Whether you’re an avid ice skater, love to dine out, or are a cold weather lover, there is something for everyone, there is something for you on this 2023 winter bucket list of things to do.
1. Ice skate at Reston Town Center. Go for an afternoon of ice-skating fun at Reston Town Center’s pavilion. Public skating is offered daily, and the skate shop is stocked with sizes from toddler 8 to men’s 15. For beginners learning to skate, there are double-bladed, flat-edged skates. Whether you’re a veteran skater or a newbie, this is the place to skate. 1818 Discovery St., Reston
2. Take in a cozy show at Jammin Java. Warm up with some chili or perhaps a hot pepperoni pizza from Jammin Java as you take in a show. This winter, could see Dan Rodriguez, Ron Sexsmith, tributes to the Grateful Dead and Neil Young, and more. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
3. Check out the DMV Winter Lantern Festival. Now through February 12, Lerner Town Square at Tysons II is a sparkling magical festival of lights. The area is illuminated with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns, all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. Lerner Town Square at Tysons II: 8025 Galleria Dr., Tysons
4. Celebrate Lunar New Year. There are multiple opportunities around the DMV to celebrate Lunar New Year. The National Museum of Asian Art bounces into the Year of the Rabbit with a celebration from noon to 4 p.m. January 21. There will be a traditional lion dance performance, a cooking demonstration, hands-on craft activities, and more. 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC
5. Laugh with The Second City at Wolf Trap. Enjoy the comedic talents of The Second City comedy troupe February 15-18 at The Barns at Wolf Trap. The group launched the careers of greats like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Steve Carell. 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna
6. Watch the Super Bowl at Village Brauhaus. The Alexandria beer garden hosts a Super Bowl watch party Sunday, February 12. All your Super Bowl food favorites — wings, burgers, and lots of beer — will be there. 710 King St., Alexandria
7. Drop in at Medstar Capitals IcePlex. See the Capitals, the 2018 Stanley Cup champions, practice at the iceplex. Check out the practice schedule. Or learn how to play a little hockey yourself during iceplex’s drop-in events. 627 N. Glebe Rd., Ste. 800, Arlington
8. Have tea with Martha Washington at Mount Vernon. Warm up with the first First Lady herself at the Mount Vernon Restaurant with an intimate tea on January 21, February 11, February 25, or March 11. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon
9. Visit Boxwood Winery in Middleburg. Boxwood Winery in Middleburg serves deliciously blended Bordeaux-style wines. The winery accepts reservations for its fire tables, which are offered Thursday through Sunday and seat 4-10 people in the Tasting Room Courtyard. 2042 Burrland Ln., Middleburg
10. Ride the Mountain Coaster at Wisp. Twist, turn, and dip your way down the eastern side of Wisp Mountain while catching some mesmerizing views. With a track that’s almost 5,000 feet of uphill and downhill track, the coaster combines the best parts of an alpine slide and roller coaster.
11. Go sledding. This is contingent on snow of course, but the area has some great sledding hills, including The James S. Long Regional Park in Haymarket (great for younger kids) and Park Ridge Elementary School in Stafford (to sled with neighbors). If Mother Nature doesn’t gift us with snow, jump down to No. 17 on our list.
12. Grab a delicious cup of hot chocolate. You’re going to need to warm up after all that sledding and why not do so with some hot chocolate at an area favorite — Chateau de Chantilly Café. The “Real Dark Chocolate,” heated with milk and topped with whipped cream, is an indulgent treat perfect for the cold winter months. 13974 Metrotech Dr., Chantilly
13. Take a winter hike at Great Falls. Luckily, winters here have plenty of mild days. The River Trail hike at Great Falls Park has gorgeous waterfall and nature views. The moderate to hard hike is three miles roundtrip. Make sure you have sturdy shoes. 9200 Old Dominion Dr., Great Falls
14. Have afternoon tea at the Ritz Carlton, Tysons. Perfect your royal wave at afternoon tea Saturdays and Sundays from 3-6 p.m. Enjoy sweet and savory bites like avocado shrimp tartare, Bloody Mary deviled eggs, scones with cream, opera cake, and more. 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean
15. See Anastasia at Capital One Hall. The Broadway musical is playing at Capital One Hall February 3-5. 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons
16. Head to Shadowland Laser Adventure Center. Staying indoors is actually fun at this laser tag and glow-in-the-dark mini golf adventure center. 5508 Franconia Rd., Alexandria
17. Visit East Coast’s longest snow tubing slope. River Riders Family Adventure Resort’s sister company Snow Riders is slated to open in late January or early February. Each lane of the 16-lane snow tubing hill will be 900 feet long — the size of three football fields. 408 Alstadts Hill Rd., Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
18. Take a weekend getaway to Montfair’s Vacation Cottages. If you’re in need of a post-holidays refresh, grab the novel you haven’t had time to read yet and head to Montfair’s Vacation Cottages. Located near Shenandoah National Park and Charlottesville, the cottages are truly a picturesque winter escape. 2500 Bezaleel Dr., Crozet
19. See dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest. Kids will love checking out larger-than-life dinosaurs at the Dulles Expo Center January 27-29. 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
20. Winter Wonderland at King & Rye. Old Town Alexandria’s King & Rye brought back its igloo dining experience. The Insta-worthy experience allows guests to kick back in a cozy igloo, with reservations available for up to eight people to enjoy cocktails and eats. 480 King St., Alexandria
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