Things to Do in January in the DMV

If you’re prone to the post-holiday blues, we’ve got some ideas for January rejuvenation, starting off with a New Year’s Day run or hike and ending with a Monster Jam. Whether you’re a car fanatic, a gamer, or a yogi devotee, you won’t have to hibernate this January.

 

January 1

 

Run a 5K on New Year’s Day! Start the new year with a healthy activity and set a precedent for the rest of 2023. Ashburn, Bethesda, Reston, Gaithersburg, Arlington, and several other cities in the D.C. area will offer up their streets for a cold-weather frolic into fitness.

 

If hiking is more your speed, check out the First Day Hikes (ranger-led or self-guided) available as part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks.

 

January 1 to February 12

 

Lerner Town Square
8025 Galleria Drive
Tysons, VA

 

If you missed experiencing this dazzling landscape of lights in December, there’s still time to see it. Over 1,000 Chinese lanterns – all handmade by artisans – display their light and warmth for your amazement and for great photo ops!

 

January 3 – 22

 

The Kennedy Center
2700 F St NW
Washington, D.C.

 

What happened in the Land of Oz before Dorothy arrived? The Broadway sensation tells the story of a misunderstood young woman with emerald-green skin and her bubbly blonde friend. This is the untold true story of the Witches of Oz. Check the website for specific days and times.

 

January 5 – 8

 

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
Oxon Hill, MD

 

MAGFest (Music And Gaming Festival) celebrates video game music, gaming, and the gaming community with the goals of education, appreciation, and preservation of the culture and history of video games.

 

January 6

 

MGM National Harbor
101 MGM National Ave.
National Harbor, MD

 

The live Dancing with the Stars tour will recreate the most memorable dances from the program’s previous seasons and showcase brand new never-before-seen routines.

 

January 6 – 8

 

Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center
2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy.
Fredericksburg, VA

 

This family friendly event allows people to interact with life size animatronic dinosaurs, including the T-Rex and 50-foot long Megalodon! It’s a huge hit for both kids and adults.

 

January 12 – 16

 

Crystal Gateway Marriott
700 Richmond Hwy.
Arlington, VA

 

Founded in 2016 under The Institute for Integrative Wellness, this festival includes educational offerings in positive psychology, meditation, and expressive arts. The Interfusion Festival aims to bring awareness of practices that may help combat mental health crises.

 

January 16

 

Richard Montgomery High School
250 Richard Montgomery Drive
Rockville, MD

 

Join the City of Rockville for the 51^st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Performances and awards recognizing Rockville community members who carry on King’s legacy.

 

January 20 – 29

 

Walter E Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
Washington, D.C.

 

More than 600 new car models from over 35 manufacturers will display their engineering prowess. This year will include an all-new EV Pavilion, classic cars, exotics, and more. VIP tours will be led by award-winning automotive writers, and there will be a special exhibit area for live painting of “art” cars. The Washington, D.C. Auto Show is the largest public show in the nation’s capital.

 

January 22

 

Near Gallery Place – Chinatown Metro Stop
Washington, D.C.

 

Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA). The afternoon will feature colorful, traditional performances topped off with a fireworks finale.

 

January 28

 

5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD

 

Emmy-winning TV star and Tony-winning Broadway legend, Mandy Patinkin’s BEING ALIVE is a collection of many of Patinkin’s favorite Broadway and classic American tunes. From Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim, from Cole Porter to Harry Chapin, Patinkin takes you on a dazzling musical journey.

 

January 28 – 29

 

Capital One Arena
601 F St., NW
Washington, D.C.

 

If action-packed motorsports are your jam, you’ll enjoy watching world-class driver athletes competing in intense competitions at Monster Jam. The trucks’ engines generate 1,500 horsepower due to a supercharger that forces air and fuel into the engine. The Monster Jam Pit Party (requiring a separate admission ticket) allows you to see these massive trucks up close and participate in Q & As with the drivers.

 

[BONUS]: February 4

 

Downtown Frederick, MD

 

So it’s technically not a January activity but it’s close enough and it’s much too exciting to leave out! From in-store tastings to gallery openings to vendor exhibitions, there’s tons to explore in this unique event as Frederick is turned into a winter wonderland. Visitors can also explore more than 100 ice sculptures all over town!