City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
🎉 Your guide to January in DC
January 2, 2026 · 💌 Kaela
Hey, neighbor! You loved our first one, so we’re back with another monthly guide email! With the holidays behind us, the short cold days ahead can hit particularly hard. But refuse to give into the Big Sad industrial complex. Here’s how we plan on surviving this January in D.C. 👇
Hacks for a Better December
DC Winter Blues Bingo
It’s that time of year when the Big Sad comes for us all. But this year we’re on a mission to get out there and remember why we love living in D.C. So we made this bingo card to help. How many can you cross off before spring?
🎧 DC's Best Cozy Coffee Shops
There’s not much that a hot cuppa in a neighborhood cafe can't fix, IMO. D.C. coffee influencer Domonique Bazil talks us through the best cozy local cafés that are absolutely worth bundling up for.
Where To Go Ice Skating In The DMV
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not above the holiday movie-like romance of an outdoor ice rink (even if I do need to wear knee pads 😩). Here are our top picks for where to lace up in D.C. and the burbs.
Hot Cocktails To Survive DC’s Coldest Months
The true highlight of D.C. winters is seeing what wild and deliciously cozy concoctions our local bartenders come up with. A hot cocktail is never bad, in my opinion, but these eight stand out among the rest. (Plus, peep this episode we did with Emily Venezky of Eater on the best cocktails in D.C. right now.)
Sponsored Content
Folger Theatre’s Reading Room Festival is January 22-25
Don’t miss our fourth annual Reading Room Festival. Join us as we collaboratively re-envision Shakespeare’s works, explore the vibrant musicality of Shakespeare’s verse, and reimagine the stories crafted by other early modern playwrights in this four-day festival of staged readings, panel discussions, workshops, and community celebrations.
Tickets To Get Now (Before It’s Too Late)
You might want to grab tickets to these popular events before they sell out!
City Cast DC Team ‘Consumer’ Report
What our team is consuming this month!
💪 Kaela is consuming lots of (maybe too much) protein. #gains
⛸️ Julia is watching Heated Rivalry and judging the hockey quality.
🍲 Annie is making and eating lots of pasta e fagioli soup.
🎥 Ashe is watching Ken Burns documentaries.
Wishing you a cozy month ahead!
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