The best live sports experience in Washington DC is attending a Washington Capitals game at the newly rechristened Capital One Area (previously the Verizon Center). It combines the opportunity to see on of the premiere NHL teams with one of the sports top stars, Alex Ovechkin, with one of the top fanbases - they are consistently excited and serious about their team, and they'll make sure you can hear and feel it.

January Capitals home games: Buy Tickets Here

• Sunday, January 7 at 3 PM vs. St. Louis Blues
• Tuesday, January 9 at 7 PM vs. Vancouver Canucks
• Thursday, January 11 at 7 PM vs. Carolina Hurricanes
• Friday, January 19 at 7:30 PM vs. Montréal Canadiens
• Sunday, January 21 at 12:30 PM vs. Philadelphia Flyers
• Wednesday, January 31 at 8 PM vs. Philadelphia Flyers

While Winter in Washington DC can be varied and not necessarily snowy, there are still plenty of Winter opportunities to take care of, and if it snows, you are in for a treat.

Skating at the Sculpture Garden

One consistent Winter option is the unique opportunity to ice skate surrounded by the sculptures at the National Gallery of Art. Weather permitting, it is open every day through March 11.

Washington DC in the snow

If you get lucky enough to get accumulating snow while you are in Washington DC, you will have the opportunity to see the city in a fresh light - the monuments shine brighter amidst the snow, DC's historic rowhouse neighborhoods become even more picturesque, and the locals give in to some seasonally appropriate activities such as large snowball fights.

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink

• Location: Constitution Ave NW & 7th Street NW;
• Hours:
  • Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
  • Saturday 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. 
  • Sunday: 11:00 am–9:00 pm
• Prices - 
  • $9 for adults,
  • $8 for children age 12 and under, students with valid ID, and skaters age 50 and over,
  • $3.50 for skate rental (ID required)

Washington DC Snowball Fight Association; follow on Facebook for details on future snowball fights

When the weather gets cold in Washington DC, there are still great options for feeling like you are outside even though you are in a climate controlled indoor space. Two particular spaces stand out that let you feel like you are outdoors while being comfortable on a cold winter's (or a hot summer's) day.

National Portrait Gallery's and the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Kogod Courtyard

The Kogod Courtyard sits in the center of the building that houses the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. It's a great place for a respite, and also gives you easy access to both museums.

U.S. Botanic Garden

The U.S. Botanic Garden is another great indoor outdoor space. In addition, the Gardens are launching a new exhibit in January, Wall Flowers: Botanical Murals which showcases local artists highlighting the vital role that plants play in urban environments, not just suburban or rural ones. 

Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum; F St NW & 8th St NW; Open 11:30 AM until 7 PM daily.

United States Botanic Garden; 100 Maryland Ave SW; Open 10 AM until 5 PM daily.