January in Arlington

Celebrating Dr. King's Legacy

MLK Day of Service | Jan. 18

Just as there are various ways to be civically engaged, there are a variety of civic engagement projects for this year's MLK Day of Service on Jan. 18. You can sign up for an in-person project at Washington-Liberty High School, an in-person project at other locations, or a virtual project for your "day on" here.

Arlington's MLK Tribute | Jan. 19

Join Arlington County as our community honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 2025 MLK Tribute event on Sun., Jan. 19 at 5:00 p.m. in the Wakefield High School auditorium (1325 S Dinwiddie St, Arlington, VA 22206). This year's production, Dreams, Faith, and Justice in Action showcases local talent in the form of dance, music, and storytelling while also highlighting local organizations that live out the importance of Dr. King's work right here in Arlington.

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Arts & Music

The Twelve Dancing Princesses | Jan. 10 - 19

Once upon a time, a king leaves his twelve daughters in their bedroom each night. In the morning, their shoes are worn out from dancing! Desperate to know what they are up to; the king enlists the help of potential suitors to find out. Dance along with Encore Stage & Studio from Jan. 10-19 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theater as they put on this lively production.

Winter Sing-Along Movie Marathon | Jan. 11

Join Arlington County Police Department and Arlington Public Library for a winter movie sing-along marathon! Bring a blanket or pillow to sit on while we watch Frozen and Frozen 2 at Courthouse Library on Jan. 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free popcorn and drinks will be provided. For all ages.

Natural Connections | Through Jan. 12

Alliance Gallery is pleased to present Natural Connections, a small group show featuring select Arlington Artists Alliance Members, curated by Alliance Gallery Director Anna Nazaretz Radjou and Arlington Artists Alliance Member Jessica Mickey through Jan. 12 at their 2700 Clarendon Blvd location.

A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum | Through Jan. 12

In one of the greatest musical comedies of all time, three households reside next to each other in ancient Rome. Just outside their doors, the exploits of a quick-thinking Roman slave, a braggart soldier, a beautiful courtesan, a lovesick young man and others devolve into uproarious chaos in a fast-paced, witty and monumental escapade being put on by Arlington staple, Signature Theatre through Jan. 12. Showtimes here.

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History & Memorials

Wreaths Out at Arlington National Cemetery | Jan. 11

Arlington National Cemetery invites volunteers to participate in "Wreaths Out," in which wreaths are removed from the cemetery on Jan. 11. This event is another excellent opportunity to honor our military members' service and sacrifice. Check back here for more information!

Marquis de Lafayette Returns to Arlington: 250th Commemoration | Jan. 16

Celebrate the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Arlington House and the new Capital City area in 1825 with Elizabeth Reese, author of “Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America’s National Capitol Region" on Jan. 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Marymount University.

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Food & Culture

Arlington Farmers Market | Saturdays

One of the largest markets in the region, the FRESHFARM Arlington Market is a year-round weekly celebration of local food that takes place Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Courthouse. Stop by this popular market and pick up anything from farmstead goat cheese to pastured bison.

Japanese New Year's Festival | Jan. 26

The Japanese New Year's Festival (Washington Shinshun Matsuri) is coming to Arlington for the first time in 2025! Swing by the George Mason University Mason Square Campus on Jan. 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for food, fun, and New Year's festivities.

Lunar New Year Celebration | Jan. 28

Celebrate Lunar New Year with the Rosslyn BID on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Central Place Plaza! Enjoy a Lion Dance performance by Hung Ci Lion Dance Troupe, fortune cookies, and more at this free, family-friendly event.

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week | Jan. 27 - Feb. 2

Metropolitan D.C. boasts a vibrant restaurant scene, home to some of the nation's most renowned chefs, restaurateurs, and rising culinary stars. Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into this diverse world of world-class cuisine. Check back here for more information and a full list of participating restaurants.