Top Things to Do in Washington, DC: Dec. 30 to Jan. 5

Experience the vibrant culture and exciting activities this New Year in the Washington, DC area! From fascinating museum exhibits to festive holiday lights, there's something for everyone. Here's our comprehensive guide to what to do this week:

Museum Exhibits Ending Soon

Don't miss these amazing exhibits that are wrapping up soon:

• Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women
  Through Jan. 5 at the Renwick Gallery, Free
• William Gropper: Artist of the People
  Through Jan. 5 at The Phillips Collection, $20 (adult)
• Imprints in Time Rare Books Exhibit
  Through Jan. 5 at the Folger Shakespeare Library, Free
• An Epic of Kings: The Great Mongol Shahnama
  Through Jan. 12 at the National Museum of Asian Art, Free
• Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits
  Through Jan. 12 at the National Gallery of Art, Free
• Suchitra Mattai: Myth from Matter
  Through Jan. 12 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, $10+
• Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment
  Through Jan. 19 at the National Gallery of Art, Free

Last Call for Holiday Lights and Decorations

Make sure to check out these festive displays:

• Light Yards
  Through Jan. 1 at The Yards Park, Free
• ZooLights
  Through Jan. 4 at the National Zoo, $6 per guest over the age of 2
• National Christmas Tree
  Through Jan. 1 at White House Ellipse, Free
• Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special
  Through Jan. 5 at ARTECHOUSE, $23.85+ for adults
• Seasons Greenings
  Through Jan. 5 at the U.S. Botanic Garden, Free

Get Moving: Outdoor Activities

If you're looking for fun ways to enjoy the winter air:

• DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular
  Through Jan. 4 at the National Building Museum, Free
• Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
  Daily at the National Gallery of Art, $12 ($6 for skate rentals)
• FITDC Fresh Start 5K
  Wednesday, Registration opens at 9 a.m. at Anacostia Park, Free

Museum Events and Experiences

Catch these engaging happenings:

• Imani (Faith): Mime & Spiritual Dance Workshop
  Wednesday, noon at Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, Free
• Phillips after 5: Start Fresh
  Thursday, 5-8:30 p.m. at The Phillips Collection, $20
• January Metro Minyan
  Friday at the Capital Jewish Museum, $18
• First Saturday: Impressionism
  Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the National Gallery of Art, Free
• Free Community Days
  Sunday at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Free

Arts, Performances, and Music

Enjoy these entertainment options:

• Sheryl Underwood & Friends
  Friday to Sunday at DC Improv, $42+
• First Friday Dupont
  Friday, 6-8 p.m. in greater Dupont Circle, Free
• Elvis Birthday Fight Club
  Friday and Saturday at Gala Hispanic Theatre, $34 to $45
• Short N Sabrina: A Sabrina Carpenter Dance Party
  Saturday at 9:30 Club, $20
• DC Salsa & Bachata Sunday Social
  Sunday, 8 p.m. at Franklin Hall, $10 - $20

Sports Events

Catch your favorite teams in action:

• Washington Capitals
  Thursday and Saturday at Capital One Arena
• Washington Wizards
  Sunday, 6 p.m. at Capital One Arena

Events Outside DC

If you're willing to travel, here’s what's going on in Maryland and Virginia:

Maryland

• Kids Paint + Glow Party: Saturdays, 2 p.m., Oblivion Art House in College Park, $12.51
• Winter Lights Festival: Through Dec. 31, Seneca Creek State Park, $15-$25 per vehicle
• Washington DC Temple Festival of Lights: Through Jan. 1, Free

Virginia

• Olde Years Day Activities: Tuesday, noon to 4 p.m., Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Free
• Winter Lantern Festival: Through Jan. 12, Tysons, $16.99-$26.99

New Year’s Eve Plans

Looking to ring in the New Year? Consider:

• Noon Yards Eve: Family-friendly fun
• First Night Alexandria: Events from 2 p.m. to midnight
• Peaches O'Dell: Experience big band music at Black Cat’s New Year's Eve Swing Ball

Stay updated with The Weekend Scene newsletter for the latest events and experiences happening in the DMV area!