The time between Christmas and the new year can be many things. These few fleeting days may allow you to relax and recharge while munching on leftover holiday cookies; they may be a time to assess your holiday spoils and perhaps head to the mall to make some returns; they may even be filled with intermittent naps and Netflix binges. However, if you’re not indulging in any of these self-care tactics, it’s easy to fall into the trap of the post-holiday blues.  But don’t panic, I’m writing to assure you that the magic of the holiday season isn’t quite over yet – at least not in Washington, DC.  Check out these fun, festive (and affordable) things to do in the district to keep the joy of the holidays alive.

Georgetown GLOW

Explore Georgetown GLOW DC’s 11 outdoor light art installations.  Check out this map to plan your visit, and have fun trying to decide which one is your favorite!

Open until: 1/5

CityCenterDC’s Dream Closet Installation

Check out the Dream Closet installation at CityCenterDC where you’ll find 400 snowflake ornaments hanging above Palmer Alley. Bonus, you can buy yourself anything on your wishlist that didn’t make it under your tree this year.

Open until: 1/31

Zoo Lights at the National Zoo

Grab your beau or your besties and some mulled wine and head over to the National Zoo to admire the environmentally-friendly light displays.

Open until: 1/1 (except 12/31)

Enchant Christmas

Located in Nat’s Park, and home to the world’s largest Christmas light maze and market, Enchant Christmas is literally A-MAZE-ing.

Open until: 12/29

Miracle on 7^th Street Pop-Up Bar

Warm up with a drink and some home team spirit at Drink Company’s Miracle on 7^th Street Washington Nationals pop-up holiday bar. You’ll find tons of instagramable corners inside this bar’s many decked out rooms. If you’re a fan of cookie dough, I highly recommend the “Snow Angels, Ice Skating, Cookie Dough & Snuggles” cocktail.

Open until: 12/31

Ice Skating

There is something special about gliding over a sheet of ice surrounded by the city’s museums, office buildings, music venues, and high rise apartment buildings. Washingtonians and visitors of all ages can take pleasure in this quintessential DC winter activity.  I’ve linked some of my favorite rinks below.*   

Open until: Varies, but late February is the norm.

• The Wharf
• National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
• Canal Park
• Washington Harbour

Hope these were helpful!