Getting tired of winter? Do you feel like hibernating the rest of the season? We may not have perfect weather, but the Mid-Atlantic region has a relatively short winter season. There are plenty of things to do to keep you busy and lift your spirits. Find ways to beat the winter blues in the Washington DC area.

Drawing by Jennifer Cooper

The legendary Space Shuttle Discovery, the longest-serving orbiter in the NASA space shuttle fleet, will be on display this spring at the National Air and Space Museum - Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Discovery replaces the Space Shuttle Enterprise, which has been seen by nearly nine million visitors since the Dulles museum opened in 2003 and will be moved to a new home. Among its 39 missions Discovery was flown by the first African- American commander and first female commander in NASA history and was also the shuttle on which Sen. John Glenn flew in 1998 at age 77.

More About Washington DC Museums

A Guide to All of the Smithsonian Museums

Best 5 Washington DC Museums

See a guide to the top events going on this weekend in the Washington, DC area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia.

• Washington Auto Show - January 27 - February 5, 2012. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW Washington, DC. This special event features more than 700 new vehicle makes and models, live entertainment, celebrity guests and new car giveaways.
  
  
• Chinese New Year Events in the Washington DC Area - Dates vary. 2012 is the year of the Dragon. See the calendar of events around the region. Don't miss the DC parade this Sunday.
  
  
• Bethesda Chevy Chase Restaurant Week - January 23-29, 2012. More than 30 Bethesda area restaurants will offer prix fixe lunch for $12-15 and dinner menus for $30. Take this great opportunity to try out some restaurants in Bethesda/Chevy Chase.
  
  
• Sugarloaf Craft Festivals - January 27-29, 2012. Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Place Center, Chantilly, VA Enjoy the crafts of 500 artists, including jewelry, wood, leather, clothing, sculpture, glass and more. Watch live entertainment and feast on a variety of foods.
  
  
• Maryland Polar Bear Plunge - January 28, 2012. Annapolis, Maryland. During the charity event for Special Olympics Maryland, thousands of participants of all ages are daring enough to take a dip in the wintry waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The event includes contests and live entertainment.
  
  
• Monster Jam - January 27-29, 2012. Verizon Center, Washington DC. The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound Monster trucks will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through!
  
  
• La Cage Aux Folles - January 17-February 12, 2012. John F. Kennedy Center, Washington DC. The national tour features George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber in a new version of the musical comedy classic.
  
  
• Civil War Ball at Gadsby's Tavern - January 28, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Alexandria, VA. Enjoy an evening from the 1860s in the historic Gadsby's Tavern ballroom. Part of Alexandria's Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration, this distinctive event includes live music, dance instruction, and period desserts. Tickets are $45 per person in advance and $50 at the door. Period attire, either civilian or military, is encouraged.

More Upcoming Washington, DC Events

February Festivals and Events in the DC Area

Presidents' Day Weekend in Washington DC

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The Washington Auto Show will be held January 27 - February 5, 2012 at the Washington Convention Center. This year you can see more than 700 new makes and models of cars, trucks, mini-vans and sport utility vehicles from over 42 domestic and import automakers all under one roof. The annual event includes live entertainment, children's activities, celebrity guests and new car giveaways. The Washington Auto Show is home to the "Advanced Technology SuperHighway," a 65,000-square-foot display housing the latest automotive innovations in safety and sustainability from clean diesel to electric batteries. The show is a great way to learn about the latest changes in the auto industry.

In honor of the dedicated service of U.S. troops in Iraq, The Washington Auto Show will present a special military tribute on Tues, Jan. 31, 2012. This special tribute will include evening appearances by former U.S. Marine and WWE® Legend Sgt. Slaughter(TM) and J.R. Martinez, the latest winner of "Dancing with the Stars." Martinez, a former U.S. Army infantryman who was wounded in Iraq, has visited the troops overseas on a consistent basis. Also that evening, The Washington Auto Show will host a performance by the world-class Downrange pop ensemble from the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own. Read more about the Washington Auto Show.

Photo © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.

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Washington Auto Show Pictures

Washington, DC Event Calendars

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