It was a sad, sad day for Washingtonians everywhere when the National Zoo’s three beloved pandas—Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji—returned home to China in November 2023. Thankfully, two new pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, were brought back in October 2024 and are set to make their official debut in a newly renovated habitat later this month. National Zoo members can get a sneak peak from January 10–19, 2025, while the Asia Trail exhibit will open to the public on January 24, 2025. To celebrate their return, several popular hotels are offering specially themed packages, with little extras to mark this momentous occasion. Here’s what you need to know to take advantage of these Washington, D.C. hotel deals.

The Watergate Hotel

Located near The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Watergate Hotel’s Welcome Home, Pandas package includes perks like complimentary round-trip transportation to and from the National Zoo (arranged by the concierge), a children’s pair of panda pajamas by Bellabubear, a commemorative panda stuffed animal and other specially themed goodies. Book your stay online with promo code PANDA at least seven days ahead and plan to arrive by March 16, 2025. History buffs will love The Watergate Hotel’s display, located just off the lobby, with photos and news clippings highlighting the infamous 1972 scandal.

Omni Shoreham Hotel

Just a 10-minute walk from the National Zoo’s Connecticut Avenue entrance, Omni Shoreham’s Zoocation package gives you deluxe overnight accommodations, a special zoo-themed welcome amenity to remember your trip by, valet parking for one vehicle and a $25 credit toward daily breakfast during your stay. Use promo code PKGZOO when booking online. Omni Shoreham’s location near the Woodley Park–Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro stop also makes it ideal for exploring the rest of the District of Columbia.

The Melrose Georgetown Hotel and The Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row

When you book a stay by March 2, 2025, at either The Melrose Georgetown Hotel or The Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row, use promo code Panda to receive themed perks like welcome cocktails for two, a reusable panda bag and two panda bucket hats to commemorate their return. For every stay booked with the promotional package, a $10 donation will be made to benefit the Smithsonian Giant Panda Conservation Program. Both hotels are located in lively parts of town that are known for their shopping, dining and nightlife scenes; The Churchill is a few blocks from Dupont Circle, while The Melrose sits within walking distance of Georgetown and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Other Ways to Save Money in Washington, D.C.

One of the best parts about visiting our nation’s capital is how affordable it can be if you stick to free (or nearly free) attractions. Washington, D.C. is home to 20 Smithsonian Institution sites, including museums, galleries, gardens and the National Zoo—21 if you count the Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center nearby in Chantilly, Virginia—and all are free to enter.

As for accommodations, there are a plethora of points hotels throughout the DMV (that’s D.C., Maryland and Virginia to the uninitiated). If you’re a member of Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, or World of Hyatt, among other loyalty programs—or carry certain travel rewards credit cards—that could mean cashing in your rewards points for a few free nights.

Otherwise, your best bet besides keeping an eye out for Washington, D.C. hotel deals is to opt for public transportation over pricier taxi or Uber/Lyft rides. The Metro system (WMATA), with its many rail and bus routes, is pretty intuitive and provides a safe and affordable way to get from point A to point B. If you’re staying downtown and the weather cooperates, don’t miss a chance to explore the city by foot. Strolling the National Mall or along Washington’s grand boulevards is a favorite pastime of visitors and locals alike, including this one.

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Sledding, snowball fights, snowmen construction, cross-country skiing: Make sure you have some fun with all this snow while you can!

The good news for snow lovers is that this week will be cold, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the snow.

While the U.S. Capitol sledding hill isn’t expected to be open because of Congressional proceedings, you can still check out Shepherd Elementary Field, Meridian Hill Park and Battery Kemble Park.

Here’s what else to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Free Community Days at the National Museum of Women in the Arts: Weds., 1250 New York Avenue NW, free

Comedy – Craig Robinson: Thurs. to Sun., DC Improv, $55

James Baldwin at 100: Celebrating the Enduring Witness: Thurs., Busboys and Poets (450 K St. NW), suggested $10 donation

The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look: Fri. and Sat., 511 Tenth Street NW, free

DC Onesie Crawl: Sat., 2 to 10 p.m., Dupont Circle, $17-$20

Mindful Drinking Festival: Fri. to Sun., Union Market District, $75 for full event pass

Leaving soon – MOSAICO art exhibit: Through Jan. 26, Dupont Underground, free on Fridays, otherwise $10 ($8 with discount or free for children under 12)

What to do in Maryland

My Dog & Me Hike: Sat., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton, free

Fairytales and Fables: A Family Program: Sat., 10 a.m., Marietta House Museum in Glenn Dale, $5

Raptor Caretaker Chats: Sat., noon, Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville, free

Yule Spy: Bond on Holiday: Sat., 6 p.m., Tucker Road Community Center in Fort Washington, $20-$26

The Suburban Maryland Spring Home Show: Sat. and Sun., Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, free with registration or $10 at the door

Book talk  – “Historical Diseases from a Modern Perspective”: Sun., 2 p.m., National Museum of Health and Medicine in SIlver Spring, free

What to do in Virginia

Secrets, Spies, Sputnik and Huntley tour: Thurs., 1 p.m., Historic Huntley in Alexandria, $10

Oscar Watch at Arlington Cinema Drafthouse: “A Real Pain” (Jan. 10-12) and “Conclave” (Jan. 11-14)

Full Moon Nature Hike & Campfire: Fri., 6 p.m., Riverbend Park in Great Falls, $10

Wassail Party!: Fri., 6:30-8 p.m., Lost Boy Cider in Arlington, free

Wreaths Out volunteer clean-up: Sat., 8 a.m., Arlington National Cemetery, free

Winter Sing-Along Movie Marathon featuring “Frozen” and “Frozen 2”: Sat., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Courthouse Library in Arlington, free

Tyson’s New Year Pickleball Tournament: Sun., 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., The Pickleball Club of Tysons in Vienna, $35

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Ahead of the snow, several major school districts around the region announced closures in advance.

Here’s a full list of closures, including private schools, government offices and more.

Washington, DC:

D.C. Public Schools will be closed today, Mayor Bowser announced during a news conference yesterday.

Virginia:

Alexandria City Public Schools are closed today, with no virtual learning. All in-person afternoon and evening activities on school grounds are also canceled. 

Arlington County Schools are closed today.

Fairfax County Public Schools are closed, and there will be no extracurricular activities, team practices or other courses or activities. School Age Child Care (SACC) centers are closed, and homebound and home-based instruction is canceled. Essential personnel should follow their supervisors’ instructions.

Culpeper County Public Schools are closed today for students and staff. Classes will also be canceled tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 7) for students, but it will be a workday for staff.

Maryland:

Montgomery County Public Schools are closed today, with no virtual learning. Activities, field trips, athletic practices and other programs are also canceled, as are childcare programs and community use activities. Emergency personnel should report on time.

Prince George’s County Public Schools also are closed