19 Things to do in Washington D.C. for $20 or Less: January 2025

Kick off 2025 in Washington, DC with fun events. Talk about books, explore art exhibits, ice skate, savor the final days of holiday festivities, and enjoy the winter season in the District. By Yelena Nicolle Salvador DC-PROPER AREA EVENTS 1) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/11th-annual-fitdc-fresh-start-5k-washington-1010789">11th Annual FITDC Fresh Start 5K</a> When: Wed. 1/1 Where: Anacostia Cost: Free Info: Start off 2025 by breaking a sweat. Enjoy this free, family-friendly 5K – a longstanding tradition that is returning for its 11th year. Spend some time with your DC neighbors and Mayor Bowser as you walk, jog, or run! 2) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/first-friday-artwalk-dupont-washington-1001621">First Friday ArtWalk Dupont</a> When: Fri. 1/3 Where: Dupont Circle Cost: Free Info: Explore Dupont’s art scene. On First Fridays, you can enjoy extended hours at galleries, embassies, and cultural centers. You can even meet and mingle with artists, curators, and other local art lovers.  3) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/light-yards-2024-washington-1008848">Light Yards</a> When: Now until Fri. 1/3 Where: The Wharf Cost: Free Info: Catch the final days of the illuminated swinging bells on the Wharf. Grab a seat on your favorite colored bell and take off in flight as you enjoy the winter air and listen to some festive music.  4) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/first-saturdays-at-the-national-gallery-of-art-washington-1001753">First Saturdays at the National Gallery of Art</a> When: Sat. 1/4 Where: Judiciary Square Cost: Free Info: Get creative at the National Gallery of Art. Make some art, watch films, explore the galleries, and enjoy other pop-up experiences to kick off the first weekend of January 2025. Don’t forget to check out the ‘Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment’ exhibit and step into this Parisian art scene.  5) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/intro-to-yoga-series-sun-salutations-activation-with-deep-washington-1010824">Intro to Yoga Series</a> When: Every Saturday, starting Sat. 1/4 Where: NoMa Cost: Free Info: Kick off 2025 with a fresh mindset by practicing some weekly yoga at Union Market. Strengthen your body and mind with this guided vinyasa flow. 6) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/friends-book-sale-washington-1010822">Friends Book Sale</a> When: Every Saturday, starting Sat. 1/4 Where: Palisades Cost: Free Info: It’s winter which means it’s the perfect time to get cozy with a book. Find your next read and support a local library at this book sale. 7) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/downtowndc-holiday-skate-spectacular-washington-1009056">DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular</a> When: Now until Sat. 1/4 Where: Downtown Cost: $0-5 Info: Savor the final days of the National Building Museum’s indoor ice skating rink. There will be themed nights from Taylor Swift bops to disco classics by ABBA. Even if you can’t get on the ice, you can still dance it out and enjoy the view of the beautiful architecture of this building.  8) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/16th-annual-zoolights-at-the-national-zoo-washington-1007922">16th Annual ZooLights</a> When: Now until Sat. 1/4 Where: Woodley Park Cost: $6 Info: Take a walk through the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and discover the fun holiday light displays. You can step into new worlds like illuminated underwater scenes and brightly colored jungles, listen to some live music, and sample some sweet and savory treats while taking beautiful photos! 9) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/community-day-at-national-museum-of-women-in-the-arts-washington-1001754">Community Day at National Museum of Women in the Arts</a> When: Thu. 1/9 Where: Penn Quarter Cost: Free Info: Explore the art exhibits at the National Museum of Women in the Arts’s Community Day. Take a guided tour, get creative at some art-making stations, and meet some new friends who love art too. 10) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/season-s-greenings-holiday-exhibit-at-the-united-states-botanic-garden-washington-1007931">Season’s Greenings Holiday Exhibit</a> When: Now until Sun. 1/5 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Don’t forget to catch this festive holiday display before it’s gone! Watch the model trains weave in and out of the fun DC buildings made out of plants. You can learn about local pollinators, enjoy festive lights, and explore the gardens. 11) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/january-themed-trivia-harry-potter-washington-1010828">January Themed Trivia - Harry Potter</a> When: Thu. 1/9 Where: Ivy City Cost: Free Info: Test your Harry Potter knowledge at this trivia night. Find your team Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw and win some points for your house.  12) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/dyke-city-80s-apres-ski-party-washington-1010806">Dyke City: 80s Apres Ski Party</a> When: Sat. 1/11 Where: NoMa Cost: $9.99 Info: Head to Wunder Garden for good brews and even greater company. Enjoy this sapphic party where you can dance under some fake snow and celebrate LGBTQIA+ joy to celebrate the new year and winter in DC. 13) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/rock-the-rink-at-the-wharf-washington-1010819">Rock the Rink at the Wharf</a> When: Thu. 1/16 Where: The Wharf Cost: $20+ Info: Meet other Caps fans and show off your pride. Wear your Caps gear and you can enjoy ice skating on the rink for $20 rather than $25. There will be fun giveaways, a DJ, and a whole lot of fun. You can even watch the Caps game on Transit Pier if you need a break from the ice!  14) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/booze-free-bingo-for-dry-january-with-booze-free-in-dc-washington-1010790">Booze Free Bingo for Dry January</a> When: Sun. 1/19 Where: Brentwood Cost: $6 Info: Having fun doesn’t need alcohol. Whether you’re sub-free or looking to kick off 2025 with a fresh start, you can enjoy this community party where you can play lots of bingo. This event is cohosted by Booze Free, a local organization that’s making NA events accessible to all. Stop by, have a laugh, and enjoy zero proof cocktails at metrobar DC.  15) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/lost-city-books-winter-salon-washington-1010826">Lost City Winter Book Salon</a> When: Wed. 1/22 Where: Adams Morgan Cost: Free Info: Find a community of bookish people at the Lost City Book Salon. Grab a drink, listen to some authors read their work and their experiences as writer, and meet some other book lovers.  16) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/live-at-the-library-washington-1010821">Live! at the Library</a> When: Thu. 1/23 &amp; Thu. 1/30 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Head to the Library of Congress for their weekly celebrations. Grab some happy hour snacks, listen to live music, enjoy drop-in activities, watch some performances, and explore the beautiful reading room.  17) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/dry-january-party-mocktails-tastings-good-vibes-and-great-community-washington-1010788">Dry January Party: Mocktails, Tastings, Good Vibes and Great Community</a> When: Thu. 1/23 Where: Farragut West Cost: $15 Info: Want to party without a hangover? Enjoy this community get-together where you can sip on mocktails, sample non-alcoholic bev brands, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere. Meet new friends and have a great time.  18) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/lunar-new-year-dessert-swap-washington-1010825">Lunar New Year Dessert Swap</a> When: Wed. 1/29 Where: Penn Quarter  Cost: Free Info: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with food and sweet treats. Make your own, grab a dessert from the store, and have fun at this community-gathering. Celebrate different cultures and learn about various traditions. 19) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/spy-fest-a-family-festival-washington-1010798">Spy Fest: A Family Festival</a> When: Fri. 1/31 Where: L’Enfant Plaza Cost: Free Info: Head to the International Spy Museum for this community day. Play spy games, learn about spies, and enjoy the exhibits.

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19 Things to do in Washington D.C. for $20 or Less: January 2025

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