things to do in dc this winter, private dining igloo
Feb
18

Things to Do in DC This Winter

Lifestyle

While February isn’t known as the most exciting month to begin with, Covid certainly hasn’t helped to keep the winter blues at bay. Now for the good news? Thanks to the vibrant array of wintertime attractions DC has lined up, there are still plenty of things to do in DC this winter to cozy up to the season in style — from ski trips to igloo dinners and so much more.

#1: Dine in an igloo

Private dining igloos have continued to pop up at some of our favorite restaurants around town, and we’re certainly not complaining. The Watergate Hotel was perhaps the first to implement the creative idea years ago on their rooftop, but they can now be seen everywhere from Ted’s Bulletin to Del Mar. Already over the igloo craze? Check out the dining yurts at Fiola or the greenhouses at Belga Cafe.

#2: Take a day trip to the slopes

Grab your skis and hop in the car for a quick hour and a half drive to Whitetail Lodge, where you two can spend the afternoon tearing up the slopes. Feeling extra adventurous? Take advantage of their night skiing and riding from 3pm until close on Thursday through Sunday nights; the slopes are fully lit and almost guaranteed to be less crowded!

#3: Take a wintry walk around Meridian Hill Park

A picturesque park to explore at any time of the year, Meridian Hill gets even more magical in the wintertime. It has the longest cascading fountain in North America and is always chock-full of dogs to love on. Grab some hot coffee or steaming cocoa from nearby Potter House, just a few blocks from the top of the park, and then go for a leisurely stroll. Bonus: Come on a Sunday for the opportunity to participate in or watch the weekly drum circle.

#4: Go for a winter wonderland hike

Feeling stir-crazy? We’ve got a solution for that. Bundle up and head out on a hike with your date to explore the great outdoors in all of its wintertime glow. With plenty of scenic options nearby to choose from, the possibilities are virtually endless, from Rock Creek and Great Falls Parks, to The Seneca Creek Greenway Trail.

#5: Take on online cooking class

If you’re planning on hunkering down for the weekend anyway, why not brush up on your cooking skills in the meantime? Try a French cooking class by chef Patrice, a former White House chef, or an Asian meal like Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice or Hakka Stir-fry by Kitchen Rodeo.

#6: Escape to Mount Vernon

A storied DC daytime destination, George and Martha Washington’s old pad is the perfection wintertime diversion. There, you’ll get a chance to learn about American History while taking in some fresh air. There’s plenty of things to do in DC this winter, from touring the estate and gardens to visiting the farm animals, but booking a tour ahead of time—like a Hamilton the Musical Tour or a Distillery and Gristmill Tour—will make the visit even more memorable.