November 19 through January 3: Christmas on the Potomac at Gaylord National Resort
More than 2,000,000 lights and a 60-foot glass Christmas tree are on display at Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor. The holiday celebration features choir performances, carved-ice sculptures, a fountain show, ice skating, scavenger hunts, indoor snowfall, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets range from $13 to $24.50 depending on age and when you go; kids under four are free. Military and group discounts are available. Purchase tickets here.
January 1 through 4: Music and Gaming Festival
Gamers should head to the Hilton Mark Center in Alexandria for this year’s MAGFest. The convention features nightly concerts, tournaments, discussion panels, vendors, a costume contest, and a 10,000-square-foot game room that’s open 24 hours a day. Preregister here for $40.
January 8 through 10: Washington Antiques Show
This annual event, hosted at the Katzen Arts Center at American University, raises funds for families and children through the nonprofit Thrift Shop Charities. The show brings together more than 44 antiques dealers who sell everything from furniture to vintage jewelry. This year’s theme is Flights of Fancy. Tickets are $15 for a one-day pass and $25 for a three-day pass. Children under 12 are free. Friday and Saturday 11 to 8, Sunday 11 to 5.
January 10: Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at this annual concert with performances by soloists, choirs, and instrumentalists at the Kennedy Center. Tickets are $20, and the performance, which starts at 7, runs just over two hours.
January 15 through 17: International Motorcycle Show
Held at the Washington Convention Center, this motorcycle expo includes stunt shows, seminars, vintage-motorcycle displays, vendors, and more. Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for children ages six to 11; kids under six are free. Online advance-purchase discounts are available. Friday 4 to 9, Saturday 9:30 to 8, Sunday 10 to 5.
January 27 through 31: Washington Auto Show
More than 40 domestic and import car manufacturers will show off their newest makes and models for car enthusiasts. This year’s show will highlight alternative fuel with a 65,000-square-foot display on the latest innovations in electric, hydrogen, clean diesel, natural gas, and advanced-petroleum technology. There’ll also be celebrity appearances and family activities. Click here for more information.
January 29 through 31: Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Head to the Dulles Expo Center for this juried fine-art and crafts show. More than 300 artists and crafters will sell everything from blown glass to designer clothing. Tickets are $8 and are good for all three days; children under 12 free. Friday and Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 10 to 5.
This article is part of Washingtonian.com’s Visitors’ Guide. For more articles like it, click here. If you’re visiting in a different month, check out our City Schedule for events happening throughout the year.
