Washington D.C. January 2025

Washington D.C. January 2025 Events

Washington D.C. January 2025 Events

D.C. is hot with culture and culinary delights during cold January

Average temperature low and high: 25°- 45°
Temperatures may be in the low 40s during January in Washington, D.C., but luckily, there's a neverending list of things to do indoors. Locals love the Spy Fest at The International Spy Museum, cheering on the Wizards and the Capitals and sipping on gothic-inspired cocktails at the Sleepy Hollow Bar. For those willing to brave the cold, an epic snowball fight, ice skating, and Chinatown's Chinese New Year bash may be right up your alley. And don't forget about D.C.'s Restaurant Week, and to bookmark this page for upcoming events.

January Event Calendar

X-Maleya

X-Maleya has been a top Cameroonian band since 1996, blending genres like Makossa, R&B, hip hop and reggae. The band's name combines "West" and "union," reflecting a central theme of cultural backgrounds. X-Maleya has fans throughout Africa and is growing in popularity around the world.

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MLK Holiday DC Parade and Festival

MLK Holiday DC Parade and Festival

DC is the home of the Washington Nation Cathedral, the church where Dr. Martin Luther King preached his last Sunday sermon before his assassination, and the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial. That said, it's a great place to celebrate MLK weekend. Each year there is a parade that begins at noon at 2700 MLK Avenue SE and continues to Anacostia Park for a free festival.

Learn more.

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week

Try favored dishes from some of D.C.'s best restaurants during Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week 2024. Participating restaurants will offer set menus ranging in price from $25 to $55 per person. Over 250 restaurants join in every year, but tables fill up fast, so make any reservations early.

The Washington Auto Show

The Washington Auto Show

From concept cars to the hottest luxury vehicles, the Washington Auto Show features the newest technology, gorgeous vehicles, and various automotive-related exhibits across three floors of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event will be held from January 19-28, 2024. Ticket prices are $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends for adults (13 and up), $7 any day for children aged 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. Special discounts include Military Tribute Day on January 23 (free with Military ID or DD214) and Student Day on January 26 ($7 off with student ID). Tickets can be purchased here. Families wanting to attend will love the child play area designed to occupy younger visitors​​.

Shen Yun Performing Arts

Shen Yun Performing Arts

Shen Yun is a New York performing arts company known for productions of classical Chinese dance and music. The stage performances revive and celebrate 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, some of which was lost under communist rule in China. Shen Yun performances include dancing, historic costumes and music by a live orchestra with a digital background among the high-tech touches. See ancient myths, legends and folk tales come to life in a way that's truly special.

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Monster Jam

Looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping? Then, head down to the Capital One Arena for some excitement. See the country's most popular motorsport event: Monster Jam. Over 2 days, you'll get the chance to see giant, 10+ foot-tall, 12,000-pound monster trucks compete against each other with jaw-dropping stunts and tricks. Tickets can be purchased here

Mrs. Doubtfire - The Musical

Mrs. Doubtfire - The Musical

Mrs. Doubtfire - the Musical, based on the hit 1993 Robin Williams movie, is a charming stage adaption that's earned fans and rave reviews at theaters across the country. Critics from Time Out praised it as a clever update, highlighting its modern humor and well-paced script. The production, without relying on a famous lead, successfully navigates the comedic elements and songs, with the cast earning particular acclaim. Overall, Mrs. Doubtfire - the Musical successfully balances nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities, adding up to an engaging, warm-hearted family story.

Learn more.

Washington D.C. Events in January

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in Washington D.C.

Things to Do in Washington D.C. in January

Go ice-skating

Go ice-skating
Every winter, Washington D.C. bundles up and straps on skates to enjoy ice skating at one of the numerous rinks that pop up. Whether you choose to hit the ice at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art, amid beautiful art pieces, or skating the trail at Enchant Christmas, where you can stop at one of the food and drink stands lining the path, it's a fun and inexpensive way to spend an evening. If you tend to spend more time falling than skating, Pentagon Row also offers classes to help you refine your skills.

Visit the Smithsonian

Visit the Smithsonian
Any trip to the nation's capital should include a trip to some of the greatest museums in the country. The Smithsonian is a group of museums where you can learn about and see artifacts from the history of the United States, view stunning artwork, and explore the multitude of cultures that have blended into our current society. The icy days of January are a perfect time to make the trip - since it's the off-season for tourism, the buildings won't be overcrowded. If you're traveling with kids, pick up the National Park passport in advance so you can get it stamped in the different buildings.