Winter Activations 2026

At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve got your eating and imbibing covered across the DMV. But sometimes the best way to dine is to earn it first. Enter winter activations — cozy igloos to snuggle into, skating rinks to lace up for, museum must-sees, and all the only-in-winter happenings worth braving the chill for.

Scroll below, pick your adventure, then reward yourself with something delicious.

Winter Wonderlands & Pop-Ups

The Watergate Hotel Winter Igloos: The Watergate’s iconic heated igloos are back for the season on The Next Whisky Bar patio, offering a cozy, private winter escape for up to six guests. Each igloo features a personal heater, Bluetooth speaker, plush décor, and a festive menu of cocktails and chef-driven bites. Reservations are required, with 90-minute to 2-hour seatings daily and extended hours Thu–Sat. A $50 rental fee applies, plus food and beverage minimums starting at $350 and varying by day. Info here.

Igloos at La Vie: La Vie brings back its beloved Igloos on The Wharf, offering guests a cozy and elegant winter dining experience with panoramic waterfront views. Perfect for brunch gatherings or intimate dinners, each igloo provides a private, heated setting with La Vie’s signature Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails. Rental fees range from $49–$89, with a $100 deposit applied to the final bill; Brunch minimum: $79 per person; Dinner minimum: $95 per person. 88 District Square SW; exploretock.com/lavie 

MGM National Harbor Holiday Conservatory Display: Now through January 24, 2026, MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave, National Harbor, MD 20745) invites guests to experience its enchanting winter Conservatory filled with larger-than-life holiday décor, including a 20-foot toy snowman, towering Christmas trees, a 25-foot toy train, and whimsical seasonal installations that capture the magic of the season.  Info here.

Après Springs at Balian Springs: Running through January, Balian Springs — the 100,000-square-foot luxury spa destination just outside Washington, DC — debuts Après Springs, a ski lodge–inspired, spa-wide winter pop-up featuring holiday cocktails like winter sangria and spiked hot cocoa, charcuterie boards and s’mores packages, cozy poolside igloos, festive activations, and photo-worthy seasonal décor, creating the ultimate cold-weather retreat to relax, recharge, and indulge in wellness all winter long. Info here.

Lulu’s Wine(ter)garden at Lulu’s Winegarden: Now through January 11, the U Street winegarden returns with its third annual Southwest-inspired holiday pop-up, transforming the space into a desert winter wonderland complete with luminarias, cactus Christmas trees, tinsel, and glowing chimineas. Guests can sip festive seasonal cocktails (plus a zero-proof option), enjoy cozy comfort foods like soups, grilled cheese, and holiday enchiladas, and soak up the warm, wintry vibes under the heated patio and twinkling lights. Located at 1940 11th Street NW. Info here.

Holiday at Barca Pier & Wine Bar: Through January 17, nightly from 5:30–8:00 PM, Barca Pier & Wine Bar (2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314) transforms into a festive waterfront escape filled with seasonal décor, cozy ambiance, and cheerful holiday tunes, offering guests the perfect spot to sip, unwind, and celebrate the season dockside along the Potomac. Info here.

Holiday Coquito Bar: Serenata will transform into the Holiday Coquito Bar, a festive Puerto Rican and Latin American–inspired pop-up serving Coquitos and other seasonal cocktails. Guests can enjoy the warm, celebratory spirit of the holidays with creative drinks and lively ambiance before the space evolves into an all-new concept in early 2026. Led by Beverage Director and Managing Partner Andra “AJ” Johnson, the pop-up continues Serenata’s legacy of community and creativity, offering the perfect spot to toast the season in style. 1280 4th Street NE; available through January 20, 2026. For more information, click here. 

Lace Up Your Skates

Color Burst Ice Rink: The Color Burst Ice Rink is back for the season through January 31, inviting skaters of all ages to lace up and make winter memories. Whether you’re stepping onto the ice for the first time or returning for another year of festive fun, the rink offers the perfect cold-weather escape. Skip the line by purchasing tickets or a season pass online, and enjoy convenient hours all week long: Monday through Thursday from 4:00–9:00 PM, Friday from 4:00–10:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00–10:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00–8:00 PM. Info here. 

Winter Skate Spectacular at the National Building Museum: Through February 8, the National Building Museum transforms its iconic Great Hall into a festive indoor skating destination, inviting guests of all ages to glide beneath soaring Corinthian columns on a one-of-a-kind synthetic ice rink. The experience features daytime skating for families, early hours for toddlers and members, and lively after-hours sessions with themed nights, festive snacks, and drinks. Located at 401 F Street NW, this winter wonderland keeps the holiday spirit alive well into the new year. Info here.

~More Rinks~

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: Open through March 1, 2026

Washington Harbor Ice Rink: Open through March 1, 2026 

The Wharf Ice Rink: Open November 26, 2025 through February 22, 2026 

Metro Park at Capital One Center: Open through February 2026