New decade, 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 2024 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
Image courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority
America’s State Parks 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)
On January 5, wildlife lovers can celebrate National Bird Day at any number of park spaces in Fairfax County.
- Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk - Recurring weekly on Monday
- National Bird Day & Bagels at Huntley Meadows Park on January 4
- Winter Bird Walk at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on January 5
Amateur and expert birders – be sure to scour our list of 6 Birding Spots and check out several upcoming events to add to your calendar.
DC Restaurant Week
Image courtesy Caboose Tavern
Foodies rejoice! The DC area’s premier restaurant week extravaganza returns from January 15 – January 21, 2024. Diners 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.
Falls Church Restaurant Week
The City of Falls Church is hosting its first city-wide restaurant week, showing 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 19 to January 28. 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, D.C. 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. Keep tabs on upcoming events & commemorations here for 2024.
Early Lunar New Year Celebrations
The Year of the Wood Dragon begins on February 10, but why not start celebrating early with these special events happening in Fairfax County?
- Dynamic Inheritance Dance Across China - January 13
- Shen Yun - January 20 - 21
- Tet Grand Festival - January 20 - 21
You can also bookmark this Chinese New Year landing page for more events as they are added.
Winter Fun
Reston Ice Skating Pavilion
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
Jurassic Quest - coming to Dulles Expo Center
Add these special events to your calendar for a memorable January:
- Last chances to visit Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights and Bull Run Festival of Lights (both through Jan. 7), and DMV Winter Lantern Festival (through February 18)
- Hot Wheels Champion Experience at Tysons Corner Center happening all month long until February 25
- Fortune Feimster: Live Laugh Love! at Capital One Hall on January 20
- Mosaic Polar Plunge on January 20
- Jurassic Quest at Dulles Expo Center from January 26 - 28
- Bricks by The Lake at Reston Museum on January 27
- Imagination: Coleridge-Taylor, Hahn, Ysaÿe, Bloch at The Barns at Wolf Trap on January 28
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.
