Winter Activations 2026

At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve got your eating and imbibing covered across the DMV. But sometimes the best way to dine is to earn it first. Enter winter activations — cozy igloos to snuggle into, skating rinks to lace up for, museum must-sees, and all the only-in-winter happenings worth braving the chill for.

Scroll below, pick your adventure, then reward yourself with something delicious.

Winter Wonderlands & Pop-Ups

The Watergate Hotel Winter Igloos: The Watergate’s iconic heated igloos are back for the season on The Next Whisky Bar patio, offering a cozy, private winter escape for up to six guests. Each igloo features a personal heater, Bluetooth speaker, plush décor, and a festive menu of cocktails and chef-driven bites. Reservations are required, with 90-minute to 2-hour seatings daily and extended hours Thu–Sat. A $50 rental fee applies, plus food and beverage minimums starting at $350 and varying by day. Info here.

Igloos at La Vie: La Vie brings back its beloved Igloos on The Wharf, offering guests a cozy and elegant winter dining experience with panoramic waterfront views. Perfect for brunch gatherings or intimate dinners, each igloo provides a private, heated setting with La Vie’s signature Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails. Rental fees range from $49–$89, with a $100 deposit applied to the final bill; Brunch minimum: $79 per person; Dinner minimum: $95 per person. 88 District Square SW; exploretock.com/lavie 

Après Springs at Balian Springs: Running through January, Balian Springs — the 100,000-square-foot luxury spa destination just outside Washington, DC — debuts Après Springs, a ski lodge–inspired, spa-wide winter pop-up featuring holiday cocktails like winter sangria and spiked hot cocoa, charcuterie boards and s’mores packages, cozy poolside igloos, festive activations, and photo-worthy seasonal décor, creating the ultimate cold-weather retreat to relax, recharge, and indulge in wellness all winter long. Info here.

Snow Daze Social: This winter, Hi-Lawn & The Dome are transforming into Snow Daze Social— DC’s ultimate snow-day-inspired hangout, complete with games, karaoke, nostalgic snacks, and psychedelic “visual vinyl” DJ nights. Snow Daze Social turns the heated, tented rooftop and iconic 50-foot Dome above Union Market into a cozy, playful escape — think childhood snow day energy, but for adults. Enjoy throwback comfort food, Decades Deals happy hour, board games, movies, and major snow-day energy — all with free entry most nights. hilawndc.com 

Lace Up Your Skates

Closed for the season: Color Burst Ice Rink: The Color Burst Ice Rink is back for the season through January 31, inviting skaters of all ages to lace up and make winter memories. Whether you’re stepping onto the ice for the first time or returning for another year of festive fun, the rink offers the perfect cold-weather escape. Skip the line by purchasing tickets or a season pass online, and enjoy convenient hours all week long: Monday through Thursday from 4:00–9:00 PM, Friday from 4:00–10:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00–10:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00–8:00 PM. Info here. 

Closed for the season: Winter Skate Spectacular at the National Building Museum: Through February 8, the National Building Museum transforms its iconic Great Hall into a festive indoor skating destination, inviting guests of all ages to glide beneath soaring Corinthian columns on a one-of-a-kind synthetic ice rink. The experience features daytime skating for families, early hours for toddlers and members, and lively after-hours sessions with themed nights, festive snacks, and drinks. Located at 401 F Street NW, this winter wonderland keeps the holiday spirit alive well into the new year. Info here. 

~More Rinks~

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: Open through March 1, 2026

Washington Harbor Ice Rink: Open through March 1, 2026 

The Wharf Ice Rink: Open November 26, 2025 through February 22, 2026 

Metro Park at Capital One Center: Open through February 2026

What a Show:

Barrel House Cultural Series: Barrel House Bar & Café is presenting a series of events this winter and early spring that transform the venue into a cultural hub of music, performance art, dance and community celebration:

Sunday, January 25, 2026 • 2:00–5:00 PM — Vibrancy: Daytime DJ & Dance Party with Grace Mozes turns the afternoon into an elevated dance experience.
Saturday, February 14, 2026 • 8:00 PM — Put a Little Hoot in Your Heart with Tara Hoot delivers a spirited Valentine’s celebration.
January 29-31 — The Shrewd Awakening — immersive community performance (details forthcoming).

1341 14th Street NW

Museum Visits:

Jack Boul Exhibit at Park Hyatt: Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. is showing a special year-long exhibit featuring monotypes by artist Jack Boul. Jack Boul (1927-2024) was a painter, printmaker, and sculptor whose work can be found in the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian, the Phillips Collection, the Library of Congress, and many other public and private venues. Born in New York, Jack Boul spent most of his life in Washington, D.C., as an art professor at American University. He was among the founders of the Washington Studio School. This special collection is curated by his son, David Boul. parkhyattwashington.com 

Where Else You'll Find Us:

Horizon of Khufu: A Journey in Ancient Egypt: Explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—an archaeological treasure trove and a monumental testament to Egyptian architectural genius. Embark on an immersive journey through space and time to explore Egypt's Giza Pyramid, the resting place of Pharaoh Khufu, constructed over 4,500 years ago in the 4th Dynasty and until now a forbidden realm to the public. This 45 minute VR experience allows visitors to physically move and interact within a shared virtual reality space, providing a deeply emotional and engaging dive into the heart of Egyptian culture. Ages 10 and up; 926 F Street NW; For more information, click here.