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.
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
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)
McLean Project for the Arts’ Winter Exhibitions
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.
Life Time Clarendon
Keep at those new year’s resolutions with the gym’s “Find that Feeling” event Jan. 18, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Current members and guests can try group classes, including barre, Pilates fusion and yoga, and then unwind with chair massages, facials and stretching sessions. Sign up here to participate. // 1440 N. Edgewood St., Arlington (Clarendon)
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., ArlingtonÂ
Win a Wedding at the Arlington Public Library
One lucky couple will win a free wedding hosted by Arlington Public Library (APL)—a special event in line with the 2025 series of Arlington Reads‘ theme of romance. By Jan. 24, submit an application using the form on this website and answer this question: “Why would you love to get married at the library?” Responses can be in written or visual form. Note that the wedding and reception, which will be July 12, can accommodate up to 50 guests and will include food by Main Event Caterers, Bakeshop cake and cupcakes, music by the Arlington Philharmonic, a DJ and photo booth from Arlington Parks and Recreation, floral arrangements, and more. // 1015 N. Quincy 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)
Candle-making Workshop at Caboose Commons
Create your own signature scent in a candle on Jan. 26, 1-3 p.m. The brewery/restaurant/coffee shop has partnered with Flame + Pout, a woman-owned Fairfax business, on a workshop for all ages. Choose a tin or glass vessel, use wood wicks, and select or blend a scent from the fragrance bar. Tickets are $40. // 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
See a Screening of Join or Die
APL will host a screening of the documentary that dives into the book Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam and his theory of how declining community engagement created an American civic crisis. After the movie, one of the directors will be available for a Q&A, and several local organizations will share information about getting involved at tables in the foyer. Happening Jan. 26, from 1-4 p.m. at Central Library, the event is free to attend. // 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington
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)
Palette 22
The Shirlington location will host its first Art & Sip class of 2025 on Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m. For $65, you can get step-by-step guidance from instructor Jennifer Lancaster on how to make their own painting of a cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. Food and drinks are available to fuel your creativity. Get tickets here. // 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
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)
Ice Skate at Water Park
Through Feb. 21, this Best of Arlington 2024 winner is hosting an ice skating rink that can accommodate eight to 10 skaters at a time. Skating is by appointment, with the last session at 8 nightly. Sign up for a slot and pick up skates at Crush Pizza and Wine. // 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)