Through Dec. 30: ZooLights
Held Wednesday through Sunday evenings through Dec. 30, the Zoo will shine with thousands of environmentally-friendly lights and animated exhibits for 25 nights.

Dec. 15-16: Russian Winter Festival at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens celebrates Russian holiday traditions with folktales, cultural performances, music, hands-on arts projects for kids and self guided family tours of the museum's Russian art collection.

Jan. 13: 20th Annual Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents a multicultural concert tribute to Dr. King at the Kennedy Center.

Jan. 14-20: DC Restaurant Week
Dozens of the city's top restaurants offer three-course, prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus, priced at $20.08 for lunch and $30.08 for dinner in honor of the New Year.

Feb. 5-17: Japan: Culture + Hyperculture
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts mounts a ground-breaking festival celebrating classical, contemporary and cutting edge Japanese culture. More than 40 performances by more than 450 artists will be presented, along with a special exhibition, Robotopia Rising, highlighting the science and culture of Japanese robotics.

Feb. 18: President's Day & George Washington's Birthday Events
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens celebrates George Washington's 275th Birthday and President's Day with free admission to the home and gardens. A wreath-laying ceremony is held at 10am, followed by a performance by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Catch a parade featuring colonial music and Mount Vernon's heritage breed animals at 1:30pm. Old Town Alexandria also celebrates President's Day with its annual George Washington's Birthday Celebration. A festive parade steps off at 1pm on South Saint Asaph Street at Wilkes Street. Visitors can also enjoy free admission to several local attractions including Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Friendship Firehouse Museum, and Carlyle House, plus attend a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution at 11am.

Feb. 24-March 2: DC Fashion Week
Approaching the sixth year of the bi-annual event, DC's premier apparel exhibition showcases the city's independent fashion designers, producers and models, along with national and international top designers.

March 4-29: August Wilson's 20th Century Festival
The Kennedy Center hosts a tribute to the celebrated playwright, August Wilson - the first of its kind to present all ten plays in the twentieth century cycle by the same cast. Beginning with "Gem of the Ocean" and ending with the 1990s "Radio Golf," the plays are presented in chronological order.

March 16: 37th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
This annual celebration brings Irish culture, costumed dancers and music to Constitution Avenue. The parade steps off at noon.

March 24: Annual White House Easter Egg Roll
This annual tradition dates back to 1878 and President Rutherford B. Hayes. Tickets are required and are usually distributed the weekend prior, with some reserved for the morning of the event.

March 29-April 13: National Cherry Blossom Festival
This is Washington, DC's signature springtime event, celebrating the 96th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees from the people of Japan to the people of Washington. The parade and Sakura Matsuri Japanese street festival take place April 12.

March 29: 42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
One of the kite world's premier events, kite fliers from across the U.S. and around the world gather on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

April 24-May 4: Washington, DC Independent Film Festival
This award-winning festival will exhibit more than 100 indie films, including features, shorts, documentaries, animations, as well as student films from around the globe. Galas, seminars, a music festival and other events will take place throughout the festival.

April 26-27: WalkingTown DC
Held each year in September and April, WalkingTown DC is a weekend of free walking tours designed to introduce residents and visitors to the District's unique neighborhoods.

April 27: Shakespeare's Birthday Open House
The Folger Shakespeare Library's annual celebration of the Bard's birthday invites visitors to enjoy birthday cake, stage combat workshops, tours and treasure hunts in Folger's reading rooms, jugglers, jesters, music, song and dance.

May 2-3: National Cathedral Flower Mart
In its 69th year, this popular two-day festival includes fun activities for the family including puppet shows, carousel rides, boutiques, floral displays and entertainment.

May 11-17: National Police Week
Nearly 40,000 officers and supporters honor more than thousands of law enforcement officers from around the country who have lost their lives in the line of duty. A series of ceremonies, services and other related events will be held, including the 20th Annual Candlelight Vigil and the 27th Annual Peace Officers Memorial Service.

May 16-18: ArtDC - Modern and Contemporary Art Fair
Returning for the second year, ArtDC brings more than 80 galleries from Europe, Asia and the Americas to showcase artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, video and paper displays. Hundreds of artworks will also be available for purchase.

May 25-26: Memorial Day Events
On Sunday, May 25, the 21st annual Rolling Thunder bike rally pays homage to the nation's veterans, particularly those still missing in action or prisoners of war. On Sunday night, the National Symphony Orchestra performs a free public concert on the Capitol Grounds. On Monday, visitors can catch the National Memorial Day Parade march down Constitution Avenue beginning at noon.

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About Destination DC: Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Destinationdc.com