Updated on January 13, 2026 by Julie McCool
2026 January events in Northern Virginia include great celebrations and activities to start the new year. Annual January events include First Day hikes, holiday light shows, special MLK Day events, restaurant deals, and plenty of winter fun.
Our list of fun things to do this weekend in Northern VA includes Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Alexandria, Arlington, and other area towns. Festivals and events are listed in order of start date, with multi-day events generally listed first.
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As Virginians know, winter storms can interfere with weekend plans. Be sure to check ahead for inclement weather closures before you head out. These helpful tools for tracking Northern Virginia storms will get you to the latest updates and warnings.
First Night and New Year’s Day 2026 in Northern Virginia
Say farewell to 2025 at First Night celebrations in Alexandria and Falls Church with live entertainment and fireworks. Then, kick off 2026 and work off those holiday treats with a First Day Hike and the chance to win prizes at Fairfax County Parks.
New Year’s Eve at First Night Alexandria, Alexandria, Dec 31 – Jan 1
First Night Alexandria is a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome the new year. Enjoy special performances and activities throughout Old Town Alexandria then head to the waterfront for the fireworks show.
Purchase an all-access or day-only pass to enjoy the festivities. Ticket prices vary by age and VIP passes are available. Follow the link for ticket purchase and performance schedule. 2:00 to midnight.
Watch Night, Falls Church, Dec 31 – Jan 1
Watch Night Falls Church returns with a free event that features indoor and outdoor fun including live bands and musicians, interactive amusements, and more. Ring in the New Year with the lowering of the Historic Star (the City’s first holiday decoration from 1948) at midnight. Free; 7:00 – midnight.
First Day Hikes, Virginia State Parks and Fairfax County Parks, Jan 1-2
On January 1st, America’s State Parks encourages everyone to start the new year with a healthy, family-friendly hike. Start your January 2025 with a Virginia First Day Hike and enjoy free entry and parking at all Virginia State Parks.
Most Virginia state parks also host special First Day programs. For example, Sky Meadows State Park will open their gates at 5:30 AM so you can hike to the Piedmont Overlook and watch the first sunrise of 2026. Sweet Run State Park is hosting two guided hikes or you can create your own.
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts its own First Hike Fairfax contest to get you outside and on the trail. Take a hike at a Fairfax County park on January 1. Take a picture during your hike and enter to win prizes that will help you stay active after the hike.
Our First Day Hikes article has all the details and links to participate.
Final Holiday Light Shows in Northern Virginia
The annual holiday light show season winds down in early 2026 with a few more days of sparkly fun. In addition, one light show extends into February, giving us more festivals to enjoy in January.
Events are listed below in order of the end date.
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, Vienna, Nov 7-Jan 4
Over 500,000 lights and displays sparkle along a .6-mile outdoor walking trail. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate by the fire and visit the holiday Snowflake Shoppe. Tickets are $19/$24 online/at the door Jan 1-4. Open nightly, including holidays, 5:30–10:00; last admission at 9:30.
Bull Run Festival of Lights, Bull Run Regional Park, Nov 14–Jan 4
Don’t miss this beautiful 2.5-mile drive-through display of holiday and fairytale vignettes. Admission is $30 online per car, $40 at the door. Follow the link info, tips, and a $10 weekday discount code. 5:30 – 9:30 weekdays, 5:30 – 10:00 weekends.
Winter Wander, Charlottesville, Nov 14–Jan 3
The University of Virginia presents a beautiful half-mile walk-through display of holiday lights at the Boars Head Resort in Charlottesville. Lights fill the fields and trees behind the resort, a 35-foot Christmas tree sparkles, and a market offers food, drink, and shopping. Tickets are $25/$15 for adults/youth 4-12 with season passes available.
GardenFest of Lights, Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden, Richmond, Nov 17–Jan 4
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden sparkles with more than a million twinkling lights, botanical decorations, model trains, Christmas trees, and more. Tickets are $22 for 13 and over, $12 for youth. Open 5:00 – 10:00 nightly. Why not plan a Weekend Getaway to Richmond Virginia?
Feb 28
The ice skating rink opens daily Jan 1-4 then weekends and holidays Jan 10-Feb 28.
DC Winter Lantern Festival, Tysons, Nov 10-Jan 20
Returning for the 2025/2026 season, the DC Winter Lantern Festival lights up Tysons with beautiful Chinese lanterns. The walk-through light show offers fun photo opps plus kids activities. Stay at Hyatt Tysons Corner and you can walk to the show. Tickets are $25.99/$18.99 for adult/youth 3 – 12. Open 5:00 – 10:00 pm, Friday through Sunday.
Enchant Light Experience, Tysons, Thru Jan 31
Capture festive photos when you check out 14 big light sculptures on The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center. These Instagrammable sculptures, sponsored by George Mason University, include a giant tree and a walk-through ornament. Free.
More January Events in Northern Virginia
Too cold for an outdoor event? Check out our big guide to Indoor Activities in Northern Virginia to Escape Winter Cold or a Rainy Day.
National Bird Day, Jan 5
January is a great time for birding in Northern Virginia because the lack of foliage makes it easier to spot our feathered friends. Celebrate National Bird Day and get outdoors with a hike at these wonderful parks and trails:
- Dyke Marsh and the Mount Vernon Trail
- Huntley Meadows Park Wetlands and Boardwalk Trail
- Burke Lake Park
- Mason Neck Peninsula Trails
- Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Trail
- Blooms Park Trail in Manassas Park VA
Wreaths Out, Arlington National Cemetery, Jan 10
Join other volunteers in removing wreaths from headstones and niche covers in Arlington National Cemetery. Free; 8:00.
2026 MLK Celebration, Reston, Jan 17-19
Reston Community Center and local faith communities host multiple events celebrating and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. over the three-day weekend. This inspiring weekend celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. includes special performances.
Join in Community Service Projects to help local non-profits like the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, Cornerstones, and The Closet. Follow the link for the event schedule and registration details.
MLK Day of Service, Arlington, Jan 17
Participate in “A Day On, Not a Day Off” with Volunteer Arlington. Join in a morning of volunteer training and service projects for all ages. Free, 8:30 – noon.
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, Jan 19-25
Eat your way through a week of dining deals during Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week. 250 restaurants, including many in Northern Virginia, offer 3-course brunches and lunches for $25/$35 and dinners for $40/$55/$65 (per person, beverage, tax, and gratuity not included).
Enjoy your meal at outdoor patios, dine in (where available), or order to go and dine at home. Follow the link to search by cuisine and neighborhood or to check for your favorite dining spot.
Martin Luther King Jr Celebration, Leesburg, Jan 19
Leesburg’s 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr March and Celebration includes a march at 10:00 followed by speakers and entertainment. Participants are encouraged to donate to a collection drive to support local non-profits. Follow the link for the schedule and details.
Free Entrance to National Parks, CANCELED
Martin Luther King, Jr Day is not a National Park Free Entrance Day in 2026. It’s still a fun time to visit Northern Virginia area parks like Shenandoah National Park and Great Falls Park.
Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week, Jan 23-Feb 1
More than 70 Alexandria restaurants offer $30, $40, and $50 prix fixe dinners during Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week. Support local restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal. Many of the restaurants offer outdoor heated dining or take-out. Follow the link for participating restaurant details.
Falls Church Restaurant Week, Jan 23-Feb 1
Explore diverse cuisine from many cultures during the 2026 Falls Church Restaurant Week. More than 40 restaurants will offer special deals with some featuring special 3-course menus.
Ice-travaganza, Reston Town Center, Jan 24
Enjoy a day of winter fun at Reston Town Center featuring ice sculptures and demonstrations, games, music, and more. Free, noon – 3:00.
McLean Chocolate Festival, McLean, Jan 25
Enjoy a day of chocolate, live entertainment, and children’s activities at the McLean Community Center to support this fundraiser for the McLean Rotary Club. $3 (3 and under free), 11:00 – 5:00.
Find more sweet treats at these Chocolate Shops in Northern Virginia.
National Plan for Vacation Day, Jan 27
Don’t leave your vacation days unused. Plan your next weekend getaway, staycation, or longer vacation with our guides:
- Great Winter Getaways from Northern Virginia (Fly Train Drive)
- 23 Fantastic Weekend Getaways From Washington DC
- 22 Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC
More January 2026 Winter Activities in Northern VA
Create your own winter fun with outings that offer brisk adventures or cozy escapes.
Stay Active at Indoor Attractions in Northern VA
You don’t have to brave the cold! There are so many fantastic indoor attractions in Northern Virginia and there is something to please every age. Visit top museums like the Smithsonian Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center and the US Army Museum. Or thrill the kids with a visit to the LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield.
Take a Winter Hike, Various Locations
Unless we’ve had heavy snow or rain, winter is a great time to explore local trails. These winter hikes and strolls are enjoyable except when conditions are especially icy or water-logged. Always check ahead for inclement weather closures.
Take a Spin at a Local Ice Skating Rink
The return of chilly temps is perfect for a wintery outing to Northern Virginia ice skating rinks. Whether you prefer to skate indoors or out, ice skating destinations offer smooth ice, happy music, and nearby fun.
Support Local Businesses at Quaint Small Towns Near DC
Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway with our list of 15 Fun Northern Virginia Small Towns to Visit. From tiny hamlets to historic Old Towns, we’ve found quaint and interesting places to explore. Visit these towns and you can support local restaurants, shops, wineries, and breweries plus enjoy outdoor activities.
Escape on a Weekend Getaway In/Near Northern VA
Our big list of 23 Fantastic Weekend Getaways In and Near Northern Virginia offers a nice break from the winter doldrums. From historic inns to comfy hotels, we have options for every taste. Browse our list and plan your perfect winter escape.
Find a Perfect Winter Getaway
Looking for more than a night or two nearby? We’ve rounded up Favorite Winter Getaways from Northern Virginia by Plane, Train, and Auto to inspire your next trip. Whether you want time in the city or toes in the sand, we have tips for trips that are easy to reach from Northern VA. Happy travel!
Sip Wine with a Sensational View
Want to enjoy a beautiful view from a cozy spot? Visit one of the many excellent Virginia wineries and soak up nature with a glass in hand.
Take a Scenic Drive to Explore Northern VA
We’ve rounded up the best scenic drives in Northern Virginia where you can explore small towns and history while enjoying country roads.
Whatever January events are on your list, we hope you’ll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the Northern Virginia area. we wish you a happy, healthy, and fun-filled start to 2025!
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