary
Dates TBA
601 Catoctin Circle, NE, Leesburg
Shocktober’s popular haunted manor is opening its doors for the My Bloody Valentine event in time for Cupid’s big day. This year’s theme and dates will be announced soon.
Cost: Tickets will go on sale prior to the event.
Show off your tighty-whities for Cupid’s Undie Run
February 9
Penn Social
This “brief” run is about a mile long… in your undies. It starts and ends with a big party, and it’s all to find a cure for a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis.
Cost: Registration starts at $30.
Ring in the Lunar New Year with a parade
February 10
6th Street, from I to H Streets
Start the Year of the Pig off right with Chinese lions, dragons, Kung Fu demonstrations, firecrackers, live music, marching bands, and more. The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association is hosting the parade for the whole community.
Cost: Free.
Show your gal pals how much you care on Galentine’s Day
February 13
Various locations
The day before Valentine’s Day, put your sisters before misters. Various restaurants around the DMV offer specials for girlfriends celebrating friendship.
Cost: Prices vary.
Eat your heart out on Valentine’s Day
February 14
Various locations
It’s never too early to try to snag a hard-to-get reservation at the perfect Valentine’s Day spot. Try your luck at one of the city’s best restaurants.
Cost: Prices vary.
Wish George Washington a happy birthday
February 18
Mount Vernon
Head over to GW’s estate to celebrate our first president with special events and plenty of history. Specific activities will be announced prior to the date.
Cost: Admission is $18.
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