WASHINGTON (DC News Now) --The countdown is officially on and it's time to get your panda gear ready! The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) announced that the two new giant pandas, Bao Li, and Qing Bao, will make their debut in D.C. on Jan. 24. To celebrate, the zoo will host a series of events and programs to help welcome the giant pandas to their new home. From Jan. 25 to Feb. 9, the special events will include a Lunar New Year celebration and even a District of Panda Party. “For over 50 years, giant pandas have been an integral part of the fabric and culture of Washington, D.C., thanks in large part to the support of the communities that live and work in the District,” said Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI. “Bao Li and Qing Bao have already won the hearts of our staff and volunteers, and we are excited to welcome panda fans back to the Zoo—the only place in the nation where you can see giant pandas for free —and celebrate the newest chapter of our giant panda breeding and conservation program.” Bao Li and Qing Bao (Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute via AP) 青宝 Qing Bao [ching-BOW] is a 3-year-old female giant panda, whose name means “green” and “treasure” in Mandarin Chinese. “Qing” evokes the lush and mountainous habitat of pandas and “Bao,” which means “precious” and “treasure,” reflects how cherished and adored she is. 宝力 Bao Li [BOW-lee] is a 3-year-old male giant panda, whose name means “treasure” and “energetic” in Mandarin Chinese. Together, “Bao Li” means an active and vital power. The Zoo said it would also relaunch the Giant Panda Cam once Bao Li and Qing Bao make their first public appearance. The Giant Panda Cam features 40 cameras and will be live from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Afterward, the day's recording will be rebroadcast to give virtual visitors around the world a chance to see the pandas. During the District of Panda Party, the zoo invites visitors and panda lovers to celebrate with free and family-friends entertainment. This includes screenings of "Kung Fu Panda" in the Visitor Center Theater and cultural activities from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. To attend the party, the zoo encourages visitors to reserve free entry passes and paid parking passes online. The zoo noted that all guests must have their own free entry pass and there will be a limited amount of same-day passes offered by the zoo. WATCH: Giant pandas take advantage of snow day at National Zoo If you are looking to come dressed in style, the Smithsonian said it will launch its "limited-edition "District of Panda Party" merchandise online on Jan. 24. All proceeds will go toward the NZCBI's animal care and conservation program, according to the zoo. Bao Li and Qing Bao first arrived in the nation's capitol on Oct. 15, 2024. This was nearly a year after pandas left the National Zoo. On the day of their arrival., hundreds gathered at the National Zoo to share their excitement about the beloved bears. But now, panda lovers are exactly two weeks away, as of Friday, from meeting Bao Li and Qing Bao.