The holidays may be over, but the fun is just getting started in 2025. Put these winter celebrations, educational opportunities and live performances on your to-do list.
New Year’s Resolutions 5K
Hit the ground running on Jan. 1 at noon with this DC Road Runners race at Washington-Liberty High School. Check out the map for the USATF Certified Course (think rolling hills on the Custis Trail). Note that strollers and dogs are not permitted. // 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington (Ballston)
First Day Hikes
Start your new year’s resolutions off on the right foot with a Jan. 1 visit to a nearby Virginia state park to participate in America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes initiative. Some nearby state parks include Leesylvania in Woodbridge, Mason Neck in Lorton and Widewater in Stafford. Of course, you can take a walk in any park. Arlington County has 150-plus, Falls Church has 14 and Fairfax County has 421. And if you feel like taking a drive to some scenic sites, here are some pretty hikes within two hours of Arlington.
Synetic Theatre Presents: Little Comedies
Catch this delightful 45-minute show before it ends Jan. 4. A reinvention of The Music Box that’s expressed through body and facial masks, pantomime and choreography, the performance tells the story of a janitor and businessman who find that a mask transforms them into cowboys who must attempt to tame a loose bull. Tickets cost $30. // 2400 26th Road, S., Arlington
NoVA Sports Card Show
Buy, sell and trade sports cards, memorabilia and collectibles at the Cooperative Plaza Conference Center Jan. 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free, although you can pay $5 for 30 minutes of early access. // 4301 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Winter Block Party at McLean Community Center
Enjoy games, entertainment, food and crafts at this free, family-friendly public event Jan. 4 from 1-4 p.m.. // 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
McLean Community Center 50th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration
Wish the McLean Community Center a happy birthday and join in on the celebration Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. Listen to local historian Carole Herrick’s talk about the community’s rich past, indulge at a reception and browse the art galleries of the McLean Project for the Arts. Jan. 4 is also the last day to see the Vibrant Matter: Works from Wood exhibit before it closes. This free event is open to the public. // 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Shot Thru the Heart: A Tribute to Bon Jovi
Go down in a blaze of glory on Jan. 4 at 8:30 p.m. by singing along with Shot Thru the Heart, a tribute band that plays the eponymous 80s band’s greatest hits. Tickets to this rockin’ show at The State Theatre are $18 in advance and $22 at the door. // 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Marquis de Lafayette Returns to Arlington: 250th Commemoration
The marquis visited Arlington House in 1825. Elizabeth Reese, author of Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America’s National Capitol Region, will tell you all about the Frenchman’s stay and his role in the American Revolution. Attend the free event on Jan. 9 from 7-8:30 p.m., hosted by Arlington Historical Society in person or via Zoom. // 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
The Twelve Dancing Princesses
In this whimsical performance by kids’ theater group Encore Stage & Studio, a king tries to figure out why his 12 daughters’ shoes are worn out from dancing in the morning even though he tucked them into their beds the night before. The show, with performances Jan. 10, 11, 12, 18 and 19, is suitable for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $12-$15. Check the website for dates and times. // Encore Stage & Studio, 3701 Lorcom Lane, Arlington
Free In-Person Robotics Workshop
Kiddos ages 7-14 who are interested in robotics can attend this free event on Jan. 11 from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., hosted by Moonpreneur, an education platform. The event includes an intro to robotics and coding and hands-on exercises. Check the website for the time slot for your child’s age. Each workshop lasts about 75 minutes. // DoubleTree by Hilton McLean Tysons, 1960 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Cuffing Season 2.0
Cuffing season is a time when single people look for short-term relationships during the colder months. Find your match at this happy hour event Jan. 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by the Rosslyn BID at the Continental Pool Lounge. Registration is $10 and includes a drink. // 1911 N. Fort Myer Drive, Arlington (Rosslyn)
Virtual Rosslyn Trivia
No need to leave the comfort of your couch for these contests! You’ve got three chances to show what you know during these online quizzes. Register for free to compete for gift cards to Rosslyn restaurants. Check the website for themes. The competition takes place Jan. 16, 23 and 30 from 5-5:30 p.m.
MLK Day of Service
Volunteer Arlington will host this annual event on Jan. 18, 8:30 a.m. to noon, at Washington-Liberty High School and other locations countywide. Register for opportunities such as preparing winter hygiene and safety kits, making snack bags for students, and habitat restoration at Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Many of the activities are family-friendly. // 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington (Ballston)
RISE
The Collage Dance Collective presents this ballet performance Jan. 18 at 7 p.m., inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech. Tickets cost $25, $20 for students and seniors, and $15 for McLean Community Center district residents. // 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Dreams, Faith, and Justice in Action
Produced by Encore Stage & Studio, this tribute to MLK at Wakefield High School on Jan. 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. will showcase local talent through dance, music and storytelling while also highlighting local organizations that continue the reverend’s peaceful crusade for social justice. They include Challenging Racism, the Center for Youth & Family Advocacy, and Arlington Food Assistance Center. The event is free to attend. // 1325 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
Mosaic Plunge
Support the Special Olympics by jumping into a pool of cold water on Jan. 25. Check in at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and dive in starting at 1:15 p.m. The more money you raise for taking the plunge, the more swag you get, ranging from a T-shirt to a Nike hoodie. Learn how to register and fundraise here. // 2910 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Japanese New Year’s Festival
The Washington Shinshun Matsuri is coming to George Mason University Square in Arlington for the first time on Jan. 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., sponsored by the Embassy of Japan. Event organizers will share more details soon. // 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Virginia Square)
Lunar New Year Celebration
Stop by Central Place Plaza in Rosslyn on Jan. 28, the first new moon of 2025, to usher in the Year of the Snake. Kicking off at 5 p.m., the festivities will include a performance by Hung Ci Lion Dance Troupe, cultural activities and fortune cookies. Registration will open Jan. 3 at noon. // 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn)