updated 2026
New year, new month - new beginnings! What does January have in store for you?
Between federal holidays, New Year celebrations, annual restaurant weeks, and special winter activities, Fairfax County fun continues in January 2026 with even more activities and events! From things to do this weekend all the way through the end of the month, the whole month of January is a great time to enjoy Fairfax County. Here are some of the best ways to spend this chilly winter month of January in Northern Virginia.
First Hikes and Park Events
America’s parks systems continue to kick off each New Year’s Day (January 1) with First Day Hike programs. Ring in the new year by celebrating over 70+ years of Fairfax County parks! This year, First Hike Fairfax will be on January 1. There's also a photo contest to win Park Authority gift cards. Don't want to plan? Join one of the featured New Year’s Day hikes with a naturalist at Burke Lake Park during sunrise or sunset. Here are 5 more family-friendly starter hikes recommended by the FCPA to give you quick ideas of places to explore:
- Lake Accotink Cross County Trail from Lake Accotink Dam North (2 and 3-mile option hikes)
- Burke Lake Park's Lake Loop Trail (4.68 miles on gravel/concrete)
- Cub Run Stream Valley Trail (2 miles paved trail)
- Huntley Meadows's Wetland Boardwalk Trail (about 2 miles)
- Riverbend Park's Hollows Trail (a 2-mile loop)
In need of an accessible trail? Check out these Recommended Accessible Trails owned by the FCPA.
On January 5, wildlife lovers can celebrate National Bird Day at any number of park spaces in Fairfax County. Amateur and expert birders – be sure to scour our list of 6 Birding Spots or these great Winter Wildlife Viewing spots.
DC Restaurant Week
Foodies rejoice! The DC area’s premier restaurant week extravaganza returns this month. From January 19-25, anyone can enjoy great rates on three-course prix-fixe meals at some of the best restaurants in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. This winter, many restaurants will also offer specially priced to-go dinner meals, available at different price points intended to fit a range of budgets and tastes. Optional cocktail or wine pairings will be available a la carte as well.
Participating Fairfax County (and beyond) restaurants will be announced soon! Check back for more info.
Also: Falls Church Restaurant Week
The City of Falls Church is also hosting its city-wide restaurant week, showcasing the diverse offerings of "The Little City" through special menus at various local eateries. Spanning 2 square miles and featuring 40 participating restaurants, this 10-day culinary event promises a delectable experience from January 23 to February 1. Explore the list of participating restaurants and plan your dining adventures.
Hit the Slopes!
Winter is here, so be on the lookout for snow! If the weather permits, dust off those sleds, bundle up, and head to Fairfax County's slopes for a thrill ride and some fresh air. Here are a few local favorites to bookmark for this winter season.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend
The National Capital Region is the perfect place to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his many contributions to civil rights. Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC to honor his legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. While you're there, you may want to visit the Lincoln Memorial and find the spot on the steps where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Plus, Reston Community Center also features a number of fascinating events, performances, and programs during this holiday weekend. Keep tabs on upcoming events & commemorations here for 2026.
Winter Fun
Winter is in full swing in January. Here are a few ways to make the most of it:
- Spend the day at one of the area’s best ice skating rinks
- Keep the kids entertained with this list of family-friendly holiday break activities
- Keep warm with this list of fun indoor activities
- Get some fresh air with these winter outdoor activities
- Scope out the wildlife at these prime spots for winter hikes
- Drink local at #FXVA breweries with exclusive discounts from the Locally Poured Field Guide
Special Events
Add these special events to your calendar for a memorable January:
- Through January 4: Last chances to visit Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights and Bull Run Festival of Lights
- Through January 20: DMV Winter Lantern Festival
- January 10-11: 16th Anniversary Weekend at Paradise Springs Winery
- January 16: The Del McCoury Band at The Barns at Wolf Trap
- January 23: Adam Ray: Who Is Me Tour at Capital One Hall
- January 24: Mosaic Polar Plunge at Mosaic District
- Weekends Through January 25: "Into the Woods" at the Workhouse Arts Center
- January 31: "Curious George: The Golden Meatball" at Center for the Arts at George Mason University
Kickoff to America's 250th Birthday Year
America is celebrating 250 years in 2026 and Fairfax County is a perfect place to be at the heart of it all. Here, your family can step into history at George Washington's Mount Vernon, drill with the Continental Army at a Revolutionary War encampment, and visit the National Museum of the US Army before joining the spectacular Fourth of July festivities on the National Mall. Fairfax County offers a deeper, more authentic American story - from the first whispers of freedom to the thundering guns of victory. Don't just witness history, live it. Bookmark our guide to everything happening throughout the year and be sure to check back as things are announced throughout the year: FXVA.com/USA250.
What are your favorite winter activities to do in Northern Virginia? Tell us in the comments below or share your pics with us on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
