WHEATON, Md.— Ring in the New Year at Montgomery Parks. Whether you’re manifesting new goals, diving into history at Josiah Henson Museum and Park, taking in a bird-themed art exhibit, or honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., there’s something for every interest this January. Don’t miss your final chance to catch Garden of Lights and the Garden Railway Exhibit at Brookside Gardens before they close for the season on Jan. 4 (both closed Jan. 1).
January programs and events include:
Art in the Garden | Through Jan. 25 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Brookside Gardens Visitor Center, Wheaton
Visit this exhibit of photographs taken by members of the Gaithersburg Camera Club. Subject matter ranges from landscapes, street art, wildlife, abstracts, architecture, among other themes. Displayed works are available for purchase. Free admission.
LGBTQ+ Crafting Night: Vision Board and Intention Setting | Jan. 9 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton
Join LGBTQ+ naturalists and others for a chill evening of nature, cozy hot drinks, and crafting. Most of the program will be held indoors, with a short nature stroll to offer inspiration for our 2026 intention and vision boards. All crafting materials will be provided; new crafters are encouraged to attend. $15.
Trivia Night | Jan. 9 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville
Enjoy a lively game of trivia with boozy hot cocoa, snacks, and fun. Registration fee includes an alcoholic beverage, so grab your spot and get ready to test your knowledge. $15.
For the Love of Birds Art Exhibit | Jan. 10 – Mar. 1 | Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Art exhibit “For the Love of Birds: Climate and a Changing Landscape” is sponsored by the Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs. The exhibit tells the story of how birds are being affected by climate change, with different habitats illustrated through canvas photography and supported by interpretive signage and glass birds. Free.
Other programs related to the exhibit:
- Opening Reception, Jan. 9, 5-7 p.m.
- Meet the Artist, Jan. 10, 10-11 a.m.
- Birding with the Artist, Jan. 10, 11a.m. -12 p.m.
Winter Snowcials | Jan. 11 | 1- 3 p.m.
Agricultural History Farm Park, Derwood
Bundle up and come out for some fresh air and festive, family-friendly fun at Winter Snowcials! Enjoy the crisp winter weather in the cozy barn with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or cider, a tasty donut, and plenty of smiles as you warm up by the fire pits. Kids can take part in winter-themed crafts and activities and gather for a fun farm-themed story. It’s the perfect way to relax, connect, and celebrate the winter season together. $8.
History Book Club | Jan. 14 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park Virtual
Commemorate 250 years of American independence by delving into diverse narratives and experiences that shaped this country. This month’s selection is the novel “James” by Percival Everett. Join the Book Club. Free.
Eco-Teen Challenge: Geocache Adventure | Jan. 17 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Grab a GPS and get ready to explore! Hit the trails on a hunt to uncover hidden geocaches scattered throughout the park. Each cache is a mystery waiting to be solved – can you find them all? Designed for ages 11-13. $8 ($7, Friends of Black Hill).
MLK Day Holiday Opening | Jan. 19 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, North Bethesda
The museum opens special hours in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday. Come visit us to learn more about Underground Railroad conductor and Montgomery County resident, Reverend Josiah Henson, and enjoy multimedia and hands-on activities. Admission: $6 for children and seniors; $7 for adults. Tickets available on site.
History Hour: Josiah Henson, The Man vs. The Myth | Jan. 22 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, North Bethesda
Ginger Moodie-Woodward explores the remarkable life of our namesake, Rev. Josiah Henson. Enslaved on this property for over 20 years, Henson went on to self-emancipate with his family to Canada, assist in creating a freedman’s settlement, work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and become a renowned author and orator, even serving as one of the inspirations for Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Admission: $5. Light refreshments will be provided. Tickets are available online and on site.
How Plants Shaped the World – An Evolutionary Journey | Jan. 24 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
Journey through millions of years of evolution in this fascinating lecture. Discover how the plant, fungi and animal kingdoms co-evolved to create the complex ecosystems we know today. Afterward, enjoy a guided tour of the conservatory, where living examples reveal remarkable adaptations shaped by time and environment. $25.
Lodge at Little Seneca Creek Open House | Jan. 25 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lodge at Little Seneca Creek, Boyds
Surrounded by 26 acres of serene parkland, The Lodge at Little Seneca Creek combines rustic charm with modern amenities – the perfect setting for weddings, social events, and corporate gatherings. Tour the venue, meet our team, and connect with local vendors including caterers, event planners, décor designers, hair and makeup artists, florists, DJs, and more! Registration encouraged but not required. Free.
Art Outside for Teens | Jan. 26 | 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
A day off from school is the perfect time to go outside! Join us for a full day of artistic fun for youth ages 11-14. Session will include a variety of media and activities including nature photography, watercolor painting, and zine making. Bring lunch and a refillable water bottle. $45.
More ways to explore and enjoy
- Check out Park Academy Series for fitness, wellness, and learning classes.
- See our special programs for 55+.
Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Winter 2026 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 415 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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