Lace up your skates, dine in an igloo, go stargazing, and more ways to delight in the season.
Go Ice Skating
Color Burst Ice Rink. Photograph courtesy of Howard Hughes Corporation.
Glide at these nine outdoor skating spots
National Gallery of Art
Seventh St. and Constitution Ave., NW
Skate near works by artists including Roy Lichtenstein and Louise Bourgeois. The Pavilion Café serves hot cider and pumpkin-spice lattes.
The Winter Village at Cameron Run
4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
An Instagram paradise with seasonal photo opportunities—think colorful trees, illuminated stars, and a giant wreath.
The Wharf
970 Wharf St., SW
Photograph courtesy of The Wharf.
Head to Transit Pier for a riverfront skating session. The rink also hosts events such as curling competitions. Fire pits and wintry drinks add to the mood.
Rockville Town Square
131 Gibbs St., Rockville
Lace up skates at the 7,200-square-foot rink, then refuel at the surrounding restaurants.
Harris Pavilion
9201 Center St., Manassas
Photograph courtesy of Harris Pavilion.
Stay dry under the canopy, even on snowy days, at this rink in historic downtown Manassas.
Veterans Plaza
8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring
Skate under the rink’s covering, which lights up with rainbow hues at night. Group and private lessons are also available.
Enchant DC
1500 S. Capitol St., SE
Glide across the ice at Enchant DC in Nationals Park and spend time outside. Photograph courtesy of Enchant.
Glide amid a forest of glowing trees at Nationals Park, then hit the Christmas Village for post-rink shopping, live performances, and festive cocktails.
Pentagon Row
1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington
Virginia’s second-largest outdoor rink also offers classes for kids and adults. Rest in the lounge area with its double-sided fireplace.
Color Burst Ice Rink
6000 Merriweather Dr., Columbia
Photograph courtesy of Howard Hughes Corporation.
Decked out in sparkling trees and LED snowflakes, this rink hosts performers and DJs for skating to a soundtrack.
Take a Winter Walk
Slip on boots and head out for a peaceful winter walk. Here are four good destinations.
Seneca Creek State Park
11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg
More than 50 miles of trails provide a walk for any age at the Gaithersburg park. The 1.2-mile Great Seneca Trail traverses woodlands, while the Lake Shore Trail encircles Clopper Lake for 3.7 miles. A playground features an obstacle course, swings, and a dragon—all made of tires.
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
1550 Anacostia Ave., NE
Photograph by M. Marquez/NPS.
Calling all birders: About 240 species have been spotted in DC’s Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, according to the Maryland Ornithological Society. Wandering along the River Trail or the boardwalk could lead to sightings of great blue herons, soaring raptors, and quacking ducks.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna
Photograph by Dennis Govoni.
Stroll through 95 acres filled with gardens, gazebos, and lakes. Spring offers cherry blossoms and fall has colorful foliage, but the park highlights winter’s often-overlooked beauty with a collection of tall conifers, bell-like Lenten roses, and red-twig dogwood.
National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Photograph courtesy of Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Walk on the wild side at the zoo, where some animals opt to hang outside when there’s a chill in the air. (You can also pop into heated indoor exhibits.) Winter may even be the best time to visit the pandas: The bears tend to be more active this season because they hail from a colder climate.
Chill in an Igloo
Photograph courtesy of Watergate.
They aren’t made of ice, but these huts will keep you protected from the elements while enjoying a meal outside. Here are three favorites.
The Watergate
2650 Virginia Ave., NW
Can’t get to the Alps this winter? Try the Watergate’s Swissinspired igloos on the patio. Yes, that means raclette and fondue will be on the menu, as well as a whiskey lineup and seasonal cocktails.
Bourbon Steak
2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Channel après-ski vibes in chalets with destination-themed menus at the Four Seasons hotel. Head to Jackson Hole for an 18-ounce steak, Whistler for ice-wine martinis, Vail for s’mores, and the Megève for a foie gras parfait.
Bresca
1906 14th St., NW
Each alfresco lodge has heaters as well as blankets and comes decorated with leaves and frosted wreaths. The restaurant serves winter staples such as red-wine-marinated lamb and venison.
Go Stargazing
The astronomy app Stellarium helps identify stars. Photograph courtesy of Stellarium Mobile, on Android/iOS.
The sky is at its clearest in winter, an ideal time to look up at the stars. Goddard Space Flight Center engineer Glenn Bock walks us through the galactic activity.
Where should I go?
“You have more opportunities to get connected with the universe by going outside,” says Bock. He recommends parks free of trees, such as Burke Lake Park in Fairfax and Greenbelt’s Buddy Attick Lake Park, which is open until 11 PM. If there are no tall buildings around, a parking lot is also good.
What if I want to stay indoors?
You can make free stargazing reservations or attend a public event at the Montgomery College Observatory in Rockville.
What should I bring?
Bock keeps binoculars in his car, always ready for observing the night sky. Given winter’s low temperatures, bundling up is a must. “You’re going to want to wear your snow equipment, your gloves, your hat—you’re going to want to [dress like] you’re skiing,” says Bock. “Maybe lay down in a sleeping bag.”
What can I see?
Jupiter and Saturn are on view, as well as the Sagittarius constellation, a teapot shape marking the center of the Milky Way. Look for glowing stars within constellations: The “Dog Star,” Sirius, is the brightest point in the Canis Major constellation during winter, and hunter Orion’s right shoulder is lit by red Betelgeuse, pulsing before it explodes sometime in the next 100,000 years.
What should I download?
Bock recommends the Stellarium or Heavens-Above app to make sense of the planets and constellations. There are also free printable sky maps you can hold above your head. Prefer an audio aid? Check out Sky and Telescope’s monthly podcast, Sky Tour.
How can I learn more?
Bock’s advice: Find an astronomy club that’s hosting a stargazing event and can give a tour of the night sky. The Northern Virginia Astronomy Club hosts frequent public viewings at Sky Meadows State Park and C.M. Crockett Park next to Germantown Lake, both in Fauquier County. The National Capital Astronomers and Howard Astronomical League also host star parties.
Visit a Hidden Museum
Photograph courtesy of American Poetry Museum.
Looking to get out of the house? Try exploring an off-the-beaten-path museum. TikToker Noelle Harada (@noellemargaret8) set out on a mission to visit every museum in town, going beyond the Smithsonian. She recommends five hidden gems.
American Poetry Museum
716 Monroe St., NE
The Brookland museum doesn’t just showcase the works and personal histories of American poets—most of the exhibits have a visual-art component to highlight a given poem’s themes. There are also open mics, poetry readings, and jazz concerts on weekends.
DC History Center
801 K St., NW
In Mount Vernon Square, this extensive collection of artifacts details the history of DC the city. Harada recommends the “Big Picture” exhibit, featuring 74 panoramic images and a 40-foot timeline of 20th-century Washington.
Howard University Art Gallery
2455 Sixth St., NW
Housed in the school’s fine-arts building, this gallery displays artwork created by former and current students. You’ll also find exhibits on African American and African art—Harada suggests a stop at the collection of wooden sculptures and masks.
Old Korean Legation
1500 13th St., NW
This Victorian-style mansion used to be the home of Korea’s foreign minister. The museum’s hidden-gem status means you can get intimate, one-on-one tours of the home, which includes a library, banquet hall, and small garden.
Old Post Office Museum and Clock Tower
1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
From the top of the Waldorf Astoria, get a picturesque view of the Mall, Capitol, White House, Pentagon, and Supreme Court. Harada regards the vista from the clock tower—often reached without having to stand in a line—on a par with the Washington Monument’s.
Relax at a Hot Spring Resort
Rendering courtesy of The Omni Homestead.
Yes, you can stay toasty during a winter swim. Things are heating up at these natural springs and spas, which offer year-round soaks in hot water.
Berkeley Springs State Park
Berkeley Springs, W. Va.
Drive time from DC: Two hours and 15 minutes.
George Washington was a frequent visitor to this spa, which includes two bathhouses with 102-degree water. The Old Roman Bath House has a high magnesium content—for achy joints—while the Main Bath House provides spa treatments.
The Omni Homestead
Hot Springs, Va.
Rendering courtesy of The Omni Homestead.
Drive time from DC: Four hours.
After a series of renovations, the Allegheny Mountains resort is reopening its Warm Spring Pools in December. An adults-only space features hot outdoor pools and massages.
The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.
Drive time from DC: Four hours.
The luxury resort offers several soaking options in 100-degree water. Sulphur spring water is piped directly from the ground into steel tubs, while natural mineral water flows into step-down whirlpool tubs.
Capon Springs
High View, W. Va.
Photograph courtesy of Capon Springs and Farms.
Drive time from DC: Two hours.
Tiled baths are filled with spring water heated to 102 degrees at the all-inclusive resort. The alkaline water is not treated with chemicals, because Roman-style tubs are filled, emptied, and cleaned for each person.
Warm Up Your Staycation Ideas
Hillwood Estate. Photograph by Erik Kvalsvik.
Missing sunnier times? Fear not: There are ways to capture summer’s spirit even when it’s snowing outside.
Take a Dip in an Indoor Pool
You can still splash around in the winter, thanks to public indoor pools. Some standouts: Chantilly’s Cub Run Rec Center (4630 Stonecroft Blvd.) features water slides, a lazy river, and a jet-filled vortex. The splash pool at Germantown Indoor Swim Center (18000 Central Park Cir., Boyds) has a faux island with waterspouts. Lap swimmers can check out the Olympic-size pool at Tenleytown’s Wilson Aquatic Center (4551 Fort Dr., NW).
Visit a Greenhouse
Marjorie Merriweather Post hired a curator to breed new orchids for her greenhouse at Hillwood Estate (4155 Linnean Avenue, NW), which contains 2,000 specimens. Meanwhile, the warm dome at the United States Botanic Garden (100 Maryland Ave., SW) is filled with rainforest plants.
Sip a Tropical Cocktail
Bring back memories of warmer days with piña coladas and mai tais at tiki bars such as Archipelago (1201 U St., NW) and the Wharf’s Tiki TNT (1130 Maine Ave., SW), which mixes island drinks with spirits from Thrasher’s Rum Distillery, located under the same roof.
Sit by the Fireplace
Photograph courtesy of Iron Gate.
Picture this: It’s a frosty night, and your toes begin to thaw when you step inside a warm spot with a hearth. Huddle up to a fire at these six bars and restaurants.
Iron Gate
1734 N St., NW
The Dupont Circle restaurant offers a dining-room fireplace and tabletop fires on the patio.
600 T
600 T St., NW
A tucked-away bar serving sophisticated cocktails to sip by the fire. Catch live jazz on Thursday nights.
Ananda
7421 Maple Lawn Blvd., Fulton
Nine fireplaces, hanging lanterns, and towering bookshelves bring cozy vibes to this Indian restaurant in Maryland.
Bar à Vin
3111 K St., NW
Fend off the cold by finding a seat near the French wine bar’s fireplace.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
713 King St., Alexandria
The tavern has fireplaces on both levels for double the opportunity to drink a pint near the flames.
Whitlow’s
2014 Ninth St., NW
The Clarendon transplant reopened in Shaw with a fireplace and Andy’s Pizza.
Roast Some S’mores
Photograph courtesy of Wild Days.
Stay close to the blaze while making the campfire classics.
Wild Days
1201 K St., NW
For camping vibes with city views, skewer marshmallows over the fire pit on the Eaton Hotel’s rooftop.
Camp Wharf
101 District Sq., SW
Grab ready-to-roast s’mores kits from the vintage Airstream, then hit a waterside fire pit.
Trummer’s
7134 Main St., Clifton
Marshmallows are made in-house at this Virginia restaurant, where diners heat ingredients over their own tabletop flame.
Urban Roast
916 G St., NW
Remix the traditional s’mores combo with accoutrements like Reese’s cups, banana slices, and caramel sauce.
Order Soup
Photograph courtesy of Zao Stamina Ramen.
Maybe you’re coming down with a cold, or maybe you’re snuggled up on the sofa. No need to go out: These five great soups can be delivered to your door.
ZAO Stamina Ramen’s Stamina Bowl
Delivery by: Doordash, Caviar.
Delivery area: Bethesda.
Why you should order it: The owners of Chaplin’s opened this Bethesda shop, slinging noodles with miso-spiked broth.
Mama Chang’s Amish Chicken Wonton Soup
Delivery by: Uber Eats, Postmates.
Delivery area: McLean/Tysons.
Why you should order it: Wontons float in a zingy ginger broth at Peter Chang’s Fairfax spot.
Anju’s Juk
Delivery by: Doordash, Uber Eats, Postmates, Caviar.
Delivery area: DC.
Why you should order it: Angel Barreto’s creamy porridge is a hearty option with roasted carrots and lemon-parsley oil.
Prescription Chicken’s Spicy Hangover Soup
Delivery by: Doordash, Caviar.
Delivery area: DC.
Why you should order it: The spicy soup comes with a kick of ginger and hot peppers to soothe stuffiness.
Le Diplomate’s French Onion Soup
Delivery by: Doordash, Caviar.
Delivery area: DC.
Why you should order it: Think of this brasserie’s soup as a package of mail-order cozy.
Sip on a Winter Cocktail
El Techo’s boozy hot chocolate. Photograph courtesy of El Techo.
Cocktails you can clutch in your mittened hands
Boozy Hot Chocolate
Where to find it: Irregardless (502 H St., NE) uses oat milk in its cocoa. The drink comes with allspice cream at El Techo (606 Florida Ave., NW). At Kafe Leopold (3315 Cady’s Alley, NW), the spirit of choice is rum.
Mulled Wine
Photograph courtesy of Hook Hall.
Where to find it: The wine bar Maxwell Park in Navy Yard (1346 Fourth St., SE) warms red wine with spices. Order mulled wine next to a defunct railcar at Metrobar (640 Rhode Island Ave., NE). Opt for a sugarplum iteration at the winter chalet at Hook Hall (3400 Georgia Ave., NW).
Hot Buttered Rum
Photograph by Josh Phillips.
Where to find it: Destino (1280 Fourth St., NE), in La Cosecha marketplace, pairs hot rum with passionfruit. At the Lot beer garden (3217 Tenth St., Arlington), the spiced-rum-and-brown-sugar beverage doubles as a hand warmer. The indoor/outdoor spot Calico (50 Blagden Aly., NW) mixes pumpkin spice into the cocktail.
Coffee With a Kick
Photograph courtesy of Fight Club.
Where to find it: Sip with chocolate bitters at Fight Club (633 Pennsylvania Ave., SE). Stable (1324 H St., NE) adds schnapps to a Swiss version. Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington) makes boozy PSLs.
Hot Toddy
Photograph courtesy of Pennyroyal Station.
Where to find it: The toddy at Pennyroyal Station (3310 Rhode Island Ave., Mount Rainier) features Japanese whiskey. Stir in warming chai at Duke’s Grocery (Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom) and Duke’s Counter (Woodley Park). Hi-Lawn (1309 Fifth St., NE) adds Earl Grey tea and lavender.
Photograph of Rechargeable Hand Warmers by Garrett Hoppin.
Photograph courtesy of retailers.
This article appears in the December 2022 issue of Washingtonian.