Your Guide to DC in January 2026

Let’s face it, January is not D.C.’s (or my) best month. The holidays are behind us, my New Year's resolutions are already crumbling. I bulk up on planners I’ll never use because surely THAT’S why 2025 flopped.

But luckily, D.C. has a myriad of ways to get outside, get cozy, and get creative so you can avoid the January slump. Here are a few of our favorites.

Pick Up a Niche Hobby

New year, new you, new hobby. D.C. is that capital of weird, niche hobbies, and you should take advantage of it (even if you do drop it in just a few months 😬). Our podcast co-host Bridget is on a beekeeping kick after taking an intro course with Bee CARE Institute. I’ve done metalsmithing, ceramics, DnD, knitting, and a plethora of others to get me through the short days.

Get Yourself To a Hot Tub, ASAP

Every group trip, I’m that one friend that insists on getting an Airbnb with a hot tub (even if it does mean bunkbeds). Because there’s nothing better than sitting in a hot tub in winter looking at the stars. But, if you don’t want to make a whole trip out of it, get out to King’s Spa in Virginia or even one of these hot tub boat cruises on the Potomac for some quality tub time.

Walk a Mile (In Your Own Shoes)

We’ve been walking a mile in different D.C. neighborhoods as a way to explore the city (and find new sweet treats, of course 😈). So far we’ve done Georgia Avenue NW, Florida Avenue NW, and Pennsylvania Ave SE. Follow one of ours or make your own!

Check Out a Sporting Event, Go Team!

The Capitals, Go-Go, and Wizards are all in season during this time. This is your excuse to get yourself out of your blanket burrito and head downtown to the Capital One Arena or the Sports and Entertainment Center across the river. Maybe it’ll even inspire you to head to one of the rinks outdoors. And if you know nothing about D.C. sports? Start with our “D.C. Sports Guide For Dummies.”

Live, Laugh, Love, Look At Some Art

Studies show looking at art can lift your mood, ease anxiety, and even activates the same part of our brain as when we’re in love. There are a few installations that’ll be gone after January, so go now! At the National Gallery, the stunning Photography and the Black Arts Movement closes on January 11. Meanwhile, Basquiat x Banksy closes out its run at the Hirshhorn January 19.

Jump On DC’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Scene

Dry January doesn’t mean you can’t go out. Everyone knows mocktails are hip now, and as a certified lightweight, they’ve saved me on many occasions. I love the plethora of non-alcoholic cocktails at Green Zone. At Moon Rabbit, they might be better than the normal cocktails. Mixtures of osmanthus, vegan foam, tamarind, and other creative touches that render booze irrelevant — plus, you'll wake up feeling ready to tackle the month.